Chamonix has existed, on the French side of Mont Blanc, since the 12th century, when a count ceded the valley to the monks of the Abbey of the Sacra San Michele (now in the province of Turin, Italy), who governed it for two centuries. A village of traders and shepherds developed around the abbey, which remained hidden in its white isolation until the 19th century. Then it became the headquarters of Alpine guides and thus the starting point for many excursions. The organization of the first Winter Olympics (1924) further enhanced Chamonix’s tourist reputation, which today is part of that group of “VIP” ski resorts that dot the Western Alps. But …is Chamonix really such a “reserved” place for a select few? And who can ski there, and when?
Chamonix: when and how
While the French side of Mont Blanc is splendid in every season, if you’re looking for snow in Chamonix, the ideal time to visit is between December and March. Close to -and well-served by- two international airports (Geneva Airport – GVA and Milan Malpensa Airport – MXP), Chamonix is easily accessible by both Italian and French public transport and by private transfers with a dedicated driver, such as those provided by us at Transfeero through this website.
The Chamonix slopes and… much more!
The Chamonix-Mont Blanc ski area boasts 121 slopes spanning 110 km, divided into 50% easy and medium-easy runs—suitable for beginners, cross-country skiers, and those who simply want to enjoy the pleasures of the mountains without risks, 37% difficult runs and 14% difficult and professional “black” runs. The ascent to the highest point, the Aiguille du Midi at 3,842 m, takes just 30 minutes by cable car and will take you to “Europe’s highest ski resort.”
The most popular ski areas in Chamonix-Mont Blanc are:
• the easy-medium Les Houches/Saint-Gervais – Prarion/Bellevue, with only 5 km of slopes reserved for professionals;
• the Brévent/Flégère, which is the largest and offers an even distribution of slopes between easy (11 km), intermediate (25 km), and very difficult/professional (20 km);
• the easiest slopes, suitable for everyone, are located in Balme/Les Autannes – Vallorcine/Le Tour, Les Planards, and Le Tourchet.
If skiing is not your dream, no problem! Chamonix also offers ice skating rinks, snowshoe trails, excursions to the valley’s villages, and exciting sports such as paragliding.
From France to Italy
Choosing to spend your winter holidays in Chamonix means treating yourself, in addition to sports, to the opportunity to easily admire two beautiful European regions: the French Haute-Savoie and the Italian Valle d’Aosta. Thanks to the “twinning” of Chamonix and the Italian Courmayeur, connected by the Mont Blanc Tunnel, you can admire places such as Annecy, Bonneville, and Evian-les-Bains, as well as Aosta, Sarre-St. Nicolas, and Cogne. Turin is also easily accessible from Chamonix, and so are the swiss cities of Geneva and Lausanne.
In short: come ski to Chamonix because…
Here, the snow is always guaranteed, every year.
The backdrop of Mont Blanc accompanies you during every activity with breathtaking views.
The historic town of Chamonix is lively, vibrant, glittering, and full of events and famous people.
Many champions do train here.
This is the “capital city” of Freeride and Extreme Skiing.
