Whether you’re into skiing, shopping, dining or simply exploring, Chamonix is the Spring escape for you! Located only an hour outside of Geneva, Chamonix is convenient and yet a world away. Here is a quick city guide to this fabulous French Alpine village.
Why Go
Chamonix, or as it’s officially known, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, started off as a sleepy ski village and is now an internationally renowned all-year-round destination. Its chic visitors have put its famous slopes on the map. Let’s just say it is still a place to see and be seen.
What to Do
Spring is great time to visit Chamonix. The sun will be glistening when it shines on the Brevent peak. Imagine great ski conditions, complimented by a Mediterranean dose of sunshine? Sounds like skier’s paradise to me! Yes, the weather is so nice you barely even need a jacket while skiing. And even if you aren’t a big skier or boarder, be sure to still hit the slopes, you can dine at one of the many on-mountain eateries, many of which are accessible right off of the gondolas or just head up to the top to take in the view! But if you are a skier don’t bother with lugging your gear all the way across the Atlantic, just rent some brand new equipment when you arrive in town, Sanglard Sports located in the center of town will even deliver your skis back to your hotel for you and pick them up from your hotel when you check out. So just go in, try one your boots, pick your skis and then head up to the mountain in the morning!
Off mountain, the valley has just as many fun activities. First up is shopping; this is a snow bunny’s paradise. They have ski brands that we don’t have in America. And since it isn’t ever actually that cold on the slopes, you have a lot more freedom with your ski attire, feel free to go for style points as well as comfort!
After you have shopped your heart out, head down the street to QC Terme, a holistic Alpine spa. With the most thorough aquatherapy wellness approach that I have ever experienced, this is a must for any visit to Chamonix. Not only will the be soothed by the whirlpools, but you can also take in amazing views. From hydrojets to saunas, to steam baths, to sensory tubs, you will leave feeling rejuvenated, which after a few days skiing, sure feels nice!
Where to Eat
Chamonix is filled with cafes, restaurants, bars, and bistros—all levels of dining.
A few tips for deciding where to eat is to: 1) try a few on-mountain spots, 2) don’t miss après, 3) make a reservations for a fine dining meal or 2, 4) lounge outside at a café, and 5) try something unexpected. A few of our favorites are the La Folie Douce Hotel, for dinner and après, La Bergerie Planpraz (on the mountain) and the restaurant at Hotel Aiguille du Midi for a romantic dinner date.
Where to Stay in Chamonix
Again, like dining, you will find all levels of accommodations in Chamonix. From renting a large chalet for your entire family, to grabbing a hotel room in town, you will have all the options. Two to check out for sure are Hotel Aiguille du Midi, a charming family-run hotel just outside our downtown Chamonix and La Folie Douce, a brand-new offshoot of the Folie Douce brand, just off the Brevent slopes.
Hotel Aiguille du Midi – Located across the street from the Les Bossons train stop, Hotel Aiguille du Midiis everything you want out of a small French country inn. Friendly staff, who welcome you back each evening as if you’re family, a delicious but simple breakfast spread, and clean, well-appointed rooms. And the balconies and ski storage are great added bonuses!
La Folie Douce – The first hotel from the brand famous for the biggest parties in the Alps, just opened this season in Chamonix. Giving guests the luxury of ski-on-ski-off accessibility to the Brevent ski area, the hotel is very convenient for those who plan to spend most of their time on the slopes. And like I mentioned above, they also have quite the après scene.
Getting to Chamonix
Chamonix, is easily accessible via SWISS. Just hop on a flight from Boston to Zurich and then a jumper down to Geneva. Apart from the world class skiing, Chamonix has so much to offer. The area is just as stunning in the summer as it is in the winter. And when you arrive via SWISS, especially if you are fortunate enough to fly in either the business or first class cabins, you will be well fed, well rested and ready for an adventure! Also, I have to note that on flights from Switzerland on SWISS you will also be treated to their amazing “Taste of Switzerland” menu, which is a chef driven menu that they change up every 3 months to keep it seasonal and to explore a different region of Switzerland. Seriously good food, not plane food!
For more European ski destinations read our blogs about St. Moritz!