Chamonix is the oldest resort located in the French Alps. It lies at the very foot of Mont Blanc. Chamonix is ​​a long valley and the most popular holiday destination in Western Europe.

Skiing first appeared here in 1893. The first Winter Olympics were held here in 1924.

Currently, this holiday destination has an ideal reputation. The dream of many skiers is skiing on the slopes of Chamonix.

The geographical position of the valley is such that you can ride while in France, Italy (Courmayeur resort) or Switzerland (Vallorcine). Chamonix spread out from locality Les Houches to the miniature town of Argentières.

What attracts the resort of Chamonix

The famous resort is a paradise for fans of mountaineering and skiing.

In the Chamonix Valley you can see magnificent landscapes that amaze with their natural beauty. Here is the highest point in Western Europe - the Mont Blanc mountain range, which looks impressive and severe.

Chamonix has an ideal reputation among skiers.

The slopes of the mountains guarantee optimal conditions for skiing:

• Throughout the winter season, perfect snow cover is preserved here.
• The resort has over 3,000 hectares of prepared slopes and more than 150 km of good slopes that are suitable for beginners and experienced skiers.
• There are steep and bumpy slopes, trails for skiing at a calm pace and all conditions for skiing off-piste.

How to get there

It is quite easy to get to the resort, having left the capital of any European country. Chamonix is ​​at the point of intersection with Switzerland and Italy.

• Avia. Planes arrive in this city from Geneva, Paris, Lyon.
• Railway. There is a railway station in Chamonix where trains arrive from Paris.
• Auto. European motorways pass through the central part of the valley, so a trip to the resort can be made by car.

Location of Chamonix on a map of France

See the location of the ski resort on the map:

Local Attractions

Chamonix is ​​divided into five ski areas, which are interconnected with each other and the resort center by bus service:

• logs,
• Grand Mont,
• Valle Blanche,
• Le Flefer
• Le Tour.

The most popular area is the Gran Monte, the slopes and fields of which are suitable for off-piste skiing. The life of the resort is not limited to skiing. Evening entertainment here is rich and varied. In the center of the valley there is an entertainment complex, a casino, restaurants, shops, bars and cafes.

Chamonix is ​​the perfect destination for those with a passion for mountains.

Chamonix is ​​the perfect place for those who are passionate about mountains: skiing, hiking, tennis, mountain climbing, rock climbing, golf courses are popular leisure activities in the resort.

• If you are interested in historical sights, then you should visit Alpine Museum. He talks about the past of the famous valley. There you can get acquainted with the history of skiing and mountaineering, cartography and mineralogy. Among the exhibits there is a wonderful collection of old lithographs, engravings and posters.
• Located in Chamonix Museum House Barberine which is also of interest to tourists.
• The exposition of the traditional way of life of local residents can be seen in Mining Museum in Les Houches.
• In addition, vacationers are invited Alpine house in Servoz, where exhibits illustrating the daily life of the population are presented.

PHOTO - Chamonix, France

View of Mont Blanc - Chamonix, France
Ski slopes in Chamonix
Chamonix: Chalet for Lovers Petit Pierre


Chamonix, France: Aiguille du Midi
Peak Aiguille du Midi - Observation deck on Mont Blanc

Apartments in Chamonix

The resort has a huge selection of accommodation - from five-star hotels to cozy chalets.

• Feel the Alpine atmosphere in the Tradition Chalet.
• The best chalet for couples in love is Petit Pierre.
• Among the hotels, the five-star Hôtel Le Hameau Albert stands out.
• For those who want to contemplate the beauty of Mont Blanc, Auberge du Bois Prin is suitable.

There are many other hotels in the valley, which differ in star rating, range of services and location.

Weather in Chamonix

The resort has a big advantage over others - a long ski season. The resort is surrounded by mountain slopes, which form a kind of ring around it. Therefore, a temperate climate with high humidity prevails here.

Winter. In winter, the temperature usually does not rise above zero. At the height and in the valley, the air temperature is different. In the mountains there are frosts of about -12 degrees. In rare cases, the temperature drops to -20.

Summer. Sunny weather prevails in Chamonix. In summer it is warm here: from +18 to +20 degrees. High in the mountains, the temperature is 5 degrees higher.

The favorable season for skiers lasts from the beginning of winter until last days Martha. In the highlands, the season lasts until mid-May.

Summer rest

In the warm season, the resort offers tourists a lot of interesting activities:

• Vacationers enjoy rock climbing.
• During the summer, the valley hosts exciting international festivals. For example, adventure, gastronomic, festival of organ music, jazz, etc.
• Mountain bike competitions are of interest.

In the summer months, the resort offers a rich outdoor activity: golf, trekking, climbing, rafting, etc. During the day you can swim in the lakes, and in the evening enjoy your rest on the terrace of the restaurant.

A popular area for skiers is Balm, which is almost entirely occupied by cyclists.

Chamonix has a skate park, which is part of the municipal sports infrastructure development program.

Thrill-seekers can go riverboarding.

If you want a relaxing holiday, then this is also possible. Romantic evenings, hiking and educational excursions - such leisure activities are suitable for many couples.

Ski resort Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: advantages, attractions, conditions for skiing, popular entertainment, photo.

