Chamonix forms part of a region known as Chamonix/Mont Blanc, comprising half a dozen neighbouring villages and hamlets – notably Argentiere, Les Bossons and Les Houches.

Introduction

Chamonix itself was once a small village but has grown steadily as the surrounding mountains – the most famous of which is Mont Blanc – attract more and more visitors. It now measures about 2 mls by ½ ml with a permanent population of 10,000. Much of the development is sensitive to the region, although the town centre is rather commercialised. However you can still imagine its village origins in the cobbled streets of the extensive pedestrianised area around the central square. There are a lot of small, friendly hotels in attractive locations. It is a popular year-round base and its size and valley location mean it can get excessively crowded in high season (Jan to March and July to Aug); it is generally quiet mid to late spring and mid to late autumn. It remains however a lively year-round resort with a huge range of activities.

Public Transport

Several colour-coded bus routes operate, covering the resort and outlying hamlets. Once routes are mastered, it is relatively easy to reach the ski-lifts and buses are free of charge to pass holders. Main train station for nearby St Gervais (20 mins) for connecting TGV services farther afield.

Location

Location: In eastern France, in the north west part of the Alps. 3 mls north of the Mont Blanc tunnel which leads to Italy (9mls away). 20 mls south of the Swiss border. 21 mls east of Megeve. 62 mls southeast of Geneva (Switzerland) and its airport. 80 mls northwest of Turin (Italy) and its airport.

Position: Lies roughly southwest to northeast along a long, fairly wide valley with high slopes on either side, mainly wooded at the lower levels and set far enough back to allow plenty of sunshine. Magnificent Mont Blanc towers above the town.

• Dialling Code: 0450
• Postcode: 74400
• Website: www.chamonix.com

Serving Airports

• Geneva International (GVA)
  • Flight time from the UK: 1 hr 30 mins
• Lyon-Saint Exupery (LYS)
  • Flight time from the UK: 1 hr 30 mins

Market/Suitability

Sophisticated and expensive, it attracts a high proportion of well-heeled visitors from the USA, Japan and Europe. Plenty to keep intermediate and advanced skiers happy; not best suited to beginners.

Skiing

Ski Lift/Ski School: Huge network of lifts (7 cable cars, 6 gondolas, 17 chair-lifts - 4 of which are detachable and 11 drags) but quite spread out, being on opposite sides of town. Principal lifts are the Brevent gondolas and the Aiguille du Midi cable car, which offers cross-border excursions into Courmayeur (Italy) or the 12-ml descent down the Vallee Blanche Glacier (not for the squeamish). Some outlying villages, including Argentiere, have their own lifts. Nursery drag-lifts can be found at Le Savoy, below the Brevent peak, and at Les Planards, adjacent to the toboggan run. A number of small ski-schools exist, but the biggest is the Ecole de Ski Français (ESF); it can be found in the town centre, but instructors usually come to hotels daily to arrange classes. All have English-language instruction.

Altitude/Snow Quality: Village: 3,400 ft. Highest lifts (Aiguille du Midi): 12,605 ft. High altitude and well-placed slopes allow for a long season (early Dec to late May). The Vallee Blanche Glacier is often still skiable (by the accomplished) during the summer months. 100 mls of ski-runs comprising 12 green runs, 28 blue, 23 red and 13 black. Artificial snow-making machines ensure skiing is possible if the natural stuff fails. 90% of the ski slopes are above 2000 metres. 4 of the ski areas are not linked and public transport is often required to access the ski-lifts.

Shopping

Usual array of designer boutiques, sportswear, supermarkets and sundry souvenir retailers, mostly confined to the pedestrianised zone in the resort centre. Many other radiating roads are also closed to heavy traffic until late afternoon. Saturday morning market offering examples of local delicacies.

Entertainment

Daytime: in winter, the full range of winter-sports activities as well as indoor sports centre; indoor and outdoor ice-rinks; sleigh rides; spa; wine tasting. In summer, hiking, mountain biking, lake swimming, golf and the famous summer luge (toboggan run).

Nightlife: as simple or sophisticated as you wish with a host of bars, bistros and clubs; casino for those feeling lucky; cinema.

Eating Out

A wide and tempting choice – this is France after all! McDonald's is a relatively recent addition.

Accommodation

Broad choice of hotels and equal number of rented apartments and chalets. Hotel quality and prices range widely but are well above average – the rates are often considerably higher than elsewhere in France.

Local Excursions

Half day: Aiguille du Midi cable car (12,605 ft) to view Mont Blanc, eat at a restaurant and visit the ice tunnel; Montenvers railway to Mer de Glace (ice exhibitions and departure points for walking trails); Snowshoeing outings; Alpine Museum. Full day: Martigny in Switzerland (art exhibitions); pretty lakeside town of Annecy; Geneva for shopping; guided heritage visits (the priory, the Saint Michel church, the Town hall, the Cour bridge, the Casino, the Gabriel Loppe house, ENSA)

Interested?

For more information on this ski resort, call us today on (028) 3832 3618, arrange a callback or email us.

Alternatively, if you would prefer we are very happy to see you in person at our new Travel Lounge, Lurgan. Visitors are advised to make an appointment with one of our specialist consultants.

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