Ski resort in the Chamonix valley. Mont Blanc region

Chamonix is ​​one of the largest and oldest ski resorts in France, located in the Arve River valley, at the foot of the highest mountain peak in the Alps - Mont Blanc. First of all, the resort is known as the region that gave rise to tourist mountaineering. After the summit of Mont Blanc was conquered in 1786 by Michel-Gabrielle Paccard and Jacques Balmat, a tourist boom began in the Chamonix Valley. To this day, climbers from all over the world come here to climb the highest mountain peak in Europe - 4,807 meters. However, this is not easy to do and climbing Mont Blanc requires very good mountaineering training.

general information

The next significant event in the development of the resort was the construction of the railway that connected Chamonix with the capital of France and the cities of neighboring countries. In addition, this made it possible to come to the valley at any time of the year, and already in the winter of 1893 the first skiers appeared on the alpine slopes of this area. It was here that the world's first Winter Olympics was held in 1924. Since then, both the resort and the city itself have been transformed - a lot of safe high-mountain slopes, many ski lifts have appeared, as well as a well-developed tourist infrastructure with many modern hotels, shops, restaurants and entire entertainment complexes. However, the ancient cobblestone streets, stone and log houses remind of more than 200 years of history of these places.

The resort town has expanded significantly over the past decades and at the moment, the number of its permanent residents is just over 10,000 people. Today, Chamonix is ​​considered the unofficial capital of winter extreme sports, attracting thousands of tourists, including both professionals and beginner skiers and snowboarders. The 16 kilometer valley has become one of the most popular ski resorts in the world. Its geographical location on the border of France, Italy and Switzerland allows tourists to ski not only on the slopes of the French Alps, but also to cross the border of Italy, getting to the slopes of the resort of Courmayeur, and also easily visit the Swiss Vallorcine and Verbier.

Transport connection

Thanks to its convenient location, you can get to the resort from any European capital. The most convenient option is by plane. The nearest airport is Geneva, 88 kilometers away. The air port is located a little further - it is separated by about 200 kilometers. There is a bus service between these cities and Chamonix; you can also take a taxi to the resort.

Chamonix is ​​the only ski resort in France that has a railway station. High-speed trains run here daily from. The journey will take about 5 hours.

Climatic features

The resort has its own climatic peculiarity - due to the ring of mountain peaks surrounding it, a temperate climate and high humidity prevail here, contributing to a longer season compared to other ski resorts: from December to early April, and on the high slopes there is almost no snow. until mid-May. Winter in this area is quite mild, and in the valley the air temperature fluctuates around 0⁰C...-1⁰C, but on high slopes the air is colder and sometimes frosts can reach -20⁰C. In the summer in Chamonix it is almost always sunny and the thermometer rises to +20⁰C, and in the mountains - up to +25⁰C. It should be borne in mind that, as in any mountainous area, the weather here is very changeable and snowfalls occur very often in winter, and in other seasons the sun is abruptly replaced by heavy rains. The favorable season for skiers lasts from the beginning of winter until the last days of March.

Chamonix trails

For the convenience of vacationers, Chamonix is ​​divided into 5 skiing areas, most of the slopes are at an altitude of 2000 meters, so the snow cover is very stable. Slopes equipped for descents are located in different areas and are connected with each other and the city by regular transfers:

Grand Monte - covers part of the glacier, and is one of the most popular, thanks to its long routes with elevation changes of up to 2,000 meters. There is a snowpark and halfpipe in this area, and European snowboarding competitions are held here.

Breva – located near the center of Chamonix, the slopes of this area are suitable even for beginner skiers.

Les Flègeres is an area adapted for skiers with an average level of skill.

Le Tour - located in the depths of the valley. The area's sunny slopes are wide and flat - ideal for beginners.

Les Houches is the most picturesque area, with trails for athletes of all skill levels.

However, the most desirable for professionals is the legendary White Valley piste - one of the longest and most dangerous slopes in the Alps, stretching over 22 kilometers. The route starts from the top station of the highest ski lift in the world today, the Aiguille du Midi, and then goes along one of the largest glaciers in Europe, the Mer De Glace, the thickness of which in some areas reaches 400 meters.

Entertainment and attractions

The main attractions in Chamonix are the picturesque panoramas of steep mountain slopes and interesting ski slopes. Those who wish can dilute their active recreation with a cultural and excursion program.

One of the most impressive places in the valley is the huge Mer de Glace glacier, which stretches for 12 kilometers. A funicular takes tourists to it, in the Montanver Valley. In the summer, an artificial ice cave is built annually in Mer-de-Glace, which houses a Museum of ice sculptures and wax figures depicting the townspeople of Chamanie of the 19th century in traditional interiors, with household items and in costumes of that era. The magical kingdom of ice is mesmerizing, and multi-level illumination adds mystery to these huge grottoes.

Next to the Ice Museum is the Space Tyrazz exhibition center, where art exhibitions and various cultural events of the city are held. The photo gallery of Philippe Franol attracts attention, capturing in his photographs the incredible beauty of the Alpine peaks and the mind-blowing stunts performed by snowboarders and skiers on the local slopes.

Here, at the base of the Mer de Glace, is the Gallery of Crystals, which exhibits the rocks of Mont Blanc, as well as valuable minerals most often found in the depths of the Alps, telling about the centuries-old history of the nature and climate of these places.

For tourists who, in addition to skiing, also engage in other sports, Chamonix has swimming pools, climbing walls, gyms, tennis courts, canyoning, rafting, mountain biking and even a paragliding club.

A few kilometers from the city, near the village of Le Praz, there is another entertainment that is unusual for a ski resort - a large golf course equipped in a modern style. It was created back in the 30s of the last century under the leadership of architect Robert Trent Johnson, and today there is everything necessary for fans of this aristocratic sport - about 18 holes, equipment rental, locker rooms and showers. The field opens to guests at the beginning of May, and closes with the onset of cold weather - at the end of October.

