In the shadow of Mont Blanc—the highest mountain in the Alps—Chamonix is one of France’s oldest and most celebrated ski resorts. Former host of the Winter Olympics, the region boasts luxurious hotels, a decadent après-ski scene, top-notch slopes (including daredevil-approved off-piste skiing in La Vallée Blanche), and high-end amenities that have made it a destination for both well-heeled vacationers and professionals. While it’s busiest during the winter high season, there are also plenty of things to do in Chamonix for summertime travelers—think: exceptional hiking and biking trails and landmarks such as the Aiguille du Midi viewpoint.
Located in the shadow of Mont Blanc on the French, Swiss, and Italian borders, the luxury resort town of Chamonix is busiest in winter. The ski season here lasts from December through April, and in the lead-up to Christmas, Chamonix boasts twinkling light displays, festive markets, and live music. If you don’t plan to ski, however, Chamonix is spellbinding in summer, when hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers hit the trails.
Chamonix is well-connected by public transit. The Mont Blanc Express is a train that traverses the Chamonix Valley from Saint-Gervais/Le Fayet in France to Martigny in Switzerland, while local bus services connect various resorts and hiking areas in the valley. The free Mulet shuttle service runs through the center of Chamonix, while taxi services and car rentals offer greater flexibility.
While Chamonix has a wealth of pistes for all levels of skiers, the Chamonix Valley is also renowned for its off-piste opportunities, all against the spectacular backdrop of Mont Blanc. Whether you’re an amateur or very experienced skier, it’s worth hiring a personal guide for an off-piste excursion. Just take precautions around avalanches, and be mindful of the area’s snow state.
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Most tourists visit Chamonix for winter sports, particularly free-ride skiing and snowboarding. The Vallée Blanche glacier descent is one of Europe’s top off-piste adventures, and there’s a lively après-ski scene. It’s an adventure sports destination year-round, with climbing, hiking, paragliding, and more in summer.
...MoreMost travelers visit Chamonix for more than a day, giving them time to ski or snowboard more of the extensive network of trails. Non-skiers will want to take the Montenvers - Mer de Glace Train up to see the glacier, which houses a tunnel with ice sculptures, and enjoy its restaurants.
...MoreChamonix lies in eastern France, nestled in the French Alps in the shadow of Mont Blanc, western Europe’s highest peak. But it’s just a few miles (or kilometers) from the borders with Switzerland and Italy. In fact, the nearest major airport is in Geneva, which is in Switzerland.
...MoreMost travelers on a ski or snowboard vacation spend at least a week in Chamonix. The Chamonix Valley itself offers well more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) of groomed piste, while some ski passes include access to three other ski areas in France and Italy.
...MoreChamonix is one of Europe’s top destinations for extreme and adventure sports. Besides skiing and snowboarding, there’s mountaineering, ice climbing, and via ferrata options, with trail running, ultramarathons, rafting, and canyoning in summer. Full-blown adrenaline junkies can brave paragliding, skydiving, wingsuit flying, speed riding, and even BASE jumping.
...MoreYes, while skiers and snowboarders will want to stick to winter, Chamonix is beautiful in summer—with snow-capped peaks framing alpine meadows and a wealth of adventure sports on offer. Summer is the perfect season for rafting the chilly alpine rivers and paragliding in the shadow of Mont Blanc.
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