Anything you would ever want to know about skiing in Chamonix Mont-Blanc is here. The valley has one motorhome area located in Argentire, on the Grands Montets car park. No spam ever. Top tip: To start each day off on a high note, have your breakfast served in your rooms balcony! Because I did not check a bag on my way into France I couldnt bring my own. Between them and the staff at the makeshift bus ticket station, I never felt unsure of where I was going. Tendance Foehn is the worst of the worst! The infamous buildings of Cham Sud, located just behind the Aiguille du Midi lift, still offer the best prices in the valley. For all the details of the Mont Blanc Multipass, check out that link. So if youre able to, bring some with you. Lift ticket is expensive at 50 Euro per day. Who should stay in Argentire? Where to shop for outdoor gear in Chamonix, How to save money on your summer trip to Chamonix, The difference between Chamonix and Les Houches, whether a self-guided or guided hike is the best, How to wash your clothes on the Tour du Mont Blanc, 21 awesome things to do in Chamonix in the summer, What to Pack for the TMB and What to Leave Behind, Larger crowds in August, but not so big that it has any effect on your enjoyment, The most dogs youve ever seen in a single cityall breeds, all sizes, all well trained. However, visiting Chamonix in the summer is just as rewarding an alpine experience, if not more. They have a large breakfast and lunch menu with a wide variety of things beyond the French staple of coffee + pastry. The skiing is terrific, views are insane and nightlife is terrific. July 19, 2022 by Rebecca Bradshaw Have you ever considered a ski holiday to Chamonix or the neighbouring resort of Argentire, but have been swayed by friends or family who have said you don't want to go there? Trudging around in ski boots is no fun for anyone. With fantastic views back up the valley towards Mont Blanc, Servoz is a pretty and quiet village offering potentially cheaper accommodation options. The Chamonix Valley is a popular destination for campers and there are campsites dotted around the Alpine pastures on the slopes of the valley. I go to La Terrasse for the pizzas and the people-watching. Overall, this place is fantastic if (big IF here) you dont get a room on the bottom floor. Chamonix has plenty of options for intermediate skiers, especially those with a sense of adventure. It was the location of the first ever winter Olympics after all. We picked up some day packs that we used for all of our Chamonix day hikes for, I kid you not, 2.99. Your best chances for perfect weather in Chamonix are in August. And when you do, this Chamonix summer travel guide covers everything you need to know. I enjoyed the red Cornu in Brevent and the black in Floria Flegere. Studios, 1 beds and budget accommodation Proximity to bars and restaurants. Im not exactly encouraging you to ride the wheels without paying, Im just putting that out there.). All around the Chamonix Valley, you'll find chalets and apartments accommodating up to 10 people and more. Get the printable Belize packing checklist for FREE! Our room was switched at the last minute because of an issue (that we later found out meant bugs) and the one they put us in was dirty to say the least. This post was originally published in 2020 but has been completely updated for 2023. However, in my opinion, it deserves the money. If you want luxury However, there's no greater feeling than arriving at your doorstep with your skis on, so if you find a place you like and it's available, book it as soon as you can. Also, visiting the citys top attractionthe Aiguille du Midiis going to be super packed. *jazz hands*. (1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area. (I cant distinguish their quality from that of the $120 pair I use at home honestly.) By subscribing you agree to the terms in myprivacy policy. 12 years ago Save Hi We are looking at a week away in Chamonix but I've looked at loads of maps and can't work out where to stay relative to the actual ski area. THE 5 BEST Chamonix Ski Hotels Chamonix Ski-in / Ski-out Hotels Check In / / Check Out / / Guests 1 room, 2 adults, 0 children Popular 5 Star Breakfast included & up Luxury Property types Hotels B&Bs & Inns Lodges Condos View Vacation Rentals Amenities Free Wifi Breakfast included Pool Free parking Show all Distance from 25 mi There was better value to be had down in the town and there is a good vibe in the town center. you could try cosy Le Monchu or ever popular La Calche. Pure bliss! My order: simple charcuterie. About Chamonix. Guided: Which Is Best for YOU? So, what is the difference? (English is in orange letters.). Though this small town at the junction of France, Italy, and Switzerland may be famous for its winter offerings, summertime in Chamonix is the real star of the show. Why Montgenvre is one of the best family ski resorts in the Alps. Its got everything you need to know about doing your laundry in Chamonix and at refuges like these. Les Houches (which is just a short drive down the road from Chamonix) is a smaller commune full of mostly just places to stay. Who should stay in Servoz? Le