Chamonix is a ski resort in France with 155 km of pistes and 62 lifts. Skiing reaches up to 3 842 m above sea level and the village sits at 1 035 m. Accommodation with lift pass included can be booked directly, you arrange your own travel there.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is the cradle of alpinism and one of the world's most iconic mountain destinations. The town sits at 1 035 metres above sea level at the foot of Europe's highest mountain, Mont Blanc (4 810 m), and offers skiing with a drama and grandeur that is unrivalled. A ski holiday in Chamonix is as much about the mountain experience as it is about the skiing itself.
The ski area is divided into several separate sectors: Grands Montets (the most advanced), Brévent-Flégère (sunny with panoramic views), Les Houches (family-friendly) and Balme-Le Tour (quiet and varied). Together they offer 155 km of pistes with a clear focus on advanced skiers and experts.
Vallée Blanche is Chamonix's most legendary attraction. This 20 km off-piste descent starts from Aiguille du Midi at 3 842 metres and takes you through a spectacular glacial landscape down to the village. It is one of the world's most famous ski routes, and it requires a guide and glacier equipment.
Chamonix is a lively town rather than a purpose-built ski resort. Here you'll find gourmet restaurants, microbreweries, climbing halls and a cosmopolitan atmosphere that attracts adventurers and mountain lovers all year round. The après-ski culture is relaxed but lively, with legendary pubs and bars in the town centre.
Ready to book a ski holiday in Chamonix? Find accommodation with lift pass included in the price. You arrange your own travel there.
Book a ski holiday in ChamonixPistes and lifts in Chamonix
Chamonix offers 155 km of pistes spread across four separate ski areas, served by 62 lifts. Grands Montets (3 275 m) is the most challenging area, with steep black runs and huge off-piste opportunities. Brévent-Flégère offers panoramic views towards Mont Blanc and varied descents. Les Houches suits families with wider pistes. Aiguille du Midi (3 842 m) is the starting point for the famous Vallée Blanche descent.
Piste map for Chamonix
The map downloads as an image file. On your iPhone it lands in the Files app. Tap the icon at the bottom of the address bar to open the map straight away.On your iPad it lands in the Files app. Tap the icon at the top right of the address bar to open the map straight away.On your phone it lands in the Downloads folder. Tap the download notification that appears to open the map straight away.The file lands in the Downloads folder. You can also look for the icon at the top right of the screen and open the map from there.
Best time to travel to Chamonix
January to March offers the best conditions in the higher sectors. Chamonix sits relatively low, and the lower areas can be affected by mild weather. February and March offer a good combination of snow and sun. Vallée Blanche is best from February to April.
How to get to Chamonix
You arrange your own travel, and many drive their own car. Taking the Eurotunnel from Folkestone and arriving at Calais, it's roughly 897 km to Chamonix, around 9 hours of pure driving time through France. Remember that studded tyres are banned in France and Germany.
Chamonix is suitable for
Suitable to some extent
⭐ Excellent choice
⭐ Excellent choice
Good snow reliability
Read more about ski holidays
Ready to book? Choose from accommodation in different price ranges. Lift pass is included in the price, you arrange your own travel there.
See prices for ski holidays in ChamonixFrequently asked questions about Chamonix
Vallée Blanche is a 20 km off-piste descent that starts from Aiguille du Midi (3 842 m) and runs through a spectacular glacial landscape down to Chamonix. The route requires a guide and glacier equipment and is one of the world's most famous ski routes. It takes 3 to 5 hours.
No, although Chamonix has a reputation as an expert destination, there are pistes for all levels. Les Houches has family-friendly runs, and Brévent-Flégère has plenty of blue and red pistes. That said, beginners will find better options elsewhere.
Chamonix is easy to reach by car, for example via the Eurotunnel and Calais, and it's also accessible by train: there are direct TGV connections from Paris to Saint-Gervais, from where a local train continues to Chamonix.
