Mont-Blanc - Chamonix

The picturesque year round Chamonix village offers a good range of attractions, shops, bars and restaurants as well as a large sports complex offering a variety of sporting activities, a swimming pool, and an ice rink. Argentiere lies 8kms further up the valley and is linked by an efficient bus service (free with your lift pass). The car free centre has cobbled streets, old buildings, a river and pavement cafes.

Experience the famous Aiguille du Midi cable car ride up to 3842m in Chamonix, visit ice caves, and enjoy scenic mountain train rides. View here for a 360 degree view from the top of the Aiguille du Midi (hold down the left click of your mouse and drag left right up and down whilst still holding on the left click button to move 360 degree).

Chamonix town is part of the international “Best of the Alps” network which groups together twelve resorts that are emblematic of the history of the Alps. They all share the same respect for tradition and an ongoing quest for quality.

Chamonix is a great place for ski weekends aswell.

Chamonix was rated by clients amongst Peak Retreat’s top 3 resorts for après-ski in 10/11. It’s not surprising to see why given the range of bars, restaurants and clubs in this fairly large town.

Chamonix MontBlanc Resort Opening Dates

Chamonix Valley is open from 17/12/11 - 08/05/12

Individual opening dates:

Grands Montets ski area opening: from December 3rd 2011 to May 8th 2012

Le Brévent ski area opening: from December 17th 2011 to April 22nd 2012
La Flégère ski area opening: from December 17th 2011 to April 22nd 2012
Balme ski area opening  from December 17th 2011 to April 22nd 2012

Follow the links below

Why Chamonix?

·          Excellent for challenging skiing

·          High altitude skiing with very good snow records

·          Very good après ski

·          Traditional village

Childcare in Chamonix

Chamonix has acquired the Top of the French Alps award. Please view here for more information on this label.

A list of approved baby-sitters is available from the Chamonix Tourist Office

NEW TO CHAMONIX THIS SEASON 2010/11
Lepetitvip Arts & Crafts Workshop

Open 7 Days a Week
Whether, raining, snowing or sunshine, Lepetitvip provides creative fun and excitement with imaginative activities.
Hours of entertainment for children and hours of freedom for parents!
Come join us at our new workshop in Chamonix, or we can come to you at your chalet / apt. No matter where you are staying we can work around it.
Reservations are easy! Call Heather on +33(0)6.78.22.59.35 or send an e-mail to heather@lepetitvip.com or take a look at our website www.lepetitvip.com

Panda Club: 10 months - 12 year olds, telephone 0033 450 558 612 Chamonix Centre, or 0033 450 540 476 Argentiere

You can rent a number of baby products locally in Chamonix.  Babykitrental.com is a Chamonix based company that has a whole host of baby items available for rent.  Pushchairs, high chairs, cots, bedding, warm clothing.....

Prices start from €10 per day for a pushchair or car seat (€50 for the week).

The company also has adult ski clothing for rent - €50 per week for a ski jacket and €30 per week for salopettes.

Activities in Chamonix

COMPAGNIE DES GUIDES DE CHAMONIX MONT BLANC

Tel: +33 (0)4 50 53 00 88 - Fax: +33 (0)4 50 53 48 04

Maison de la Montagne - 190, place de l’Église - 74400 Chamonix

Open every day from 08:30 to 12:00 noon & 15:30 to 19:30.

info@chamonix-guides.com

www.chamonix-guides.com

From winter mountaineering to snowshoeing at medium altitudes, including paragliding and the Vallée Blanche (an absolute “must”), our 200 guides welcome you every day in the “Maison de la Montagne”.

AIGUILLE DU MIDI CABLE CAR

After a breathtaking two-stage ride in one of the world’s highest cable cars, you will reach the Aiguille du Midi (altitude 3,842 m). Surrounded by famous peaks you can admire the unique panoramic view of Mont Blanc and the Alps.

MONTENVERS & MER DE GLACE TRAIN

Discover the famous Mer de Glace in a winter setting. Above all, on arrival at the railway station, do not forget to visit the gallery of crystals, the exhibition on Alpine wildlife, and the ice cave.

Centre Sportif Richard Bozon

A large sports complex offers sports hall, indoor and outdoor ice rink, speed skating rink, 19 tennis courts including 4 indoor, squash courts, swimming pool complex with water-slide & fitness centre (saunas, Turkish baths, solarium). View here for more information.

Centre Sportif Richard Bozon

214 av de la Plage

Tel : 00 33 450 532 370

Open from Mon-Fri 12 noon – 7.30pm and Sat/Sun from 2pm – 7.30pm.