Brvent and La Flgre (2,525m) on the sunny south-facing side of the Chamonix Valley are the closest skiing areas to Chamonix's main town centre. It is still a would be ski area that is just a collection of three separate very small ski regions. Though the majority of Chamonixs awesome activities are free (hiking hiking hiking), not everything is. Well-known for its on-mountain aprs-ski bars around the French Alps, La Folie Douce opened its first hotel in Chamonix in December 2018. Most will provide bedding but require you to bring your own sleeping sheet. and even helicopter rides if you just won the lottery and are looking to blow some cash. While most just stop by for a coffee on their way down from the Aiguille du Midi, you can also stay here overnight. For those of us not blessed with unlimited vacation time, Id say a solid week would be perfect. If youre unsure of which bus to take, I cant say enough about the helpfulness of the staff at the Chamonix tourism office. For as long or short as you can stay, Chamonix is worth a visit. Otherwise, you may be able to find accommodation near Flgre in Les Praz. If you want off-piste just go to La Grave or Tignes or Gressoney. Nestled beneath the highest mountains in the Alps, yet just one hour from Geneva, it offers some of the toughest, wildest and most exhilarating skiing Also in 2022 I spent a few nights at Chalet Htel le Prieur, a bigger and more modern hotel than the rest in Chamonix. There are many different ski hotels in Chamonix, but why should you pick one over the others? I first really came to Chamonix 14 years ago and was blown away by the views of the mountains. The bus system is incredibly straightforward and leaves little room for error. You can buy them in everything from 1-day to 21-day increments and they include access to: When I thought I would just be spending one day in Chamonix, I purchased the 1-day Mont Blanc Multipass. For more mid-range traditional Savoyarde fayre, Through trial and error I learned the following about buying sunscreen in Chamonix: I spent longer than I should have in a town of this sort looking for sunscreen. Whats the best place to stay in Chamonix for couples? My advice would be to use a guide if you want to get the most out of Cham. (1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Chamonix is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close. Why waste time wading through all the less than desirable hotels? A real town, not a tinsel-town resort and very easy to completely fall for . And if you do decide to stay in Les Houches, I highly recommend Gte Michel Fagot. We find top-notch medical treatments and connect you with the best clinics and doctors. Les Houches was probably the best area. (1) Overall, Chamonix is one of the most expensive ski . Most obvious among these is the spectacular Aiguille du Midi cable-car ride that whisks you up to over 3800m beneath the gaze of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps. However, this route comes with anywhere between 2 and 8 train changes and the trip averages about 14 hours (and doesnt cost nearly enough less to make it worth it). Summer in Chamonix is mostly warm and sunny, but theres always the chance of rain, wind, clouds, and even snow in June. Getting to Chamonix from cities in Italy is just as easy. In Chamonix in the summer you can expect: Being the popular European vacation month that it is, August in Chamonix is more crowded than the rest of the summer. Where are luxury chalets and apartments located in Chamonix? Book your room at Chalet Hotel Les Gourmets here. Just outside Chamonix Town, on the way to Argentire, sit the prestigious areas of Les Praz and Les Bois, two tranquil spots dotted with gorgeous chalets. Ive made more than a few trips to the grocery stores in Chamonix myself. And once youre out of the main drag, you wont even notice. For the quintessentially picturesque Alpine holiday, there's nothing better than Les Praz or Les Bois. If you continue your hike up the mountain from Chalet du Glacier des Bossons, you can have lunch at Chalet des Pyramides. La Valle Blanche is a 3-star hotel with free WiFi and free newspapers. There is a great variety of places to stay in Chamonix and many are right in the center just minutes from everything. However, if youll be visiting Chamonix before you set off on the Tour du Mont Blanc, youll want to see this post on What to Pack for the TMB and What to Leave Behind. also want to consider travelling to Megve (30 minutes away by car), which offers a huge amount of wooded terrain. Chamonix is the oldest skiing area in the French Alps, and it hosted the first winter Olympic Games in 1924. Some are remote and idyllic, whereas others are a mere stone's throw from the shops and bars of the nearest town. Everything you need for your trip to the 'fest. There are actually severaltowns and villagesalong the Chamonix valley, each with their own distinctive character and charm. Situated 8km further up the valley from Chamonix town and below the infamous Aiguille Verte and Drus, lies the picturesque village of Argentire. Here are Ski.coms picks for the top places to stay for the budget-conscious