Skiing in Chamonix

Chamonix is quite unlike any other ski resort you may have been to. Very much the birthplace of Alpine sports in France, the area just keeps giving and giving to skiers who return relentlessly year after year in their search for adventure.

Chamonix is a little bit haphazard, in the most charming way possible – it’s made up of five distinct areas serviced by a free ski bus, the lifts are old, and it lacks the finesse of neighbouring resorts – but this ruggedness coupled with the incredible terrain just makes people keep coming back for more.

The skiing

While Chamonix does cater for skiers of all levels, you will get more and more out of it the stronger you get. There are four dedicated beginners areas and also a beginners snow park, so if you’re just finding your ski legs you will be well catered for. There are 5 distinct ski areas that make up Chamonix, comprising 170 km of on-piste skiing and over 500 km more off-piste. In fact, that’s what Chamonix is best at – extreme, demanding, amazing freeride terrain, and tons of it. On its day the place boasts some of the world’s best freeriding, no question.

Of course, no discussion about Chamonix would be complete without mentioning the world-renowned Aiguille du Midi and the Vallée Blanche. The first being the pinnacle of rock that dominates the valley reachable by what was for many years the tallest cable car in the world, and the second being the most famous off-piste skiing experience in the world. The Vallée Blanche isn’t reserved for experts only, it can safely be navigated (with a guide) by a decent intermediate. There are 4 main descents of the Vallée Blanche with differing levels of difficulty, so even a very advanced boarder should get a decent bang out of it.

The ski areas that make up Chamonix are incredibly varied in themselves from the pretty chill Brevent-Flegere area to very non-chill Les Grands Montets. There is a decent snowpark in Les Grands Montets also but if freestyle is your thing there are definitely better resorts for you in the Alps.

Where to stay

There is accommodation to suit every taste in Chamonix – be careful to think about what you want from your holiday before you pick your accommodation (Chamonix isn’t the most accessible of resorts and having a car can be a God-send). If you’re looking for serious après and early access to the slopes go for Chamonix centre, but if you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing and quiet, one of the nearby villages may be more your thing.
Booking.com

Where to eat

For serious gourmet eats check out Atmosphere for its Michelin starred food, fabulous views and delightful interior. On the more relaxed end of the spectrum Micro Brasserie de Chamonix (MBC) does great burgers served with their own home brewed beers.

Après ski

MBC is also a great place to start your evening’s après (if you’re so inclined) after which you might head to Monkey Bar for some more live music and then, if you’ve still got the energy you might mosey on over to the late opening Garage Bar to finish off the debauchery. If you prefer a quiet and sophisticated tipple, check out the Clubhouse Bar for slightly more sensible après.