In the summer, a lot of tourists come to the resort and in addition to the huge number of entertainment offered, international festivals are held here, including gastronomic, adventure, jazz and organ music festivals.

Leisure for children

Chamonix offers ample opportunities for a full-fledged active holiday for the whole family. There are many private instructors in the valley, and there are also several ski schools and special “green” slopes, equipped in such a way that it is convenient for beginners to learn to ski.

For very young travelers, nurseries and kindergartens are organized on some slopes, allowing parents to calmly conquer the peaks and not worry about their child.

The true delight of young guests of Chamonix is ​​dog sledding, harnessed by blue-eyed huskies. Driving through snowdrifts will bring great pleasure not only to children, but also to adults. On some slopes it is possible to ride on equipped toboggan runs; the necessary equipment can be rented or purchased in the store.

In the vicinity of the ski resort there are several zoos and protected natural parks with a large variety of flora and fauna of the region. Some of the animals living here are endemic and cannot be seen outside the protected area. The Merlette Animal Park, located near Les Houches, is home to marmots, deer, llamas and chamois.

Chamonix cuisine

There are more than 100 different cafes and restaurants in the Chamonix Valley, including budget and luxury Michelin-starred establishments. Fatty and high-calorie Savoyard cuisine is common in this region. One of the main products for local residents is cheese, which is added to almost every dish here. Not everyone knows that the French Alps are the birthplace of classic cheese fondue.

The most popular drink in the snow-capped mountains is considered to be hot mulled wine, but local white wines supplied from nearby wine regions are also in demand.

Even tourists who have never skied should visit the magnificent Chamonix at least once in their life. At a minimum, to admire the picturesque views of the French Alps, which open from observation decks or from restaurant windows.

Services for tourists that will allow you to save or get more for the same money:

• – inexpensive transfer from the airport to the hotel in more than 100 countries;
• – inexpensive excursions from local Russian-speaking guides with reviews.

Chamonix is ​​a popular ski resort on the border of France and Switzerland. It was here that the first Winter Olympic Games were held in 1924. Since then, the city has been transformed - modern infrastructure, safe slopes and many ski lifts. Fans of active recreation are attracted by the variety of slopes and the spirit of the ancient ski resort - the warm comfort of log cabins, snow-capped peaks and the atmosphere of an eternal holiday.

Chamonix is ​​the first capital of the Winter Olympics.

It’s worth coming here even for those who have never skied and don’t plan to. At a minimum, to admire the views of the French Alps from an observation deck or from a restaurant window. You can also climb high into the mountains and sled down, go dog sledding or mountain biking and, of course, taste hearty and high-calorie Savoyard cuisine, which warms you up so well on a frosty day.

Tourist center Chamonix

Tourist center of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: Place du Triangle de l'amitié, 85. Website.

From airport to city

The most convenient way to travel to Chamonix is ​​by bus from Geneva. Transport departs directly from Cointrin airport, where planes from Russia arrive, so you don’t have to waste time on the road to the bus station. Transportation is carried out by SAT Mont-Blanc (office site in English), ticket price is up to 60 EUR, the journey takes 1.5 hours. Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

There are also companies that organize transfers from Geneva to Chamonix - Alpy Bus (office site in English) and Chamexpress (office site in English). During the season (December to April) shuttles run daily, every half hour. The fare costs 27 EUR.

You can also travel from Geneva to Chamonix by rail. First you need to get to the Central Railway Station - Cornavena. There are no direct routes, only with transfers - in Bellegarde-sur-Valserines and Saint-Gervais. You will have to spend more than 3 hours on the road, the whole journey will cost 20-30 EUR. You can view routes and buy tickets from the official distributor of French Railways. Tickets to Chamonix from other European cities are also sold there.

Getting from Lyon and Paris is even longer and more expensive - 4.5 hours (49-71 EUR) and 7 hours (117-130 EUR), respectively. TVG high-speed trains go from the French capital to the Alps, although only to Lyon. There you need to change trains and then make another change in Saint-Gervais.

Search for flights to Geneva (the nearest airport to Chamonix)

Transport

The Chamonix Valley has a well-developed public transport system. Buses from the Chamonix Bus company run throughout the resort (office site in English), and there are night routes in the winter season. They depart frequently and a ticket costs 3 EUR.

Those who want to save on travel should ask the hotel administration for a resort guest card - “Carte d’Haute”. Its owners, as well as those with a ski pass, can use all public transport and SNCF trains for free. In hotels you don’t have to pay for the card, but in the city municipality and tourist office it costs 2 EUR.

The famous Mont Blanc express train runs from the Swiss town of Martigny to the French town of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-les-Fayers (office site in English). It passes through the center of the Chamonix valley and the main railway station of the resort and makes stops in several villages and at the ski lifts. With the Carte d'Haute card and a ski pass, you can travel on it for free; for others, the road from Chamonix to Saint-Gervais will cost 15-22 EUR. This is a convenient way to travel between different routes.

For those who are too late or in a hurry, several taxi companies operate in Chamonix. A trip around the resort will cost 30-80 EUR, to other cities - from 150 EUR. Some companies accept bank cards for payment.

Rent a Car

For those who just come to ski, there is no point in renting a car - it is convenient to get around the entire resort by public transport. A car will help you save time and money if your plans include trips around the area and to other cities in France and Switzerland.

There are no traffic jams in Chamonix; congestion occurs on the French-Swiss border. You can leave your car overnight for free - most hotels have parking lots, the use of which is included in the price of your stay. There will be no problems during the day either - there are many paid and free parking lots in the city (in the center, at railway stations and in ski areas). Price per day 15 EUR. At night, most parking lots have no time limit and are free; during the day, some parking lots cannot be parked for longer than 2 hours.

There are several rental companies operating in Chamonix - Europecar, Avis and others. Prices start from 133 EUR per day, the longer the rental period, the cheaper.

