Chamonix ski resort with a snow-covered village and mountain backdrop during sunsetChamonix ski resort with a snow-covered village and mountain backdrop during sunset

A complete guide to Chamonix

Everything you need for your Chamonix ski holiday.
24th April, 2025
8 min read time

Frequently dubbed the mecca for alpine thrill-seekers, Chamonix is one of the most iconic French ski resorts, offering some of the most formidable and exhilarating ski terrains in the world. With pristine off-piste powder set against the awe-inspiring Aiguilles de Chamonix mountain chain and the majestic Mont Blanc, the town pulsates with an unmatched vibrancy.

We've created this guide to make planning your Chamonix ski holiday easy. You'll learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best places to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, we’ve also included downloadable maps of the resort and pistes, along with handy contact numbers and links.

Ready? Let's get started!

Chamonix, France - overview

  1. Where is Chamonix?
  2. Chamonix the resort
  3. Chamonix ski area
  4. Skiing in Chamonix
  5. Chamonix ski season dates
  6. Chamonix snow history
  7. Restaurants in Chamonix
  8. Things to do in Chamonix
  9. Chamonix après-ski, and nightlife
  10. Chamonix town map
  11. Chamonix tourist information

Where is Chamonix?

Chamonix is located in the Haute-Savoie department of the French Alps, near the borders of Switzerland and Italy.


Nearest airport

  • Geneva: 87 km (54 mi)

Transfer time

  • Geneva: 1hr 34

Chamonix the resort

  • Resort altitude: 1,042 m (3,418 ft)
  • Resort permanent residents: ~8,642
Chamonix presents a vibrant town life, maintaining a blend of traditional alpine charm and a dynamic nightlife. Its traffic-free center provides a mix of captivating, albeit touristy, experiences, supplemented by an array of non-skiing activities. Strategically located near the borders of France, Switzerland, and Italy, Chamonix is easily accessible from major European cities like Geneva and Turin, making it a prime spot for those eager to immerse themselves in a multi-sensory European adventure.
                                                                                                           
ProsCons
The terrain is challenging, particularly off-piste areasNot suitable for mixed skill levels
Exceptional cable car leads to Aiguille du MidiMultiple distinct mountain areas that are far apart
Opportunity to ski on the renowned Vallée BlancheBest runs may close during inclement weather
Breathtaking sceneriesLong queues at crucial locations

Here is how Chamonix looks like

This short video provides a glimpse of the Kandahar black piste in Chamonix valley.


(Ref: Ski Resorts Videos)

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Chamonix ski area

  • Summit elevation: 3,842 m (12,604 ft)
  • Kilometres of pistes: 119 km (73 mi)
  • Vertical drop: 2,023 m (6,637 ft)
  • Ski lifts: 65

Chamonix's ski area is divided into five distinct sectors. Two of these sectors are directly accessible from the town:

  • The Aiguille du Midi, reachable by a two-stage cable car that ascends to a breathtaking 3,840 m (12,598 ft)
  • Le Brévent, seamlessly connected to the La Flégère sector via cable car, both offering stunning open slopes with views of Mont Blanc.
  • Beyond the town, the ski area extends to:
  • Les Grands Montets, located 9 km (5.5 mi) up the valley in the traditional village of Argentière, known for its challenging terrain.
  • Le Tour, offering a gentler mix of open bowls and woodland glades, also linked to Vallorcine.
  • Les Houches, situated on the southwestern end of the valley, known for hosting the Kandahar world cup downhill race.

Spanning 119 km of pistes (16 greens, 27 blues, 25 reds, and 12 blacks) and supported by a network of 65 lifts, Chamonix with its impressive 2,023 m (6,637 ft) vertical drop ensures exhilarating experiences for everyone, from novices to seasoned professionals.

Skiing in Chamonix

Beginners

Chamonix features several gentle slopes ideally suited for beginners, including Les Chosalets, which is located just 500 meters (1,640 ft) from the Lognan/Grands Montets cable car in Argentiere, and Les Planards, a larger area with one blue and two green pistes perfect for novices. Families traveling with children will find four nursery areas: Les Planards, Les Chosalets, Le Savoy, and La Vormaine, each designed to introduce children to skiing in a fun and safe environment.

Intermediates

Intermediate skiers can explore the vast terrain of Chamonix, which boasts a multitude of undulating blue and red runs. The ski areas of Brevent-Flégère and Le Tour are particularly popular among intermediates, with a plethora of slopes offering stunning panoramas of the Mont Blanc massif.

Advanced

Advanced skiers and snowboarders will relish Chamonix's challenging pistes. Known for its steep and demanding slopes, such as the infamous Vallée Blanche and the Grands Montets area, Chamonix offers high-altitude thrills that test even the most seasoned enthusiasts.

