Chamonix, famous for its closeness to Mont Blanc, is one of France's oldest resorts. It offers stunning scenery, world-class skiing, and a wide range of summer activities.
As the host of the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924, Chamonix has also welcomed thrilling ultra marathons, ski tours, and festivals. This vibrant resort has a lively community year-round, providing plenty of entertainment for skiers, non-skiers, and families alike.
With one of our carefully selected chalets or hotels as your base, you can explore this incredible resort and its breathtaking surroundings throughout the seasons.
In this article, you’ll discover things to do in Chamonix and what makes it a resort well worth visiting
1. Summer Hiking & Sports in Chamonix
Chamonix is a vibrant Alpine destination even during the summer months, offering a wide range of activities from thrilling sports to more relaxed hiking on well-marked trails. It’s a paradise for climbers, with many aiming to reach the summit of Mont Blanc, which sees over 20,000 climbers each year. The mountain was first conquered by Paccard and Balmat in 1786.
For all your adventure needs, Evolution2 is the perfect choice. This adventure sports centre provides expert guides, instructors, and valuable advice for activities such as canyoning, various water rafting experiences, climbing, biking, and helicopter rides.
Discover more reasons why Chamonix is a perfect place to visit in summer in our article ‘Six reasons to visit the Alps in summer’.
2. Mer de Glace Valley Glacier & Montenvers
The Montenvers cog railway in Chamonix takes just 20 minutes to reach the Mer de Glace, providing stunning views of the 7km glacier and access to the charming alpine village of Montenvers.
Once you arrive, you can explore the Mer de Glace ice cave, which features exhibits showcasing how locals lived in the 19th century. For the adventurous, there is also the opportunity to ‘Step into the Void’ - a glass room that hangs over a 3,842-meter drop. With its glass floors, it's a thrilling way to test your nerves if you’re afraid of heights.
3. La Vallée Blanche Glacier - Off-Piste Ski Route
For some, this potentially full day of skiing is an unmissable highlight of a week in Chamonix. Start at Aiguille du Midi and end up in Chamonix after 20km of skiing on an unmarked, unmaintained and unpatrolled high mountain glacier.
We advise hiring a guide, as safety is paramount while skiing a glacier, and conditions can vary, with routes ranging from mainly red to unquestionably black.
4. Luxury Ski Chalets and Accommodation
Given its established history in the tourist industry, Chamonix does not disappoint when it comes to where to stay. And since it’s an all-year-round resort, many chalets are glorious throughout all seasons and weathers.
A prime example is the stunning Chalet Amazon Creek, boasting vast living areas, a cinema room and a fully equipped luxury spa with hammam steam room, sauna, sunken Jacuzzi and an outdoor pool for Summer.
Les Rives D’Argentiere sleeps 38 people, has a hot tub, sauna and a conference room, making it perfect for corporate groups or large family parties, and it also has an outdoor pool for Summer visitors.
Hotel Mont Blanc stylishly blends classic and traditional elements, offering luxury at every turn, and is situated at the heart of the village. Other desirable chalets include Bouji Lodge, Chalet Baby Bear and Chalet Baloo.
5. Prestige Outdoor - Off-Piste Guides
Chamonix offers some of the most challenging and exciting off-piste and glacier skiing in the Alps, however to ensure maximum expertise and enjoyment we highly recommend Prestige Outdoor for private guiding and instructors. Their years of experience and passion for the local area genuinely ensure an adventurous and action packed day on the slopes!
6. Chamonix’s Proximity to Geneva Airport
Just an hour’s journey away from Geneva Airport, Chamonix has become a weekend skier’s dream resort, as well as the ideal option for those wanting to avoid too much travel. Chamonix also has excellent road access using the European motorway network and the 11km Mont Blanc Tunnel.
Discover the best luxury ski resorts only 1 hour away from Geneva in our article ‘Closest luxury ski resorts to Geneva Airport’.
7. Restaurants in Chamonix Ski Resort
Michelin-starred Le Bistro, headed up by chef Daniele Raimondi, offers delicate local flavours, plenty of attention to detail and passion in creativity of exceptional dishes.
Two-starred Albert 1er, with the strap line “it’s simplicity that makes perfection”, is considered one of the world’s best ski resort restaurants and well worth an evening sampling their locally inspired menu and investigating their impressively vast wine cellar
8. Picturesque Chamonix Town
Chamonix has a pedestrian-friendly main street that's bustling with activity. Known for its reputation as a hub for adventure and extreme sports, the town boasts an impressive array of top-notch sports shops, alongside chic fashion boutiques. As you stroll through this charming town, you'll find a mix of cosy cafés, delightful restaurants, and relaxing spas, making it easy to lose track of time in this picturesque setting
9. Peaks, panoramas and views
These do not need much explanation given Chamonix’s unique location; the endless beauty of this resort will impress you at almost every turn. Either skiing or from many of the chalets, the dramatic ridge-lines and majestic Mont Blanc will, in any weather, cause you to stop and stare for a while.
10. Après ski in Chamonix
At Chambre Neuf, you can enjoy amazing cocktails and live music starting at 5:30 PM. It tends to get lively later in the evening, so if you plan to stay late, be ready to dance in your ski boots! If you're looking for a more relaxing drink, it's best to arrive earlier in the afternoon
