Mont-Blanc - Chamonix

The picturesque village of Chamonix 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. Argentière lies 8kms further up the valley and is linked by an efficient bus service (free with your lift pass).

Experience the famous Aiguille du Midi cable car ride up to 3842m, visit ice caves, and enjoy scenic mountain train rides.

Chamonix 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 Resort Opening Dates

Chamonix opens on 14/12/08 and closes on 11/05/09

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

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

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). Click 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.

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).

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.

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Beauty/Relaxation

Institut Apparence

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

Body and face care, epilation, sunbeds

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. 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 Mueseum and a range of exhibitions with vaied 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 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

85 place du Triangle de l’Amitié – BP 25

Tel: +33 4 50 53 00 24

Opening hrs 08/09: From Christmas holidays to Mid April from 8.30am – 7pm.

From 24th April from 9am to 12.30pm and from 2.00-6.30pm.

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:

·          Resort Map

·          Piste Map

·          List of restaurants

·          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 Airport is 82km from Chamonix (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 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).

Airport Transfer

Pre-book your taxi 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

Click on maps to enlarge

Resort Map

Chamonix

Le Tour is an excellent all round intermediate area with spectacular views down the valley, good for a day’s family skiing. The ‘Vallée Blanche’ descent, which is usually open all season, and is skied with a guide (bookable locally), provides 24kms of unforgettable skiing in stunning scenery. 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 Parion (Les Houches) also offer pistes of all levels ideal for the family.

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 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 Argentière give access to exhilarating glacier runs. Your lift pass also covers the neighbouring resort of Courmayeur.

Snowboarding – chamonix 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 (contact: Foyer de ski de fond de Chamonix. Tel 00 33 450 531 115)

For winter 06/07 the Prarion gondola has been upgraded and a new fast 6-seater chairlift is being built at Brevent.

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.

View here for a more in-depth look into Chamonix’s ski areas

Chamonix Lift passes

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

PRE-BOOK* your 6 Day Chamonix or Mont-Blanc Lift-Pass

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

1 One 2-hour group lesson/day (10.00 - 12.00 or 14.30 - 16.30)

2 Two 2-hour group lessons/day (10.00 - 12.00 & 14.30 - 16:30)

3 One 2 1/2 hour group lesson/day (09.30 - 12.00 or 14.30 - 17.00)

4 Two 2 1/2 hour group lessons/day (09.30 - 12.00 & 14.30 - 17:00)

5 Ski + activities 08.30-12.30 or 12.00-16.30 (incl 2-hour ski group lesson/day + meal)

6 Ski + activities 08.30-16.30 (incl two 2-hour 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 (08/09 prices, NOT pre-bookable)

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

For individual tuitions please contact the ski school directly

Ecole du Ski Francais +33 450 54 00 12

www.esf-chamonix.com

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.

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.