Chamonix is ​​the largest, most famous and oldest ski resort in the French Alps. For two centuries now, the town of the same name has been captivating its guests, because it is located in the heart of a picturesque valley, bordered on all sides by mountain slopes: located in an amazingly beautiful place - at the foot of Mont Blanc, one of the highest mountain peaks in Europe, it stretches for 16 km from the town of Argentiere to the village of Les Houches.

Chamonix is ​​the only resort in France that is part of the prestigious "The Best of the Alps" association, which includes the 12 best ski "stadiums" of the Alpine region. It was here that the first Winter Olympic Games were held in 1924, but the history of Chamonix begins much earlier - skiing first appeared in the region in 1893.

The official website of the resort in Russian: www.chamonix-montblanc.ru

Today, the famous French resort is considered the "Mecca" of fans of skiing. But why does it attract tourists so much?

Advantages of Chamonix resort

1. Unique geographical position: the Chamonix valley is located at the crossroads of European roads, which allows its guests to conquer the mountain slopes not only of France, but also of Switzerland (the Monte Pass connects Chamonix with it) and Italy (you can get there through a tunnel laid under Mont Blanc).
2. The resort is open all year round: in winter it welcomes lovers of snowboarding and skiing, and in summer it turns into a paradise for climbers.
3. A variety of slopes: the resort has slopes for beginners and experienced skiers, for professionals and real extreme people. The steep slopes of the region will give a good dose of adrenaline to thrill-seekers and desperate daredevils, and the scenic 25-kilometer glacier descent from Mont Blanc will enchant even the most demanding skiers.
4. Numerous cable cars, convenient location of the ski lifts and a first-class train that runs throughout the valley provide easy travel between the main ski areas and the villages of the valley.
5. Perfect snow cover: 90% of Chamonix's pistes are high-altitude - over 2 km, which guarantees an abundance of snow throughout the season.
6. The resort itself is located at a low altitude (1035 m), so neither adults nor young children have problems with acclimatization.
7. Fascinating alpine landscapes: in the Chamonix valley, rocky peaks, evergreen coniferous forests and picturesque slopes scattered along the valley are amazing in beauty, as if touching the clouds.

Chamonix ski slopes

The famous French resort includes 4 ski areas: Les Houches, Le Brevent, Le Tour and Les Grands Montets. Separately, you can highlight the La Flegere area (La Flegere), combined with Le Brevin. The Le Grand Monte ski area is internationally renowned for its great elevation changes and perfect snow.

The resort has 100 slopes with a total length of about 170 km, including 34 slopes of medium difficulty, 32 slopes for experienced skiers, 21 slopes for professionals and 13 slopes for beginners. There are also 42 km of cross-country skiing trails in Chamonix, the longest being Chamonix-Argentiere.

The pride of the resort is the legendary White Valley, one of the longest off-piste slopes in the Alps (more than 20 km long). It starts at the top of the Aiguille du Midi mountain: from a height of more than 3800 m, an unforgettable view of the picturesque valley opens up. The most dangerous is the descent of Vallee Blanche: it is not recommended even for professionals to overcome it without an instructor.

The most difficult in the region are the slopes under the Grand Monte funicular, Pylones and Pointe de Vue. Intermediate skiers will find comfortable wooded slopes in the Les Tours and Les Houches ski areas. And for beginners, it is better to use the slopes of Les Planards, Le Savoy, Les Chosalets, La Vormaine and Le Tour. There are also specially prepared slopes for children.

Popular attractions and attractions

Chamonix is ​​like a magnet for passionate mountain travelers. But in addition to mountaineering, skiing and rock climbing, this resort offers its guests golf courses, squash courts, snowboard parks, ice rinks, tennis courts, cinemas, bars, discos, restaurants and a lot of other entertainment. For children under 6 there are mini-clubs, there are three of them in the town - Halte-Garderie, Panda-Ski and Panda-Club. In Chamonix, outdoor enthusiasts will find entertainment they can only dream of. Helicopter rides, horse-drawn sleigh rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, bowling, hang-gliding and ice-stock throwing are especially popular among tourists.

The resort has more than 90 hotels of category from 1* to 5*****.

Shops are open from 10.00 to 19.00, lunch break - from 12.00 to 14.00. There is a market on Saturdays.

Fans of excursions will be interested in visiting the Ice Museum, visiting the Espace Tairazz exhibition complex, the municipal library and Philip Fragnol's photo gallery: the theme of the Alpine world is presented in the artist's works. The collection of minerals, engravings, lithographs, paintings and other exhibits of the Mountain Museum will introduce you to the history of mountaineering and skiing.

How to get to Chamonix

You can get to the resort from any European capital - by car (the city center is crossed by the European motorway network) and by train (Chamonix is ​​the only ski resort in France with its own railway station). Nearest airports: Geneva (distance - 88 km, travel time - 1.4 hours), Turin (174 km, 2.5 hours), Lyon (220 km, 4 hours), Milan (260 km, 3 hours), Paris (600 km, about 5 hours by high speed train).

