Ski Chamonix | Vacation Packages

Chamonix is Everything You've Heard and So Much More!

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I've had what I thought was a pretty clear image of Chamonix in my head for many years.  It consisted of a small mountain village in the Alps surrounded by massive and harrowing peaks comprised of almost entirely advanced/expert terrain that would intimate just about any skier. When we turned the corner into town I could immediately tell that there was much more to this area than just steep technical terrain (though there is plenty of it if that is what you are looking for).

First, the town is far larger than I expected.  It spans a large valley and features a number of base areas along with a large downtown and pedestrian village area.  This is one of the world's quintessential ski towns and features all types of cuisine, tons of shopping and just about every nightlife distinction as well.  In addition to downtown, each individual base area provides its own dining options that are generally more traditional and generally will have one or two lodging options as well.  This is all extremely rare, especially in Europe as there generally is not enough space in the tight valleys for a town of this size.

Another detail worth noting is that the area does share a border with the Italian resort, Courmayeur and does feature direct ski and lift access to the area.  The Italian influence is apparent in town as well with quite a few traditional Italian dining options.

Now on to the skiing.  If you've read about the area at all you probably already now about the huge amount of advanced terrain and technical skiing and climbing that can be found in the area.  What you probably haven't heard about is the amount of beginner and intermediate skiing the area offers, nearly all of which extends from the top of each lift so beginners can go to any peak without having to worry about getting stuck.

Finally, the views offered both in town and on the peaks are really unparalleled, which is saying a lot if you have ever visited the Alps.  The mountains feature huge vertical rise (l'Auguille du Midi cable car holds the record for largest vertical ascent), putting you above most of the largest peaks in the area.  On a clear day you can see seemingly forever and get a view of the most prominent peaks in the Alps (the Matterhorn, the Monta Rosa, and the Grand Combin).

If you're going to take away anything from this view I hope that it is that this area is not meant for the exclusive use of expert skiers.  It is an enormous resort provide skiing and entertainment for everyone, along with some fantastic accommodations and even better views from all of its many peaks.

Chamonix trip - March 2016

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Chamonix is a beautiful village, located in a spectacular valley at the foot of Mont Blanc. There is a lot of history in the area. It was first settled almost 1,000 years ago and a Benedictine priory was established there in the early 1200’s. The mountain history and recreation in the area is what draws most visitors today. Mont Blanc was first climbed in 1786 by two local alpinists Balmat and Paccard – a feat that is still considered one of the greatest in the annals of mountaineering. You can find their statues in the pedestrian area. Balmat was a notoriously arrogant character while Paccard was much more down to earth, which probably explains why they have separate statues.

Chamonix was the site of the very first Winter Olympics in 1924 and is now the base area for several excellent ski areas that are close by: Le Brevent/Flegere, Argentiere-Les Grands Montets and Les Houches. It is also the site of the Aiguille du Midi cable car – with the longest vertical gain of any lift in the world at 9,210 feet – which takes you up to the spectacular starting point of the Vallee Blanche.

The village itself is quite compact and relatively flat, so it is easy to get around. The pedestrian area (Rue Docteur Paccard – Rue Joseph Vallot) is a very entertaining stroll full of excellent restaurants, outdoor cafes and mountain sports equipment retailers. It also contains Chamonix’s biggest grocery store and pharmacy. Most areas of the village offer excellent views of Mont Blanc.

Getting there:

The easiest way to get there is to fly to Geneva (GVA) and then take a private shuttle. Chamonix is 55 miles (approx. one hour travel time) from GVA. Travel by train is a little more complicated as two of the main train stations in Geneva are being completely renovated and will not reopen until 2018. Under normal circumstances, the train trip from GVA to Chamonix takes about 3 hours.

Ski areas:

Le Brevent/Flegere: This is a large ski area on the sunny side of the valley, with exceptional views of the Mont Blanc massif. The easiest way to get there is to take the Plan Praz gondola from Chamonix. Most hotels are within a short walk of the gondola but the free shuttle bus will take you right there, if you don’t feel like walking. On a powder day, Le Brevent/Flegere doesn’t tracked out nearly as quickly as Argentiere/Les Grands Montets.

Argentiere/Les Grands Montets: The largest and most popular ski area in the Chamonix Valley, with 6,700 vertical feet of skiing. Take the free shuttle bus from Chamonix. There is not much terrain for beginners but you will find the gentlest slopes in the Marmottons area. We recommend that you hire a guide if skiing on the glaciers that are accessed from the Grands Montets cable car.

Les Houches: A smaller ski area, better suited for beginners and intermediate skiers. You can access the area via the free shuttle service. A heads-up for snowboarders - Les Houches has quite a few drag lifts.

