Chamonix (France)

Cross-country trails at Chamonix

The region surrounding Chamonix and Mont Blanc has around 50km of prepared cross-country trails for nordic skiing enthusiasts. The cross-country trails around the lake of Les Chavants and the neighbouring forest is free to access. The other areas, available in a variety of difficulties from blue to red, charge a nominal fee. These trails wind their way along rivers, valleys and picturesque larch woods, offering a peaceful way to explore the area. Although the trails are not lit at night, it is possible to ski on some of them if you bring your own head torch. A true way to unplug and relax on your ski holiday!

Chamonix keeps up its reputation with its packed events schedule

Chamonix is a lovely village with plenty to do. Wellness in Chamonix takes the form of swimming pools, massage parlours and spas. If you’re keen to go shopping, there is a variety of shops to browse in Chamonix, as well as several museums and art galleries. The ski season offers a busy event calendar, hosting everything from sports competitions to concerts. Chamonix is a regular stop on the Freeride World Tour. The ski resort also hosts a week-long music festival, The Unlimited Festival, near the end of ski season every spring. This is the chance to combine a love of skiing with the raw energy of top electronic DJs playing on spectacular outdoor mountain stages.

Eating out in Chamonix

Foodies will be pleased to know the village of Chamonix boasts three Michelin-starred restaurants: L’Albert 1er (2 stars), Le Bistro (1 star) and Du Bois Prin (1 star). There are also plenty of more laid-back places to grab a quick snack or a drink, such as the Chambre 9. And night owls can check out the Bunker Nightclub, Le Privilège or L’Amnésie. There is something for everyone off the slopes in Chamonix. Don’t forget to order a Reblochonade while you’re in Chamonix. This is a sumptuous traditional Savoyard dish made from Reblochon cheese and potatoes.

Skiing in Chamonix under the watchful eye of Mont Blanc

The ski area at Chamonix has around 150km of slopes, evenly distributed between beginner, intermediate and expert-friendly slopes. But the real draw of Chamonix is the off-piste terrain. Imagine yourself at 3300m, at the top of the Grands Montets cable car of Chamonix - ecstasy! In the heart of the wild mountains, on virgin slopes, a skier's and snowboarder's paradise awaits you. Some of the most famous off-piste routes in the world can be found here, notably in the Vallée Blanche, accessible from the cable car at the Aiguille du Midi and only suitable for expert skiers accompanied by a guide. The Vallée Blanche is a MUST for all off-piste enthusiasts – this kind of spectacular setting can not be found anywhere else than in Chamonix.

Chamonix hasn't forgotten the little ones

Even though Chamonix certainly attracts mountaineering fans and experienced skiers who come to be at one with the Mont Blanc from around the world, this French ski resort hasn't forgotten the little ones and welcomes families and children too. The ESF ski school in Chamonix offers ski lessons for children aged three and up, the "PetitVi " offers kids’ craft and visual art workshops, "Petit Didi Dance" welcomes children under four years old to keep fit while having fun. The cross-country skiing area of Chamonix is quite suitable for family activities to help kids discover the joys of snow with a sleigh ride in the valley as well as up on the slopes.