Communications and Wi-Fi

Mobile communications in Chamonix work well, with the exception of only the highest points. However, as elsewhere in France, it costs a lot here - buying a local SIM card will not save much on the cost of calls home. Packages of three French mobile operators - SFR, Bouygues and Orange are sold in mobile phone stores, where you can also buy a top-up card. The cost of calls to Russia differs; the most favorable rate is offered by Bouygues - 1 EUR per minute.

When purchasing even a prepaid tariff, you will need a French address of your place of residence - a hotel or recreation center will do.

Getting online in this town hidden in the mountains will not be difficult. True, you won’t be able to post a photo on Instagram directly from the top of the Aiguille du Midi; you’ll have to go down to the valley. Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and chalets, cafes and restaurants, as well as at the tourist information center. The easiest way to catch the network is on the main square - there are several catering establishments with equipped access points nearby.

Alpine skiing in Chamonix

Chamonix is ​​one of the most popular ski resorts in the French Alps. Over more than 200 years of history, excellent infrastructure has been created on the slopes of the Mont Blanc massif, which allows you to ski comfortably from the end of December to the beginning of March (on some slopes - until the beginning of May). At the resorts of Chamonix there is also a place for snowboarders, lovers of freestyle, slalom and cross-country skiing.

Trails and lifts

The town itself is located in a small valley at an altitude of 1000-1200 m above sea level, but all ski areas are located above 2000 m. There are more than 70 trails of varying difficulty levels, several dozen lifts operate, and there are half-pipes. All Chamonix slopes and pistes are divided into several ski areas.

It is better for beginners and inexperienced athletes to hone their skills in the Les Houches area - there are many simple and wide green and blue trails. There are also more difficult red and black slopes, but they are few.

In all ski areas there are cabin, chairlifts, rope tows and towing lifts; from Chamonix and surrounding villages the slopes can be reached by funiculars. Some of them operate all year round, others only during the high season.

The areas of Brevin and Flègere, connected by a cable car, are accessible by cable cars from the center of Chamonix, the neighboring town of Argentiere and the village of Les Prats. There are more red and black trails, there are several easy and moderate routes, and at the very top there is an area for snowboarders.

Experienced skiers should check out the Le Grand Morte area. Here you can find the most difficult route in Chamonix and several other interesting descents. Those who are confident in their abilities can conquer the longest route - 22 km. To do this, you need to climb to the top of the Aiguille du Midi by funicular - the highest in Chamonix.

The Le Tour - Vallorcine - Col de Balmes area is located on the border with Switzerland. There is a black route that ends on the territory of a neighboring state. On the other hand, you can slide down to the very bottom - the city of Argentiere. There are many interesting descents and traverses, but one drawback is strong winds, which sometimes cause the lifts to close.

Active holidays in Chamonix

Ski passes

The Mont Blanc Unlimited pass allows you to ski on all slopes and includes several more bonuses - an ice skating rink, a swimming pool and museums - for free. Price - 63.50 EUR per day (for children and pensioners - 49.70 EUR). It is more profitable to buy for 6 days - 306 EUR.

A cheaper option - "Chamonix Le Pass" - covers 3 ski areas (Le Grand Morte, Brevent - Flègere and Balme - Vallorcine - Le Tour), the cost of a ski pass for 1 day is 51.50 EUR for adults and 43 EUR for children, for 6 days - 258 and 218 EUR.

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Chamonix Hotels

Accommodation in Chamonix is ​​not cheap, even places in a shared room are comparable in price to double rooms in an inexpensive hotel. The most economical option is hostels; a night in a room for 6 people will cost 49-75 EUR.

Many of the hotels in Chamonix are built in a warm, pastoral chalet style, enhancing the atmosphere of the old ski resort.

This place is very popular among lovers of active recreation; it is worth booking accommodation, especially for the season, in advance. In addition to standard hotels, apartments, holiday homes and the chalet type of accommodation typical of the Alpine region are widespread here. The cost varies from 80 to 460 EUR per day. There are also tents and yurts for 5-7 people (from 150 EUR per night).

There are many middle-class hotels in the city without stars and 2-3*, some of which include breakfast and parking. Prices for double rooms start from 100 EUR and go up to 300 EUR. Elite housing is represented by 4 and 5* hotels; accommodation in them will cost 110-300 EUR for two.

What to bring

All souvenirs in Chamonix are in one way or another connected with the Alps and skiing. Shops and shops sell posters, mugs, plates and keychains with images of snowy slopes. The demand for cute ceramic figurines of St. Bernards, which are considered a symbol of the Alpine mountains, is also not falling. There are especially many of them on store shelves in winter - during the Christmas holidays.

T-shirts with funny designs and inscriptions on a ski theme are also popular among tourists. And avid athletes will be able to find excellent equipment in local shopping malls, the quality of which is impressive, and the price is significantly affordable. However, this does not stop true ski lovers - good equipment is the key to safety on the slope.

From here you can grab local farm products - organic cheeses and milk. True, in Chamonix itself, they also cost a lot; it’s better to go to one of the neighboring villages.

Cuisine and restaurants of Chamonix

Savoyard cuisine is widespread in Chamonix - fatty and high-calorie. However, after a whole day on the mountain slopes, this is just what you need. One of the staples is cheese, which seems to be added to every dish without exception.

The French Alps are the birthplace of classic cheese fondue.

The most popular are “tartiflette” (a potato casserole with bacon and onions topped with melted cheese), “raclette” (a large piece of cheese melted on a metal tile right on the dining table and scraped from it into a plate - onto boiled potatoes) and classic cheese fondue. Residents of the French Alps believe that they invented this unusual dish here. Among the drinks, hot mulled wine and cool white wines from nearby wine regions are in demand.

The ubiquitous McDonald's has reached this town lost in the mountains, so thrifty and unpretentious tourists will not have problems with food. A full meal will cost 5-10 EUR per person.