Chamonix Photos

Having gone to Chamonix, especially in anticipation of new year holidays, you will feel like a hero of a real winter fairy tale. Rest in this paradise is filled with alpine comfort, French romance and European chic. Chamonix is ​​an exquisite Savoyard cuisine, pristine nature, breathtaking landscapes, pure mountain air. The pearl of the French Alps conquers even the most spoiled skiers. Would like to come back here. I don't want to leave here. Charles Dickens himself wrote: “The valley of Chamonix Mont Blanc and its glacier are the most beautiful landscapes that I have ever seen. And what's more, I can't imagine anything more wonderful in nature."

Ski resorts in France
Chamonix.

Chamonix: about the resort

Chamonix is ​​one of the oldest ski resorts in Europe and France. It was here that the first Winter Olympic Games were held in 1924. Chamonix is ​​one of the best resorts for freeriders and confident skiers, suitable for lovers of different tracks, this resort is recommended for lovers of apres-ski and historical resorts. Beginners will not feel very comfortable in Chamonix - the ski area for beginners is small and located below, near the resort, where the snow is not in the best condition.

Official website of the resort: www.chamonix.com
Chamonix piste maps: http://www.chamonix.com/plans,14,fr.html
Website in Russian: http://chamonix-montblanc.ru

Recommended: confident skiers, freeriders, non-skiers, lovers of luxury accommodation and apres-ski, tourists who want to combine excursions and skiing.
Not recommended: for beginners, those who are looking for a large connected ski area and the opportunity to ride "to the door".

Pros:
- One of the oldest and most beautiful resorts in the Alps.
- A variety of interesting landscapes.
- Moderate prices for accommodation.
- Lots of entertainment for non-skating.
- Excellent opportunities for freeride and expert riding.
- Good opportunities for excursions.

Minuses:
- There is no single (for the entire valley) system of lifts.
- Old ski lifts in many ski areas, queues are possible.
- Heavy traffic.
- Expensive ski passes.
- Skiing down to the hotel/apartment is almost impossible.
- The trails leading to the resort are usually not in the best condition.

Chamonix: pistes and facts

106 tracks: 14% green, 34% blue, 38% red and 14% black, for a total of around 120km of pistes.
Longest track: about 19 km.
Ski area: 308 ha
Lifts: 20 cabins, 27 chairlifts, 18 drag cabins.
The highest point of the ski area: 3275 m (Grand Monte)
Height difference: 2023 meters (from Grande Monte to Argentiere)
Snow guns: 96
Ice Skating: The White Valley (Vallee Blanche), which starts below the top of the Aiguille du Midi lift, is the best route for freeriding. There are no prepared tracks in this sector. Guided ride recommended.

Chamonix is ​​beautiful at any time of the day, but the evening city at Christmas and New Year's time is most striking. Chamonix welcomes guests with a myriad of lights, clean air and an indescribable smell of holiday anticipation.

This city is so old, comfortable and cozy. However, what else can you expect from a ski resort with a 200-year history!

Chamonix is ​​surrounded by mountains from all sides - it is difficult to find a place where one of the peaks would not be visible. The most majestic view opens from a height of 3842 meters from the Aiguille de Midi, where you can climb in 20 minutes by cable car (one of the highest in Europe). It is striking not only the panorama of mountains, the valley, the glacier that has opened up, but also how people could build such a monumental structure at such a great height. And, of course, Chamonix is ​​Mont Blanc: the most high mountain Western Europe visible from different points of the valley, and especially well - from the slopes above the resort.

How to Get to Chamonix

By plane

Regular flights from Russia are carried out to the international airports of Geneva, Lyon, Milan, Turin. Charter flights from Russia to the international airports of Grenoble, Chambéry, Geneva (www.gva.ch), Lyon (www.lyon.aeroport.fr), Milan and Turin (www.aeroportoditorino.it). The nearest airport is Geneva (1 hour by car, distance - 99 km).

By train

The TGV train from Paris arrives at Le Fayet on Saturdays and Sundays (journey time 5 hours). Next - transfer to the Mont Blanc Express train, line Saint Gervais-Le Fayet-Vallorcine and arrival at the station in Chamonix. Additional Information: www.voyages-sncf.com

By bus

Daily scheduled bus service Geneva-Chamonix by SAT (www.sat-montblanc.com). Advance Ticket Bus Lines: Chamonix Bus (www.chamonix-bus.com), Chamonix Transfer Service (www.chamonix-transfer.com), Cham Express (www.chamexpress.com), Mountain Drop Offs (www.mountaindropoffs. com).

Taxi/car
The fastest way to get to Chamonix is ​​from Geneva Airport, in about 1 hour and 40 minutes; from Geneva - 1 hour; from Turin - 2 hours; from Milan - 3 hours; from Lyon - 2 hours; from Paris - 6 hours. By car in Chamonix, follow the A40 autobahn (in France). When leaving Switzerland, follow the highway to Martigny, via Col pass de la Forclaz and Col des Montets. From Italy, the road goes through the Mont-Blanc Tunnel, linking Courmayeur and Mont Blanc. For information about the Mont-Blanc Tunnel, visit www.atmb.net The following taxi companies are recommended: Abac Taxi (www.abactaxichamonix.com), Chamonix Taxi (www.chamonix-taxi.com), Alp Taxi (www.alp-taxi. com), Taxi Buton (www.taxi-buton.com), Taxi Garny (www.taxy-garny.com), Taxi Servoz (www.taxiservoz.com)

Ski passes in Chamonix

Skipass Chamonix le Pass
Ski areas: Brevent-Flegere, Balme, Grands Montets without Lognan-Grands Montets, Les Planards, le Savoy, les Chosalets, la Vormaine For 6 days: 252 euros for adults, 214.60 euros for children 4-15 years old.
For 13 days: 494 euros for adults, 419.90 euros for children.
Discounts on family ski passes: when buying two adult ski passes, the 1st child in the family gets a 50% discount, the second one rides for free.

