What You Need to Know About Chamonix
If you’re planning a skiing trip in Europe, then clearly the Alps is going to be at the top of your list of mountain ranges to visit.
The largest mountain range in Europe and home to some of its most spectacular mountains, the region is jampacked with stunning slopes, perfect pistes and wonderful views.
However, even if you’ve already settled on the Alps as your mountain range of choice then you will still need to settle on which resort is best for you.
This is where it can be a little challenging as the Alps are full of incredible ski resorts that are scattered throughout the region.
It can be tricky to know which is most suitable for you, but undoubtedly one of the best is the charming Chamonix resort. Based in the heart of the Chamonix valley, the resort is nestled neatly in the midst of Europe’s highest glacial mountains and so is ideal for those looking for more rugged terrain and who want to wander off the beaten track.
Here at Alpine Fleet, we’ve spent many years providing leading private and shared transfers to Chamonix and this has given us a thorough insight into the resort.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide outlining everything you need to know about Chamonix.
Read on for more…
Where is Chamonix?
Let’s begin with where Chamonix actually is.
The stunning resort of Chamonix can be found in France’s southeastern area, more specifically in its Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region. It is located extremely close by to the Swiss and Italian borders with Geneva Airport (Aeroport de Geneve) in Switzerland its closest airport. On average (depending on weather conditions) it takes around one and a half hours to get to the resort from Geneva Airport.
The resort itself is also extremely close to the highest and most famous mountain in the Alps – Mont Blanc. In fact, many of its amenities sit at the foot of the mountain meaning it overlooks the resort. So no matter where in Chamonix you’re based, you will be able to take in the truly breathtaking views of Mont Blanc.
The resort itself is steeped in alpine history and the bustling town is traffic-free meaning you can get around on foot with ease. While it is known to be a little touristy (not a surprise when you consider its idyllic location) there is always so much to see and do. Even if you want to take a break from skiing, you’ll never be bored in Chamonix.
The history of Chamonix
While the beautiful Chamouny valley had been occupied by farmers, rural residents and a monastery for centuries, it wasn’t until 1741 that the area was officially discovered by the outside world.
Two Englishmen known as Windham and Pococke were part of the first expedition to discover its beauty and they published their discovery in literary journals that were read across Europe.
From these first official notes, people across the continent began making their own journeys to the region. Then, in 1770, the first ever guest house was opened in the area and it wasn’t long until the rich and famous began holidaying at Chamonix. Among its early guests included the likes of the German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
It wasn’t long until word spread and soon thousands of visitors would head to Chamonix each year. In 1786 two local men made the first ever documented ascent of Mont Blanc and by 1816 the first ever luxury hotel was opened in the region marking its newly found fame.
Soon, a wide range of infrastructure had been built to accommodate the influx of annual visitors including a railway line that was inaugurated in 1901.
Skiing in Chamonix can be dated back to the end of the 19th century but the first big ski season took place in 1906/1907. A local winter sports club, known as Club Alpine Francais, created a skiing competition that saw the ski season really take off.
And, in 1924, Chamonix hosted the world’s first Winter Olympic Games so popular was its slopes.
How high is Chamonix?
The overall elevation of Chamonix is estimated to be around 1,035m but the landscape varies significantly meaning not all of the altitudes are accessible.
The highest peak in Chamonix is, unsurprisingly, Mont Blanc. The giant peak stands at an almighty height of 4,809 metres. This makes it the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe in general. With this in mind, it is perhaps no surprise that skiers and climbers from all over the world head to the region every year.
Another famous peak at Mont Blanc is the 3,842m Aiguille du Midi. Located in the Mont Blanc massif, visitors often head here first on the way to the top of Mont Blanc. If climbing all the way isn’t your thing, then you can use the resort’s cable car. The cable car can also take you to the famous Vallee Blanche which is a 22km ski trail that will take you to the base of the valley.
You can also use the world’s highest ski lift to take you to Aiguille du Midi.
The lowest parts of the Chamonix resort range from between 800 metres and 1,000 metres and can be found within the town itself.
How to get to Chamonix
As mentioned earlier, Chamonix is accessible from Geneva Airport. This is by far the best airport to fly into as it then will only take you around one and a half hours to drive directly to the resort.
While car hire and public transport is available, it can be unreliable and challenging if you are unsure where to go. This can be particularly stressful if you’re coming off the back of a long flight and are unsure how to get to Chamonix.
Instead, we’d always recommend airport transfers for onward travel. At Alpine Fleet, we offer a range of airport transfers from Geneva Airport to Chamonix. You simply have to choose between private transfers and shared transfers.
With a private transfer, you’ll have full, unfettered access to the vehicle from the moment you land in Geneva. Instead of having to share with others, your group will have the vehicle all to yourselves. Once you have reached arrivals, one of our drivers will be waiting for you and will drive you directly to the resort and your accommodation’s address. Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning mountain views that the Alps has to offer without the worry of navigating the tricky roads. And, while Geneva is the best airport to arrive at, if for whatever reason this is not practical or suitable for you we also offer private transfers from Lyon, Grenoble and Zurich.
Alternatively, you could opt for shared transfers. At Alpine Fleet, there are two types of shared transfers you can choose from.
These are:
- Fixed point – A fixed point transfer will drop you off at a pre-agreed point where you will then take onward travel to your accommodation. Along the way, this option will stop at a whole host of places so you can rest assured you will always be dropped off as close to your accommodation choice as possible.
- Door to door – Our door to door option will follow the same route as the fixed point service, however, it will also feature a private vehicle that you will end the journey in as it takes you directly to the door of your accommodation.
Is Chamonix good for beginners?
Chamonix is home to several different areas including three distinct skiing zones. These are the Brevent, Flegere and Les Grands Montets which is famous for its high altitude peaks.
This means that there is a wide range of different skiing options depending on your ability. While Chamonix may not be as suitable for beginners as some other resorts in the Alps, it still does have a few nursery slopes that can be found scattered throughout the valley.
We’d recommend Le Savoy which can be found at the bottom of Brevent and can be accessed as soon as you get off the ski lift. Once you’ve mastered these then there are some ‘progression’ runs including Le Tour which is usually considered a gentler option for those who are not used to the slopes.
Is there snow in Chamonix?
Snow is clearly a big priority for those on a skiing trip, and luckily Chamonix is abreast with the white stuff.
In particular, the higher altitude areas have the best snow coverage due to the colder temperatures on offer there. As well as this, the best quality snow is usually in Les Grands Montets.
Visit Chamonix with Alpine Fleet
At Alpine Fleet, we can help take your skiing holiday to the next level thanks to our private and shared transfers that can help take you from Geneva Airport to ski resorts across the Alps.
This includes Chamonix with our experienced and dedicated drivers able to seamlessly take you to and from the wonderful resort. To find out more, contact our team today.