There are more than 100 catering establishments in Chamonix - fashionable restaurants (there are several Michelin-starred), affordable establishments, cafes and coffee shops. In addition to traditional Savoyard cuisine, there is French, Italian, Japanese and others. The price range is wide - breakfast in a cozy coffee shop costs on average 10-18 EUR for two, lunch in a middle-class restaurant - 25-60 EUR, and dinner with good wine in an expensive establishment - from 80 EUR.

Entertainment and attractions

The main attractions of Chamonix are the steep mountain slopes and interesting trails. However, even here you can dilute your active recreation with a cultural program.

To do this, you need to go to the Mer de Glace glacier, which in itself is considered the most impressive place in the resort. This huge ice massif stretches for 12 km from top to bottom. It is served by the Montenvers funicular, a mountain railway. Every summer, an artificial ice grotto is created in Mer-de-Glace, in which a Museum of ice and wax sculptures is installed, depicting local residents of the 19th century in traditional costumes and with household items.

For those who want to relax actively, but do not ski, Chamonix has swimming pools, gyms, climbing walls, tennis courts and much more, and for extreme sports enthusiasts there is a paragliding club.

Not far from the “ice museum” there is the exhibition complex “Ispace Tyrazz”, where cultural events and art exhibitions take place. The most interesting photo gallery belongs to Philippe Franol, who captured in his photographs the beauty of the Alps and the drive of skiers and snowboarders.

Another interesting museum is located at the base of the Mer de Glace glacier. The Glaciorum exhibitions are dedicated to the depths of Mont Blanc, the valuable minerals that the Alps are rich in, as well as the nature and climate of these places.

Popular excursions

The most popular hikes are around the outskirts of Chamonix and to the Mer de Glace glacier (about 31 EUR per person). You can also ride a mountain bike along the same routes (25-50 EUR). For those who want extreme sports, there is rafting and canyoning (45-60 EUR).

5 things to do in Chamonix

1. Ride the highest ski lift in Europe to the top of the Aiguille du Midi (3842 m).
2. Learn how to cook “pierrad” - stone-fried meat.
3. Try all types of cheese in the most unexpected combinations.
4. Learn to distinguish “straw” Savoyard wines from white ones from other regions of France.
5. Ride a dog sled along the snowy slopes of the French Alps.

Golf

3 km from the city, near the village of Le Praz, there is an extensive golf course, equipped in accordance with modern technologies. It was designed in the 30s. last century architect Robert Trent Johnson, and today there is everything necessary for lovers of this relaxing sport - 18 holes, a locker room, shower, equipment rental and much more. However, you won’t be able to play in winter; the field is open from May to November.

Chamonix for children

Chamonix has ample opportunities for active recreation with children. There are many private instructors and several schools in the valley (one of them is on the slope of Le Grand Monte), special easy trails are equipped on which it is convenient to learn to ski.

Tourist offices offer babysitting services if parents need to go away, and some slopes have nurseries and kindergartens.

A real delight for young travelers is the dog sled harnessed by blue-eyed huskies. Riding through the snowdrifts will bring a lot of pleasure to both children and adults. The resorts of Le Planard, Le Savoy, La Wormain and several other slopes have toboggan runs; equipment can be bought in the store or rented.

In the vicinity of Chamonix there are several zoos and natural parks that showcase the rich flora and fauna of the region. Some animals are almost impossible to see outside the protected area. One of them, Merlette Animal Park, is located near Les Houches. Deer, chamois, marmots, llamas and many others live there.

December

As in any mountainous region, the weather in Shaomni is changeable. In winter there are frequent snowfalls, ice, and rain at other times of the year. The climate is moderate - there are no severe frosts in the cold season, and no heat in the warm season.

Tourists relax here almost all year round, with the exception of October and November, when it’s already cool, but you can’t go skiing yet. The ski season begins in December and lasts until the end of March (in the lowlands) and until the beginning of May (in the highlands). In summer it is warm and sunny, there is also something to do (mountain climbing, horseback riding, hiking, golf and much more), so in July it is quite crowded.

Height difference: 1035-3842 m Lifts operate from early December to early May.

Resort website: www.chamonix.com.

Nature has given lovers of winter recreation a truly paradise: picturesque mountain slopes border the valley on all sides, in the center of which is the city of the same name. Chamonix(Chamonix, part of the "Best of the Alps" association) and which has been enchanting its guests for the last two centuries.
Since the first Olympic Games in 1924, the history of alpine skiing has been inextricably linked with the resort of Chamonix, not only because the highest peak in Western Europe is located here - Mont Blanc(Mont Blanc, 4810 m), but also because of the amazing variety of slopes. The view from the top of Aiguille du Midi is unforgettable, but hardly anyone will risk skiing in this area - only the most desperate.
The uniqueness of Chamonix lies in the fact that all the ski slopes here are high-mountain (90% of them are at an altitude of more than 2000 m). Having climbed the Aiguille du Midi lift, you will have a unique opportunity to ride along the slopes of not only France, but also Italy, when, after overcoming the mountain range, a panorama of the resort of Courmayeur and the vast Italian Alps will open before you.

Characteristics of the routes
For professionals: Chamonix is ​​home to perhaps the most difficult and dangerous black pistes - the slopes under the Grands Montets funicular, the Pointe de Vue and Pylones pistes. The famous 24-kilometer descent of Vallee Blanche is not recommended to be undertaken without a guide - it passes through dangerous sections of the glacier and is marked as off-piste skiing. Some of the red runs in the Le Brevin area are lowered, narrow, have tight turns and are bumpy in places.
For intermediate level: wonderful easy wooded slopes in the areas of Le Tour and Les Houches - red and blue pistes. If this doesn’t seem like enough for you, you can use the shared Chamonix-Courmayeur ski pass and cross the Aiguille du Midi to Italy.
For beginners: at first, beginners will be upset by the disconnected ski areas and the associated difficulties, but this feeling will go away as soon as you get on your skis, since the ski areas for beginners are practically isolated from other slopes and you will not be disturbed by those flying at crazy speed professionals. For your first try, use the La Vormaine, Les Chosalets, Les Planards and Le Savoy trails.

