There aren’t many people who haven’t at least heard of Chamonix. This popular ski resort enjoys one of the most dramatic and picturesque locations in the Alps, set at the foot of the spectacular Mont Blanc. As well as ensuring a panorama of jaw-dropping views whichever way you turn your head, it also means the skiing opportunities are nothing short of sensational. If you’re planning a short ski break and considering this fantastic resort, we’re here to help you out with a “Top Three” of Chamonix — the things that make it so special, which might just tip the balance…
- Chamonix: Views, Location and Alpine Charm
- The Skiing
- The Views
- The Town Life
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Chamonix: Views, Location and Alpine Charm
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, to give it its full name, is situated in the French Haute Savoie region, bordered by Switzerland and Italy. Its geography affords it a unique character, with diverse influences and traditions resulting in a charming ambience that attracts everyone from young families and slightly older fun-lovers, to hopeless romantics, expert skiers, and even non-skiers!
Encompassing five villages, each with its own personality and appeal, Chamonix is a rare destination that’s just as popular in the summer months as it is in the winter. World-class in every way — from its accommodation and range of activities, to its expansive slopes — the outstanding natural beauty of the resort is the perfect complement to its relaxed atmosphere.
Could Chamonix be the perfect ski resort? Even if we’re being objective, its Top Three attributes are pretty hard to argue with…
The Skiing
Over the resort’s four main areas, you’ll have access to more than 110km of slopes, and with that much space you can be sure there’s something to suit every skill level.
- Les Houches: Family-friendly and great for beginners with plenty of gentle runs.
- Grand Montets: For the adrenaline junkies, off-pisters, and very confident skiers.
- Balme-Le Tour-Vallorcine: Great for everyone, plenty of sun and impressive views.
- Brévent-Flégère: Long, wide runs for fantastic skiing in a stunning setting.
While Chamonix has a reputation as one of the best places in the world for serious, advanced skiers, there’s also plenty for the intermediates, and more than enough to keep beginners happy as well — with lots of options to improve fledgling skills.
Along with the plethora of groomed pistes, there’s also more than 50km of designated cross-country/Nordic trails if you want to try something new.
The Views
From a setting in the shadow of the Mont Blanc massif, there’s little chance the vistas from Chamonix are going to be anything less than incredible. From virtually everywhere, you’re treated to a mesmerising panorama of jagged mountain peaks, towering glaciers, breathtaking waterfalls, and endless swathes of pine-clad slopes interspersed with smooth, white ribbons of groomed pistes. The landscape is a bewildering blend of wild high-altitude terrain and a tranquil, picture-postcard patchwork across a deep, wide valley of forests and lakes.
For those who want to explore the views beyond the windows of a hotel or a flashing blur as you whizz down the slopes, there are numerous excellent viewpoints from which to do so.
- Les Petite Balcons: Very accessible just a couple of hundred metres from the resort, these paths run through the valley in both directions, offering scenic views of open landscape.
- The Aiguille du Midi cable car: On the ride up you’ll be treated to 360-degree views over the Chamonix Valley and the Swiss, French and Italian Alps.
- Pointe Helbronner: From the top of the Aiguille du Midi you can also travel across to Italy on a cable car that takes you right over the glacier and affords a unique view of Mont Blanc and beyond.
- Glacier des Bossons: A quaint old-fashioned two-seater chairlift that delivers views over the valley and the glacier at an elevation of 1425m.
The Town Life
Unlike many other resorts, while the accommodation and skiing is spread out over the various villages in the valley, Chamonix also has a proper “town centre”, which is vibrant, atmospheric, and humming with activity. Operating as a tourist resort since 1770, with one hotel, since then the place has thrived. Choosing to stay in this lively hub puts everything at your fingertips, including bars, restaurants, sports centres, shopping, cinema, nightlife, and a host of leisure activities.
Because Chamonix is an all-year destination, generally you don’t have to worry about things being closed. With numerous bars and restaurants (there are more than 40 eating establishments), you’ll never run short of a place to eat, or some apres-ski fun when you come off the slopes. In terms of international cuisine, you’re spoiled for choice, with everything from authentic French fondue to British style fast-food.
Throughout the year there’s a busy calendar of events including live theatre, markets, sporting events, high profile music festivals, parades, and a host of other cultural offerings.
Top Tip: If you plan on making the most of a few days’ ski break, staying right in Chamonix town centre means you’ll be the first on the lifts in the morning!
So there you have it: a Top Three any self-respecting ski resort would be proud of! Chamonix is blessed with the rare combination of extreme beauty and appealing substance, and it’s no wonder it remains one of so many people’s favourite resorts in the French Alps.
