France
Chamonix
Steep, high, legendary
Official website- Top elevation
- 3,275 m
- Vertical
- 2,040 m
- Season
- Dec – May
- Level
- advanced
Why we love it
The valley under Mont Blanc is where freeriding grew up. Big glaciers, serious couloirs and the Vallée Blanche — come with legs and respect for the mountain.
Getting there
Geneva Airport is about 90 km away, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by road through the Mont Blanc motorway. Shared transfers and buses run all day. By train, take the Mont-Blanc Express from Saint-Gervais in France or from Martigny in Switzerland, which also stops in the valley's other villages.
Who it's for
Chamonix is a place for strong skiers and freeriders. Grands Montets, Brévent-Flégère and the Vallée Blanche offer some of the most serious terrain in the world, and much of the best skiing is off-piste where a guide is essential. Beginners and families are better off in the gentler areas of Les Houches and Le Tour.
Best time to go
January to March has the most reliable snow, and the high glacier terrain stays good well into spring. The Vallée Blanche is usually at its best from February to April once the crevasses are well covered. The lower slopes can be patchy early and late in the season.
Valid in 450+ resortsSki hire in Chamonix
Book skis, boards and boots online with Skiset and pick them up in resort. No hauling gear through the airport.
- Rental shops
- 800
- Ski resorts
- 450+
- Save up to 50%
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Chamonix FAQ
Is Chamonix good for beginners?
Chamonix is best known for steep, high-altitude skiing, but beginners can learn on the gentle slopes at Les Houches, Le Tour and the small nursery areas in the valley.
How do I get to Chamonix?
Fly into Geneva, then it's about 1 hour 15 minutes by car or transfer. By train, take the Mont-Blanc Express via Saint-Gervais or Martigny.
How big is the ski area in Chamonix?
Chamonix isn't one linked area but several separate ones along the valley, connected by bus and train. Together with the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass you can also ski Courmayeur in Italy and Verbier in Switzerland.
When is the ski season in Chamonix?
The season usually runs from mid-December to early May. January to March has the most reliable snow, while the Vallée Blanche is best from February onwards.
Can I rent skis in Chamonix?
Yes. You can book skis, snowboards and boots online with Skiset and pick them up at a shop in Chamonix. Ski rental with Skiset
