Which lift pass should I buy for Chamonix?
There are two main lift passes for Chamonix. The big one is the Mont Blanc Unlimited (MBU) and covers Courmayeur, in Italy, the Evasion area of Megeve and St Gervais and it includes Les Houches and the Aiguille du Midi. It will also give you a discount on skiing in Verbier, Switzerland. The MBU will give you free access to the swimming pool and a variety of discounts to things like the cinema and museums.
The smaller lift pass (Le Pass) just covers the 4 main ski areas in Chamonix valley, Le Brevent, La Flegere, Grands Montets and the Domain de Balme.
So if you are skiing in Chamonix without a vehicle and not interested in “leisure activities” or seeing the Aiguille du Midi then the smaller pass might suit you. If however you want to ski the Vallee Blanche then you will need the MBU. If you have a vehicle and want to get the most out of a week or more then the MBU is great value and gives loads more options for changes in the weather.
Catered or Self-catered accommodation for Chamonix?
There are loads of different options for self-catered accommodation in Chamonix from chalets, to apartments and even mazots. Price is dependent on size, quality and location. Self catering is exactly that, in that someone needs to think about food each day, even if you are eating out rather than making meals for yourselves. If you are eating out in Chamonix you can easily end up spending more money per head than a good catered chalet option.
In the end it comes down to what you want from your precious holiday. To many people, thinking about, preparing and clearing up after meals is not their idea of a perfect holiday.
How does public transport work in Chamonix?
The buses in Chamonix work well, in that they will get you from somewhere near your accommodation to each of the ski ares in the valley. You may have to change buses but they are fairly regular. There is also a train running up and down the valley which gives relatively easy access to a couple of ski areas.
Buses are included on all ski passes and the train is included on a Carte de Sejour which your accommodation provider should be able to give you for free.
During peak weeks there are no more buses or trains laid on to cope with demand so getting on can be a bun fight and not ideal with kids. Your accommodation provider should be able to give advice on the best way to get about the valley using the public transport.
Are buses in Chamonix free?
Yes. Buses are included on all ski passes and the train is included on a Carte de Sejour which your accommodation provider should be able to give you for free.
How long is the transfer to Chamonix from Geneva airport?
A shared transfer from Geneva airport to Chamonix takes roughly an hour door to door if you are the first to be dropped off. It will take longer if you are the last to be dropped off or you are right at the head of the valley. Transfers are bookable through Cham Van or Mountain Dropoffs.
If driving then it will take an hour to Chamonix centre.
Is Chamonix good for families?
Yes Chamonix is good for families though it is worth considering having your own transport around the valley, either driving your own car or hiring one. Using public transport to move kids wearing ski boots and carrying kit can be testing, especially during school holidays.
Chamonix has a number of small ski areas, each with its own character. Talk to your accommodation provider about which ones to visit in which order as a lot depends on the snow conditions, the weather and your ability. Skiing is an amazing family holiday especially with so many areas to explore.
Is Chamonix good for beginner skiers?
In short, yes. There are a number of beginner ski areas to get going on skis and snowboards in the Chamonix valley. Then there are a couple of the ski areas which are more suited to beginners and those progressing towards intermediate. Like any ski resort there are definitely areas to avoid but your accommodation provider should be able to give you some quality advice.
Is the parking at the ski lifts free in Chamonix?
There are 5 ski areas in the Chamonix valley. All have free parking except for Le Brevent. This is a multi story car park adjacent to the lift station and does charge. All the other ski areas have free parking. Le Brevent is linked to La Flegere which also has free parking. During peak times most of the parking at the lift stations will be full if arriving mid morning, so it is better to get there early and leave early.
What activity is available in Chamonix for non skiers?
As Chamonix is a “real town” rather than a purpose built resort it has loads to offer non skiers. There is the usual outdoor stuff like paragliding, snow shoeing and dog sleding. In the spring there is also moutaineering, rock climbing and mountain biking. There are two indoor climbing walls in the valley.
Chamonix itself has about 3 museums as well as different art exhibitions, a cinema, and guided walks around the town. There is also the Aigulle du Midi cable car with all its installations and displays as well as stepping in to the glass box with a 1000m drop under your feet. The Montenvers train is a cog railway giving views over the Mer de Glace and access to ice caves carved from the glacier. There is a purpose built, modern heath spa and a leisure centre with swimming, saunas and hamam. Chamonix is home to a very good ice hockey team and there are regular fixtures at the ice rink, which is available for skating too.
Chamonix town has a wealth of history and charm with a vibrant Sunday market.
Where is best to hire skis and snowboards?
Good question. This depends on your criteria. Prices change every year so, ignoring the cost then things to consider are:
Access – Check with your accommodation provider which rental shop they recommend and why. The cheapest deal on the internet may be the other side of town or in the middle of the pedestrian zone. This can be a big issue if you then end up carrying everything back across town. This can be compounded if you have kids too.
Opening hours – France, being predominantly French, closes for lunch. At worst, some places will close from noon until 4pm. If you are planning to ski on the day you arrive and/or on the day you depart then choosing a hire shop which is open when you need to collect kit or return it is essential.
We recommend guests to use Chamonix Ski – you get a discount for booking in advance, they speak French and English, you can park outside and they are open all day. For guests at the chalet they will also collect kit at the end of your stay from our ski storage.
Does the lift pass include the swimming pool?
The MBU ski pass includes access to the swimming pool and discounts for various other amenities in the valley. The Le Pass just covers you for skiing and the buses.
Do I need a car for skiing in Chamonix?
No you don’t need a car as the buses around the valley is included with a lift pass. It is definitely a benefit having your own transport though, and it allows you to explore other ski areas included with the MBU ski pass.
How do I get from Chamonix to Courmayeur?
If you have your own transport it is easy, you just drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel and park up at one of the lift stations accessing Courmayeur. You can get a discounted rate for the tunnel on presenting a valid MBU ski pass.
There is also a couple of buses which run through to Courmayeur each morning and return each evening. These can be booked on-line. The timetable changes slightly through the season so it is best to check the website for times and prices.
Whats the best place to eat in Chamonix?
At the beginning of every season I ask a handful of locals where they would choose to eat in Chamonix. For the last 3 years all have answered either Mumma’s www.mumma.fr
or Munchies www.munchie.fr. Both are Scandinavian run and the food is Asian fusion. They both offer sharing platters and Munchies will do a conventional menu as well.
If Asian fusion is not your cup of tea, then there are many other places depending on what you fancy. Here are some other ideas.
Italian – Casa Valerio www.casavalerio.net/
Burgers – Poco Loco www.facebook.com/Poco-Loco-358271530853470/
Savoyard – La Calèche www.restaurant-caleche.com
Steaks – Cap Horn www.caphorn-chamonix.com
Vegetarian – Big Horn Bistro https://www.bighornbistro.com
What’s the best place to eat up the mountain in Chamonix Valley?
Definitely Restaurant Alpage de Balme at Domain de Balme is one of our favourite places. This is the ski area at the head of the valley and the restaurant is a charming grange under the Possets drag lift. You can even snow shoe there from the lift at Vallorcine. The train from Chamonix will take you to the lift station and from the top of the lift it is probably a 15 minute snow shoe. Booking highly recommended.
Simple menu done really well and not expensive for eating up the mountain.
T: 06 83 33 86 61 T: 06 76 89 50 34
