Chamonix Reviews & Ratings

The Chamonix valley offers multiple ski areas with their own lifts some of which join together. Generally the ski areas offer less ski to chalet door than other resorts I have been to. The lifts have been modernised over recent years reducing queues. Food up the mountain is generally overpriced - like most France ski resorts - Italy eating in the mountains is much better value and quality. All ski areas offer a good range of different grade slopes. We choose the best ski area to visit on a given day day based on the conditions. There is a network of free buses provided to get to different ski areas - the train also serves some ski areas too. The food offered in Chamonix town is good and with excellent choice from cheap and cheerful to fine dining.

Can get quite busy with queues for slopes but often dont take long, lots of choice of slopes largely well kept. Some greens and blue slops can get busy too.

Amazing scenery, vibrant town with lots to do for non-skiers.
Terrain spread out along the valley and only two areas linked - so not the best for mixed ability groups.
But for good and expert skiers and riders unparalleled access to off piste.

Chamonix has it all, especially for expert skiers looking for serious off piste.
Not so many pistes for beginners, but Le tour at top of the valley offers easier piste skiing as well as access to some decent off piste, including a trip down into Switzerland, which requires transport for the return.
Chamonix sits in a valley, with a number of different ski stations spread along it all accessible through bus and train services.
Some great local eateries on the mountains, if you know where to go.
Chamonix the town caters for all tastes in terms of eating from expensive restaurants to takeaways. Wide variety of lively drinking places and selection of night clubs.
Also large array of retail and a local weekly market.
The downside is the spread out nature of the skiing and crowds building for the transport , during busy times.

Ive had over two decades worth of skiing experience since I was 3, being lucky enough to visit various ski resorts across France.

Chamonix is without a doubt the most picturesque resort Ive been to. Situated within a valley and next to Mont Blonc, the views are pretty unreal.

Theres 4 major individual ski resorts to choose within Chamonix, all of which are great to ski on. Personally, Le Tour is a favourite for difficultly and the thrill. Good off piste options there.

Id suggest Brevent or Les Houches for families as they have more green slopes catered towards beginners.

However, because of its altitude (1300m), Chamonix is susceptible to poor weather conditions at times. The slopes of course sit higher, around 2000m. Id suggest going end of January/February time to allow snow to have settled in. When theres snow, its superb for skiing and looks magical.

Buses and trains take you to/from resorts, which are free to use with a ski pass (although no one ever checks this?). Note that journey times can be up to an hour between resorts! Buses run frequently but can be busy at peak times.

I recommend staying in accommodation close to a resort that is walking distance to the lifts, or, at least a short bus journey to a resort.

Regarding accommodation, if you have the money and enjoy a real buzz, Le Folie Douce Hotel is THE place to be. It is in the centre town of Chamonix, with a fantastic atmosphere and beautiful decor. It includes access to an outdoor swimming pool that overlooks the mountains, a sauna+steamroom, and an onsite ski shop.

Affordable options definitely exist in Chamonix too, but booking in advance is a must to avoid prices that are sky high+lack of availability.


Ski passes here are one of the most expensive Ive seen in France. Up to £400 for 7 days of skiing. Ouch. Thats for the unlimited pass which gets you everywhere, with some benefits such as use of gyms, cinema etc there are alternative passes for more affordable options on the Chamonix website.

In terms of ski hire; there are plenty of Ski shops around Chamonix, all with competitive prices.

For non skiers, theres plenty to do in Chamonix. Theres ice skating, entertainment (live music at some hotels, cinema), fitness centres, Glacier visits, pristine hiking trails etc

Apres ski is pretty good in Chamonix. Although, the party life seems to be situated within the centre town. The Folie Douce puts on some amazing shows and music most nights, which is open to anyone (the outdoor bar is huge with fire pits, and the indoor has an awesome look).

Food options are great, with some nice restaurants poking about the town. Theres various supermarkets depending on where you stay, but beware; food here is expensive!

If you have enough people, self-catering is ideal if you want to save money. Theres plenty of self catering accommodation options in Chamonix.

All in all, Chamonix is a beautiful resort that has a real charm to it. If you come here, youll be in awe and wont forget the experience. Save up, however, as its an expensive resort! Worth the money? Absolutely. Avoid peak times if you can, and book in advance!

Hope this review helps someone out :)

For those seeking unending off piste and even more terrain accessible by Touring there is nowhere better!

The Chamonix valley holds a plethora of seperate ski domains, be it Les Houches, Argentiere or Brevent. Each has its own unique pull factor, but it must be said that the quality of skiing at all of them is outstanding. Chamonix itself is a beautiful Alpine town, with a bit more going on than higher resort towns. There is a local golf course, ice rink and access to the Aguille de Midi lift - one of the highest reaching lifts in the world!