Climbing wall

Centre Sportif Richard Bozon

Entrance €4.20. Open Mon-Fri 12 noon – 19.30 + Sat/Sun 14.00-19.30.

10-14yr olds must be accompanied by someone over 18 who is also climbing

Under 10’s must be accompanied by a guide

Bring climbing shoes.

Swimming pool, sauna, hammam

Centre Sportif Richard Bozon

Child €4.55, adult €6 entrance

Aquagym €8.90 per session. Sauna and hammam entry €11.20 (inc. pool).

From 18/12/10 to 30/04/11: open daily from noon to 7.30 PM except Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 7:30pm

Skating rink

Centre Sportif Richard Bozon

Child €3.90, adult €5.10 entrance. Hire of skates €3.40.

Open from 18/12/10 – 30/04/11 daily from 2-5pm (during xmas and French school hols open daily from 2-6pm and on Wed evening from 9-11pm).

Outside skating rink from Dec-Feb depending on weather conditions.

Weight training and keep-fit

Centre Sportif Richard Bozon

Entry to weight room and swimming pool €9.10. Weight training only €6.20. Open Mon-Fri 12 noon – 8pm and Sat/Sun from 2pm-8pm.

ireHirehI

Beauty/Relaxation

Institut Apparence

816 allee recteur Payot – la Rocade. 0033 4 50 53 11 45

Body and face care, epilation, sunbeds

Luge

In Chamonix: A sunny luge area facing Mont Blanc is provided on the way into the Bois du Bouchet, with a run more than 100 m long. Located at the “Stade” (entrance to the Bois du Bouchet).

Sled Dogs

Huskydalen – 0033 6 84 99 34 67

First rides, initiation in leading the pack, half-day outings

www.huskydalen.com

Torchlit mountainside descent

Organised by Argentiere ESF. On the Chosalets piste every Wed evening during French Christmas and February school holidays.

Paintball

www.paintballcham.com

0033 6 07 36 01 51

Reservation necessary. From 12yrs. Around 2 hours of play (18 people max). Equipment provided (protective wear + clothing), cartridges and compressed air. NEW! For 6-10yr olds with special equipment (€10 per person).

Market

Place du Mont-Blanc: Saturday Morning             

Cinema

Cinema Vox – Cour du Bartavel.

Tarifs from €5.50 per person. See schedule for shows at:

www.cinemavox-chamonix.com

Casino

Place de Saussure

English roulette, Black-Jack, Sud Poker from 9pm.

Restaurant open from 7.30pm till midnight

All you can eat buffet during the week - €9.90

Please note: ID required for entry

Video games

Salle l’Arcade, 30 rue des Moulins

Alpine Museum

89 av Michel Croz (pedestrian area)

Records of valleys history. Open everyday from 3pm-7pm and in morning during French school holidays from 10am-midday (approx).

Adult €5, 12-18yrs €1.50, under 12’s free.

Espace Tairraz

Parvis Saint-Michel

Open everyday. 2pm-7pm and 10am-1pm also during French school holidays. Prices as per Alpine Museum.

Exhibition Hall (until Apr 09) – “Glaciers and men”.

Musee des Cristaux: presentation of crystals from Mont Blanc + Alps.

Municipal library

Route de la patonoire.

Books, magazines, CDS, games, CD roms, DVDS from Tues – Sat 2.30-6.30pm and Wed morning from 10am-12 noon.

Annexe des Pelerins: Childrens library – Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri from 4-6pm and Wed from 9am-12.30pm + 2-5pm.

Numerous runways are available for hang and paragliders.  The Alpine Museum and a range of exhibitions with varied themes are offered throughout the season.

If you prefer walking or snowshoeing to skiing, Chamonix has just what you need to enjoy high mountain scenery: discover the Mer de Glace with the picturesque cog railway of Montenvers, take Europe’s highest cable car to the top of the Aigulle du Midi, ride on the tramway du Mont-Blanc, Frances highest cog railway, fly over the Mont-Blanc with Chamonix Mont-Blanc Helicopters – or simply enjoy the 17km of footpaths which take you deep into the winter landscape.              

Other Amenities in Chamonix

Banks, Alpine museum, good range of shops, free car parks close to ski lifts.

Eating Out and Après-Ski in Chamonix

Chamonix hosts a wide selection of typical cafes and tempting pastry shops along with 14 bars, over 100 restaurants, 100 shops and 7 discos.  The world class casino in the centre of town will tempt the gambler in you with black jack, roulette and slot machines of the purest tradition.  The Vox cinema delights moviegoers with all the latest films. A free guide to the restaurants in the Chamonix Valley is available from the Chamonix Tourist Office.

