Chamonix Holidays
Year-round skiing and summer adventure await in Chamonix, and all just over an hour from Geneva.
- Tailor-made ski trips and summer adventure holidays
- Every detail taken care of by travel specialists
- 24/7 support before and after booking
- Weather insights, restaurant bookings and insider tips from in-resort experts
Located just over an hour from Geneva, at the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix and around is home to no fewer than five ski areas: the villages of Servoz, Les Houches, Argentière and Vallorcine, and many smaller resorts. Together, with Chamonix itself, makes up one of the world's finest ski destinations – all on one lift pass. And, with a resort height of 1035m, and a top lift of 3842m, ski holidays in Chamonix are possible early and late in the season. Its fantastic location makes Chamonix ideal for short ski trips, as well as longer holidays, and is often on the bucket list of expert skiers looking for adventure.
While it’s the Chamonix ski holidays that attract visitors in the winter, this is one of the few French resorts that is full of life all year round. During the warmer months, we can’t recommend Chamonix summer holidays more highly, particularly for those who like to be active or are travelling with older children/teens.
Tailormade Chamonix Holidays
There can be a lot to think about when it comes to planning a Chamonix ski holiday. Scott Dunn has almost 40 years experience, and our team of passionate travel experts know how to take the stress off your hands and ensure every last detail is thought of, from private transfers to restaurant bookings to kids’ clubs.
Chamonix’s appeal is endless. Having one of the longest ski seasons in the Alps, thanks to its height, you can ski from December through to April. Its proximity to Geneva makes it one of the best ski resorts in France for weekend breaks, and its pistes are famous for offering up thrilling experiences for pro skiers. However, there are still some fantastic areas for intermediate and beginner skiers, including children too.
The town of 'Cham' as it’s affectionately known, is both charming and cosmopolitan. The pedestrianised centre is characterised by its Victorian architecture - a reminder of when the British began to visit. Today it is full of shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafés, making it good to visit both day and night. Chamonix hotels range from luxurious resorts with stunning mountain views to cosy, traditional alpine lodges, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Skiing in Chamonix: What You Need to Know
- Resort altitude: 1,035m
- Highest point: 3,842m
- Vertical drop: Approximately 2,807m
- Ski areas: Grands Montets, Brévent-Flégère, Le Tour/Balme, La Vallée Blanche, and Les Houches
- Number of lifts: Around 60
- Pistes: Approximately 150km
- Best for: Advanced and expert skiers, off-piste enthusiasts, stunning mountain views, and fun après-ski activities.
The Best Chamonix Hotels
Chamonix hotels range from luxurious resorts with stunning mountain views to cosy, traditional alpine lodges, catering to various tastes and budgets.
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Things To Do on a Chamonix Ski Holiday
Apart from skiing, holidays to Chamonix are all about walking, climbing, and making the most of the natural beauty of the area. From finding the best off-piste to ascending glaciers, here are some of the best things to do on a Chamonix ski holiday.
Things to do in Chamonix
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Skiing and snowboarding
Skiing in Chamonix is exceptional due to its diverse and challenging terrain, set against the stunning backdrop of the Mont Blanc massif. The resort caters to all skill levels, with the renowned 12-mile Vallée Blanche glacier run a highlight, promising an unforgettable Chamonix skiing experience. The Grands Montets area, known for its long runs and significant vertical drops, is perfect for those seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences. While, for intermediate skiers, the Brévent-Flégère area provides a variety of slopes with breathtaking panoramas of Mont Blanc. Beginners aren't left out, with the Balme and Les Houches’s gentler slopes well-suited to family-friendly environments.
Snowboarding holidays to Chamonix are a hit with both freestyle and freeride snowboarders thanks to the mix of challenging off-piste terrain, extensive powder fields, and varied slopes across the five main ski areas.
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Mer de Glace, Ice Cave
Visiting the Mer de Glace is a mesmerising experience to have on a ski holiday in Chamonix. As France's largest glacier, it stretches 7km through the Mont Blanc mountain range. Accessible via the Montenvers Railway from Chamonix, the journey offers breathtaking alpine scenery. In winter, the glacier's icy beauty is at its peak, and visitors can explore the famous Ice Cave, which is carved new each year. The Glaciorium, an exhibition centre, provides insights into glaciology and climate change too.
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Ice Climbing
Experienced climbers will love Chamonix’s frozen terrain. Ice climbing is big in the area with a variety of routes available, from frozen waterfalls to mixed climbs combining rock and ice. The Aiguille du Midi, accessible by cable car, is a popular starting point for many ascents and even if you don’t want to climb, is worth visiting for the view. Winter conditions add an extra layer of difficulty and adventure, requiring advanced skills and proper equipment but climbers are rewarded with breathtaking views. Chamonix has a rich mountaineering history and booming climbing community which all adds to its appeal.