Aiguille du Midi: The Vallee Blanche is a must-do for intermediate and advanced skiers. The run is more than 12 miles long and drops nearly 9,000 vertical feet. The main feature, however, is the incredible scenery. Only recommended with a mountain guide and on a clear day, it is an unforgettable alpine experience. The cable car leaves from Chamonix.

Hotels:

Hotel Mont-Blanc (5 stars): Just a block from the main pedestrian section, this hotel has undergone a full renovation within the last few years and is a really nice blend of elegance and contemporary innovation. The property has a beautiful spa, outdoor pool and private shuttle service. You won't be disappointed if you stay here. Highly recommended.

Heliopic (4 stars): Situated right next door to the Aiguille du Midi cable car station, the Heliopic is a 5 minute walk from the pedestrian area and the ski shuttle stop. Decorated in a contemporary Scandinavian style, the property was nice enough but seemed to lack warmth and atmosphere. I also found the bathrooms to be fairly small for such a new property. There are 90 rooms (34 standard, 38 superior and 18 family).

Grand Hotel des Alpes (4 stars): Located right in the center of the pedestrian area, this is a very nice 4 star property. The property backs onto the river – it might be worth requesting a room on the river side of the hotel if you are mostly there for skiing and not the nightlife. All rooms have split king beds and balconies are assigned by request. The hotel is a short walk from the shuttle bus stop. Bed and breakfast only is offered. Given that there are 50 restaurants within a 5 minute walk of the property, you won’t mind that there is no half-board option.

Morgane (4 stars): The Morgane has 56 rooms and is generally offered with bed only, or bed and breakfast (15 Euros extra per person per day). Half-board is offered during high season. One block from the pedestrian area, it is a short walk from the hotel to the ski shuttle stop. They also offer a private shuttle to Le Brevent for guests. Standard rooms have queen beds but all others have a split king. Balconies are a good size and the Junior Suites have a split king plus a queen sleeper-sofa. Like most nicer properties, it has a spa area with pool, sauna and hammam.

Hotel Les Aiglons (4 stars): This is a huge hotel with 107 rooms, probably best suited for groups. All rooms have balconies and split king beds. The superior rooms have the split king as well as a twin sleeper-sofa and views of Mont Blanc. The ski shuttle stops right outside. They have a huge restaurant that is going to be remodeled after this winter season. The hotel has a huge outdoor pool as well as steam room and sauna. I found the property to be a little dirty and somewhat overrated at 4 stars.

Les Balcons du Savoy (4 stars): Perfect for those who prefer to stay in a condo style of lodging. The property has 33 one and two bedroom apartments. Very family oriented, it has a huge game room, pool, sauna and hammam. It is located right beside the Savoy Samaran beginners area and just a short walk from the Plan Praz gondola that accesses Le Brevent. There are two buildings at the property and each has a laundry room. The apartments have kitchenettes rather than full kitchens but they are nice and traditionally decorated.

Hotel Le Prieure (3 stars): A hidden gem. This property just went through a major renovation and now features a contemporary style of décor. It is waaaaay nicer than other 3 stars and even many 4 star properties. It has a total of 97 rooms and offers bed and breakfast or half-board options. All rooms have split king beds and balconies and there are connection options throughout. One interesting possibility is connecting a family room with a standard room – this would give 2 split kings plus a queen sleeper-sofa and would include two full bathrooms. Walking distance to the ski shuttle, the property also has a ski shop, hammam, sauna and hot tub. Their half board package also includes dinner at the other local hotels within their ownership group – Mercure, Alpina and Croix Blanche.

Hotel de l’Arve (3 stars): The hotel has 37 rooms and 6 apartments. They offer bed and breakfast or half-board. Some rooms have balconies. This is an older, traditional-style property and has not been renovated in a long time, so expect small bathrooms and not much storage space in the rooms. It is only a short walk from the ski shuttle and pedestrian area and is a good option for people with a low budget and low expectations.

Chamonix France

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Chamonix lives up to its reputation as one of the top European Resorts.  During a recent trip to the French Alps, Mont Blanc was always seen from a distance.  Until Chamonix!  To see Mont Blanc so close is an indescribable stunning vision.  The town of Chamonix has lodging options for all needs and budgets.  My personal favorites are the Hotel Mont Blanc and The Grand Hotel des Alpes.  The pedestrian area is centrally located with some of the best shopping in the French Alps!  Though half board is normally recommended in Europe, Chamonix has such a wide variety of restaurants to choose from that you'll be happy to take breakfast in your hotel and have a different dinner choice each evening.   the Vallee Blanche is a bucket list item for intermediate and above skiers (you must go with a guide).  Weather dictated that we could not ski the Vallee Blanche this time, so that's just one more reason a repeat visit to Chamonix is in my future!