guest, families and those looking for luxury digs: If youre looking for a truly special luxury experience, Hotel Mont Blanc is the prime choice in the center of Chamonix. With its north-facing slopes reaching almost 3300m, Les Grand Montets has a particularly good snow record and is open until early May. Almost as mesmerising is the Montenvers mountain railway which allows you to visit the famous Mer de Glace glacier. Please, feel free to browse our media coverage to see what we can do for you. As with any resort, the best place to stay depends on who youre travelling with, what you like to do, and how deep your pockets are. Call us if we can help you in any way:+41 44 504 55 55, Or send us an e-mail welcome@mypremiumeurope.com, 2023 Premium Europe AG, all rights reserved. Chamonix is a nice city, not so much charming but for sure there are many things to do, always full with people and nice to stroll over there. I really like Hotel Croix Blanche because they have a staffed front desk all day and the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. The new design celebrates the typical architecture of the Chamonix valley and features all the modern amenities any discerning traveler could desire. Just come and see for yourself! Get my 2023Oktoberfest Packing List here! To start, you can take the direct train from Paris to Geneva. Refuge Lac Blanc Located in one of the most scenic areas around Chamonix. The most popular of these are the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the summit of Aiguille du Midi, the Montenvers train to Mer de Glace Glacier (which is really a funicular), the Bossons chairlift up to the Bossons Glacier, and the gondola to Plan Praz that takes you to the cable car to Le Brvent. On 23rd May 2022 By Steve In France Why choose Chamonix ski resort? This place is located just off the main pedestrian street and has all the amenities you could want (except air conditioning). I saved 31 euros on just that one day. Built following eco friendly principles, it not only accommodates 12 people in absolute style but offers them panoramic views of the Mont Blanc, an outdoor jacuzzi, and a pampering indoor spa with sauna, massage room, and gym. Chamonix is a truly unique ski resort. Modern yet with an undeniable Alpine charm, it can sleep up to 10 guests and boasts stunning views of the famous Mont Blanc. Well, perhaps youd like a few fun ways to spend some time before you start your TMB. If you are looking to stay at Chamonix ski-in ski-out hotel, Argentiere is ideal. Chamonix sits at the foot of Mont Blanc, in the department of Haute-Savoie in the northern French Alps, just one hours drive from Geneva. Argentire may be a mountain lovers paradise with a laidback feel, but it still offers a good handful of shops, nicerestaurantsandaprs ski barswith live music. In lieu of snow and ice youve got colorful wildflowers and adorable wildlife, green mountains, glacial waterfalls, sunshine, and a whole list of interesting things to do that you can only do in the summer. No spam ever. At the top end of the scale, both the Hameau dAlbert 1er and Auberge du Bois Prin hotels have restaurants with Michelin stars. (But honestly, since the bus is free, no one ever checks for this or even cares when you try to pay them. It will most likely cost more than youve ever paid for sunscreen. Although on the smaller side, most of these places will have pull-out sofas and bunks. This card gets you free bus transportation as mentioned above, as well as: For all the details on the Chamonix Guest Card, check out their official document. There are 170km of easy slopes, 78km of intermediate slopes and 52km of difficult slopes. We help you select the best boarding school for your child on a data driven basis combined with personal consultations. overpriced: 50 for a day. It's a busy town with antiquated lifts and unquestionably has the very worst restaurants I have ever. This elegant hotel is located in the heart of Chamonix and is simply lovely; even from the outside! (1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain. The two black pistes leading down to the city (Nants, La Praz) were closed due to a lack of snow. Who should stay in Le Tour and Vallorcine? There are mostly reds and blues. 4.0. Its quite cheap at around 85 euros and you just ski with whoever else has pitched up. Youll have a choice of one single brand no matter where you go. How to ski in Chamonix, when to ski in Chamonix and where to ski in Chamonix and the rest of this magnificent Valley. The views from here are absolutely unmatched anywhere in Chamonix. Nothing challenging but quieter than Argentiere. Value (National): 3.7. Also, the hotels location right in the center of town couldnt be more convenient. And if youre not exactly sure when to get off the bus, ask the driver. However, if you want to impress your guests or you want your group of friends to make the most of what Chamonix has to offer, staying in the centre is key. The resort offers plenty of high-end options, many of which feature private swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and even cinema rooms. There are also She has traveled to 31 