Ski holidays in Chamonix 2011 and 2012 France
Traditional town with breathtaking scenery. Perfect for advanced skiers and great for weekend skiing
Ski holidays in Chamonix, Chalets and Hotels in Chamonix
The Chamonix Valley cuts deeply through Europe's highest mountains and glaciers and has long been a place of pilgrimage for those wanting tough off piste terrain coupled with stunning scenery. The town itself is steeped in mountain traditions, and is home to Mont Blanc and the magnificent Aiguille du Midi. At 3,840m Chamonix has the highest ski lift in the world which accesses the famous Vallee Blanche, a 22 kms off-piste high mountain run to the base of the valley. The slopes are spread across distinct areas; Brevent, La Flegere, Les Grands Montets, Les Houches and Le Tour requiring a bus ride, or the use of a car in order to fully explore the area.
Chamonix also offers fantastic restaurants, a lively Saturday market, great apres bars and some really beautiful chalets. Chamonix has a car-free centre of town, which is full of atmosphere, with cobbled streets and squares, beautiful old buildings and a fast running river. During the day, the town squares and pavement cafes are bustling with shoppers and tourists, sipping drinks and absorbing the breathtaking scenery, at night the apres ski venues come alive as people fancy an evening out from their chalet. Chamonix has changed dramatically over the years from being considered a hard-core skiers resort where prices were reasonable to a much more upmarket town with smart shops and fantastic restaurants and great Chamonix hotels, this however does mean a marked increase in costs.
Chamonix hotels however do range from the basic to the very luxurious and many hotels in Chamonix will offer short breaks as it is a great weekend resort. The same can be said for chalets. Chamonix offers some fantastic chalet accommodation, and although there are a few budget end chalets a large percentage are of a high standard, with outdoor hot tubs to take in the spectacular scenery!
View all 23 ski chalets in Chamonix
View all 19 hotels in Chamonix
Resort statistics
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Experts
- Snow sure
- Off-piste
- Ski area
- Charm factor
- Non-skiers
- Nightlife
- Practicality
- Fine dinning
- Short transfer
- Resort value
Airports
- GENEVA (1 hour)
Pros
- An advanced skiers off-piste haven - but definitely hire a ski guide!
- Breathtaking scenery
- Hotels in Chamonix cater for long weekends & short breaks
- Plenty of activities to do off the slopes
- Lively variety of bars and nightclubs
Cons
- Separated ski areas are linked by a rather inefficient and slow bus service
- Can't easily ski to the valley floor
Resort Restaurants
The restaurants in the Chamonix village are a haven for foodies (and much better value for money than their 'mountain' counterparts) and cover a range of budgets and eating tastes. It would be a definite recommendation to have an evening meal out even if you're staying in a chalet. Chamonix does get busy though so just remember to book a table in advance! The best include the Bergerie or the L'Auberge du Bois Prin, a small chalet style hotel with some of the finest cuisine in the valley. For more traditional fare, try La Caleche, the Monchu or the Chaudron. Vegetarian cuisine is hard to come by in the Alps, but do try the Petit Moulin. It is even possible to dine in some of the Chamonix hotels! Try La Maison Carrier (bustling and rustic serving traditional food) which is in the Albert 1er hotel. Since Chamonix is so close to the Italian border, you would expect some excellent Italian options, for fabulous pasta and pizza head to Casa Valerio or Spiga d'Oro, and if all else fails and you have a vehicle, why not head through the Mont Blanc tunnel to dine in Italy!
Mountain Restaurants
Not that great to be honest - it really does depend on which area you happen to be skiing in or the location of your chalet! Chamonix's Le Brevent the most attractive option is the Bergerie de Planpraz, a wood and stone alpine restaurant, that has both self and table service options. Food and service are great, but be warned, it can get very busy! For amazing views over to Mont Blanc, the little Panoramic at the top is well worth stopping at, alternatively try the self-service restaurant at La Flegere which has a large terrace to soak up the views as well as the sunshine. In the Grand Montets area, the Plan Joran serves good food, has table & self service, and like all well recommended restaurants gets busy during the peak lunch hours! The rustic Chalet-Refuge de Lognan has marvellous food and a great atmosphere (be prepared to spend some Euros!), you'll find it off the Variante Hotel run to the valley, and it overlooks the Argentiere glacier. If you pack your own picnic and the weather doesn't quite co-operate, then there is an indoor picnic area at the Plan Joran or at the top of the Le Tour gondola there is a picnic area near the Chalet de Charamillon. If you fancy saving a little money then make sure you make the most of your breakfast and get home for some tea and cakes at your chalet! Chamonix does have some spectacular views though, so be sure to make sure you have a break at some of the restaurant spots to take them in!
Apres Ski
There are a great selection of bars in and around the pedestrian centre of Chamonix, that are busy for the hours of apres ski and for most, well into the night. Our picks, other than to follow where the most noise is coming from, is to sample the apres delights at the Bar du Moulin, Bar'd Up, Goofy's, The Pub or the Bar Terrasse, which will give you a good head start. Most venues will have live music and/or DJS playing well into the evening - if this is more you cup of tea, then ensure the Micro Brasserie and the Terrasse are on your list. Some hotels in Chamonix offer great apres ski too, including The Chambre Neuf bar at the Gustavia hotel.
Nightlife
After your delicious meal in your chalet, Chamonix nightlife should be tried and tested. There is a lively selection of nightlife, most of the apres ski venues continue on well into the night, for the discotheque fans (or those out on a bender and everything else has closed), there are a couple of late venues - there is infamous Dicks Tea Bar (just like the one in Val d'Isere) and The Garage in Chamonix Sud. It is possible to get taxis throughout the night so you do not need to worry about getting back to your hotels in Chamonix. If you are located a little further out of town it is possible you will have a driver service with your chalet. Chamonix nightlife should be tried though!
Resort Map Note only lifts departing from the resort base are shown.
Key
Funicular
Cable Car
Gondola
Chair lift
Drag lift
Ski Hire Shops
| Location | Name | Stars | Discount | Promo Code |
| A | Skiset Ginabelle | Up to 45% | AlpineAnswers | |
| B | Skiset Centre Station Mercure | Up to 45% | AlpineAnswers | |
| C | Skiset Aiguille du Midi | Up to 45% | AlpineAnswers | |
| D | Skiset Chamonix Sud | Up to 45% | AlpineAnswers |
The star rating for the ski hire shops is an indication of the level of service; quality and variety of stock, and the space and decor of the shop. It is also a reflection on the price. A five star rated shop will offer great service and equipment but also will charge the highest price. Ski hire shops with a two star rating have less variety and older, poorer quality of stock but are cheapest.