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The Aiguille du Midi summit station on its rock spur at 3,842 m, with Chamonix and the valley far below

Resort guide · France

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: Our Ski Guide

A real mountain town beneath Mont Blanc, where mountaineering began: five ski areas from 1,035 m to 3,300 m, the Aiguille du Midi at 3,842 m, the Vallée Blanche, and a train that links every village in the valley.

Plan your trip:Lift passes & ski area

The back story

Season 2026/27: Grands Montets 28–29 Nov 2026, then daily 5 Dec 2026 – 2 May 2027; Brévent–Flégère 12 Dec 2026 – 18 Apr 2027 (chamonix.com) · Ski areas: Les Houches, Brévent, Flégère, Grands Montets and Balme, from 1,035 m to 3,300 m · Top viewpoint: Aiguille du Midi, 3,842 m, with Le Pas dans le Vide (montblancnaturalresort.com, chamonix.com) · Lift pass: Chamonix Le Pass adult day €76.50, 19 Dec 2026 – 9 Apr 2027 (chamonix.com) · Lift company: Compagnie du Mont-Blanc (Mont-Blanc Natural Resort) · Nearest station: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, on the Mont Blanc Express line

  1. The back story

    Chamonix: the back story

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·In depth

    From a farming valley to the capital of mountaineering and the first Winter Olympics: the story of Chamonix and Mont Blanc.

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Lift passes, ski schools and hire

  1. Official prices, 2026/27

    Chamonix Le Pass

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Lift pass·€€

    The valley pass for the Grands Montets, Brévent–Flégère and Balme, sold by the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc.

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  2. 1,235 m to 2,800 m, beside the glaciers

    Grands Montets ski area

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Ski area·€€

    Big, steep skiing above Argentière, opening 28–29 November 2026 and daily from 5 December to 2 May 2027.

    65 Chemin de la Glacière, 74400 ArgentièreExplore View on map

  3. The sunny side, facing Mont Blanc

    Brévent–Flégère ski area

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Ski area·€€

    South-facing skiing opposite Mont Blanc, reached from the town centre (Brévent) and Les Praz (Flégère), 12 December 2026 to 18 April 2027.

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  4. 280 instructors and guides

    ESF Chamonix

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Ski school·€€

    The French ski school on every ski area in the valley, with children’s clubs at Le Savoy and Les Planards from age three.

    Place de l'Église, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-BlancExplore View on map

  5. Lessons, freeride and off-piste

    Evolution 2 Chamonix

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Ski school and guides·€€

    Ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults, plus freeride courses and guided off-piste.

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  6. The valley’s historic guide company

    Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Mountain guides·€€€

    Chamonix’s guide company, for the Vallée Blanche, off-piste and ski touring, based at the Maison de la Montagne.

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  7. 100 m from the Flégère cable car

    Ravanel & Co, Les Praz

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Ski hire·€€

    Ski hire at the foot of the Flégère, with parking and a Wintersteiger workshop.

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  8. In the centre of town

    Le Savoy and Les Planards beginner areas

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Beginner skiing·€

    Two beginner areas in town: Le Savoy at the foot of the Brévent, and Les Planards with four gentle runs and night skiing in the holidays.

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Where to stay, every budget

Who it suits. On a budget: Two- and three-star hotels in town and in Argentière, the beginner areas of Le Savoy and Les Planards, and the Mont Blanc Express train included with the guest card. Mid-range: Four-star hotels in the pedestrian centre and at the foot of the Grands Montets, with Chamonix Le Pass for the valley’s big ski areas. Luxury: Le Hameau Albert 1er, with its one-star Albert 1er, and the Hôtel Mont-Blanc, built in 1849, with a Clarins spa.

  1. Relais & Châteaux, the Carrier family since 1903 · In depth

    Le Hameau Albert 1er

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Five-star hotel·€€€€

    The Carrier family’s Relais & Châteaux hamlet since 1903, with Le Bachal spa of heated indoor-outdoor pool, hammam and sauna, rooms, suites and chalets in three buildings, the Albert 1er restaurant and La Maison Carrier.

    38 Route du Bouchet, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-BlancExplore View on map

  2. Built in 1849 · In depth

    Hôtel Mont-Blanc, Chamonix

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Five-star hotel·€€€€

    A five-star Belle Époque hotel just off the main street, welcoming guests since 1849, with 41 rooms and suites, a Spa by Clarins with heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi, and Le Matafan restaurant.

