Recommended
Mountain Lunch: Le Bistrot
Après Ski: Chambre Neuf
Dinner: Casa Valeiro
Non-skiers: Step into the Void
Best Off-piste: Les Grands Montets
Best Ski Run: Les Houches
Skiing
Ski Elevation: 1035m – 3842m
Pistes: 150km
52% Blue runs
35% Red runs
13% Black runs
Snowparks: 1
Airports
Geneva (GVA):
1h / 86.6km
Chambery (CMF):
1h 30m / 135km
Lyon (LYS):
2h 10m / 215km
Chamonix Luxury Chalet
As a traditional ski town, you’ll find an enchanting choice of luxury chalets in Chamonix. With accommodation spread throughout the villages, you’ll have lots of options all with easy reach to the slopes and the hustle and bustle of town. A long history of tourism guarantees flawless interiors and the very best hospitality.
FEATURES – Many of our chalets come with exquisite mountain views with plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy the scenery from. Hot tubs and saunas are staples in many of our properties.
SIZE – We have chalets that fit from two to 22 guests. If you have a larger party, contact us and we will help you combine a selection of chalets to suit your group.
CATERING – If you choose catered accommodation, you can expect expert service and a strong support system throughout your stay.
LOCATIONS – Since Chamonix is spread across a large area, it’s better to first identify which location will best fit your needs. If you’re looking for a ski-in ski-out property, we recommend basing your search around Les Houches. Central Chamonix has the widest choice of chalets and puts you at the heart of the apres-ski scene. While La Praz is an upscale area with some of the most luxurious homes in the resort.
Chamonix has a wide choice of luxury chalets, but they can get snapped up quickly during peak times like school holidays. We advise you to start your search early to avoid disappointment. Explore our choice of luxury homes below and take the first step to creating an incredible alpine adventure.
Looking for inspiration? Take a look at our recommend luxury ski chalets in Chamonix…
Chalet Whymper
In the heart of Chamonix, this spacious chalet can sleep up to 22 guests. The large open-plan living area is centred around a traditional fireplace while the terrace and garden give you dreamy views of the town and mountains. Relax in the hot tub or retire to the bar area for a cosy evening drink.
Chamonix Chalet Collections
B&B chalets in Chamonix
Corporate chalets in Chamonix
Ski-in Ski out chalets in Chamonix
Chamonix chalets with hot-tubs
Catered chalets in Chamonix
Flagship chalets in Chamonix
Chamonix chalets with cinemas
Chamonix chalets with spa area
Chamonix chalets with saunas
Self-catered chalets in Chamonix
Large chalet in Chamonix
Chamonix chalets with gyms
Chamonix chalets with swimming pool
Chamonix
Cosmopolitan style, rich history, and epic snowsports. Chamonix is an all-around crowd-pleaser. And with a prime location by heroes like Mont Blanc and Aiguille du Midi, you’re guaranteed exquisite scenery too.
Chamonix is a treasure chest for alpine activities. Difficult terrain and bucket list off-piste attract expert skiers and boarders from around the world. The international snow sports hub has slowly sucked in the surrounding villages, offering fantastic options for all levels. Sprawling across the valley, you’ll have access to multiple ski areas and the Italian resort of Courmayeur.
Challenging slopes aren’t the only attraction. Adrenaline junkies flock here for epic winter pursuits. It’s not uncommon to see para skiers and hangliders drifting over the valley, adding something special to already picturesque scenery.
Despite its vibrant snowsports heritage, Chamonix isn’t a purpose-built resort. The bustling town has boomed into an emporium of shops, bars, and restaurants. Its long experience with hospitality guarantees a high-quality and refined experience. It may have become a hot spot for luxury skiing, but its traditional village charm shines through. Cobbled streets and Victorian architecture make it just as pretty as the slopes. Soak up the atmosphere as you mingle with locals on sunny après ski terraces.
Of course, this world-class ski destination has given birth to world-class chalets. Browse our selection of properties for a special alpine break.
Chamonix Resort
Nestled in the Haute-Savoie region, the huge Chamonix Valley is 16km long and 2km wide. Sprawled across the valley floor, it offers different points of mountain access and incorporates the neighbouring villages of Les Houches and Argentiere. It rests on the border with Italy so you can drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel and arrive in a whole new country.
The large town centre stays open year-round. This gives it a lively local feeling with great shopping and après ski fun. Endless activities off the slopes make it a great choice for skiers and non-skiers alike. With 16 villages and six different ski areas, there’s a base to suit every type of visitor and you can find a different scene for every day of the week.
The long mountain heritage here has put Chamonix on the map as a premier snowsports destination. The first ever Winter Olympics was held here in 1924 but people have been hearing of its delights since the 1740s. Before alpine tourism arrived, it was a small farming community. You can see its evolution into an adventure capital in the fantastic variety of architecture, traditional streets, and medieval church spires.