Chamonix is a great location for skiers of all skill level, and is where I spent much of my childhood learning to ski! Would recommend to anyone.

Ive been boarding outside the UK a few times now and always come back to Chamonix. Great place with a good variety of run types. My cousin has been around the world boarding and says that Chamonix is among the best.

Great place plenty of activities with a good variety of skiing valleys great shuttle service to take you to each valley included with the ski pass. Even If your not so keen on skiing, Chamonix town centre offers a great location for shopping and sightseeing, great variety of hotels/Air BNB choices from small groups to larger groups also self catering isnt a problem as there is plenty of supermarkets nearby.

A really great resort near geneva airport. Best for off piste adventures and a great apre atmosphere. Large town , slopes a distance away. Go when theres lots of pow

Varied terrain. Excellent off piste for the more adventurous.

Numerous trails and ski runs

Family friendly areas

Something for skiers, snowboarders and non-snow enthusiasts

First time back in Chamonix for 30 years to show my grown up children the Vallee Blanche. Didnt have to walk out back then :( but still the most awesome place. Happy times.

Arguably the best freeride terrain in Europe with some incredible off-piste skiing. Not the place for beginners or families given the distribution of the ski areas and lack of easy groomed runs.

Apres isn't like other places in Europe in that there are no piste-side bars etc and everything is located in the main town. No dancging on tables in ski boots here. The bars and restaurants there are, are great though.

CHamonix is fantastic but make sure it meets your needs and be honest with yourself if it doesn't.

Skiing spread over many different areas, which are linked by road- skiing in 2 areas in one day not feasible
Full range of ski conditions, from easy access super extreme to gentle family friendly (Les Houches, le tour)
Spectacular scenery. Wide range of accommodation, though none truly ski in ski out.
Huge amount of off piste options.
Best to have a car, allowing trips to the many nearby ski areas- eg Italy
Easy road access, 90 minutes from Geneva
Good for non skiers
Families probably best based in Les Houches or le tour, both middle sized areas with intermediate terrain. More tree skiing in Les Houches, which is the best place in bad weather ( very low avalanche risk, so sometimes the only area open)

Quite simply my favourite ski resort in the world, which is why I return there often. Chamonix is the true outdoor enthusiast town, living and breathing outdoor sports all year round.

Accomodation ranges from super cheap hostels to super expensive luxury. Plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from, but perhaps limited in the wilder apres experience.

The biggest negative is that the various areas are not interlinked, with only one area directly skiable from the town itself, but rather you have to take the free bus to whichever area you wish to ski. However, what this does bring as a huge plus, is several distinct areas, each with their own character to suit whatever type of skiing you fancy that day, from family friendly piste cruising to hardcore off-piste.

Chamonix is an iconic mountaineering town steeped in history and atmosphere
5 ski areas accessed by the local bus or car. Ranging from Le tour to the infamous Grands Montets. Not forgetting the beautiful tree lined Les Houches and endless off- piste options. Within a half drive there are numerous other ski resorts. Its not ski in ski out and not purpose built rather a magnificent historic town that offers the best of mountain experiences.

When it snows, Chamonix is hard to beat. Its endless powder trails off piste wonders, terrain and views are amazing. The town is vibrant and has a great energy. Its history of ski bums and legends still prevail allowing an aspirational experience for new and up and coming talent. Its easy to get lost in the wonders of the area and the excitement of the next days adventure

Off piste skiing is fantastic, and there are plenty of runs to do. Apres is good. Main issue is that the piste bashing is poor, with runs left only half pisted.

Chamonix, one of the most iconic ski resorts in the world, absolutely lives up to the hypebut only if you know what you're getting into. This isnt your typical cozy Alpine resort with wide, beginner-friendly slopes and après-ski chalets around every corner. Chamonix is for thrill-seekers and mountain lovers who want to experience skiing in its purest, rawest form.

The terrain is next-level. Were talking everything from steep, gnarly runs to legendary off-piste areas like the Vallée Blanche. If youre not into hardcore skiing or snowboarding, though, it can feel intimidating, and the lifts connecting different areas arent exactly seamless. That said, the views? Unreal. Youre skiing in the shadow of Mont Blanc, and on a clear day, its like being in a postcard.

The town itself is lively and vibrant, mixing rustic Alpine charm with a modern, international vibe. Plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops mean youre spoiled for choice after a long day on the slopes. It can get pricey (this is Chamonix, after all), and peak season crowds can be a bit much.

Bottom line: If youre an advanced skier or snowboarder looking for a bucket-list adventure, Chamonix is hard to beat. For everyone else, its worth a visit just for the scenery and atmosphere!

The town was very nice, the slopes were very well maintained and a lot of choices for types of runs. Although did get quite busy near ski lifts and parts but nothing unbareable.