    62 Allée du Majestic, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-BlancExplore View on map

  3. A rooftop spa with a 360° view · In depth

    Park Hotel Suisse & Spa

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Four-star hotel·€€€

    A four-star family hotel in the heart of Chamonix since 1930, with 68 rooms on five floors and a rooftop spa of heated outdoor pool, two hot tubs, two saunas and a hammam, included for hotel guests.

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  4. Two minutes from the Aiguille du Midi · In depth

    Les Aiglons Hotel, Chamonix

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Four-star hotel·€€€

    A four-star hotel of 107 rooms at the gateway to the Aiguille du Midi, with a Deep Nature spa of heated outdoor pool facing Mont Blanc, hot tub, sauna and hammam, and the Italian-Alpine Casa Nonna.

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  5. 250 rooms, from four-star to bunk beds

    La Folie Douce Hotels Chamonix

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Hotel and hostel·€€

    A former Belle Époque palace at the foot of the Savoy slopes, with 250 rooms in three categories, from Premium to a hostel with bunk beds.

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  6. At the foot of the Grands Montets · In depth

    Les Grands Montets Hôtel & Spa

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Four-star hotel·€€€

    A four-star hotel at the foot of the Grands Montets in Argentière, with a spa of 10 x 5 m indoor pool, sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tub facing Mont Blanc, suites with whirlpool baths and saunas.

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  7. Three-star, built about 1863–65

    Hôtel La Couronne, Argentière

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Value hotel·€€

    The valley’s oldest hotel still in business, renovated in 2024, with 69 rooms for couples, families and groups in Argentière.

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  8. Two-star, on the church square

    Hôtel Le Chamonix

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Value hotel·€

    Sixteen simple rooms on the square by the tourist office, the church and the Maison de la Montagne, with a locals’ bar downstairs.

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  9. Three-star, with events every week

    PlanB Living Chamonix

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Value hotel·€€

    Rooms, suites and apartments next to the transport links, with a restaurant, live music, quizzes, bowling and a private spa room.

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Restaurants and mountain huts

  1. One MICHELIN star (2026)

    Albert 1er

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Fine dining·€€€€

    Damien Leveau’s Alpine cooking at Le Hameau Albert 1er, drawing on Savoie, Switzerland, northern Italy and the hotel’s own vegetable garden.

    Hameau Albert 1er, 38 Route du Bouchet, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-BlancExplore View on map

  2. In the MICHELIN Guide

    Le Matafan

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Restaurant·€€€

    Modern cooking at the Hôtel Mont-Blanc, travelling from the Alpine valleys to the Mediterranean.

    Hôtel Mont-Blanc, 62 Allée du Majestic, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-BlancExplore View on map

  3. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand

    Akashon

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Restaurant·€€

    Modern cooking at good prices on the Aiguille du Midi square, a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand.

    L'Héliopic, 50 Place de l'Aiguille du Midi, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-BlancExplore View on map

  4. At the top of the Aiguille du Midi

    Le 3842

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Mountain restaurant·€€€

    Lunch at 3,842 m, one of Europe’s highest restaurants, with traditional cooking from Alpine produce.

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  5. Wood-fired brasserie facing Mont Blanc

    Bergerie de Planpraz

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Mountain restaurant·€€

    A wood-fired brasserie at the top of the Planpraz gondola, with a south-facing terrace and a takeaway downstairs.

    Arrivée de la télécabine de Planpraz, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-BlancExplore View on map

  6. At 1,913 m, vegetarian and vegan choice

    L'Adret, Flégère

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Mountain restaurant·€€

    Homemade Savoyard and vegetarian dishes behind a big picture window facing Mont Blanc, with the Refuge de la Flégère alongside.

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  7. At 1,923 m on the Grands Montets

    Plan Joran

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Mountain restaurant·€€

    A wooden chalet among the larches with table service, a self-service with antipasti and rotisserie, and a takeaway pizzeria.

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  8. Savoyard classics at the Hameau

    La Maison Carrier

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Village restaurant·€€€

    The traditional restaurant of Le Hameau Albert 1er, for fondue and the dishes of old Savoie.

    Hameau Albert 1er, 38 Route du Bouchet, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-BlancExplore View on map

Après-ski and bars

  1. An audiophile listening bar

    Le Pèle

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Bar, restaurant and club·€€€

    A listening bar, restaurant and club, with signature cocktails, a Palladium sound system and 3,000 vinyl records.

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  2. Looking at Mont Blanc

    Le Janssen Cocktail Club

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Cocktail bar·€€€

    Haute-couture cocktails and fine wines in a hushed room with a view of Mont Blanc, at La Folie Douce Hotels.