Chamonix Travel & Transport
Chamonix is a sprawling resort. Even if you’re staying in the centre you’ll want to branch out to other neighbourhoods. The ski areas are plentiful, but not lift-linked. With so much to explore, it’s easier to make use of the excellent public transport systems.
Free buses run throughout the valley, with the main terminal based in Chamonix Sud. There’s also a smaller shuttle service running across Chamonix town. If you want to speed things up, you can also take the train. But these aren’t always in the most convenient locations.
Travelling by car
Since Chamonix is so spread out, you might want the convenience of your own car. You’ll find it easy to get a parking space by the major lifts but this is more of a struggle in Chamonix town centre. Chamonix is one of the easiest resorts to get to by car. The dual carriageway and clear roads make getting up the mountain a straightforward experience.
Travelling by train
Since Chamonix has its own train station, this is a comfortable and eco-friendly way to get into resort. It will take longer and there will be some changes along the way. You’ll need to change at Saint Gervais Le Fayet or Martigny.
Airports
The best airport to fly into is Geneva. This has the biggest choice of international flights and offers easy transfer times.
Geneva (GVA) – 86.6km
By car –Â 1 hour 2 minutes
By train – 4 hours 13 minutes
Sion (SIR) – 71.4km
By car – 2 hours 26 minutes
By train – 1 hour
Lyon (LYS) – 215km
By car – 2 hours 10 minutes
Chambery (CMF) – 135km
By car – 1 hour 30 minutes
Private transfer
There is a range of transfer options into Chamonix from major airports, including shuttle buses and private cars.
Chamonix Restaurants
A trip to Chamonix is a chance to try some of the best restaurants in the Alps. An impressive collection of Michelin stars and cosy French classics make the resort a treasure chest of dining experiences. Laze away hours on a rustic mountain terrace or sip the finest wines in an elegant setting back in town.
In the town
The two Michelin star Albert 1er is a fifth-generation family restaurant. It offers one of the best mountain dining experiences in the world. They take market fresh ingredients and transform them into innovative works of art. For a sleek Michelin adventure with reasonable prices, head to Atmosphere. Sit among the flowers on the riverside terrace while you work your way through their Savoyard dishes and extensive wine list. Morgane will transport you across Europe, with a blend of flavours from the Alps and the Mediterranean.
L’Impossible is one of the most popular spots in town. In the heart of Chamonix Sud, their dishes offer a chance to try Savoyard or Piedmontese dishes. Their focus on organic and sustainable produce means that you’re always guaranteed a flawless meal. Immerse yourself in the rustic charm of L’Eden. They’re a great spot to sample traditional French cuisine. If you want a taste of the sea, check out Cap Horn. Among nautical décor, you can graze an excellent seafood menu, including stunning sushi creations.
On the slopes
You’ll find an excellent choice of mountain restaurants across the valley. The most sought-after destination is Le 3842. It has the title of the highest altitude restaurant in Chamonix. As well as exquisite views, it boasts the recognition of Maître Restaurateur. It’s easy to access by taking the Aiguille du Midi cable car all the way to the top. But you’ll have to fight for a table- the intimate space allows a few people per day. Another Maître Restaurateur establishment is Le Chalet de Charamillon. Catch the last cable car up for their evening service and work off your dinner by sledging back down.
You’ll have a dreamy experience at Les Vielles Luges. Nestled on the slopes of Les Houches, this 18th-century barn is an atmospheric place for a mountain lunch. Tuck into hearty Savoyard dishes among a snow-dusted forest. Also an off-the-beaten-path spot, Cremerie requires a short ski through the Argentiere forest. Built-in 1926, the same family has been serving traditional Savoyard food ever since. Make sure to try the farçon, a staple family recipe.
Chamonix Apres & Nightlife
Whether you love lively bars or laid-back cocktails, you’ll find something to suit you in Chamonix. With the slopes spreading across the valley, you won’t find the busy mountain parties like in neighbouring resorts. Instead, the party kicks off back in town around 5 pm. This gives you lots of time to ski down and recover before the music starts pumping. If you want to wander and see where the night takes you, start at Docteur Paccard and hop from bar to bar.
Looking for laid-back drinks and conversations? You’re in luck. Chamonix has a wonderful choice of relaxed wine and cocktail bars:
-  Élévation 1904 is a Chamonix favourite. Their large heated terrace is the perfect place for an evening vin chaud while you mingle with the locals.
-  Descend into the quirky décor of Les Caves for mellow jazz and a high-end wine and cocktail menu. As the evening wears on, the music becomes more upbeat, tempting you to extend your night.
- Â Le Vert offers classic sports bar fun. Catch the match on the projector with UK Sky TV or get competitive with table football or a game of pool.