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Après Ski
Skiers can refuel on hearty mountain dishes like fondue and tartiflette at various restaurants in Chamonix, while après-ski activities often begin on terraces at the side of the slopes. Live music and a fun atmosphere can be found all over the town as mountaineers and guides unwind after a day on the slopes. Some bars bring in international DJs and show-stopping performances too, making holidays to Chamonix top for both skiing and socialising.
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Mer de Glace, Ice Cave
- Ice Climbing
- Après Ski
Insider Tips for Your Luxury Chamonix Ski Holiday
Ski Tips
- Book ski passes in advance: Your hotel will be able to organise this for you, so your passes are waiting upon arrival.
- Organise a guide: Even if you are an experienced skier, it’s worth booking a guide for a day or two to get the lay of the land and discover the best of Chamonix’s ski slopes (and off-piste).
- Book ski school/kids’ clubs: Make sure you secure a place for your kids, (if you’re travelling as a family) spaces in the kids’ clubs fill up quickly, particularly during peak times.
- Pre-book spa treatments: As with ski school, spots in the spas can fill up quickly, especially in February half term and at Christmas.
- Travel off-peak: If you can avoid the school holidays, book your ski holiday to Chamonix during the off-peak weeks, especially avoiding February half term.
- Try different areas: Chamonix Valley is made up of five ski areas, if you’re a keen skier and travelling for a week, make the most of your ski pass and try different mountains.
- Go night skiing: Every Monday and Wednesday, the Planards' two drag lifts will be open at night and the pistes will be floodlit. There will be music and a parallel slalom to try, as well as hot drinks.
Dining Tips
- Book restaurants in advance: Popular restaurants can get very busy, especially during peak season. Our specialists will make your reservations ahead of time to secure your table at the best places.
- Try local dishes: There's nothing more satisfying than filling up on Savoyard dishes like fondue and raclette after a hard day skiing. Restaurants such as La Maison Carrier and Le Chaudron serve traditional French Alpine food.
- Après-Ski: Enjoy the fun après-ski scene at bars like La Terrasse, Elevation 1904 and the famous La Folie Douce.
- Fine dining: Book into Albert 1er, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering elegant cuisine with epic mountain views.
Chamonix Summer Holidays
When the last snow melts away, rather than the resort shutting up shop, Chamonix bursts into life. As the weather warms up, it reveals meadows in full bloom and mountains ripe for climbing, hiking and biking. Cooler than other parts of Europe, thanks to the altitude and crisp mountain air, there’s a reason people used to retreat to the mountains to convalesce.
Such a beautiful setting is ideal for family holidays, particularly those with older kids and teens who need a bit of adrenaline. There are zip-wires, kayaking, canyoning, abseiling, paragliding and even summer skiing. Chamonix summer holidays can be relaxing too, many of the hotels have swimming pools and world-class spas. There are meals to be had up the mountains or you can take day trips to Geneva for shopping or water sports on the lake, and there are even some museums in Chamonix’s town centre.
Chamonix Holidays FAQs
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Yes, you can ski in Chamonix in summer. The only place that can be accessed by lift is Aiguille du Midi but there are other parts of the ski resort which may have enough snow in the summer to ski too, you’d just need to walk/climb to them.
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Yes, Chamonix is great for family holidays, particularly for families with older kids and teens. In the winter, the ski slopes offer enough variation for all types of skiers, while the summer is all about high-octane, exhilarating experiences. Chamonix’s hotels also cater very well for families, having kids’ clubs and facilities to keep everyone entertained.
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Yes, you can go on holiday to Chamonix and not ski. There are so many other activities in the area, such as walking or snowshoeing, as well as a buzzy town to explore with fantastic restaurants, shops, and spas.
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Chamonix is one of the best ski resorts in France for restaurants and nightlife. There is a huge variety of places to eat in, from Michelin-star restaurants to traditional Savoyard cabins. Après ski is lively, with many bars and clubs playing live music or hosting DJs.
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Chamonix hotels have everything you could want, from top facilities and service to great restaurants, cosy interiors, and excellent locations. Accommodation options suit couples, friends, and families, with serviced apartments available, as well as luxurious rooms and suites.
Book Your Luxury Ski Holiday
Plan Your Trip
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, there’s nothing quite like the exhilarating feeling of going skiing. Get in touch with us today and allow us to plan your perfect ski trip.
Call us on 020 8682 5050 to start planning your holiday
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