School Ecole du Ski Francais in Chamonix and Argentiere (www.esf-chamonix.com) open daily from 8.30 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 19.00. General information can be found on the website www.chamonix.com (there is a version in Russian). There are Russian-speaking instructors in Chamonix.

Prices for services are approximate.

There are three children's mini-clubs in Chamonix: Panda-Club(from 6 months to 3 years), Panda Ski(from 3 to 12 years), Halte-Garderie(from 18 months to 6 years). There are specially prepared trails for children - in the center of Le Savoy, Les Planards, in Les Chosalets at the foot of Les Grands Montets, La Vormaine in the village of Le Tour. Children are taught to ride on and off-piste, and competitions are held.

Ski pass
(age in the tables is inclusive, price in euros)

Ski-pass "Chamonix Pass" includes travel by ski bus (Chamonix Bus) in the Chamonix Valley and use of the ski lifts in the following ski areas of the Chamonix Valley: Brevent - Flegere; Domaine de Balme Lognan, Les Grand Montets area (cable car from Lognan to Les Grand Montets not included), small ski lifts for beginners on the lower slopes: Vormaine, Chosalets, Savoy, Planards.

Ski-pass "Mont-Blanc Unlimited" includes the same as the "Chamonix Pass", plus:
bus in the Chamonix Valley and between Les Houches and Tour stations;
cable car from Lognan to Les Grand Montets;
unlimited access to Aiguille du Midi from Chamonix (ascent to the White Valley glacier), Helbronner cable car is closed in winter!
Montenvers from Chamonix (Mer de Glace glacier) + visits to Grotte de Glace, Galerie des Cristaux, Alpine Fauna Museum.
Unlimited access to the Tramway du Mont-Blanc ski area.
Unlimited access to the Courmayeur and Funivie Monte-Bianco ski areas in Italy.
New! Unlimited access to the Les Houches ski area (if you purchase a ski pass for two days or more).
New! Unlimited access to the Verbier / 4 Vallees ski area, Switzerland (when purchasing a ski-pass for 6 days or more).

Important! A deposit of 3 euros per card when purchasing a ski pass is paid when booking in Moscow.

When purchasing a subscription in Moscow - a 5% discount.

Equipment rental (approximate prices in euros):

Apres ski
Chamonix is ​​a meeting place for those who are passionate about the mountains, but in addition to skiing, mountaineering, rock climbing, this resort can offer you tennis courts, golf courses and a lot of other entertainment: casinos, cinemas, discos, restaurants and bars.

Sports, recreation
The magnificent sports complex O"LYMPIDE is open daily from morning to evening. At your service:
* aquatic center - 25-meter swimming pool, children's pool, water slide - 130 m, sauna, Turkish bath, solarium. Open daily from 14.00 to 20.00. Adult ticket - 4.1 euros, children's ticket - 3.3 euros. Sauna + Turkish bath + swimming pool for an adult - 10.3 euros;
* skating rink (open from 15.00 to 18.00) - ticket per adult 4.1 euros, per child - 3.3 euros. Skate rental - 2.8 euros; tennis and squash (6 tennis courts and 3 squash courts). The cost of one hour of tennis is 13.2 euros, 45 minutes. in squash - 6.7 euros;
* gym plus swimming pool - 8.1 euros;
* rock climbing (180 sq. m of artificial terrain and 800 holds, entry from 14 years old) - 3.4 euros:
* bowling (8 lanes): game for an adult - 10 euros, for a child - 5 euros; the bar is open from 15.00 to 02.00;
* paragliding club - starting points: Lognan-Grands Montets, Planpraz, Plan de l "Aiguille. Flight for two - from 90 euros.
* Helicopter rides: 10 min from 65 euros.
Prices for services are approximate.

Bars and restaurants
There are many bars and restaurants in Chamonix, including night bars, 4 discos, and a video bar. The casino in the city center (French and English roulette, blackjack) is open from 22.00 to 3.00. 74 slot machines are open daily from 12.00 to 3.00. Entrance to the gaming room is 15 euros, to the slot machines is free.
Chamonix also has an Alpine museum, a library, cinemas, and a bridge club. Every week there are excursions to Annecy, Megeve, Geneva. There are horse-drawn carriage rides around the city (25 min - 50 euros).

The shops
Shops in Chamonix are open from 10.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 19.00. The market is open on Saturdays.

Ski buses
If you have a ski pass, bus travel to the ski lifts is free. Buses run from 8.00 to 24.00 throughout the Chamonix Valley. There are regular connections between Chamonix and Le Tour, and the cable stations at Lognan les Grands Montets and Le Tour are also easily accessible. (Schedule subject to change.)

(Chamonix) is located at the foot of the Mont Blanc mountain, in the very southeast of the Haute-Savoie department. Considered the historical capital of skiing, the resort is located at an altitude of 1035 meters, but almost 90% of all ski slopes are above 2000 meters (the highest point of the ski lift is 3842 m). Chamonix has been used as a mountain resort for about two hundred years, and therefore an extensive and very diverse recreation infrastructure has been formed here, not only for winter, but also for summer. Like Megève, Chamonix is ​​a member of the prestigious Best of the Alps (BOTA) resort association.

In the winding 16-kilometer valley, there are 3 thousand hectares of specially prepared slopes, 69 marked trails (21% “green”, 33% “blue”, 32% “red” and 14% “black”) with a total length of 140 km , conventionally divided into several autonomous ski areas.

