Chamonix is the archetypal ski resort and has been established as one of the Alps’ best resorts for years. Sitting in the shadow of the remarkable Mont Blanc which reaches the height of 4,810 metres, Chamonix is known as a serious skiers resort. With mountaineering and an array of technical skiing on offer, it’s often a go-to for big mountain and advanced skiers. Comprised of a number of villages spread across the Chamonix Valley floor which include Chamonix, Les Houches, Argentière, Le Tour and Le Praz, each area has its own ambience. Chamonix is found just an hour and fifteen minutes away from Geneva, ideal for a ski weekend or those who dislike the sometimes lengthy Alpine transfers to resort. A vibrant town with lots going on, Chamonix is very popular year round.
The town of Chamonix sits at an altitude of 1,035 metres and the surrounding resorts are similar in altitude, however the skiing reaches high up into the Alps with the majority of runs set between approximately 1,500 metres and 2,500 metres. The Aiguille du Midi is the jewel in Chamonix’s crown set at 3,842 metres altitude. The Aiguille du Midi and Vallée Blanche offer serious off-piste opportunities for experienced skiers and is not for the faint hearted – you exit an ice tunnel onto a ridge edge with a 50 degree slope either side – a guide is necessary!
Of the different ski areas of Chamonix each offers different skiing, with the Le Brevent and Le Flegere areas with good intermediate slopes and the Argentière area is comprised of steeper, more technical and longer runs. Each of Chamonix’s ski areas have beginner slopes and blue runs, but it is worth being aware that approximately 70% of the area’s pistes are classified as red or black. Getting around Chamonix can be a turn-off for some as it does involve jumping on the ski bus or alternatively the train, although the bus is easy to use and the stops are closer to the slopes and lifts. Many chalets in Chamonix also come equipped with drivers to make getting to and from the slopes that bit easier.
Chamonix is a superb resort throughout the winter season with altitude on its side with the higher up slopes, however it’s also exceptionally popular in spring due to the ski touring opportunities, with the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt a bucket-list experience for many. For non-skiers there’s an incredible variety of activities to provide entertainment without strapping on skis, alongside the normal expected options like snowshoeing, ice skating, bowling and husky sledding, there is also minigolf, guided glacier hiking, and scenic helicopter tours. For skiers a quick journey into neighbouring Italy provides the option to heliski in Courmayeur or La Thuile.
Being a well established and year-round town means that there’s no shortage of options for après ski and evening entertainment. There’s a full range of bars on offer from chic cocktail bars like Le Chamonix Social Club, which is open until two am with guest DJs and enticing cocktail list, to L’Amnesia nightclub. For lively afternoon après ski entertainment there have always been a wealth of options, such as La Terasse, however La Folie Douce opened its Chamonix doors for the start of the 2018/19 ski season and takes this up a notch, known across the Alps as being one of the best options for table dancing après.
Eating on and off the mountain is a delight in Chamonix, for those that decide to take on the mighty Vallée Blanche, the Requin Hut Refuge awaits, set between the Mer de Glace and Vallée Blanche, found halfway down the descent it’s a great pit-stop for lunch and to rest tired legs, just make sure you remember that it is cash only. Back in resort Le Vert Hotel Restaurant is a wonderful choice and exceptionally popular, atmospheric and serving a range of delicious food. For a celebration, Restaurant Albert 1er takes diners on a journey and happily illustrates why it is deserving of two Michelin stars.