Where to Stay
Chalet-Hotel Hermitage: Just five minutes’ walk from the centre of town and highly convenient to the ski lifts, this elegant, Alpine-style hotel is a warm, welcoming place to soak up the beauty of the French Alps. Dating back to 1920, from the stylish decor to the thoughtful appointments and spectacular views, you’ll be wrapped in its wonderful boutique ambience. Onsite amenities include a gorgeous garden, saunas, spa and wellness centre, and a quality restaurant.
Heliopic Hotel & Spa: Offering the perfect blend of luxury and convenience, the hardest thing about your stay will be leaving to hit the slopes! But with stunning views to Mont Blanc, an onsite restaurant and bar, direct access to the L’Aiguille du Midi Cable Car, and extensive spa and wellness facilities, it’s the perfect base to come back to for some well-earned pampering and relaxation. The beautifully furnished rooms look out over the slopes and are appointed with everything you could want for a memorable stay.
La Folie Douce Hotels Chamonix: Located directly opposite the ski lifts and just a two-minute walk to all the action of town, this ambient establishment takes in wide-ranging views to Mont Blanc and beyond. Fantastically appointed with great onsite facilities, you can make use of the heated pool, wellness centre with a wide range of treatments, multiple restaurants and bars, evening entertainment, and spacious rooms with unique, eclectic decor topped off by views over the slopes. The dream ski break accommodation!
How to Get There
Getting to Chamonix to enjoy a short ski break is a simple matter of booking a flight to Geneva Airport, which only takes about an hour and forty minutes from various UK airports. You can find flights from a range of airlines like TUI, Jet2, British Airways, and easyJet, who together offer in excess of 450 flights a week.
Once you land at the airport, getting to Chamonix is easy on a pre-booked airport transfer with Shuttle Direct.
Overview
UK to GVA Flight Time: 1 hour, 40 mins
GVA to Chamonix: 91 kilometres approx.
Shuttle Direct Transfer: Just over an hour
Types of Transfer
At Shuttle Direct we understand the diverse wants and needs of our customers, which is why we offer multiple options to get you from Geneva to Chamonix.
Shuttle Bus: Geneva transfers are not only easy but economical on our most popular service, the shared shuttle bus. One of the best value services on the market, it’s a friendly way to get to where you need to go. At the airport you’ll meet your driver and shuttle at a designated spot, then be on your way to Chamonix as quickly as possible. It’s not a door-to-door service, but you can choose from multiple convenient central drop off points.
Taxi: If you prefer to travel on your own and be taken right to the door of your accommodation, but don’t want the higher cost of a private service, you can pre-book a local taxi with Shuttle Direct for your Chamonix transfer. As soon as your flight lands, your friendly driver will be waiting to take you straight away, so you can forget about standing in that taxi queue with everyone else!
Minibus Transfer: If you’re travelling with a group of family or friends for your ski break, simplify the logistics by booking a minibus for your transfer from Geneva to Chamonix. The larger capacity vehicle allows for everyone to travel at the same time, there’s plenty of room for everyone’s luggage and ski gear, and it’s a doorstep service.
Private Transfer: For the most luxurious Geneva transfer, our private services offer a top-of-the-range ride in a high-end vehicle right to the door of your accommodation. When your flight lands, your professional driver will be waiting in the terminal to escort you to your vehicle, then you’ll set off without delay and arrive in Chamonix in style.
Choosing the Right Transfer
When you travel with Shuttle Direct, you’re guaranteed a stress-free ride from Geneva Airport to Chamonix. Only you can make the final choice as to which service suits your needs best, but the decision will come down to cost and convenience.
Cost: If saving money is your top priority for your transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix, one of our economical shared shuttle bus services will put a smile on your face. You share the journey with other passengers, and the service is not door-to-door, but that is reflected in the cost and you can choose from multiple stops so you’ll get as close as possible to your accommodation.
Convenience: But if being dropped right at the doorstep of your accommodation is the priority, you’ll be better served by one of our luxury private Chamonix transfers, a pre-booked local taxi, or a minibus if you’re travelling with a larger group.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is one of the market leading providers of fast, reliable, and affordable airport transfers all over the world. Whether you’re after a cost-effective shared shuttle bus, or a top-of-the-range luxury private transfer is more your style, we can help. With friendly local drivers, great communication, and an easy-to-navigate booking system, we take all the hassle away from your onward transport arrangements. Book online with us today and we’ll take care of everything else.