All the above information is for information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website

Chamonix Tourist Office

Chamonix Tourist Information

85 place du Triangle de l’Amitié – BP 25

Tel: +33 4 50 53 00 24

Christmas holidays to mid-April: 8.30am to 7pm non stop

From mid-April: open daily from 9am to 12.30pm

and 2pm to 6pm

www.chamonix.com

Chamonix Meteo provides a 5 day weather forecast of the valley on the above site. The lift/slope info and weather forecast are displayed daily in the Tourist Office and the High Mountain Office in addition to info on snow conditions and avalanche risk (exclusively in the High Mountain Office).

You can find the latest forecasts for the whole of the alps, satellite pictures, info on mountain meteorological phenomena etc at the Espace Meteo Site located in the Maison de la Montagne.

The following brochures are available at the Tourist Office:

·          Chamonix Resort Map

·          Chamonix Valley Piste Map

·          List of restaurants in Chamonix

·          Guide for children (French only)

·          Getting around/accessibility (incl. Brochure for disabled)

Office de haute montagne – 00 33 450 53 22 08

www.ohm-chamonix.com (check before heading up the mountain)

Access to Chamonix  

By Road: Driving distance from Calais to Chamonix 518miles (7hrs 45)

From Calais, take A26 Motorway towards Reims and Troyes, then Dijon, Mâcon then ‘Autoroute Blanche’ Motorway (A40 Mâcon – Cluses) exit Chamonix.

By Rail: SNCF station in resort. St Gervais (TGV)/Le Fayet – Vallorcine line. Connections with the TGV at Annecy.

Airports:

Geneva to Chamonix is 82km (1 hour)

www.gva.ch/en  

Chambery Airport is 132km from Chamonix (1 ½ hours)

www.chambery-airport.com

Grenoble Airport is 219km from Chamonix (2 hours)

www.grenoble-airport.com

Lyon Saint-Exupery is 220km from Chamonix (2 ½ hours)

www.lyonairport.com

Bus transfers from Geneva Airport – see timetable/prices/info.

Runs from 18/12/10-17/04/11, service 51 & 54 only on 25/12.

Leaves GVA airport at 08.00, 11.45, 14.15, 16.30, 19.30

Departs Chamonix at 07.00, 10.30, 12.00, 14.15, 16.45

Tickets must be reserved (not pre-bookable with Peak Retreats).

Transfer time 2hrs. Cost when pre-booking online is €50 per adult return (cheaper prices for groups of 4 adults). Child is half adult rate (4-12yrs).

Getting around Chamonix and the Valley

Chamonix Town Centre

By FOOT: there are 4,000 parking spaces with 1 hour’s free parking. There are 3 covered car parks – Chamonix-Sud, Saint-Michel (behind church) and Place du Mont-Blanc.

By SHUTTLE BUS: free ‘Le Mulet’ shuttles circulate every 10 minutes in the town centre

Chamonix Valley

Buses from Servoz to Vallorcine are free for holders of the guest card (Carte d’Hote) or a ski-pass. You can also travel by train (free of charge) between Servoz and Vallorcine with the Carte d’Hote.

The Chamonix Valley has very good shuttle bus links throughout all its resorts so it’s easy to hop on the resort shuttle to whatever ski area you desire. For a full timetable for all resorts in Chamonix Valley, including the night bus, download the PDF document here. Link up to Chamonix town, Les Houches, Vallorcine; buses run from early in the morning to late afternoon and the night bus runs between 10pm-12pm, returning latest 12.30am.

The SNCF line serves all the villages from St Gervais/Le Fayet to Martigny (Switzerland), passing through Chamonix, Argentiere and Vallorcine. Roughly one train every hour (see www.sncf.com).

The Mont Blanc Express train also provides access between the Chamonix Valley resorts. See full PDF train timetable here.

Airport Transfer

Pre-book your Chamonix transfer with Peak Retreats

From Geneva Airport to Chamonix – from £75 per person return based on 4 people sharing. 

For all other transfer prices please click here

Access Plan

Chamonix France

Click on maps to enlarge

Resort Map

Chamonix France

SKI AREA

On either side of Chamonix, are base stations of the Aiguille du Midi- starting point of Vallee Blanche and gondola to Le Brevent. La Flegere is reached by cable car from the nearby village of Les Praz. The other ski areas are widely spread across the valley. In Chamonix itself, Le Brevent and La Flegere are the 2 ski areas.

