Chamonix is our main base. The ski area itself is vast and spreads all along the valley and across to St Gervais, Megeve and Les Contamines. The variety of skiing on and off piste is well documented and in case you’re tempted to think the accolades are over-effusive we can tell you that they are not.
The town couldn’t be more different from the typical, purpose built French ski resort. It is steeped in both history and the towering mountain scape in which it sits. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the place, but it is the adventurous who really benefit from the range of activities available, and that indescribable vibe of being in the ‘home of Alpinism’.
Chamonix is a long established, year-round tourist town that has a large permanent population and hence great access to everything you may need. Spread along a linear valley, there are 5 distinctly different ski domains/resorts and some of Europe’s most renowned ski itineraries.
3 nights from £799
Staying at the Hotel Mont-Blanc is treating yourself to a true symbol of the valley - one of two delightful five-star properties in the heart of Chamonix.
3 nights from £399
Sports enthusiasts, food lovers, families, businessmen… Le Refuge des Aiglons has something for all of you. This spacious and stimulating hotel is a home away from home for everyone.
3 nights from £399
Located right in the heart of Chamonix, this timeless accommodation is just a minutes' walk from the train station and within walking distance of both the chairlifts and après ski.
3 nights from £349
Still run by the family that founded it in 1914, the Hotel Richemond is located right in the centre of Chamonix Mont-Blanc.
3 nights from £399
Newly opened for the 2018/19 season, the huge brand that is the Folie Deuce has arrived in Chamonix! Located in one of the famous squares of the town, the Palace of Chamonix – the hotel benefits from being one of the few ‘ski in/ out’ being at the foot of the Savoy lift which links to the Brevent-Flegere ski area (conditions dependent).
3 nights from £449
The 4* Le Morgane Hotel is ideally located right in the centre of Chamonix, only 100 metres from the Aiguille du Midi cable-car. It is perfect for skiers and for everyone who wants to discover the stunning landscapes of the region by any means of hiking, walking and more…
3 nights from £359
Chalet Hôtel La Sapinière is situated in a very central and unique location with a hotel bar and garden. With mountain views and free WiFi it has plenty of rustic charm – a favourite of Ski Weekend Director, Sue!
3 nights from £799
The 5-star Albert Premier is a luxurious haven of tranquillity in the very heart of Chamonix, including a Michelin star restaurant This is a hotel to book well in advance and to spend time with the best!
3 nights from £449
Nestled at an altitude of 1250m amid spectacular natural surroundings, the delightful Chalet Hôtel du Jeu de Paume is waiting to welcome you with open arms…
Located in the small hamlet of Le Lavancher, between the breath-taking Chamonix Aiguilles and the Argentière Valley, this fantastic setting is guaranteed to appeal to anyone with an interest in nature in the Mont Blanc mountain range.
3 nights from £399
The Labrador Hotel in Chamonix is ideally situated on the prestigious Chamonix golf course, an 18-hole international level course designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior, facing the Mont Blanc chain and just 300 m from the Flégère cable car.
3 nights from £349
A friendly, sporty hotel offering cozy comfort in the centre of Chamonix.
3 nights from £449
The unique location of the 4-star hotel Heliopic Hotel & Spa opposite the famous Aiguille du Midi lift makes this a superb spot for a stay in Chamonix.
3 nights from £599
The Grand Hotel des Alpes in Chamonix is a luxurious haven for travellers seeking an unforgettable alpine escape.
3 nights from £349
The Hôtel de l’Arve in Chamonix is a charming Alpine retreat nestled in the heart of the stunning French Alps
3 nights from £449
A 4-star mountain retreat located in the heart of Chamonix, France, blessed with superb views and a rooftop spa and pool.
3 nights from £449
An exquisite hotel offering a perfect blend of alpine elegance and modern opulence.
3 nights from £449
Grandiose, simple, invigorating, and soothing, the Chalet Hôtel Hermitage has 28 four-star rooms and suites, a unique wellness area and outdoor hot-tub, and a separate chalet for large groups of friends or family.
3 nights from £449
With its contemporary style, the Alpina Eclectic Hotel & Spa offers an ideal base in the centre of Chamonix.
Not only is Chamonix Mt. Blanc renowned for its extreme skiing and beautiful surrounds, it also offers great activities for non skiers and an array of restaurants suiting every budget and taste. Our in resort team know Chamonix intimately including all the hot spots when it comes to food and drink. If you wish to book a table or simply know what’s going on and where, please just let us know.
From traditional fayre to exquisite Michelin star dining - Chamonix has all the bases covered to suit any budget level.
