Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley
The birthplace of the Winter Olympic Games in 1924, this year Chamonix is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the iconic event which greatly contributed to the resort’s international reputation.
A host of commemorative events are planned (see Events below) in this skiing paradise, which offers a little over 110km of marked downhill trails, 90% of which are located at an altitude of 2000m and above. There are also 50km of marked trails for cross-country skiing.
Chamonix attracts some of the world’s best skiers and snowboarders, and the reputation of the Grands Montets and the Vallée Blanche is far reaching. But the valley also offers several areas for intermediate and beginner skiers.
Of course, as well as skiing, there’s snow touring, cross-country skiing and the chance to have a nocturnal adventure by skiing down the Vallée Blanche by the light of the full moon and experiencing a magical atmosphere in the heart of the mountains.
Eat, Sleep, Relax
When it comes to places to stay, you will be spoilt for choice. Here are just a few select choices…
The iconic 5* Hotel Mont-Blanc, in the heart of Chamonix Town, next to the Tourist Office, is celebrated for its location and history. Now it has renovated all its rooms and junior suites to offer guests an even better experience, combining contemporary luxury with Alpine elegance.
The luxury 4* Chalet hotel Hermitage Paccard is a jewel of traditional Chamonix hospitality run by the Paccard family, who have carried on a certain mountain art of living for several generations. The establishment is offering three new suites, created exclusively by artisans from the Chamonix valley, with interiors combining Alpine style ((the rustic oak floors are made with wood from old railway wagons) with modern comfort.
In Chamonix town centre, by the train station, the former hotel Mercure Chamonix becomes the 4* Lykke Hotel & Spa (lykke means happiness in Danish), complete with stylish Scandinavian decoration and the Cinq Mondes Spa.
The 4* Hotel Les Aiglons, in Chamonix Sud by the central bus station, has 107 rooms and is undergoing a refurbishment, which will see its mountain style revisited in a warm atmosphere with elegant touches of modernity by SZ Design. The hotel offers a spa area with sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and outdoor swimming pool heated, and is open all year round. The Casa Nonna restaurant, with its panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi, will provide a lively, intimate atmosphere where the French Alps meet Italian culinary treats.
The recently-renovated 4* Hotel Big Sky offers a spa and restaurant at the foot of the Mont-Blanc glacier in Les Bossons village, 4km from Chamonix. It’s a place with a modern, pop style.
The 3* Hotel La Couronne in Argentière, near the Grands Montets ski area, offers 69 comfortable rooms (45 completely renovated in the historic building built in the 1860s and 24 newly created in the extension), a spa with a sauna and hammam, and a restaurant.
The 3* Hotel Le Lyret (formerly Hotel Les Gourmets) is undergoing a makeover and reopens in December 2024. Ideally located in the heart of Chamonix, it embodies an Alpine style that is warm and elegant, where art and hospitality meet to provide an exceptional experience. Six internationally-renowned artists have produced paintings, drawings, tapestries, installations and sculptures that add to the appeal of the main areas and rooms of the hotel.
Worked up an appetite? Why not visit Bergerie de Planpraz, with its cosy atmosphere centred around its iconic fireplace, and its panoramic terrace, offering an exceptional view of the Mont-Blanc range? Also, on the Brévent ski area, Le Comptoir de la Bergerie has plenty of room for guests both indoors and outdoors. And on the Flégère ski area, Foehn Sandwicherie embraces a distinctly Savoyard style with an entirely new decor. And if you’re looking to grab something delicious on the go, check out Pin Pin, an organic micro-bakery selling natural sourdough and 100% organic products.
Tired from all that skiing? Indulge in a pampering at the 4-star Heliopic Hotel & Spa, which features a 500m² wellness area, including a Nuxe Spa, with a 15m long swimming pool. It’s also offering various special deals as part of its tenth anniversary celebrations. Or enjoy a sensory experience at the Cinq Mondes spa at the 4-star Chalet Hotel Le Prieuré.
Environment
The Chamonix Valley is a Sustainable Mountain Destination. It is home to chamois and ibex, has three nature reserves, one Natura 2000 site and two classified sites – as you might guess, biodiversity and the preservation of ecosystems are taken very seriously. Hence the Flocon Vert two-snowflake rating. Measures are in place to make transport, energy use, waste disposal and the like more eco-friendly as well as initiatives to increase awareness of the habitat and how to treat it with respect.
Also, the resort’s visitors can take part in activities that raise awareness about wildlife protection and the surrounding biodiversity, creating an unforgettable and educational experience for nature enthusiasts.
Events in 2024-25
Dec 18-Jan 3: Christmas Magic – Enchanting decorations and magical parades will fill the streets of Chamonix town centre, where a Christmas village will be set up.
Jan 4 & 5 & 11 & 12: Downhill Slalom – The best male and female skiers are meeting on the Planards stadium for night slalom competitions.
Mar 8 & 9: La Trace des Grands – Launched in 2021, La Trace des Grands is a ski mountaineering race taking place on the Grands-Montets site. A choice of four races allows for all forms of ski touring.
Mar 26-30: Chamonix Unlimited Festival – The Unlimited Festival brings together skiing and music on mountain tops, presenting an impressive electro programme in intimate, open-air venues at the most beautiful sites in the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley.
Early May (date subject to snow cover): Free Ride Day – To end the winter season in style, the Grands Montets ski area is the place to be. A festive atmosphere is guaranteed.
Until end June: Exhibition ‘Chamonix 1924, the Invention of the Winter Olympics’, Maison de la Mémoire et du Patrimoine, Chamonix
Jun 26-29: Marathon du Mont-Blanc – 10,000 runners take part in eight races in the Mont-Blanc massif (the 90km, 42km, 23km, 10km, Kilomètre Vertical, Duo étoilé, Young Race Marathon and Mini-Cross).
Jul 12,12,13: Climbing World Cup – Among the biggest worldwide climbing events, Chamonix Mont-Blanc welcomes the Climbing Speed and Lead World Cup on climbing walls outside at the foot of the Mont-Blanc. The event is open to everyone and free to access.
Last week of July: Cosmo Jazz Festival – This vibrant festival features free concerts set against stunning high-altitude venues as well as in the heart of Chamonix.
Aug 15: Mountain Guides’ Festival – For over a century, the profits from this festival have been donated to a fund which provides assistance to guides and their families in difficulty. It includes a traditional ceremony, craft and bread festival, market, conferences, sports activities, concerts and more.
Aug 25-31: UTMB Mont-Blanc By HOKA – The ultimate trail running event brings together 10,000-plus trail runners from around the world.
Until Dec 2027: Exhibition ‘Mineral Treasure, the Raymond Thibault Collection’, Musée des Cristaux – Espace Tairraz, Chamonix
At a glance
Ski until May 5
150 km of pistes and 15,000 acres of off-piste skiing, and with a skiing altitude of 1035 – 3842 metres
Image credits: Shutterstock