Ski pass Mont-Blanc Unlimited:
All Chamonix Le Pass + Aiguille du Midi ski areas, Helbronner cabanas, Montenvers train, Courmayeur ski areas and Monte Bianco funicular. The ski pass from 6 days includes the opportunity to ski in Verbier (Switzerland).
For 6 days: 299 euros for adults, 254.20 euros for children 4-15 years old.
For 13 days: 540.50 euros for adults, 459.40 euros for children.
Children under 4 ride for free (a document confirming the age of the child is required).

Skiing in Chamonix

Unlike many French resorts, Chamonix does not have a large combined ski area, a significant part of the slopes (there are 155 km of them in Chamonix) are in the Brevent / Flegere, Le Tour and Grands Montets areas. The first skiing area, which unites Brevent and neighboring Flegere, is located directly above the city, here you can find a sufficient number of comfortable slopes for intermediate and confident skiers.

Le Brevent/La Fregele (1095-2525 m)
One of the most beautiful places in the Chamonix valley is Le Brevent, a peak located on the south side of the valley directly opposite Mont Blanc. This is one of the most popular ski areas among our tourists. It should be borne in mind that from the top point of the lift (cabin), from the mark of 2525 meters, only black tracks lead. The rest of the ski area is good for intermediate skiers. Le Brevent is also famous for off-piste skiing and is quite popular with snowboarders. However, Chamonix can only be a stretch to call a resort well suited for snowboarding (if you exclude freeride) - the abundance of narrow trails that look like roads does not please the "boarders" too much. Beginners are advised to master the first turns on the training track in the resort itself or go to the neighboring ski areas, where there are many green slopes.

Easy and comfortable trails for beginners are located in different parts valleys. These are Volmaire, le Chosalets, les Planards, les Pelerins, le Savoy.

Chamonix is ​​also a huge choice of apres-ski entertainment. The resort has long been famous for its coffee shops and delicious pastries. The city has 14 bars, 80 restaurants, more than a hundred shops, 7 discos, cinemas and even a casino. It is good to come to Chamonix with the whole family, even if 1-2 people ride - there will be entertainment for everyone. Like most French resorts, Chamonix has dedicated kids clubs for all ages.

The Le Tour area is a good place for beginners and advanced, and snowboarders will also like it. And for those who are looking for thrills, it is better to go to the Grand Montets - this is where the world-famous area is located, very popular among freeriders. Perhaps, only Belaya Dolina, a famous glacier zone with a 20-kilometer freeride route, can boast of a greater attraction for experienced skiers. For the sake of unrealistic, bewitching impressions from traveling through the Vallee Blanche, it is worth coming to Chamonix at least once.

White Valley (Vallee Blanche)
Having climbed the Aiguille de Midi and admired the beautiful views, experienced skiers go down the White Valley. This is a 22 km glacier descent, with no limits or markings.

Photo: Andrey Kamenev

You can go down the main route in the White Valley on your own in good weather, and if you follow the tracks, the risk is quite small. But you should keep in mind that this is a glacier, many cracks are covered with snow, and several deaths occur annually on off-piste routes in the White Valley. To pass along the ridge from the upper station of the cable car to the beginning of the descent, you will need crampons, it is better to fasten your skis to your backpack. But to see the most Beautiful places White Valley, it is highly recommended to hire a guide.

Lognan / Les Grands Montets
One of the most famous ski areas in France is located to the west of the city at altitudes from 1230 to 3233 meters. This area attracts primarily lovers of freeride and off-piste skiing: there are not many areas in Europe that combine such spaciousness, excellent snow quality with a variety of terrain and a vertical drop of 2100 meters. You can get to Grand Monte from Chamonix by bus (they are often crowded in the morning), car or taxi.

Le Tour/Vallorcine (1480-2230 m) almost perfect place for family vacation and beginners - many blue and green runs. A very picturesque and moderately long blue trail leads from Vallorcina, laid in a pine forest. There are few really steep and truly trails in this area.

Helpful information
If your arrival is scheduled for the weekend, it is better to stock up on some euros in cash or have bank card. Exchange offices in banks are open from Monday to Friday and on Saturday morning, however, the exchange rate is usually worse than in Moscow. There are no problems with ATMs - there are many of them. A ski pass can be purchased either at the tourist office (t. +33 0450 53 0024) or directly at the ski lifts.

Ski pass Chamonix Le Pass (from 1 to 13 days) gives you the opportunity to climb anywhere in the valley, except for Les Houches (Les Houches) and the second stage of the Grands Montets. The bus ride from Bossons to Tour is free of charge. For ski passes valid for 10 days or more, a photo is required.

