CHAMONIX - a THRILL-SEEKERS GUIDE

ACTIVITIES & GUIDES | LODGINGS & APRÈS | WEBCAMS & MAPS | PRACTICALITIES | FEATURED VIDEO | CHAMONIX GALLERY

Chamonix sits in a valley at 1035 m surrounded by far and away the most spectacular scenery in the French Alps. Huge 4000 m peaks jut skyward and glaciers tumble down gullies between the icy spikes of the mighty Mont Blanc.

The town is a Mecca for thrill-seekers of all sporting persuasions who arrive in their droves to explore (or ski, or climb, or jump off) the endless hidden pleasures of the Mont Blanc Massif.

Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France. However you like your sports, your après and your lodgings, Chamonix has what you’re looking for in spades.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES & GUIDES

France is a Mecca for thrill-seekers from all sporting persuasions who arrive in their droves keen to explore (or climb, or bike, or raft, or paraglide) the ultimate outdoor playground. Here's a selection of our favourite places in France for a summer activity holiday.

LODGINGS & APRÈS

Chamonix is always bustling and you need only step out of your hotel to find the fun. For those of you who like to know what to expect in advance here is a roundup of some of the highlights of the après scene:

CHAMONIX ACCOMMODATION | GO >

The variety of accommodation available in Chamonix reflects the sheer diversity of the seasonal population. Passionate devotees of the whole gamut of outdoor sports flock to Chamonix throughout the year swelling the full-time population of around 10,000 to almost ten times that number. To service this guest population an array of lodgings from the uber-luxe to the cheap-and-cheerful is available throughout the valley.

APRES SKI | GO >

All that activity during the day leads to a lot of hungry people, and the entrepreneurs of Chamonix have responded with a dizzying collection of eateries to suit every budget. The best advice for “après” entertainment is to follow the music – and if you do that you won’t go far wrong. Chamonix is always bustling and you need only step out of your hotel to find the fun.

WEBCAMS & MAPS

Put yourself in the picture and get live webcam footage from Chamonix, the Mont Blanc and Les Houches. And don't leave finding your way to chance. Download a high resolution map and stay on track.

CHAMONIX WEBCAMS | GO >

View live webcam images from Chamonix via 5 high-definition panoramic webcams. Seize that bluebird powder day and see up-to-date snow conditions from the Mer de Glace glacier to the Grande Montets and from La Flégère to Les Houches.

CHAMONIX MAPS | GO >

Download high resolution maps of Chamonix town, Chamonix Valley, Les Houches and Argentiere. Plus find ski piste maps, mountain biking trail maps, nordic skiing and snowshoeing maps.

Getting to Chamonix

Probably the easiest way to get to Chamonix is to fly to Geneva and then drive the hour and a half to the resort. There are also bus transfers direct from Geneva airport (approx. 25 euros each way).

Alternatively, you might consider taking the Eurostar to Paris and then taking the train to Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains-Le-Fayet which is about 15 minutes down the valley from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc station. You can either travel during the day (just under 6 hours) or overnight.

Because the skiing in Chamonix is dispersed along the valley and not as interconnected as you might like, having a car (and chains in winter) can be really useful.

Climate

The climate in Chamonix is as extreme as the sports you can do there. At any time of the year, the weather plays a major role in how much fun you have during your visit. Clouds can turn a breathtaking view from the Aiguille du Midi into a 'can't see your hand in front of your face' whiteout. Daily weather bulletins are posted in the window of the tourist office and at the Maison de la Montagne. As a wise man once said (Billy Connolly), there's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing! So make sure you come equipped with your mountain gear as even in summer the weather can be changeable.

Ski Season

The ski season starts in early December and ends towards the end of April. If there's early snow in November, the authorities will open the slopes and they may keep them open until mid-May if there's enough snow on the pistes. The best time for deals on accommodation, ski hire and lift passes is at the beginning and end of the season, as well as in January. During the February and March school holidays, prices are at their peak and the slopes are at their busiest. If you need to go during the school hols, make sure you book well in advance.

WATCH THIS: 2500M CHAMONIX WINGSUIT FLIGHT

Brandon Mikesell takes the line less travelled and soars down Le Brévent, threading his way through trees, rocks, and cliffs along the way.

CHAMONIX INSTA GALLERY

Use hashtags #chamonix or #chamonixmontblanc for your Chamonix pics to show up here!

So there you have it, a whistle stop tour of everything that Chamonix has to offer. To be honest this guide doesn't even scratch the surface, and the resort grows and changes every year.

If you’re heading to Chamonix this year or even thinking about planning a trip I hope your appetite has been thoroughly whetted. Chamonix is a glorious, exciting, exhilarating outdoor paradise full of wonderful people, wonderful food and wonderful memories.

Please leave a comment below if you need specific advice for your trip to Chamonix, or if you have any recommendations to help us improve this guide. Bonnes vacances!