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. Inside you can stay in cosy rooms, enjoy pampering spa treatments by Clarins, exercise in a fabulous indoor pool and a fitness area, or savour excellent gourmet dishes! In most ski resorts, it's reasonably straightforward - you want to be in the centre, near the lift - but Chamonix is different. Les Houches - this skiing resort, part of the Chamonix commune or township, is preserved as a historic mountain village. Get my printable Morocco packing checklist for FREE! You will also find plenty of challenge (mostly off-piste) in all the other main ski areas, especially on Le Brvent. Where to stay in Chamonix truly depends on your reason for visiting the area. Beyond Argentire are the small villages of Le Tourand Vallorcine, both accessing theDomaine de Balme ski area. We provide luxury holiday planning with online booking and tailored 5 star services. More. A car comes in useful in Chamonix - the buses running along the valley are often overcrowded, and taxis are expensive. Le Brvent is linked to the La Flgre sector, which Luxury apartments are everywhere in the valley but the most popular are clustered around the centre of Chamonix, towards the Brvent ski area. With good amenities,restaurantsandbars, and home to the valleys easiest ski area, Les Houches is a good choice for those looking for a more relaxed Chamonix holiday experience. I will 100% rebook this place on my next visit! No spam ever. See this site's full Privacy Policy / Disclosure here. If youre wondering if you can just take the train straight into Chamonix, well, the answer is yes. If you want outdoor adventures, amazing alpine hikes, professional sports, delicious alpine classics, and unforgettable awe-inspiring views, consider visiting Chamonix in the summer. Then again, maybe after 11 days of hiking even the extra 5 miles from Les Houches to Chamonix will be just too big an ask. (1) If snow conditions are poor at Chamonix, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions. Honestly, the food here is so good. It is fully catered - including 6 gourmet dinners - and serviced by professional staff so guests only have to worry about skiing. (Mostly for chocolate bar refills and beer. Getting around in Chamonix is so, so easy. Travel tips Skiing in chamonix Best Slopes In Chamonix Top Ski Areas in Chamonix For All Levels Discover where to ski and snowboard in Chamonix according to your skills and interests. Some have showers, some dont. Who should stay in Les Praz & Les Bois? 1. Once off the nursery slopes, however, there are few obvious progression runs, with the gentlest options being at Le Tour, 12km up the valley. snow-pocket, with nearby Le Tour claiming to be the snowiest village in France. While Chamonix itself has a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere, Argentire retains more of an Alpine village charm: thechaletsandhotelshere tend to be traditionally Savoyard in style and with more space and larger gardens than those in Chamonix town. (1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Chamonix is snowsure even in the poorest seasons. The skiing on offer in Le Tour and Vallorcine is ideal for beginners as it is fun, gentle and generally sunny, making it a good choice for families. Activities in the surrounding area include skiing and golfing. When it comes tobooking accommodationin Chamonix, there is certainly no shortage of choice. Perched a couple of hundred metres up the south side of the valley, above Les Bois, is the hamlet of Le Lavancher where you will find some more luxury accommodation possibilities in a beautifully serene spot. Most of the days see sun and clear skies but rain and clouds are still a possibility. Here are a few great ways to save money on your trip to Chamonix in the summer: The Mont Blanc Multipass is one pass you buy that saves you a bunch on your sightseeing/activities. Carry a copy of your Michelin guide to fine dining with you? If that werent enough, it also boasts a deluxe spa and gourmet cuisine to die for. Its actually pretty easy and affordable to get to Chamonix from other, larger cities by bus, train, shuttle, or car. Guides Office. Here are some of my Chamonix lodging experiences: On my visit in 2022 I stayed at the Chalet Hotel Les Gourmets and it has been my favorite Chamonix hotel by FAR! When travelling with young children, you ideally want to stay somewhere that has lots of facilities and services nearby so that you don't have to travel long distances to get to the slopes or the restaurants. Here are some of my favorite places to eat in Chamonix: Cool Cats is a small eatery in the center of Chamonix that serves a variety of artisanal hot dogs and street food al fresco. (1) Overall, Chamonix is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money. There are some really classic routes, although with the glacier dropping some are getting quite dangerous, like the Pas de Chvre. I would definitely stay here again. You'll also receive new posts and updates. Based on (1) There are no child care facilities at Chamonix, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche. La Folie Douce Hotels Chamonix 4. However, you'll get the best snow