Would you rather start the night with something more energetic? The party starts early with live music and lots of après ski classics:
- Â Chambre Neuf is the most popular place to begin your night. Packed to the brim with Brits and Scandis, expect live music, happy hours, and lots of table dancing.
-  A staple in the French Alps’ après scene, this branch of Folie Douce takes things up a notch. While not on the slopes, its opulent hotel location features extravagant live shows with DJs, sparkle, and aerial acrobatics.
-  MOÖ is a Swedish bar and restaurant where the only requirement for entry is that you’re up for a good time. Regular events, friendly staff, and a self-service beer tap will keep you coming back every night.
If you’re looking to extend your night, there are a few options to get you up and dancing:
-  L’Amnesia is the biggest club in Chamonix. Not opening until 1 am, you can expect international DJs and a great mix of club music.
- Â For a stylish atmosphere and uber-cool house music, hang out at Le Privilege. They have a large wine and cocktail menu in a rustic-chic setting.
-  If you’re looking for a unique apres-ski experience, you’ll find it at La Maison des Artistes. The distinctive 1926 villa plays high-quality jazz until 2 am.
Chamonix Ski Area
With a sprawling ski area, 173km of piste, and endless backcountry, you’ll never get bored in Chamonix. Both North and South facing slopes allow you to adjust your plans according to the weather. Although hailed as a paradise for expert skiers, beginners and intermediates will find more than enough to keep them entertained.
The ski area
Since many of the ski zones aren’t lift-linked, you can make the most of your time by selecting a different destination for each day. If you’re planning on doing some serious exploring, it’s recommended to get the Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass. The main places to ski in Chamonix are:
- Â Grand Montets is one of the largest ski zones in the area and has some of the best backcountry in the Alps.
-  Brévent/Flégèrer has sunny south-facing slopes and a varied choice of terrain for all levels.
- Â Le Tour/ Vallorcine are top choices for beginners. But these small villages have some fun reds and off-piste for the more adventurous skier.
- Â Vallee Blanche is the spot to be for confident intermediates and advanced skiers.
- Â The picturesque Les Houches area has lovely tree-lined slopes and a charming selection of mountain restaurants. This quiet and family-friendly area is ideal on a bad weather day.
- Â Accessed through a mountain tunnel, the Italian resort of Courmayeur offers a slow pace and a variety of piste.
Boarders
Chamonix is heaven on earth for experienced snowboarders. If you’re looking to up your game, steep terrain and some of the best freeriding in the world offer serious challenges. Head to the top of Grand Montets for two black runs and miles of off-piste opportunities. Adrenaline junkies will want to sample the famous Vallee Blanche. For something more relaxed, play around in the tree runs around Le Tour.
Le Tour is also a good spot for natural hits. But if you want to build on your freestyle skills, there are snowparks at Grand Montets, Le Tour, and Les Houches. The largest is at Le Tour, which features grades for all levels, boardercross, and a chill-out zone.
Chamonix can be an intimidating choice for the first-time boarder. Spread out green runs make it difficult to find easy places to practice your turns. But all hope is not lost. Vormaine in Le Tour is a quiet area with two greens and a blue when you’re ready to progress. Wide pistes for turning and slow drag lifts will help you get the hang of things. There are also green options with easy access in Les Houches and Brevant.
Beginners
While not the best resort to learn in, Chamonix has several options for those first steps on the snow. A popular choice is Les Houches for its gentle slopes at the top of the cable cars. It’s in the tree line so you’ll be sheltered from the elements and the large plateau at the top has flat and easy slopes. Although it’s a little further from town, you’ll have a quiet environment to master your first snow plough.
Other options for first-time skiers include La Tour and Vallorcine. The Savoy area is an easy option close to the town centre, with two drag lifts and a magic carpet. When you want to progress, try the greens from the Trappe chair lift in Flégère, and the greens in La Vormaine. The mini funicular, Funi 2000, will take you to the greens in Brevent. This includes the highest green run in Chamonix, Verte 2000.
When booking lessons, remember to check where the ski school is based so you don’t have a mad dash to the meeting point every morning.
Our recommended ski schools:
- Â Sensations is part of the International Ski School. They have private and group lessons for multiple levels and ages. They also do mountain guiding and paragliding.
- Â Eco Rider is a sustainable ski school with lessons across multiple disciplines for all ages.
-  BASS are established across France with private and group lessons for a variety of skills. Master Chamonix’s backcountry or learn how changing your mindset can transform your skiing.
Intermediates
Intermediates will have a fantastic time in the majority of the ski areas. Whether you’re after a cruisy blue or a technical red, you’ll find plenty to excite and challenge you. Start in Les Houches if you’re finding your snow feet again. The runs here are quiet so you can take your time as you transition from blue to red. Or, head over to Courmayeur. The pace here is so relaxed that any tumble can be fixed by a quick laze on a sun lounger.
