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 MontBlanc Resort Opening Dates

Domaine des Grands Montets from 18/12/09 – 03/05/10

Partial opening* from 05/12/09 – 18/12/09 & 03/05/10 – 09/05/10

*depending on snow conditions

Domaine de Balme open from 19/12/09 – 25/04/10

Brevent/Flegere open from 19/12/09 – 25/04/10

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.

The Panda Club+33 (0) 4 50 54 04 76

Rough prices

Please use the above prices as a guide only

Large snow park with heated chalet at foot of Argentiere pistes.

Open from 8.30am to 5.30pm every day and entertains children from 3-12 years old.  Daily pick up/drop off service can be arranged (parents must accompany infants in minibus).   

Website: http://www.panda-club.com/

Email address: pandaclub@wanadoo.fr

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

MJC activities

0033 4 50 53 12 24

Leisure centre reception “Les p’tits Bout’ch” in Pelerins

From 3-5yrs old

Lesiure centre reception – Chamonix

From 6-11 yrs

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 €3.65, adult €4.80 entrance

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

Open Monday to Friday 12:00 noon to 19:30 and Saturday &

Sunday 14:00 to 19:30 (Christmas school holidays: 14:00 to 19:30).

Skating rink

Centre Sportif Richard Bozon

Child €3.65, adult €4.80 entrance. Hire of skates €3.40. Open Tues-Sun 2pm-5pm (everyday during French school holidays from 2pm-6pm). Night sessions every Wed from 9pm-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

Opening times

• Christmas holidays to mid-April: open continuously from 08:30 to 19:00.

• From mid-April: 09:00 to 12:30 & 14:00 to 18:00.

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

Coach:

Daily services run between Geneva and Chamonix. Info at the station coach office, open daily: 8.30am-11.30am and 1.30pm-6pm (approx).

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

On either side of Chamonix, are base stations of the Aiguille du Midi, starting point of Vallee Blanche and a new 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.

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 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

Intermediate skiers can experience an amazing 150kms of pistes available on the “Chamski” pass. 

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. Your lift pass also covers the neighbouring resort of Courmayeur.

Chamonix 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.

Cross country skiing trails in Chamonix (contact: Foyer de ski de fond de Chamonix. Tel 00 33 450 531 115)

Terrain park – The Snow Bowl Park is now built on the Grands Montets. Crew are fine tuning the 800m long course that hosts over 16 obstacles including jumps, rails and a wall ride. See www.ho5park.com. The fun zone is designed for beginners wanting to experience their first taste of air time.

TORCH-LIGHT PROCESSION

Tel: +33 (0)4 50 54 00 12

Every Wednesday evening during Christmas and February school holidays, on Les Chosalets ski slope. Organised by Argentière ESF.

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 09/10?

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 6 Day Chamonix or Mont-Blanc Lift-Pass

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

Children under 4* receive a FREE lift pass.

Proof of age will be required

NOTE: Compulsory €3/pass for hands-free pass to pay locally (reusable annually).

Chamonix Ski Schools

PRE-BOOK* your Group Ski/Board Lessons with PR

 *lunch not included

ESF Chamonix ski school/lesson times:

1 One 2-hour 15 group lesson/day (09.45 - 12.00 or 14.15 - 16.30)                                                                  2 Two 2-hour 15 group lessons/day (09.45 - 12.00 & 14.15 - 16:30)                                                            3 One 2 1/2 hour group lesson/day (09.15 - 11.45 or 14.30 - 17.00)                                                          4 Two 2 1/2 hour group lessons/day (09.15 - 11.45 & 14.30 - 17:00)                                               5 Ski + activities 08.30-13.30 or 12.00-17.00 (incl 2-hour 15 ski group lesson/day + meal)                                                                                                                               6 Ski + activities 08.30-17.00 (incl two 2-hour 15 group lesson/day + meals)                                                                          7 Ski + activities 08.30-13.30 or 12.00-17.00 (incl one 2 1/2 hour ski group lesson/day)                         

8 Ski + activities 08.30-17.00 (incl two 2 1/2 half hour group lesson/day + meal)

Please note a £9 booking fee per party applies

Chamonix Individual Tuitions (09/10 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

For individual tuitions please contact the ski school directly

ESF Chamonix +33 450 54 00 12

www.esf-chamonix.com

Ski Hire Chamonix

Ski hire in Chamonix prices start from £35 for children (skis and boots) & £61 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  

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.

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 STIRLING PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. PRICES ARE IN £.

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

WILL BE PAYABLE LOCALLY.