SKI RESORTS
Virtually the entire ski resort is in an excellent location over 2,000 metres above sea level. This creates dream conditions all the way to May in this legendary French ski resort with an Olympic heritage.
Gita Simonsen
As you enter the valley that is the gateway to the well-known Mont Blanc massif, Western Europe's highest mountain, you can see ski lifts climbing towards the sky in all directions. You can choose from five different ski systems and a well-developed network of buses that take you wherever you want to go.
Read more: Bad Gastein – one of the most popular ski resorts in the Alps
There is plenty of snow in Chamonix. Tonnes of snow. As the heavy clouds encounter the high mountains here, they have no choice but to release precipitation in order to rise above them. This creates some of the world's best conditions for off-piste skiing. It can also lead to closed lifts and overly wet snow, but it also provides new opportunities.
More on that later.
Dedicated skiers
Chamonix has what are perhaps the most dedicated skiers in the world.
Chamonix has what are perhaps the most dedicated skiers in the world. Here, you will often meet eternally optimistic Australian ski bums with dreads, who are lined up in the long queue with genuine water skis (yes, of the five centimetre thick kind), while they wait for the crews to trigger all the usual avalanches.
This is the perfect place for both the experts and beginners, for groups of friends and for the whole family. You will find something for everyone there. You can frolic in one of the highest ski resorts in Europe and you are normally guaranteed snow until late summer. But be careful not to bite off more than you can chew, as it is both steep and there is a risk of major avalanches here. You need to know what you are doing in Chamonix. However, if you remain within the lower half of the facility, things are safe and nice for everyone.
Highest in Europe
Europe's highest cable car takes you all the way up to 3,842 metres, to the peak of Aiguille du Midi itself.
The summit has a viewing platform, café, and gift shop. And if you chicken out, you can always grab a souvenir, take a selfie and take the cable car back down...
The very highest point in Chamonix, at least that which is reachable by lift for ordinary mortal alpinists, is Les Grands Montets. We are talking about exactly 3,297 metres high in the far north of the valley. Let's add right away that these peaks are not for absolute beginners. Les Grand Montets is the most demanding ski facility in the valley and has the steepest groomed slopes in Chamonix. Naturally, the snow melts last here, and you will find open slopes until May 1st.
But, and it's a pretty big but, if you are an experienced skier, and are still seeking the ultimate challenge, you will find it here. Europe's highest cable car takes you all the way up to 3,842 metres, to the peak of Aiguille du Midi itself. The summit has a viewing platform, café, and gift shop. And if you chicken out, you can always grab a souvenir, take a selfie and take the cable car back down...
White heaven
There is plenty of snow in Chamonix. Tonnes of snow.
This is where the popular Vallée Blanche run begins, and the alpine cabin Cosmiques is the starting point for most trips to the top of Mont Blanc. From Aiguille du Midi there is another cable car over Glacier du Géant to Point Helbronner (3,452 metres above sea level) – on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif. As if that's not enough, there is another cable car from Point Helbronner to Entrèvs, a village near Courmayeur in the Aosta Valley in Italy.
This is what we promised to return to earlier. If the weather is wet and stormy in Chamonix, one can still find bright sunshine and excellent conditions on the other side of Mont Blanc, in Courmayeur, Italy. You just take a taxi or the bus through the tunnel at the foot of the mountain massif, and you'll suddenly find yourself on the sunny side. Here, on the south side of Mont Blanc, you will find a ski resort with great slopes, spectacular views, forest skiing and lovely, small and genuine Italian restaurants.
Late winter season
Chamonix is an excellent option if you want to be assured of good snow conditions during Easter.
But back to big brother Chamonix.
Fortunately, you don't have to be an expert on the most challenging black runs in Chamonix to experience the spectacular viewpoints. From the viewing platforms, you can take in the high peaks of France, Italy and Switzerland - all at once. For example, you can "Step into the Void" — a box with three glass walls, a glass floor and a glass roof, which together form a cube that hangs off the mountainside. You are guaranteed a spectacular experience with 1,000 metres of free fall right under your feet.
Chamonix is an excellent option if you want to be assured of good snow conditions during Easter. Even in late April, there will be major snowfall, providing knee-deep powder snow skiing under the cliffs. The transition from day to night is not as stark as earlier in winter, the sun shines longer, and the heat remains in the air. This also means that the ski lifts stay open longer. This in turn means you get more skiing for your money, and that's never a bad idea. Bear in mind that some lower-lying ski areas may be closed in April.
Mont Blanc Massif
The valley is the gateway to the well-known Mont Blanc massif, Western Europe's highest mountain
However, there are plenty of facilities to choose from - no matter your skill level. Chamonix offers a map of pistes that extends over 163 kilometres. In addition to challenging ski runs and mountains, the city also hosts lots of great activities for families vacationing in the area.
Chamonix is not only known for being one of the very best ski resorts in the world but can also deliver a vibrant après-ski atmosphere. At the bottom of each ski resort there are several bars where you can enjoy a cold drink in the sun, and the party continues into the night in the centre. Chamonix offers many nightlife venues to suit all tastes - whether you want to dance the night away, listen to live music or want to go to a good, old-fashioned pub.
In the heart of Chamonix is the Hôtel Mont-Blanc. This 5-star hotel is located on a beautiful property with a lovely garden, offering exclusivity combined with cosiness. The hotel overlooks the beautiful mountains and a spa with both a heated pool and an outdoor jacuzzi. Hôtel Mont-Blanc also offers a free shuttle service to the ski slopes and is close to the ice rink, as well as to the golf course, should you choose to visit the city in the summer.
The ultimate challenge
Let's add right away that these peaks are not for absolute beginners.
In Chamonix you will find food that suits everyone's taste buds. There is a good selection of restaurants there, from affordable pizza places to fantastic Michelin-starred restaurants. The restaurants on the slope itself are also well worth a visit. Whether you're travelling with kids, a group of friends, or as a couple, you'll find something that fits your budget.
If you arrive by plane, Geneva Airport is the closest to Chamonix. From there, it's easy to hop on a shuttle bus to your final destination. The journey from the airport takes just over an hour.
If you arrive by train, it is easiest via St. Gervais-Le Fayet. The train stops 20 kilometres from the ski resort and is served by TER regional trains and the TGV. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to your final destination in Chamonix. If you love scenic train routes, ride the Mont-Blanc Express from St. Gervais-Le Fayet. It will take you to Chamonix.
If you're driving from France, you can get to Chamonix via the Autoroute Blanche A40. From Switzerland, follow the motorway to Martigny, Col de la Forclaz, and Col des Montets.
If you are coming from Italy, the best way to drive is via the Mont-Blanc tunnel.
Enjoy your trip to Chamonix
Picolo Editorial
Offers from Alps Resort
Choose your personal holiday home from 30+ ALPS RESORTS in Tyrol, Salzburg, Styria, Carinthia or Bavaria.
