Guide to Chamonix, French Alps

Chamonix is a cosmopolitan place at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc in France. Its long standing reputation stems from its massive amount of challenging skiing and easy accessibility from Geneva airport. A chain of 5 extensive but separate ski areas rise up above the valley, connected by a good bus service. The ski pass covers numerous resorts. Many skiers come to tackle the famous 22km Vallée Blanche, one of the world's longest glacier runs. The area is a magnet for expert and intermediate skiers, especially above Argentiere at Les Grands Montets. More gentle runs can be found at Les Planards or Le Tour. Chamonix is the attractive main hub of the valley with its traffic-free centre and all amenities, as well as a buzzing nightlife.

Mountain Information Chamonix

 Resort Altitude 1035 m
 Vertical Drop2807 m
 Top Lift3843 m
 Lifts49
 Total Runs74 (170 km)   
 Longest Run22 km
 Advanced Runs25
 Intermediate Runs  22
 Beginner17
 Cross Country42 km
 
 

Getting to Chamonix

The cheapest and quickest way to travel to the Chamonix ski resort is to first find one of the many cheap flights to Geneva, Chambery or Lyon. Chamonix lies 50 miles distance southeast of Geneva in Switzerland. Driving time is about 1 hour via the Autoroute Blanche (A40), or travel by train to the nearest rail station in Chamonix. Closest alternative airports are Chambery (85 miles) or Lyon (135 miles). Buses and coaches also transfer skiers from Geneva and Lyon airports. Chamonix lies approximately 510 miles from Calais, via Reims, Dijon and Geneva. To take full advantage of all the separate ski areas in and around Chamonix, car hire is strongly advised.

Accommodation in Chamonix

Chamonix has about 70 hotels, many are modestly priced and not too big. A wide choice of chalets and self catering apartments in all sizes can be found here and booked at the local Tourist Office. Skiers can also find accommodation in the pleasant quiet villages of Argentiniere or Les Houches. There are also youth hostels and 14 campsites in the Chamonix valley.

Bars, restaurants and clubbing

Chamonix has over 200 shops, around 40 bars and 65 restaurants to suit all pockets, as well as 4 nightclubs and an international casino. The Pub has very long happy hours, La Cantina for nice atmosphere, the Jekyll and Hyde for great food and music, or popular nightclubs Le Choucas and Dick's Tea Bar to name but a few. Plenty of cosy brasseries and cafes provide quieter refreshment areas.

Activities

Chamonix has a large sports centre with swimming pool, tennis, fitness etc. and a large variety of shops, supermarkets, open air market, cinemas, bowling alley and Alpine Museum. There is also an ice rink with ice hockey games. Cleared winter walks, ice climbing, parapenting and horse-drawn carriage rides are also available. The best snowboarding for more advanced snowboarders is riding the natural obstacles and jumps on the slopes, although there is now also a privately owned snowpark at Les Bossons south of Chamonix.
 
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