Down the road, Le Tour is an excellent all round intermediate area with spectacular views down the valley, good for a day’s family skiing.

The ‘Vallee Blanche’ descent, which is usually open all season, and is skied with a guide (bookable locally), provides 22kms of unforgettable skiing in stunning scenery.

Skiing in Chamonix is made easy as all five areas are linked by an efficient bus service (free with lift pass).

BEGINNERS

Beginners will enjoy a variety of gentle nursery slopes within easy reach of Chamonix, There are 4 ski areas for children, beginners and skiers who like an easy ride:

- La Vormaine

- Les Chosalets

- Le Savoy

- Les Planards

Brevent-Flegere, Le Domaine de Balme and La Telecabine du Prarion (Les Houches) also offer pistes of all levels ideal for the family.

For more information about the beginner areas in Chamonix view here

INTERMEDIATES

The Brevent-Flegere skiing area is excellent for those of intermediate ability. Le Brevent offers some steep skiing off the top and is perhaps a little tougher than Flegere terrain. Down the backside towards Flegere, the runs are steep, as is the off piste.

La Flegere is known to the locals as 'riders paradise'. Lots of fun runs, mostly fairly easy and big open off piste sections. Lachenal piste is a red run that’s almost black giving good intermediates a technical challenge with its physically demanding, consistently steep upper section. The Lachenal bowl offers exceptional off piste after fresh snowfall.

The Chavannes chairlift gives access to some easier blues runs and some gentler off piste for those trying it out for the first time.

ADVANCED

Advanced to expert skiers will love the incomparable slopes and challenging range of skiing. Chamonix skiing is the undisputed off-piste capital of Europe with some quite extraordinary experiences awaiting you on the Mont Blanc Massiff. (N.B. the services of a local guide are essential, bookable locally). The Grands Montets pistes above Argentiere give access to exhilarating glacier runs. The large lift pass also covers the neighbouring resort of Courmayeur.

SNOWBOARDING

Chamonix ski resort has long been known as the extreme free-riding capital of Europe. Vast areas of accessible off-piste, man made and natural half pipes, gullies galore, and plenty of varied terrain to suit any rider.

CHAMONIX PISTE MAP

To see the Chamonix piste map for 09/10 please see the resort guide panel on the top right hand side of the current page.

CHAMONIX SNOW REPORTS

To see Chamonix snow reports please see the resort guide panel on the top right hand side of the current page.

What’s new with the ski area for 11/12?

See CHAMONIX RESORT NEWS

View here for a more in-depth look into Chamonix’s ski areas (including detailed information on Chamonixs various ski areas, piste maps, slope coverage, best areas for beginners and children, photos…)

Chamonix Lift passes

Save Time in resort and budget ahead by pre-booking Chamonix lift passes. See below for prices.

PRE-BOOK* your CHAMONIX VALLEY LIFT PASS with PR

(1) Chamonix Le Pass: Brevent/Flegère (Chamonix), Lognan (Argentière, except Lognan - Grands Montets cable car), Balme (Tour/Vallorcine) + Les Planards, Le Savoy, Les Chosalets, La Vormaine (family area, bottom of the valley). Access to the resort shuttle service also included.

(2) Mont-Blanc Unlimited

What's covered by the MONT BLANC Unlimited pass:

In France…

• Unlimited access to the ski areas in the Chamonix-Mont Blanc Valley: Les Grands Montets (includes Lognan - Les Grands Montets cable car),

Brévent-Flégère, Balme ski area (Le Tour - Vallorcine), Les Houches ski area, La Vormaine, Les Chosalets, Le Savoy, Les Planards.

• Unlimited access to 3 major attractions: Aiguille du Midi Cable Car (access to the Vallée Blanche), Montenvers Train,

Mer de Glace (Vallée Blanche return route), Mont Blanc Tram (from Saint Gervais - Le Fayet).

In Switzerland…

• The Verbier - 4 Valleys ski area (included in passes valid for 6+ days): an 'unlimited' ski area, fantastic for all snowsports.

In Italy…

• The Courmayeur ski area (1224 m - 2624 m): this warmly welcoming ski area just 20 minutes from Chamonix by road offers a variety of pistes for

all abilities in sunny, wooded surroundings with the bonus of some great Italian food and delicious lunch opportunities along the way.

• The Monte Bianco Cable Car to the Vallée Blanche from Italy.