conditions between the middle of January and the end of March. Whether or not you should stay in Chamonix or Les Houches really depends on what you want to get out of the area. Just look at these pizzas: In all honesty, Ive eaten breakfast at Aux Petits Gourmands almost every morning Ive woken up in Chamonix. Located at an elevation of 3,000 feet at the foot of Mont Blanc, there is a traditional farming and alpine culture to explore, with its own ski area. runs, push your skiing and like adventure it is for you. The MO bar on Avenue Michel is another lively option, with Depending on what lift pass you have you might also want to visit Courmayeur (in Italy), Les Contamines and Megve, the latter being particularly good for skiing in bad weather due its huge number of trees. Are there any five-star hotels in Chamonix? I took the BlaBlaBus from Chamonix to Courmayeur, Italy and it was lovely. You'll also receive new posts and updates. few kilometres up the valley. linked to another village, Vallorcine. The northwestern edge of Chamonix leads you towards theBrvent-Flgre areaand is known for receiving the most sunshine in Chamonix town, as well as being perfectly placed for wonderful views of Mont Blanc. Prices can only be confirmed at time of booking with the end supplier, including any extras, deposits, fees, taxes, surcharges, They're all located in the town centre, near the slopes of Brvent and the local restaurants, bars and shops. in real-time, nor that any offers shown are still available. Skiing can be a lot of hard work sometimes so it is important to have a great place to stay and recover. In this case, you have two train options: If youd like to check out some of the smaller cities along the way, take the regional train. What's that all about? This is also the start of the 22km Valle Blanche route - perhaps the most famous off-piste ski run in the world. Maybe it was the view, maybe it was the five hours of hiking I had just done, but Ive said it a hundred times: my lunch at Chalet des Pyramides was the best meal I had in all of Chamonix. to Chamonix center. (1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week. There are more than 50km of cross-country skiing trails in the Chamonix valley, mostly located between Chamonix and Argentire, though snow reliability can be an issue early and late in the The 10 best resorts for weekend skiing and short ski breaks. you don't have a car you're reliant on the dreaded bus to get to the different areas in the valley, e.g Argentire and Les Houches. It's usually more expensive than the accommodation a bit further away from the slopes. It is a short day trip from Geneva. Get your free Boston checklist + map here! Chamonix Mont Blanc, often shortened to Chamonix France is a resort town near the corners of France, Switzerland, and Italy located in the French Alps. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. The 1-day Mont Blanc Multipass cost me 68. (1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities. All that being said, I still would stay at Croix Blanche again. Yes! When you book your room here, be sure to demand a room NOT on the ground floor. Joia offers amazing pizzas that you have more than well-earned after the hikes youve put in here. By basing yourself in the centre of the action you will really get the feel of this legendary Alpine town, its history and, of course, the famous Alpineaprs ski! I'd rather take up indoor bowls than be paid to come back here, not impressed. The average prices of our suggested ski hotels by star rating: Get the concise printable checklist here for FREE! Ive stayed at Hotel Croix Blanche a couple of times and have had two very different experiences. This large ski chalet in Les Praz was voted the coolest chalet on the slopes in 2012 by The Times and its easy to see why. (1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Chamonix. Mercure Chamonix Les Bossons has a great guest rating of 7.90 out of 10, and offers skiing, room service, a restaurant, a bar, and mountain views. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My round-trip ticket from Geneva to Chamonix and back on an Alpybus shared shuttle cost just over $60 US. Other facilities like ski storage are offered. Chamonix has not one but four five-star hotels. If you're looking for high-end, large chalets and luxury accommodation with hot tubs, home cinemas and enough space to build an army of snowmen in the garden, this is the area of the valley for you. However, as this sector can get very crowded in poor visibility, you might It keeps your trekking bag (with all its pockets and zippers and moving parts) safe and secure during air transit. We started out as a small business back in 2004 and are now a shareholder company with 45 advisors and staff in all fields. 1. The ski area makes the most of these views but the runs cannot compare to Zermatt, Verbier, Trois Valais, Arlberg or Dolomites. If youre holidaying with kids Brvent lift. Stay in Chamonix if you want to be within walking distance to great places to eat and drink, interesting museums, great day hikes, entertainment, and more.
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