Traditional Savoyard - If Fondue, Tartiflette and Raclette or traditional French are up your street then these are a must to try:
La Calèche - http://www.restaurant-caleche.com/
La Cabane des Praz - https://www.restaurant-cabane-chamonix.com/
Le Monchu - https://www.lemonchu-chamonix.fr/
Le Cremerie Glacier d’Argentiere - http://www.lacremerieduglacier.fr/
Bistro du sports
Fine dining - If Michelin stars and celebrity chefs are your thing these are the places to eat:
Albert 1er - https://www.hameaualbert.fr/fr/restaurant
La Maison Carrier - https://www.hameaualbert.fr/fr/restaurant-de-pays
Atmosphere - https://www.restaurant-atmosphere.com
Munchie - http://www.munchie.fr/
La Telecabine - https://www.restaurant-latelecabine.fr/
Le Cap Horn - https://www.caphorn-chamonix.com/fr/
Casual dining – For a more relaxed vibe check out:
Moo - http://moobarcuisine.com/
Cool Cats - http://coolcatsrestaurants.com/
Pizzeria des moulins - https://m.facebook.com/pizzeriadesmoulins
Pointe Isabelle Bistro - http://pointeisabelle.com/fr/bar-bistro
Tampopo - https://fr-fr.facebook.com/tanpopochamonix/
Donacatrina (Mexican) - https://donacatrina.fr/
Chamonix has it all, including the night spots to compliment any day's activity. Enjoy the bars and drink responsibly ;-)
Chambre Neuf - Lively bar with a reputation for the best après in town
Moo Bar – trendy and popular amongst locals
Elevation - Locals bar where the hardcore climbers and skiers are known to hang out
MBC -Taste the beer of Mont Blanc in this micro brasserie
Monkey - A bar where the seasonnaires like to hang out
Les Caves – Cool and sophisticated ambience with great cocktails and wines, and a DJ until 2am
Cha cha cha – Wine tasting bar with a great selection of local and international wines.
Chamonix social club - Cocktails and late night dancing – the place to be seen
Beer o Clock – concept bar where you can serve yourself a wide choice of local and international beers
Big Mountain Brewery Co. - A local Brewhouse/ Micro-brewery. The bar is located at 73 Avenue Ravanel le Rouge
The Aiguille du midi and Montenvers Railway
For breath taking views and a truly once in a life time experience these are a must do activity. The Aiguille du Midi takes you up to 3842 meters in two cable cars. Departing in Chamonix sud this ride of your life will take you the best part of the afternoon. If you wish to make a whole day of ‘sight seeing’ then team it up with the Montenvers Railway which takes you up to the base of the Mer du Glace glacier. Being the largest glacier in the Alps and the ski out of the famous valley blanch you can admire the views or take a trip into the ice caves.
Glacier Walking in Chamonix
For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on the stunning Mer de Glace, Argentiere or Le Tour glaciers. The Mer de Glace is one of the longest and deepest glaciers in the Alps, moving at a rapid 120 meters a year. To get onto the glacier you'll have to clamber down long metals steps but you'll quickly forget about that once you start admiring the breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses below.
Ice Skating in Chamonix
Chamonix has an excellent ice rink that is open every, and don't forget the regular ice-hockey matches that take place throughout the season, generally on a Saturday evening. Skates can be hired.
Husky sledding in Chamonix
Be in charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start (you shout "mush!"), and strict instructions not to let go of the sled if it turns over (the dogs would disappear for hours...), you set off following the guide’s team. Your huskies want to keep up with their doggy mates, so the next hour is a breathless scramble to keep the sled upright, trying to control the speed downhill, and hanging on when you tear around corners! Not for the feint hearted...
Helicopter or small plane Tours
Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up! Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies or some mountain guide companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Haute Savoie.
Indoor Climbing Walls in Chamonix
The Chamonix valley is home to one of the largest indoor climbing walls in France. The Mont Blanc Escalade is located in Les Houches and is open all year, with 1250m sq. of climbing surfaces, and more than 100 routes to the roof, ranging from 16-20m in height. There is a beginner’s wall, a kid's wall, and even a cafeteria. All necessary equipment is available for hire. Complete beginners can make a first ascent of the indoor climbing wall with instruction from local guides.
Sledding, snowshoing and igloo fondue evening
Dine in an Igloo, sledge down a fast track and enjoy a snowshoe tour under the stars! Enjoy a unique evening in the mountains and combine multiply activities to get the full winter experience! Equipped with a sledge we will ride down a 2km long and fast track which you can ride as many times as you want! After the sledging we will strap our snowshoes on and enjoy a beautiful hike through a forest and over open powder fields to reach the igloo in the middle of nature. For dinner we will go inside the igloo which is completely built out of snow. Sheep skins and candles will keep you warm and create a cozy and romantic atmosphere. The fondue is served with wine and tea. Some homemade Christmas cookies for dessert will be served before we make our way back.
Newly opened in 2019, this world class spa offers a wide selection of baths, saunas and massages and treatments with a stunning setting – what better way to relax than with a view opposite Mont Blanc. Easy enough to spend the day here. Open from 9am to 11pm, prices from 42€. (there's a complimentary buffet towards the end of the day for those a little ravenous)
Paragliding
See Chamonix form a higher perspective and soar above the valley floor. Experience an exhilarating tandem flight with breathtaking views of the mountains. Using the ski lifts to go up to a take of point you will strap onto your tandem pilot and soar back down to the valley. Prices from 100€ depending on take off point, and you're likely to be flown by Ski Weekend's very own MD, Gavin Foster who is a qualified BHPA instructor. Flight times can vary.
Ice climbing
Climb frozen waterfalls in safety with your qualified mountain guide. Everyone can partake in this amazing experience as the guide will chose a route specific to your experience and level.
Arcades and 10 Pin Bowling
The bowling alley can be found in Chamonix-Sud next to the bus station, it is easy to spot with its illuminated rooftop skittle! Inside there are eight bowling lanes as well as pool and snooker tables, air hockey and a games arcade. It is licensed with a large bar area where you can also fill up on a few bar snacks such as nachos and fries.
Included in all Ski Weekend short breaks
