About the Area

Geography

Chamonix is situated in the north-westerly part of the Alps, just 15 km from the Swiss border via the Col des Montets and 15 km from Italy via the Mont-Blanc tunnel. Chamonix and its valley are dominated by the Mont Blanc chain to the south and the Aiguilles Rouges (red peaks) to the north. The town centre is situated at an altitude of 1035 meters. The stunning mountain scenery of this beautiful alpine valley will simply take your breath away.

The resident population of Chamonix is over 10,000 inhabitants. The number of visitors fluctuates enormously during the tourist season, in Summer up to 100,000 visitors per day and in Winter approximately 60,000.

Culture & Heritage

Chamonix is a vibrant alpine town with a wonderful architectural heritage. The town is doted with a rich and diverse architectural styles where traditional and modern rub shoulders. Wander through the town and outlying villages and you will discover baroque churches and protestant chapels dating from several hundred years, hotels and palaces from the golden age, « Art Deco » facades, traditional farmhouses, colossal villas and chalets contrasting with modern constructions. It is this architectural diversity that contributes to Chamonix's unique and indefinable charm.

Skiing and Boarding in Chamonix

Chamonix offers a multitude of slopes for all levels; whether you ski or surf you will enjoy the tremendous variety of terrain that the Chamonix valley has to offer. Gentle family runs through the trees, free ride & off-piste, beginners slopes, immaculate cross country pistes, amusing snow parks or mythical glacier descents such as the Grands Montets and the Vallée Blanche (guide recommended).

The skiing extends over 3 main areas : Brévent/Flégère, offering south-facing slopes and exceptional views of the Mont-Blanc chain, the Grands Montets, high altitude north-facing slopes which dominate the village of Argentière and the Balme area, wide open slopes at the top of the Chamonix valley, bordering on Switzerland.

Chamonix's ski areas are open from December to May, subject to snow conditions

Other Activities

Many of the lifts and cog railways also give access to exceptional viewpoints and mountain restaurants. There are marked winter hiking and snowshoeing trails, a tremendous sports complex including 2 indoor heated pools, an ice rink, keep fit and spa facilities, tennis/squash courts and indoor climbing walls...

For those in search of a little retail therapy, you will be delighted by Chamonix's pedestrian centre with its wide selection of attractive shops and boutiques. If you enjoy watching the world go by, what better place than one of Chamonix's sunny street cafés!
 
The valley also offers a vast gastronomic choice, from rustic mountain restaurants serving Savoyard specialities, to the chic of the Michelin starred Albert Premier, from international dishes to nouvelle cuisine, each visitor will find something to suit their palette!

By taking advantage of the free public transport, one may also discover the outlying villages and hamlets, each with their individual identity and charm.

80km/1hr from Geneva International Airport.
225km/2hrs20 from Lyon International Airport.