Off-piste

Chamonix is a paradise for freeriders, thanks to the Aiguille du Midi and Grands Montets cable cars that whisk adventurers to off-piste powder on glaciers, surrounded by mesmerizing views of crevasses, ice falls, and cliffs. The pièce de résistance is the 22 km (13.6 mi) Vallée Blanche run, an unmarked and untamed journey from the Aiguille du Midi (3,812 m/12,506 ft), offering panoramic views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps.

Snowboarding

Chamonix has increasingly become a hub for snowboarding, featuring natural gullies and half-pipes, complemented by emerging snowparks, boardercross, and freestyle zones. Specifically, the Snowpark at Grands Montets provides an interactive experience with video recording, allowing snowboarders to challenge friends and relive their thrilling rides. In contrast, the Summit Park at Le Tour, heralded as one of Europe's most impressive, stands out with its vast array of modules and a CoolZone for relaxation and enjoying the magnificent Mont-Blanc views. While Brévent may not have a traditional park, it offers an abundance of natural hits and an airbag-equipped kicker for practice.

Chamonix ski season dates

The ski season in Chamonix typically runs from early December to mid April. While the official 2025/26 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed, we’ll update this page as soon as they are announced. Please note that these dates can vary depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Chamonix deals for the best offers available.

Chamonix snow history

Chamonix boasts excellent snow conditions from December to April, offering skiers distinct advantages each month. In December and January, the resort receives around 44 cm (17.3 in) and 46 cm (18.1 in) of snowfall, respectively, spread over approximately 3.2 days weekly, guaranteeing consistently fresh powder. Although February sees a slight reduction in snow depth to 36 cm (14.1 in), it compensates with more frequent snow days, averaging 3.3 per week. March marks the peak of the season with the first week being the most prolific, delivering a substantial 61 cm (24 in) of snow across 4.1 days, ideal for those who revel in Bluebird Powder Days, characterised by sunny skies and light breezes following fresh snowfalls. The season continues into April, maintaining pleasant skiing conditions with 28 cm (11 in) of snow falling over 3.8 days, creating perfect conditions for enjoying softer snow in sunnier weather.


                                                                                                                                                                   
MonthSnow amount (week)Snow days (week)
December44 cm3.2 days
January46 cm3.2 days
February36 cm3.3 days
March39 cm3.7 days
April28 cm3.8 days

(Ref: snow-forecast.com)

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Restaurants in Chamonix

Chamonix's culinary scene caters to the varied tastes of its visitors, offering both traditional and contemporary culinary delights. The restaurants here uphold high standards, providing some of the most exquisite dining experiences in the French Alps. Highlights include:

  • Le Panier des 4 Saisons: a favourite spot for lunch or dinner, this restaurant emphasises local produce and traditional recipes.
  • Refuge de la Flégère: situated just below the top of the Flégère gondola, it serves traditional Savoyard cusine.
  • Le 3842 Restaurant: situated on the summit of the Aiguille du Midi at 3,842 m (12,604 ft), this restaurant offers Savoyard cuisine made from locally sourced and grown produce.
  • Albert 1er: a two-Michelin-starred restaurant famed for its gourmet dining experience.
  • La Maison Carrier: known for its fusion of traditional Savoyard cuisine and modern gastronomy.
  • La Caleche: a family-run restaurant that offers a varied menu, from traditional mountain dishes to innovative, internationally inspired cuisine.
  • L'impossible: part of a charming old farmhouse, it serves dishes influenced by regional recipes and locally sourced ingredients.

Things to do in Chamonix

  • Paragliding
  • Indoor Climbing
  • Cultural tours
  • Yoga classes
  • Horse-drawn carriage rides
  • Snowshoeing
  • Ice Skating
  • Tobogganing
  • Snowmobiling
  • Dog Sledding
  • Ice Climbing

Chamonix après-ski and nightlife

Chamonix provides a wide array of options for relaxation and entertainment once the sun goes down and the ski boots come off. Highlights include:

  • Chambre Neuf: a renowned après-ski destination celebrated for its lively atmosphere.
  • La Terrasse: a popular spot for après-ski. Its outdoor terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail while soaking up the sun and the breathtaking alpine views.
  • Elevation 1904: with its extensive beer selection, delicious food, lively ambiance and central location, it makes it a go-to place
  • Munster Bar: known for its unique decor and excellent music, this bar provides a warm, convivial atmosphere that's perfect for après-ski.

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Chamonix town map

Chamonix town map

Download Chamonix town map PDF here

Chamonix tourist information

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