Brevent and Flegere are the most popular spots for intermediate skiers. With 11km of blues, 25km of reds, and 20km of blacks, there’s lots of terrain with a few challenges mixed in. Perfect for a mixed group looking to learn from each other. Bask on the south-facing slopes while cruising the well-groomed piste. This is also a dreamy area for taking in some of Chamonix’s best views.
Advanced
Advanced skiers will be in their element in Chamonix, with terrain difficult enough to challenge even the most seasoned expert. Head to Grand Montets for some of the steepest slopes and stunning views of the glacier. The two black runs from the top station provide several challenges. Les Houches is a popular option for beginners and intermediates. But it’s also home to the famous La Verte, a groomed run used for the World Cup descent.
Backcountry in Chamonix is easy to access, making it a popular choice around the world. Les Grands Montets is on the list as having some of the best off-piste skiing in the Alps. Three bowls, 2,000m of verticle skiing and the Argentiere glacier make this a vast winter playground.
The Vallee Blanche ski area is an alpine icon, with glacial skiing and a 2,700m verticle descent. With stunning scenery, even confident intermediates might want to give this one a try. You should attempt Vallee Blanche with a guide. But to get the best out of everything Chamonix’s backcountry has to offer, it’s recommended to take a guide for at least one day.
Weather
Chamonix has ski areas at a variety of altitudes, with microclimates and tree-lined offerings when the weather is less favourable. The best snow is often at Grand Montets, whose North facing slopes reach heights of 3,200m.
December
The lifts are open and anticipation builds for a new winter season. Snow in lower parts of the valley may be patchy but it’s nothing the snow machines can’t fix.
Average snowfall: 61cm
Snow days: 5
January
January is very cold but has the highest chance of good snow. You’ll also get quieter slopes after the festive rush has died down.
Average snowfall: 109cm
Snow days: 8
February
Temperatures are a little warmer and there’s still plenty of snow on the ground. Expect this time to be busy with many schools on half term break.
Average snowfall: 72cm
Snow days: 8
March
March brings longer days and an extra dose of sunshine. Despite the warmer weather, snow depths often stay high until the end of the month.
Average snowfall: 85cm
Snow days: 8
Things To Do In Chamonix
Chamonix is an excellent choice for non-skiers. A bustling town centre and lots of alpine activities mean that you’ll have endless things to do off the slopes. As a year-round resort with 9,000 residents, it has more of a local feeling than many purpose-built ski towns, so you can lose yourself in its charm.
Chamonix is an emporium of delightful cafes and sunny bar terraces. Shopaholics will be satisfied with the wonderful choice of artisanal food stores, designer boutiques, and handmade souvenir shops. Soak up the atmosphere with a horse-drawn carriage through the pretty Victorian town. Looking for ultimate rest and relaxation? Why not spend the afternoon in the deep nature spa at Morgane Hotel? If you ever run out of things to do in Chamonix, you can also do a day trip to neighbouring resorts like Megeve.
Chamonix is the epi-centre of mountain fun in Europe. Ice skating, ice climbing, and tobogganing are all items to add to your alpine itinerary. It’s also an opportunity to try ski joring. This sport, dating back to 2,500 BC, involves skiing scenic trails while being pulled along by a horse.
With a sports centre, cinema, and bowling, you’ll find no shortage of options on a bad weather day. Make a splash in the indoor pool, enjoy a game of squash, or reach new heights in one of the largest indoor climbing centres in France.
There are many mountain restaurants with cable car access, so it’s easy to meet the skiers in your group for a high-altitude lunch. But for a bucket list activity, take the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi. There’s much more to do here than just the infamous off-piste skiing route. Relax on the panoramic terraces, grab a bite to eat, or get your head spinning in a glass box suspended at 1,000m. It’s home to Musee de L’Alpnisme Pointe, where you can delve into Chamonix’s mountaineering heritage.
You can also take the scenic Montenvers Train journey to Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier. Watch the skiers complete the Vallee Blanche itinerary or spend some time in the ice grotto. If you’d rather have an aerial view of Chamonix, sip champagne from a hot air balloon or soar up to Aiguilles Verte on a helicopter for fondue and snowshoeing. Stay closer to home and explore the many walking trails along the valley floor. You’ll venture through snow-capped forest and pretty riverside villages.
If you have any questions about our luxury ski chalets in Chamonix for rent, please contact our team!
Our luxury Chamonix chalets blog covers a wide range of topics: the latest luxury rental properties in Chamonix, local news, snow conditions, new and top rated restaurants and bars, best rental shops, spa’s and swimming pools, top 5’s and of course, Ski Chalets in Chamonix!