The Mont-Blanc Unlimited ski pass gives you the opportunity to ski absolutely on any slopes, including the resorts of Les Houches, Courmayeur (Italy) - with a surcharge for a bus of 15 euros, Verbier (Switzerland) - with a surcharge for a bus of 24 euros, and Megeve (France) - no extra charge. Also, this ski pass allows you to use the buses in the valley for free and get a discount when traveling through the Mont Blanc tunnel (14 euros both ways). It makes sense to buy this ski pass for freeriders, as well as for those who want not to be limited to one ski area.

Price in high season: 62 euros for adults, 51 euros for children from 4 years old and seniors (from 65 years old). There are discounts for families with children. Chamonix ski pass price for 6 days: €299/€254.20 adults/children. Additional discounts apply to ski passes at the beginning of winter and spring, when buying online (at least 3 days before the start of skiing). For families with more than 1 child, it makes sense to buy the Chamonix Le Pass family ski pass, which allows the second and third child to ski at no extra charge.

History of Chamonix

The first inn opened in Chamonix in 1770 and was a harbinger of the tourist boom that swept the resort a little later. Chamonix became especially popular after the conquest of Mont Blanc in 1786. Everyone believed that the local mountain peaks were not at all as inaccessible as it seemed before. Romantic writers and journalists began to describe the mountains not as a formidable place full of terrible dangers, but as a preserved island of untouched nature. And not only desperate daredevils and adventurers rushed to Chamonix, but also quite respectable tourists. In 1816, the first hotel was built in Chamonix, and in the 1900s, three magnificent palace hotels appeared in the valley.

In 1821, the Compagnie des Guides, the oldest and largest association of mountain guides in the world, was founded. And in 1908, the first mountain (cog) railway Montenvers Mer de Glace was inaugurated, delivering tourists to the glacier. Today, this historic railway takes 20 minutes from the center of Chamonix to the foot of the Mer de Glace glacier, the largest in France - its length is 7 km and a thickness of 200 m. However, the turning point in the history of Chamonix was the construction of roads and convenient railway communication, which made the valley accessible to guests from all over Europe. Tourists from England, France and other countries began to come to Chamonix to look at Mont Blanc, walk in the mountains and breathe in the fresh mountain air. In 1866, during the reign of Napoleon III, the first horse-drawn carriages appeared on the village streets, and between St. Gervais Le Fayet (Saint-Gervais Le Fayet) and Chamonix a railway line was built. With the advent of trains, Chamonix became accessible not only in summer, opening up opportunities for winter sports and recreation. One of the popularizers of winter holidays in the Alps was Dr. Payot.

The first Winter Olympics took place in Chamonix in 1924, turning the valley into a fashionable and highly popular resort. In subsequent years, many lifts appeared on the surrounding slopes. The first were the Glacier Cable Car (now defunct) and Planpraz, then the lifts began to deliver tourists to Brevent, Aiguille du Midi and Flegere.

Today Chamonix is ​​not only a popular tourist resort, but also an important transport point linking France and Italy thanks to the tunnel under Mont Blanc.

Useful addresses and facts:
Chamonix website in Russian
France itinerary planning
Maps, distances, cost of travel in France

Chamonix is ​​the largest French resort, which is over 200 years old. It is located in the valley of the Mont Blanc mountain range of the French Alps at an altitude of 1010 - 1200 meters. The ski resort of Chamonix in France is the site of the first ever Winter Olympics (1924). Moreover, this place is the ancestor of skiing in general. Skiing began here in 1893.

We can confidently say that if the visiting card of France is Paris, then in relation to the Alps it is Chamonix. If we talk about the possibility of relaxing in this resort - in Chamonix the prices are such that both very wealthy people and lovers of mountain landscapes of an average income level can afford it.

If you are looking for something more affordable, then we recommend paying attention to domestic resorts. In and, for example, more and more tourists come every year, including foreigners.

basic information

Location

Chamonix is ​​located at the intersection between the mountain tunnel under the Mont Blanc Massif (Italy) and the Monte Pass (Switzerland).

Not far away is one of the largest ski resorts in Italy - the Dolomites. You can only read about it positive reviews: The slopes cater to the needs of skiers of all skill levels and are also a paradise for snowboarders. The hospitality and excellent service of local residents delights ... Read more.

How to get to Chamonix?

You can get to Chamonix from any European country by plane. The closest airports are:

• in Geneva at a distance of 80 kilometers;
• in Lyon at a distance of 226 kilometers;
• and in Paris at a distance of 612 kilometers.

Car enthusiasts will also find it easy to reach their destination, as the European road network runs through the center of Chamonix. This resort town even has its own railway station, where a high-speed train leaves from Paris every day (travel time is 5 hours).

In the Chamonix Mont Blanc valley, you can travel on the Mont-Blanc Express train on the route "Saint Gervais - Vallorcine - Martigny"

weather, season

The climate in Chamonix is ​​very mild, so the resort operates throughout the year. In winter, the average temperature reaches plus 7 degrees. The ski season here starts in December and lasts until early April. The temperature in Chamonix in summer reaches plus 24 degrees. During this period, the resort is no less attractive for tourists (climbing, mountain biking).

Trails, slopes, lifts

The total length of the ski slopes in the resort in Chamonix is ​​170 kilometers. They are mainly located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters, so there is no shortage of snow cover. At the service of lovers ski holidays more than 3000 hectares of perfectly prepared slopes, with slopes of all types of difficulty.