• The Brevent - La Flegere region lies at the foot of the La Flegere plateau (la Flegere, 1900 m) and on the slopes framing the Chamonix valley from the south. You can get here by lift directly from Chamonix, as well as from Argentiere and the village of Les Praz (les Praz, 2 km from Chamonix). On these sunny slopes there are many interesting slopes of different levels, including the “mixed” (“green” and “blue”) route No. 2, the more difficult “black” No. 1 (length 9.5 km, elevation difference - 1490 m) , the long L"Index - Les Praz piste (length -7.5 km, drop - 1400 m) and several short "blue" and "red" slopes, as well as interesting areas for moguls and off-piste skiing. In Le Bosson (Le Bosson, 3 km from Chamonix) has illuminated trails for skiing at night, and at the top of the Breven area there is a snowboarding center, perfect for both professionals and beginners.
• The region of Le Grands Montets (Les Grands Montets, 1230-3300 m) covers the areas of the Argentiere and Lognan glaciers, having slopes for the most part with a northern exposure. Therefore, it is always somewhat colder here than in neighboring resorts, and abundant snow and large elevation changes provide many interesting routes. Here you can slide down several steep slopes (Grands Montets, Pointe de Vue and Pylones) all the way to the top, and the longest slope, Le Grands Montet - Argentière, is 8 km long with a height difference of 2070 meters! The most difficult route in the region is also located here - Piste des Pylones (length - 4.1 km, elevation difference - 1260 m).
• The region of Le Tour - Vallorcine - Col de Balme is adjacent to the Swiss border and is famous for its relatively simple (altitude difference - from 1453 to 2270 m, the only “black” route goes into Swiss territory ) and always perfectly prepared slopes of large width.
• The Les Houches region lies in the southwestern part of the valley, in its most flat part, intersecting its slopes with the areas of neighboring resorts. There are about two dozen simple and flat (1001-1871 m) trails, characterized by simple terrain and therefore excellent for beginner skiers. However, this is where the Kandhar Cup track is located, and the route of the famous Mont Blanc tram, from the top station of which (1794 m) offers beautiful views of the valley and Mont Blanc. Quite a lot of trails for beginners are located within the city, in close proximity to hotels - La Vormaine, Les Chosalets, Les Planards and Le Savoy.

From the center of Chamonix you can take the highest cable car in Europe directly to the top of the Aiguille du Midi (3842 m), where the famous “White Valley” (Vallee Blanche) begins - a 22-kilometer descent through the Jean, Tocoul and La Mer de Glace. This route can only be recommended for well-prepared skiers and only accompanied by a guide. On the border of the Tocoul and La Mer de Glace glaciers there is a cafe La Mer de Glace ("Ice Sea"), and at the gondola lift of the same name there is an unusual Ice Museum. Nearby lies the Les Bossons glacier (1020-1410 m), famous for its Olympic slalom and giant slalom courses, as well as regular night skiing (from 19.00 to 22.00 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays). The length of the descent here is about 2.5 km, but the elevation difference is small - about 400 meters, so you can find many different routes here.

There is a snow park with a half-pipe in the Lognan - Les Grands Montets area, a boardercross track, 30 km of marked walking routes, a sports center with swimming pools (including a children's pool), a water slide, a sauna and a hammam, a fitness center, a climbing wall (180 sq. m), a tennis center (6 indoor and 3 squash courts), several ski schools, an indoor Olympic skating rink, a paragliding club and 42 km of flat ski tracks. The slopes are served by 7 funiculars, 4 cable cars and 18 chairlifts, as well as 12 drag lifts, but for the second stage of funiculars to the top of the Aiguille du Midi you need to purchase a separate subscription (10 euros), as it is not included in the price of the ski pass .

You can also find the Le Majestic congress center with 12 halls, a bowling alley, a bridge club, a billiards club, a casino (open until 3.00), a library, a cinema with 3 halls, a museum, over 100 restaurants, as well as a huge number of discos, bars and cafe.

The estimated cost of accommodation and recreation in Chamonix is ​​approximately the same as in other mountain resorts in Haute-Savoie. One-day ski pass Chamonix le Pass (valid in Brevent - Flegere, Domaine de la Balme, le Savoy, les Planard, la Vormaine, les Chosalets and Grandes Montets) costs 36-38 euros for adults (16-59 years old) and 29-30 euros for pensioners (over 60 years old) and children aged 4 to 15 years, six days - 182-190 and 146-152 euros, respectively.

The O"Lympide sports center can be visited for 5 euros (with a visit to the sauna and hammam - 15 euros, a gym plus a swimming pool - from 9 euros), an hour of tennis costs $10, an ice rink for adults - 5 euros, children - 4 euros (rent skates - 3 euros).The cost of renting ski equipment depends on the category and time of year, but on average a set for an adult for 6 days will cost 60-130 euros, for a child - 40-70 euros, a snowboard (full set) - 110- 130 euros Group ski school lessons for adults will cost approximately 30 (2 hours) to 180 (6 lessons of 4 hours) euros, individual - 150 euros for half a day, 260 euros for a day.Children's ski school (3-12 years ) - 30 euros for 2.5 hours, 60 euros for the whole day with lunch, 300 euros for 6 days with lunches. Ski guide services will cost at least 60 euros per person.

The resort has 68 hotels of all categories, more than 4,000 apartments of any category and many individual houses and chalets, capable of accommodating about 9 thousand people at a time. Rates vary depending on the season and class, but you can book a hotel through the official website of the resort (there is a section in Russian).

The ski season in Chamonix lasts from mid-December to the end of March on the low slopes, in the highlands - until mid-May.

My story of getting to know this small French town began with a night bus full of noisy students. They sang songs, laughed loudly and were clearly in anticipation of an unforgettable vacation. Everyone was wearing hiking boots, many had trekking poles - we were going for a walk in the mountains.

Unlike the others, I was a little scared: until that moment I had never been in the mountains and had no idea what awaited me. When we crossed a huge tunnel carved right into the rocks, and a panorama of the French Alps opened up in front of me, my face naturally stretched out in surprise. I instantly realized that everything they say about mountains is true. They fascinate, they attract, they enchant. They are not forgotten.

Since then, I have realized that I was incredibly lucky: there is no better place for your first trip to the mountains than Chamonix. This is the best mountain resort in France, and perhaps in the whole world. Everything is concentrated here - huge glaciers, endless alpine meadows, unreal heights, sports and cultural traditions. Whether you are an experienced hiker, an avid skier or just a tourist, Chamonix is ​​a great place to spend your holiday.

