ABOUT CHAMONIX
Mountains rule in Chamonix, France. Some of the world's best expert skiing can be found on Chamonix’s jagged peaks and glaciers that rise 12,500 feet above the valley floor. Chamonix, or “Cham” as the locals and core skiers call it, has more of an authentic alpine flair than the glitz and glamour you’ll find at some European resorts. Chamonix is renowned as an avid mountaineer destination, so you can expect to see a lot of advanced skiers and boarders schlepping climbing equipment around, many of who have traveled to experience the revered terrain from all over the world.
Tucked beneath the shadow of the 15,767-foot Mont Blanc—France’s treasure—the power and beauty of this area are unmatched. This “bucket list” destination is the oldest ski area in the French Alps and is popular as a destination and spot for a weekend getaway. Chamonix’s village is brimming with tons of shopping too, from jewelry stores and designer boutiques to high-performance outdoor gear shops. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy an extensive Nordic trail network, ski touring and winter paragliding. As far as your evenings go, be sure to check out the casino and the variety of other hot spots for nightlife. The Mont Blanc ski pass also includes access to Evasion Mont Blanc Megève, Courmayeur, Italy and Crans Montana, Switzerland. Please note that access to these areas is only available with an Unlimited Mont Blanc Pass for 2 or more days. With a pass for 6 or more days, you'll also have access to Verbier, Switzerland.
Stay
...in the lively mountain town of Chamonix at the Alpina Eclectic for a lively, social lobby and great central location.
Travel
...by flying into Geneva International Airport for ultimate convenience.
Explore
…the pedestrian streets in the town center to admire the distinct architecture of wooden chalets, peruse the artisanal shops and savor hearty cuisine from cozy restaurants.
Treat
…yourself to the ancestral practice of Sylvotherapy, or forest bathing, to reconnect with nature and reap the benefits of breathing in the fresh forest air.
Ski
… world-famous off-piste lines and a top elevation of 10,810 feet from November through May.
Enjoy
…skiing down the famous Vallée Blanche, a 12+ mile off-piste route with awe-inspiring views of glaciers and peaks.
Taste
…the traditional Savoyard dish, a tartiflette, made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons and onions, and served hot and bubbly from the oven.
Experience
...guided skiing to see and ski the best of Mont Blanc.
Chamonix offers a diverse range of skiing experiences suitable for skiers of all levels, from beginner to expert.
Beginners will enjoy the gentle slopes of Les Planards and La Vormaine, both of which offer wide, open runs and ski schools for those who are new to the sport.
The Brévent-Flégère ski area is a great choice for intermediate skiers, offering long, sweeping runs with stunning views of Mont Blanc.
The Grands-Montets-Lognan area is the perfect choice for advanced skiers looking for a challenge. It has steep, ungroomed terrain and access to some of the best off-piste skiing in the world. Ski.com highly recommends hiring a guide during your visit to optimize your time there, minimize confusion on the slopes and get to the terrain that suits your level as easily as possible.
SKI CHAMONIX FRANCE
Chamonix France offers five main ski areas, accessed via the area’s mini base villages with a total of 51 lifts transporting skiers of all abilities to the resort's famed slopes. Le Brevent cable car begins just above the town and climbs to more than 8,000 feet. Les Houches, Le Tour and sunny La Flegere are areas ideal for beginners, families and intermediates looking for trails at their level. Grands-Montets-Lognan is the most popular area for intermediate and more advanced skiers. Strong intermediate and above skiers will want to challenge themselves in the area off the Aiguille du Midi, reached by a two-stage cable car. This descent of over 8,000 feet on and along the glacier of Vallee Blanche features spectacular mountain scenery dominated by Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain.
