Chamonix is our main base. The ski area itself is vast and spreads all along the valley and across to St Gervais, Megeve and Les Contamines. The variety of skiing on and off piste is well documented and in case you’re tempted to think the accolades are over-effusive we can tell you that they are not.
The town couldn’t be more different from the typical, purpose built French ski resort. It is steeped in both history and the towering mountain scape in which it sits. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the place, but it is the adventurous who really benefit from the range of activities available, and that indescribable vibe of being in the ‘home of Alpinism’.
Chamonix is a long established, year-round tourist town that has a large permanent population and hence great access to everything you may need. Spread along a linear valley, there are 5 distinctly different ski domains/resorts and some of Europe’s most renowned ski itineraries.
3 nights from £399
Sports enthusiasts, food lovers, families, businessmen… Le Refuge des Aiglons has something for all of you. This spacious and stimulating hotel is a home away from home for everyone.
3 nights from £399
Located right in the heart of Chamonix, this timeless accommodation is just a minutes' walk from the train station and within walking distance of both the chairlifts and après ski.
Not only is Chamonix renowned for its extreme skiing and beautiful surrounds, it also offers great activities for non skiers and an array of restaurants suiting every budget and taste. Our in resort team know Chamonix intimately including all the hot spots when it comes to food and drink. If you wish to book a table or simply know what’s going on and where, please just let us know.
Traditional Savoyard - If Fondue, Tartiflette and Raclette or traditional French are up your street then these are a must to try:
La Calèche - http://www.restaurant-caleche.com/
La Cabane des Praz - https://www.restaurant-cabane-chamonix.com/
Le Monchu - https://www.lemonchu-chamonix.fr/
Le Cremerie Glacier d’Argentiere - http://www.lacremerieduglacier.fr/
Bistro du sports
Fine dining - If Michelin stars and celebrity chefs are your thing these are the places to eat:
Albert 1er - https://www.hameaualbert.fr/fr/restaurant
La Maison Carrier - https://www.hameaualbert.fr/fr/restaurant-de-pays
Atmosphere - https://www.restaurant-atmosphere.com
Munchie - http://www.munchie.fr/
La Telecabine - https://www.restaurant-latelecabine.fr/
Le Cap Horn - https://www.caphorn-chamonix.com/fr/
Casual dining – For a more relaxed vibe check out:
Moo - http://moobarcuisine.com/
Cool Cats - http://coolcatsrestaurants.com/
Pizzeria des moulins - https://m.facebook.com/pizzeriadesmoulins
Pointe Isabelle Bistro - http://pointeisabelle.com/fr/bar-bistro
Tampopo - https://fr-fr.facebook.com/tanpopochamonix/
Chambre Neuf - Lively bar with a reputation for the best après in town
Moo Bar – trendy and popular amongst locals
Elevation - Locals bar where the hardcore climbers and skiers are known to hang out
MBC -Taste the beer of Mont Blanc in this micro brasserie
Monkey - A bar where the seasonnaires like to hang out
Les Caves – Cool and sophisticated ambience with great cocktails and wines, and a DJ until 2am
Cha cha cha – Wine tasting bar with a great selection of local and international wines.
Chamonix social club - Cocktails and late night dancing – the place to be seen
Beer o Clock – concept bar where you can serve yourself a wide choice of local and international beers
The Aiguille du midi and Montenvers Railway
For breath taking views and a truly once in a life time experience these are a must do activity. The Aiguille du Midi takes you up to 3842 meters in two cable cars. Departing in Chamonix sud this ride of your life will take you the best part of the afternoon. If you wish to make a whole day of ‘sight seeing’ then team it up with the Montenvers Railway which takes you up to the base of the Mer du Glace glacier. Being the largest glacier in the Alps and the ski out of the famous valley blanch you can admire the views or take a trip into the ice caves.
Glacier Walking in Chamonix
For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on the stunning Mer de Glace, Argentiere or Le Tour glaciers. The Mer de Glace is one of the longest and deepest glaciers in the Alps, moving at a rapid 120 meters a year. To get onto the glacier you'll have to clamber down long metals steps but you'll quickly forget about that once you start admiring the breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses below.
Ice Skating in Chamonix
Chamonix has an excellent ice rink that is open every, and don't forget the regular ice-hockey matches that take place throughout the season, generally on a Saturday evening. Skates can be hired.
Husky sledding in Chamonix
Be in charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start (you shout "mush!"), and strict instructions not to let go of the sled if it turns over (the dogs would disappear for hours...), you set off following the guide’s team. Your huskies want to keep up with their doggy mates, so the next hour is a breathless scramble to keep the sled upright, trying to control the speed downhill, and hanging on for dear life when you tear around corners.
Helicopter or small plane Tours
Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up! Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies or some mountain guide companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Haute Savoie.
Indoor Climbing Walls in Chamonix
The Chamonix valley is home to one of the largest indoor climbing walls in France. The Mont Blanc Escalade is located in Les Houches and is open all year, with 1250m sq. of climbing surfaces, and more than 100 routes to the roof, ranging from 16-20m in height. There is a beginner’s wall, a kid's wall, and even a cafeteria. All necessary equipment is available for hire. Complete beginners can make a first ascent of the indoor climbing wall with instruction from local guides.
Sledding, snowshoing and igloo fondue evening
Dine in an Igloo, sledge down a fast track and enjoy a snowshoe tour under the stars! Enjoy a unique evening in the mountains and combine multiply activities to get the full winter experience! Equipped with a sledge we will ride down a 2km long and fast track which you can ride as many times as you want! After the sledging we will strap our snowshoes on and enjoy a beautiful hike through a forest and over open powder fields to reach the igloo in the middle of nature. For dinner we will go inside the igloo which is completely built out of snow. Sheep skins and candles will keep you warm and create a cozy and romantic atmosphere. The fondue is served with wine and tea. Some homemade Christmas cookies for dessert will be served before we make our way back.
Brand new this season, the spa offers a wide selection of baths, saunas and massages and treatments with a stunning setting – what better way to relax on than with a view of the Mont Blanc. Open from 9am to 11pm, prices from 42€
Paragliding
See Chamonix form a higher perspective. Experience an exhilarating tandem flight high up above the Chamonix valley with breathtaking views of the mountains. Using the ski lifts to go up to a take of point you will strap onto your tandem pilot and soar back down to the valley. Prices from 100€ depending on take off point.
Ice climbing
Climb frozen waterfalls in safety with your qualified mountain guide. Everyone can partake in this amazing experience as the guide will chose a route specific to your experience and level.
Arcades and 10 Pin Bowling
The bowling alley can be found in Chamonix-Sud next to the bus station, it is easy to spot with its illuminated rooftop skittle! Inside there are eight bowling lanes as well as pool and snooker tables, air hockey and a games arcade. It is licensed with a large bar area where you can also fill up on a few bar snacks such as nachos and fries.
Included in all Ski Weekend short breaks