How to get there

Getting to Chamonix is ​​not as easy as we would like. You will have to use several types of transport at once. But what can stop brave mountain lovers!

By plane

The nearest airport is 80 kilometers from Chamonix. This is Geneva airport Cointrin. Aeroflot and Swiss Airlines fly to it from Moscow. Travel time will be 3 hours 45 minutes. The average price of a ticket including a round trip flight is about 20,000 rubles. You can search for profitable flight options and compare their costs, for example.

There are company shuttles from Cointrin to Chamonix. Tickets can be purchased directly at the airport at the tourist information center or in advance on the website. An adult one-way ticket costs 33 EUR, and a round-trip ticket costs 55 EUR.

You can also rent a car or order a taxi. It is better to book a car in advance - at the last moment only the most expensive options may be available. You can find a list of taxi services. The cost of a taxi ride from Geneva airport to Chamonix will be approximately 150–170 EUR. If you are bringing ski equipment with you, please notify the operator. In mountainous areas, everyone is accustomed to this: you will definitely be offered a car with a special trunk for transporting skis.

Theoretically, you can also get to Chamonix from Lyon. Direct flights from Moscow to Moscow are operated by Aeroflot. Travel time is 4 hours. But it is located 224 km away. from Chamonix. You will have to get there by train. This will take another 4 hours. In this case, you will need to make two transplants. The ticket will cost about 40 EUR. You can check the train schedule.

In addition, Chamonix can be reached from the airport of the Italian city of Turin. To do this you will need to cover 172 km. ways. S7 airline flies from Moscow. At the airport you will need to change to a Eurolines bus. True, these buses run only on Tuesdays and Thursdays and make only one trip a day - at 18:00. The ticket costs 30 EUR.

And if you are so rich that you have your own plane, you can contact the airport in Annecy, which accepts private flights. Chamonix is ​​95 km away. from there.

By train

You can get to Chamonix by train from any European city. The schedule can be checked on the website of the French railways SNCF. You can even come by train from Moscow to, and then change to another train that will take you to Chamonix. The trip from Zlatoglavaya to Paris takes 37 hours 20 minutes. Tickets start from 149 EUR. The train runs once a week.

From Chamonix train station you can easily reach the city center on foot in 10 minutes. If you've booked a hotel in the suburbs, it's worth calling a taxi in advance (don't forget to mention the ski rack!).

By bus

As mentioned above, you can get to Chamonix by bus from Geneva. There is also a direct bus service between Chamonix and Italian Milan. You will need buses from Eurolines or the Italian carrier SAVDA. Buses from both companies arrive at the city's main station.

From other European cities you can also get to Chamonix by bus, but you will have to make transfers in Geneva or Milan. For example, you can get from Munich, Germany to Milan by Flixbus (the trip takes 8 hours and costs 25–50 EUR), and then transfer to a SAVDA bus.

In general, when it comes to traveling by bus in Europe, everything is limited solely by your imagination. If you really want, you can take an Ecolines bus from Moscow's Shchelkovsky station and arrive in, or, say, Zurich. And from there you can get to Chamonix. The Internet can help you.

By car

Chamonix is ​​2,854 km away. from Moscow. This, you see, is a lot. However, with some preparation, you can overcome this distance by car. To do this, you need to buy international car insurance (green card) and carefully plan your route. Think in advance where you will spend the night and which border point you will have to cross. As for the latter, there is always the opportunity to look in advance online, where there are fewer cars. During the holiday season, there are traffic jams at the European border.

The route to Chamonix from Moscow will run through Belarus, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany and Switzerland. Here are a few things you need to consider in this regard:

• There are bad roads in Belarus. Prepare for potholes and puddles.
• In the Czech Republic and Poland there are toll highways. Stock up on change.
• There are no speed limits on the roads in Germany. Don't slow down the flow. Drivers of late-model Porsches and Mercedes will be unhappy.
• Switzerland has a lot of mountain serpentines. You need to drive very, very carefully.

If your trip falls in the winter, I strongly advise you to stock up on chains for your wheels. Firstly, it guarantees you some kind of safety on slippery roads. Secondly, in the French Alps, chains are often a mandatory requirement (a special sign will notify you of this). If you don't have them, you may be fined.

In general, traveling around Europe by car is an expensive and time-consuming undertaking. For each night spent at the hotel you will pay approximately 50 EUR. Add to this the cost of insurance (about 660 EUR per month), toll roads and, of course, gasoline (about 1.48 EUR per liter).

Clue:

Chamonix - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 2

Kazan 2

Samara 3

Ekaterinburg 4

Novosibirsk 6

Vladivostok 9

When is the season? When is the best time to go

It is more common for Russian tourists to visit this city in winter rather than in summer. This is due to the fact that alpine skiing has become a more common form of recreation for our compatriots than trekking (hiking). But believe me, Chamonix is ​​no less beautiful in summer! And both in autumn and spring, the dazzling beauty of the mountains will not disappoint you.

Chamonix in summer

I first came to Chamonix in the summer. Emerald meadows, unafraid mountain deer, the mirror-smooth surface of mountain lakes, the blinding contrast between white peaks and green forests... - all this is truly mesmerizing. To enjoy all this beauty for a long time and slowly - this is real happiness.

There are quite a lot of people in Chamonix in the summer, but you can only get into the crowd in very popular places. Every morning tourists scatter across the mountains, where there is plenty of space for everyone. The average summer temperature in the valley is +22°C. It's colder in the mountains.

Chamonix in autumn

At the beginning of autumn, Chamonix is ​​still full of tourists. The ski season has not yet begun, but lovers of trekking, paragliding, rock climbing, mountain biking and many other activities are still here.

In mid-autumn there are fewer tourists. The forest at the foot of the mountains turns into different colors, and nature seems to freeze. Going to Chamonix during this period is also an excellent choice. The average temperature in autumn is +14°C.