One of the longest slopes in the Alps, White Valley, is located here. The resort opens up a wide range of opportunities for lovers of off-piste skiing.

There are a total of 49 lifts in Chamonix. However common system connecting different ski areas - no. A bus runs between them (travel time 7-15 minutes).

The resort has two large ski schools.

Ski pass prices (prices are in EUR)

Accommodation, other activities, après-ski, attractions

About 70 hotels operate in Chamonix to accommodate tourists different class, as well as more than 4,000 apartments and chalets for every taste and income level. For vacationers in the resort there are cinemas and discos, casinos, bars, more than 200 restaurants and about the same number of shops.

If you are going to visit a restaurant or cafe, we recommend you to take the Restaupoche guidebook from the tourist center. It contains all the information about the cuisine, wines and desserts of each establishment. We recommend visiting "La Caleche" and tasting traditional Savoyard cuisine with excellently matched wines.

The city has a library, a photo gallery, an exhibition complex and a museum. Also numerous in the resort and sports activities in the centers of O'lympide and Richard Bozon.

The O'lympide Sports Center offers a solarium, water slides, Turkish bath, sauna and swimming pool.

Service prices:

Sports Center Richard Bozon offers jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, water slides, swimming pool, gym and climbing hall.

Service prices:

Do you want to get acquainted with the surroundings? Visit excursions that are held in the following directions:

• Church of Our Lady of All Graces;
• Geneva;
• Martini (Switzerland);
• Courmayeur (Italy);
• Megeve;
• Lyon;
• Aosta (Italy);
• Annecy;
• Evian;
• Lausanne (Switzerland).

Go snowshoeing along the winter hiking trails (it's about 17 km!) or go dog sledding.

Tennis courts, bowling, billiards, squash courts, GYM's, ice rinks. Helicopter rides, hang gliding, sleigh rides, rock climbing on frozen waterfalls and much more are at your service.

Photos of Chamonix attractions:

Chamonix is ​​a popular ski resort on the border of France and Switzerland. It was here that the first Winter Olympic Games were held in 1924. Since then, the city has changed - modern infrastructure, safe trails and many lifts. Fans of outdoor activities are attracted by the variety of slopes and the spirit of an old ski resort - the warm comfort of log cabins, snow-capped peaks and the atmosphere of an eternal holiday.

Chamonix is ​​the first capital of the Winter Olympics.

It is worth coming here even for those who have never skied and do not plan to. At least - to admire the views of the French Alps from the observation deck or from the window of the restaurant. And also climb high into the mountains and go sledding, go dog sledding or mountain biking and, of course, taste hearty and high-calorie Savoyard cuisine, which warms you so well on a frosty day.

Chamonix Tourist Center

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Tourist Center: Place du Triangle de l "amitié, 85. Website.

From airport to city

The most convenient way to go to Chamonix is ​​by bus from Geneva. Transport departs directly from Cointrin airport, where planes from Russia arrive, so you don’t have to spend time on the road to the bus station. Transportation is carried out by the SAT Mont-Blanc company (off site in English), the ticket price is up to 60 EUR, the journey will take 1.5 hours. Prices on the page are for September 2018.

There are also companies that organize transfers from Geneva to Chamonix - Alpy Bus (off. site in English) and Chamexpress (off. site in English). During the season (December to April) shuttles run daily, every half an hour. The fare is 27 EUR.

You can also travel from Geneva to Chamonix by train. First you need to get to the Central railway station - Kornavena. There are no direct routes, only with transfers - in Bellegarde-sur-Valserin and Saint-Gervais. You will have to spend more than 3 hours on the road, the whole journey will cost 20-30 EUR. You can see the routes and buy tickets from the official distributor) French Railways. Tickets to Chamonix from other European cities are also sold there.

Getting from Lyon and Paris is even longer and more expensive - 4.5 hours (49-71 EUR) and 7 hours (117-130 EUR), respectively. High-speed TVG trains go from the French capital to the Alps, however, only to Lyon. There you need to transfer to another train, and then make another change in Saint-Gervais.

Search for flights to Geneva (nearest airport to Chamonix)

Transport

The Chamonix Valley has a well-developed public transport system. Buses of the Chamonix Bus company run throughout the resort (off site in English), in the winter season there are night routes. They depart frequently, a ticket costs 3 EUR.

Those who want to save on travel should ask the hotel administration for a resort guest card - “Carte d’Haut”. Its owners, as well as those who have a ski pass, can use all public transport and SNCF trains for free. In hotels, you won’t have to pay for the card, but in the city municipality and the tourist office it costs 2 EUR.

From the Swiss town of Martigny to the French Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-les-Fayets runs the famous express train "Mont Blanc" (off. site in English). It passes through the center of the Chamonix valley and the main railway station of the resort and makes stops at several villages and at the ski lifts. With a Carte d'Haute card and a ski pass, you can travel on it for free, for the rest, the road from Chamonix to Saint-Gervais will cost 15-22 EUR. This is a convenient way to move between different tracks.

For those who are too late or in a hurry, there are several taxi companies operating in Chamonix. A trip around the resort will cost 30-80 EUR, to other cities - from 150 EUR. Some companies accept credit cards for payment.

Rent a Car

For those who come just to ski, renting a car does not make sense - it is convenient to travel around the resort by public transport. A car will help save time and money if you plan to travel around the area and to other cities in France and Switzerland.