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  3. Seventh floor of the Alpina

    The 7th Panoramic

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Rooftop bar·€€€

    A bar on the seventh floor of the Alpina Eclectic Hotel, with views across Chamonix to Mont Blanc.

    79 Avenue du Mont-Blanc, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-BlancExplore View on map

  4. A Chamonix nightlife institution

    Bar du Moulin

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Bar·€€

    Old wood and stone on the Rue des Moulins: cocktails, tapas and flammekueche, then dancing late.

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  5. Once the Brasserie de la Poste

    Bistrot des Sports, Chamonix

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Bistro bar·€

    A bistro as old as the last century, where mules once waited to carry visitors up the mountain paths.

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  6. On the church square

    Bar Le Chamonix

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Bar·€

    Chez Mélanie, the locals’ bar on the church square, open every day.

    58 Place de l'Église, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-BlancExplore View on map

Shops

  1. Cheese, charcuterie and génépi

    Le Refuge Payot, Rue Paccard

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Savoyard produce

    Savoyard cheeses, charcuterie and wines, fondue and raclette, génépi and Swiss chocolate, open every day.

    255 Rue du Docteur Paccard, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-BlancExplore View on map

  2. In the centre, open every day

    Super U Chamonix

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Supermarket

    The town-centre supermarket, with fishmonger, butcher, delicatessen and cheese counters and home delivery.

    117 Rue Joseph Vallot, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-BlancExplore View on map

  3. Everything made by hand

    Chez Richard

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Bakery and pâtisserie

    A bakery-pâtisserie in the heart of Chamonix, making its bread, viennoiseries and seasonal pastries by hand.

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  4. Second-hand sportswear

    Afterski, Chamonix

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Vintage and second-hand

    Second-hand and vintage sportswear, accessories and equipment for men, women and small children.

    50 Rue du Docteur Paccard, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-BlancExplore View on map

  5. Chamonix’s base camp since 1934

    Snell Sports, Chamonix

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Mountain sports shop

    Technical outdoor brands for mountaineering, ice climbing, skiing, touring and hiking.

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Spas and wellness

  1. Indoor and outdoor pools

    Spa du Hameau Albert 1er

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Hotel spa

    Heated indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, hammam, sauna, gym, treatment rooms and private yoga.

    38 Route du Bouchet, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-BlancExplore View on map

  2. A 14-metre outdoor pool

    Clarins spa, Hôtel Mont-Blanc

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Hotel spa

    A Clarins spa with a 14-metre outdoor pool in the hotel’s park, in the heart of Chamonix.

    62 Allée du Majestic, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-BlancExplore View on map

  3. Renovated in 2024

    Rooftop spa, Park Hotel Suisse

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Hotel spa

    A rooftop spa with a pool, two hot tubs, two saunas and a hammam, looking over Chamonix and the Mont Blanc range.

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  4. 300 m² with a heated outdoor pool

    Deep Nature spa, Les Aiglons

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Hotel spa

    A 300 m² spa with a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, sauna, hammam and treatment rooms.

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  5. Argentière

    Wellness at Les Grands Montets Hôtel

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Hotel spa

    An indoor heated pool, sauna, hammam, outdoor hot tub and gym in Argentière, facing Mont Blanc.

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Getting there

  1. Train, coach and road

    Getting to Chamonix

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Getting there

    Geneva Airport is 88 km away, with daily coaches; by train, change at Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet for the Mont Blanc Express.

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  2. Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet to Martigny

    Mont Blanc Express

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Railway

    The SNCF line through the valley, from Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet to Vallorcine and on to Martigny, included with the guest card between Servoz and Vallorcine.

    40 Place de la Gare, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-BlancExplore View on map

  3. Skibus, Proxibus and Chamonuit

    Chamonix Mobilité buses

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Valley buses

    The valley bus network from Servoz to Vallorcine, with ski buses and a night line; validate your ticket every time you board.

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Property: the neighbourhoods

  1. Belle Époque and Art Deco

    Chamonix town centre

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Neighbourhood

    The pedestrian heart of Chamonix, with Belle Époque and Art Deco façades, apartments above the shops and the Brévent and Aiguille du Midi lifts on foot.

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  2. The village of the Grands Montets

    Argentière

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Neighbourhood

    A mountaineering village 6 km up the valley, at the foot of the Grands Montets and on the Tour du Mont-Blanc.

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  3. At the Flégère cable car

    Les Praz de Chamonix

    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc·Neighbourhood

    A quieter hamlet 3 km from the centre, at the foot of the Flégère cable car, with its own bus and train stops.

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