Still included: Free daily shuttle buses to Courmayeur and back (reservation required), reduced rates for the Mont Blanc Tunnel crossing, free reservations on the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car, plus lots more on offer

NOTE: Compulsory €3/pass for hands-free pass to pay locally (reuseable annually). No photo necessary.

*2 adults + 1 child (4-15yrs); extra children free (people with same name living at same address).

Other lift pass on offer (to buy locally in resort in Euros):

Cham Le Pass ski pass – ½ day and daily rates:

½ day - €32 children, €37 adults

Day - €36 children, €42 adults

Mont Blanc Unlimited-½ day and daily rates:

Day - €44 children, €52 adults

Chamonix Ski Schools

PRE-BOOK* your Chamonix GROUP SKI/BOARD LESSONS

Please note a £9 booking fee per party applies

Times and Schedules (ALL TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED, SUBJECT TO CHANGES).

All lessons are SUNDAY-FRIDAY (except for 5 days, see below).

SKI 6 half days :

SKI 6 x 2hrs 30 half days + lunch/nursery : Children (3-12):

SKI 6 x full days + lunch/nursery : Children (3-12):

SNOWBOARD 6 x half days : Adults 13+ only):

SNOWBOARD 5 x half days : Children (8-12) only:

Please note in April childrens group lessons could be from 09.00-13.00 depending on snow conditions

Please note that lesson times are subject to change right until the last minute. Outside French school holidays the ski school reserves the right to cancel group lessons should numbers be insufficient. For peak periods (18/12-2/1, 13/2-13/3 & 9/4-24/4) we strongly recommend that you book as early as possible and in any case at least 6 weeks prior to the required dates. Morning lessons tend to get booked up first and therefore we may only be able to offer afternoon classes within 6 weeks of departure. In some resorts English speaking instructors may not always be available, particularly at peak times.

Chamonix Individual Tuitions

(11/12 prices, NOT pre-bookable)

Duration: 2 hours
Schedule: 10h-12h, 13h30-15h30; 14h-16hs

Please note that prices are an indication only and are subject to change

Individual tuitions can only be purchased directly from the ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these.

ESF Chamonix +33 450 54 00 12

www.esf-chamonix.com

Ski Hire Chamonix

Ski hire in Chamonix prices start from £37 for children (skis and boots) & £64 for adults (skis and boots) for 7 days. View here for Chamonix ski hire prices.

Mountain restaurants in Chamonix

Montenvers/Mer de Glace: on finishing La Vallee Blanche:

Le Grand Hotel du Montenvers

Buffet de la gare du Montenvers

Flegere

Cafeteria de la Flegere

Restaurant La Chavanne

Domaine de Balme

Restaurant de Charamillon

Chalet de la Jeanne

Refufe du Col de Balme

Brevent

La Bergerie de Planpraz

Le Panoramic

Lognan/Les Grands Montets

Cafeteria de Lognan

Restaurant de Plan Joran

Chalet Refuge de Lognan

Aiguille du Midi

Cafeteria de l’Aiguille  

For 2011/2012 a new mountain restaurant is planned in the Balme area above the Charamillon mid-station.

Cross-country in Chamonix area

43km – 7 pistes (2 red, 3 blue, 2 green)

There are numerous well-groomed trails right in the heart of the valley for cross-country skiers of all levels.  Two beautiful areas have been designated for cross-country skiing.  One in Argentiere and the other from the center of Chamonix to the village of Les Bois.

Varied routes, plenty of woods, for novices of both classic and skating styles (8 trails covering all levels of difficulty + training area.

The Chamonix ski area is linked to that of Argentiere by a “black slope” (for experts only) where the natural snow coverage is guaranteed all winter.

The pistes are open from 9am to 5pm.
They are groomed and prepared for both classic and skate skiers.

There is a charge to use the trails which are regularly patrolled. The passes and tickets are on sale at the cross-country ski lodges of Chamonix or at the Chosalet lift cash (Argentière). Full day from €7.20 for adults.

Snowshoeing in Chamonix

A showshoeing area has been developed on Balme, at the top of the Vallorcine cable car line towards Les Posettes. In addition to the 17km of maintained and waymarked footpaths in the bottom of the valley, circuits reserved for walkers have been been provided in the ski areas: a route of around 2 hours at Grands Montets, and a 45 minute walk along the Libellules slope on La Flegere.

*ALL PRE-BOOKABLE EXTRAS ARE PAYABLE TO PEAK RETREATS IN STERLING PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. PRICES ARE IN £.

ANYTHING IN EUROS (€) WE ARE UNABLE TO PRE-BOOK AND

WILL BE PAYABLE LOCALLY.