There are no traffic jams in Chamonix, traffic jams happen on the French-Swiss border. You can leave your car overnight for free - most hotels have parking lots, the use of which is included in the price. During the day, there will be no problems either - there are many paid and free parking lots in the city (in the center, at railway stations and in ski areas). Price per day 15 EUR. At night, most parking lots are not limited in time and are free of charge; during the day, you can’t leave your car on some for more than 2 hours.

There are several rental offices in Chamonix - Europecar, Avis and others. Prices start from 133 EUR per day, the longer the rental period, the cheaper.

Communication and Wi-Fi

Mobile communication in Chamonix works well, the exception is only the highest points. However, as elsewhere in France, it costs a lot here - buying a local SIM card will not save much on calls home. Packages of three French mobile operators - SFR, Bouygues and Orange are sold in mobile phone stores, where you can also buy a top-up card. The cost of a call with Russia is different, the most favorable tariff is offered by Bouygues - 1 EUR per minute.

When buying even a prepaid rate, you will need a French address of the place of residence - a hotel or recreation center will do.

Going online in this town lost in the mountains is not difficult. True, posting a photo on Instagram directly from the top of the Aiguille du Midi will not work, you will have to go down to the valley. Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and chalets, cafes and restaurants, as well as in the tourist information center. The easiest way to catch a network is on the main square - there are several catering establishments with equipped access points nearby.

Skiing in Chamonix

Chamonix is ​​one of the most popular ski resorts in the French Alps. For more than 200 years of history, excellent infrastructure has been created on the slopes of the Mont Blanc massif, which allows you to comfortably ski from late December to early March (on some slopes until early May). In the resorts of Chamonix there is also a place for snowboarders, lovers of freestyle, slalom and flat skiing.

Trails and lifts

The town itself is located in a small valley at an altitude of 1000-1200 m above sea level, but all ski areas are located above 2000 m. There are more than 70 slopes of various difficulty levels, several dozen lifts, and half-pipes. All slopes and pistes of Chamonix are divided into several areas of skiing.

It is better for beginners and inexperienced athletes to hone their skills in the Les Houches zone - there are many simple and wide green and blue pistes. There are also more complex red and black slopes, but there are not many of them.

In all areas of skiing there are cabin, chairlifts, drag and tow lifts, from Chamonix and the surrounding villages the slopes can be reached by funiculars. Some of them operate all year round, others - only in the high season.

Funiculars from the center of Chamonix, the neighboring town of Argentière and the village of Les Praz lead to the areas of Brevin and Fleger, interconnected by a cabin lift. There are more red and black slopes, there are several easy and medium routes, and at the very top there is an area for snowboarders.

Experienced skiers should look into the Le Grand Morte area. Here are the most difficult slopes of Chamonix and some more interesting descents. Those who are confident in their abilities can conquer the longest route - 22 km. To do this, you need to climb to the top of the Aiguille du Midi on the funicular - the highest in Chamonix.

The zone Le Tour - Vallorcine - Col de Balme is located on the border with Switzerland. There is a black track that ends on the territory of a neighboring state. On the other hand, you can slide down to the very bottom - the city of Argentiere. There are many interesting descents and traverses, one drawback - strong winds, because of which the lifts are sometimes closed.

Active holidays in Chamonix

Ski passes

The Mont Blanc Unlimited pass allows you to ski on all slopes and includes a few more bonuses - an ice rink, a pool and museums - for free. Price - 63.50 EUR per day (for children and pensioners - 49.70 EUR). It is more profitable to buy for 6 days - 306 EUR.

A cheaper option - "Chamonis Le Pass" - covers 3 ski areas (Le Grand Morte, Brevent - Fleger and Balm - Vallorcine - Le Tour), the cost of a ski pass for 1 day is 51.50 EUR for adults and 43 EUR for children, for 6 days - 258 and 218 EUR.

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Chamonix Hotels

Housing in Chamonix is ​​not cheap, even places in a common room are comparable in price to double rooms in an inexpensive hotel. The most economical option is hostels, a night in a room for 6 people will cost 49-75 EUR.

Many hotels in Chamonix are built in a warm pastoral chalet style, which enhances the atmosphere of the old ski resort.

This place is very popular among outdoor enthusiasts. It is worth booking accommodation, especially for the season, in advance. In addition to standard hotels, apartments, holiday homes and the type of chalet accommodation typical of the Alpine region are widespread here. The cost varies from 80 to 460 EUR per day. There are also tents and yurts for 5-7 people (from 150 EUR per night).

The city has many middle-class hotels without stars and 2-3 *, some include breakfast and parking in the price. Prices for double rooms start from 100 EUR and go up to 300 EUR. Elite housing is represented by 4 and 5 * hotels, accommodation in them will cost 110-300 EUR for two.

What to bring

All souvenirs in Chamonix are somehow connected with the Alps and skiing. Shops and shops sell posters, mugs, plates and key rings with images of snow-covered slopes. The demand for cute ceramic figurines of St. Bernards, which are considered a symbol of the Alps, does not fall either. Especially a lot of them on store shelves in winter - during the Christmas holidays.

