ACTIVITIES | ACCOMMODATION | 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.
Chamonix Activities
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Where to Stay in Chamonix
Nestled in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is a mecca for thrill-seekers who come to ski, climb or jump off the mountains of the valley. Whether you’re carving fresh powder on its legendary slopes, tackling rugged mountain bike trails, or scaling alpine cliffs, Chamonix offers an unparalleled adventure playground.
Choosing the right accommodation is key to getting the most out your time in this breath-taking region, and there’s something for every adventurer – from cosy chalets with easy access to the lifts to modern lodges with bike-friendly facilities and climber-centric hostels. No matter your passion, you’ll find the perfect basecamp to fuel your outdoor escapades.
A Basecamp for Adventure
Here’s our pick of the best Chamonix accommodation.
Après Ski
After an adrenaline-fuelled day in the mountains, Chamonix’s vibrant après-ski scene invites you to unwind with lively bars, cosy alpine pubs, and gourmet restaurants, all set against the stunning backdrop of the mighty Mont Blanc.
Relax, Refuel, & Revel
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
Practicalities – Planning Your Trip
Here’s some practical info that will help you make the most of your visit to Chamonix, from how to get there to the best times for winter sports and summer activities. Whether you’re heading to Chamonix for the backcountry skiing or the biking trails, having a bit of background will ensure your trip is as enjoyable as the spectacular views.
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.
2500M CHAMONIX WINGSUIT FLIGHT
Chamonix INSTA GALLERY
Tag your Chamonix Instagram pics and clips @ultimatefrance to be featured here!
Snowboarder @arthur_longo gives us the lay of the land out in📍Chamonix, FR 🇫🇷
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🎥 @reggiejrego
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#snowboarding #freeride #backcountry #capitasnowboards #chamonix #montblanc #frenchalps #ultimatefrance
Side hit perfection in Chamonix with snowboarder Arthur Longo..!
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🏂 @arthur_longo
📷 @volcomsnow @oliviergittler
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#snowboarding #sidehit #precisionlanding #chamonix #chamonixmontblanc #frenchalps #volcompresents #ultimatefrance
Snowboarder Julien Herry drops into the Vallée Blanche from the Aiguille du Midi..!
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Rider @picaherry | @goprosnow
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#gopro12 #jonessnowboards #jonesouterwear #chamonix #valleeblanche #aiguilledumidi #snowboarding #splitboarding #backcountry #montblanc #frenchalps #ultimatefrance
Super Frenchie, Matthias Giraud, skis off the side of Mont Blanc James Bond style..!
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🎿 @superfrenchieofficial
📷 @alex_meliss go check him out
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#chamonix #montblanc #backcountryskiing #basejump #freeski #adventure #jamesbond #frenchalps #ultimatefrance
The day Chamonix was the best place on the planet🌍
🎿 @nikolaischirmer
Presented by @blackcrows_skis
Filmed by @vetlesevild
Audio by @larsnilssen
Grade by @joonasmattila
#skiing #freerideski #chamonixmontblanc #powderday #frenchalps #ultimatefrance
Freeride skier @leoskalen is fully stoked in Chamonix..!
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📹 @erik_wikberg
#chamonix #montblanc #stoked #skiing #freeski #freeride #frenchalps🇫🇷 #france #ultimatefrance
Simple pleasures in Chamonix..!
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📹 @chamonixmontblanc
#chamonix #skiing🎿 #offpiste #montblanc #skitouring #backcountry #powderday #frenchalps #france #ultimatefrance
Congratulations to all the athletes who competed in the #UTMB TDS, a 145 km race from Courmayeur to Chamonix with over 9000 metres of elevation gain..! Competitors have a max allowed race time of 44 hours and 10 minutes, which makes anyone who attempts it a superhero!
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#utmbtds2023 #utmb #utmbworldseries #chamonix #frenchalps🇫🇷 #ultimatefranceguide #ultimatefrance #ultrarunning #ultratrail #montblanc #herosjourney
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!