T-shirts with funny drawings and inscriptions on the ski theme are also popular among tourists. And inveterate athletes will be able to find excellent equipment in the local shopping malls, the quality of which is impressive, and the price significantly hits the pocket. However, this does not stop true skiing enthusiasts - good equipment is a guarantee of safety on the track.

From edible here you can grab local farm products - organic cheeses and milk. True, in Chamonix itself, they also cost a lot, it is better to go to one of the neighboring villages.

Cuisine and restaurants of Chamonix

Savoy cuisine is common in Chamonix - fatty and high-calorie. However, after a whole day on the slopes, this is just what you need. One of the main products is cheese, which seems to be added to all dishes without exception.

The French Alps are the birthplace of the classic cheese fondue.

The most popular are "tartiflet" (potato casserole with bacon and onions under melted cheese), "raclette" (a large piece of cheese is melted on a metal tile right on the dining table and scraped off into a plate - on boiled potatoes) and classic cheese fondue. The inhabitants of the French Alps believe that they invented this unusual dish here. As for drinks, hot mulled wine and cool white wines of the nearest wine-growing regions are in demand.

The ubiquitous McDonald's has reached this town, lost in the mountains, so that economical and unpretentious tourists will not have problems with food. A full meal will cost 5-10 EUR per person.

There are more than 100 catering establishments in Chamonix - fashionable restaurants (there are several Michelin stars), democratic establishments, cafes and coffee houses. In addition to traditional Savoyard cuisine, there are French, Italian, Japanese and others. The price range is large - breakfast in a cozy coffee shop costs an average of 10-18 EUR for two, lunch in a middle-class restaurant - 25-60 EUR, and dinner with good wine in an expensive establishment - from 80 EUR.

Entertainment and attractions

The main attractions of Chamonix are steep mountain slopes and interesting trails. However, even here you can dilute active rest with a cultural program.

To do this, you need to go to the Mer de Glace glacier, which in itself is considered the most impressive place in the resort. This huge ice massif stretches for 12 km from top to bottom. The Montenver funicular, a mountain railway, runs to it. Every summer, an artificial ice grotto is created in the Mer de Glace, which is equipped with a Museum of Ice and Wax Sculptures depicting local residents of the 19th century in traditional costumes and with household items.

For those who want to relax actively, but do not ski, Chamonix has swimming pools, gyms, climbing walls, tennis courts and much more, and for extreme sports there is a paragliding club.

Not far from the "ice museum" is the exhibition complex "Espace Tyrazz", where cultural events and art exhibitions are held. The most interesting photo gallery belongs to Philippe Franoll, who captured the beauty of the Alps and the drive of skiers and snowboarders in his pictures.

Another interesting museum located at the base of the Mer de Glace glacier. The expositions of the Glaciorum are dedicated to the depths of Mont Blanc, the valuable minerals that the Alps are rich in, as well as the nature and climate of these places.

Popular excursions

Hiking in the vicinity of Chamonix and on the Mer de Glace glacier is most in demand (about 31 EUR per person). You can also ride a mountain bike along the same routes (25-50 EUR). For those who want extreme sports, there is rafting and canyoning (45-60 EUR).

5 things to do in Chamonix

1. Take a ride on the highest lift in Europe to the top of the Aiguille du Midi (3842 m).
2. Learn how to cook "pierade" - meat fried on stones.
3. Try all sorts of cheese in the most unexpected combinations.
4. Learn to distinguish "straw" Savoyard wines from whites from other regions of France.
5. Ride a dog sled along the snow-covered slopes of the French Alps.

Golf

3 km from the city, near the village of Le Praz, there is an extensive golf course, equipped in accordance with modern technologies. It was designed in the 30s. of the last century, the architect Robert Trent Johnson, and today there is everything you need for lovers of this calm sport - 18 holes, a locker room, a shower, equipment rental and much more. True, you won’t be able to play in the winter, the field is open from May to November.

Chamonix for children

In Chamonix there are ample opportunities for outdoor activities with children. There are many private instructors and several schools in the valley (one of them is on the slope of Le Grand Monte), special easy tracks are equipped on which it is convenient to learn to ski.

Tourist offices offer babysitting services in case parents need to go away, and there are nurseries and kindergartens on some slopes.

A real delight among young travelers is caused by dog ​​teams harnessed by blue-eyed huskies. Riding on snowdrifts will bring a lot of pleasure to both children and adults. At the resorts of Le Planar, Le Savoy, La Vormain and several other slopes, toboggan runs are equipped, equipment can be bought at the store or rented.

In the vicinity of Chamonix there are several zoos and natural parks that showcase the rich flora and fauna of the region. Some animals are almost impossible to see outside the protected area. One of them, "Merlette Animal Park", is located near Les Houches. Deer, chamois, marmots, llamas and many others live there.

December

As in any mountainous region, the weather in Shaomni is changeable. In winter, snowfalls are frequent here, ice occurs, and at other times of the year - heavy rains. The climate is temperate - in the cold season there are no severe frosts, and in the warm season - heat.

Tourists rest here almost all year round, with the exception of October and November, when it is already cool, but it is still impossible to ride. The ski season starts in December and lasts until the end of March (in the lowlands) and until the beginning of May (in the highlands). In summer it is warm and sunny, there is also something to do (climbing, horseback riding and hiking, golf and much more), so in July it is quite crowded.