Chamonix in spring

At the beginning of spring, the ski season is still in full swing in Chamonix. In April, French children have Easter holidays, and adults often take time off from work to go to the mountains with the whole family. The average air temperature is +14 °C.

Chamonix in winter

In winter, Chamonix becomes a skiing center. By the way, it was in Chamonix that the first Winter Olympic Games were held in 1924. Since then, thousands of tourists from different parts of the world come to the valley in winter. The average temperature at this time is +1°C.

Chamonix - weather by month

Clue:

Chamonix - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

Chamonix is ​​a small prosperous town that lives mainly on tourism. It is not divided into districts. But the word “Chamonix” means not only a town, but also a commune, which includes 16 villages (villages) and settlements (hameux) in a valley at the foot of the mountains. The vast majority of housing is located in Chamonix, as well as in Les Houches And Argentiere(I stopped right here at one time).

It should be noted that accommodation prices in Chamonix are very high. In addition, you need to book accommodation in advance (for example, on). At the last moment there may simply be no free options left. One way or another, finding a hotel room cheaper than 80–100 EUR per day is not easy here.

If you are ready for the harsh conditions of a hostel, then you can get by with 25–50 EUR per day (depending on whether you need a bed in a shared bedroom or in a private room). In any case, you must make a reservation at least several months in advance.

Each village in the valley is a separate resort.

• Le Tour famous for its ski slopes;
• Montroc famous for its ancient stone houses;
• Argentiere And Les Chosalets also often chosen for ski holidays;
• IN Les Gaillands rock climbing enthusiasts are coming. Also in the immediate vicinity of this village there is an incredibly beautiful mountain lake, in which Mont Blanc is reflected;
• IN Les Bossons there is a ski jumping hill.

Tourists who come to Chamonix, as well as local residents, often stay in traditional wooden houses - the so-called “chalets”. They house hostels, hotels, and guest rooms. Thanks to this, the ancient appearance of the villages remains unchanged, despite the annual influx of tourists.

You can explore all possible options and compare prices for accommodation.

What are the prices for holidays?

Chamonix is ​​an expensive resort. Most of the money you will spend on accommodation and ski lifts, as well as on snacks on the slopes of the mountains.

• Accommodation costs 50–100 EUR per day, but you must book in advance.
• An average two-course lunch with a drink is 20–25 EUR.

Prices for ski holidays, as well as transport rentals, can be found below in the relevant sections.

Main attractions. What to see

All the main attractions of the Chamonix Valley are natural. And how could it be different in a place where Mont Blanc rises! Of course, it has its own museums, monuments and memorable places. For example, in the city of Chamonix, on the walls of houses you can see frescoes depicting the first climbers. They look like they're alive! They look out of the windows or go about their usual business.

Or here’s another thing... in Chamonix there is a sculpture dedicated to the first conquerors of Mont Blanc. They look at the snow-capped mountain and discuss a plan for their future ascent. I advise you too not to stay in the city for too long, no matter how nice it may seem. Put on your trekking or ski boots (depending on the season) and set out to conquer new heights!

Top 5

Mont Blanc

This mountain is the most important natural attraction of Chamonix and its constant symbol. She can be seen from everywhere. She seems to float over the city, protecting and protecting it from all sorts of adversities. You can admire Mont Blanc up close from one of the neighboring peaks (for example, Aiguille du Midi). But the most exciting thing is to climb it. Yes, yes, you can climb Mont Blanc. With good physical preparation this is quite possible. It is best to contact professional guides. The hike will take about two days. You will have to pay about 2000 EUR. But there will be enough memories and impressions for the rest of your life.

Aiguille du Midi

This is a 3842 meter high mountain peak that can be reached by cable car in just 20 minutes. I think it doesn’t even make sense to say that the view from there is amazing. It can't be described in words. When you are here, contemplating the tops of the Italian, French and Swiss mountains, you literally feel on top of the world. You don’t even notice the cold wind and the blinding sun. But if you come here in the summer, it’s still worth bringing warm jackets and sunglasses.

At the “Midday Peak” (that’s what this place is called, translated from French), there is something to do besides contemplating the celestial landscapes. There is a panoramic snack bar “3842”, an interactive mountaineering museum, and also what looks like a glass booth. When you come here, you get the impression that you are floating above the ground, because both the walls and the floor of this “booth” are absolutely transparent. An unforgettable feeling. This attraction is called Le Pas dans le vide (“Step into the Void”).

Adult one-way lift ticket - 48.50. Round trip ticket - 58.5 EUR. Family ticket - 175.50 EUR (two adults + two children). The entrance to the ski lift closes quite early, so arrive early. Below you will find detailed opening hours:

• From 29/08 to 25/09 from 8:10 to 16:30;
• From 26/09 to 01/11 from 8:10 to 15:30;
• From 12/17 to 03/26 from 8:10 to 16:30;
• From 27/03 to 24/05 from 8:10 to 17:00;
• From 25/05 to 31/05 from 8:10 to 17:30.

Important: the schedule may vary slightly depending on weather conditions and time of year. The sun almost always shines at the top, but gusts of strong wind can interfere with your plans.

Glacier Mer de Glace (Montenvers)

Imagine a cosmic-sized snow “tongue” that slowly creeps along the gorge at a speed of 1 cm per year. Its length is 7 kilometers. Width - 200 meters. This is the same glacier. In French it is called "Icy Sea". Tourists are brought along an ancient cogwheel mountain railway built in 1908. The road itself is the pride and landmark of the valley.

Separate mention must be made about the tour of the grotto. This is an artificially carved niche leading to the center of the glacier. The walls of the grotto are illuminated in different colors, which creates the feeling of a real winter fairy tale. In addition, various exhibits related to the life of the Alpine mountaineers in the 19th century (sleighs, skis, various utensils) are exhibited here. The place is truly unique. To keep the caves safe, local engineers are constantly making adjustments. After all, the glacier moves, and with it the shape of the tunnel changes.

Important information: to get here you will have to climb a staircase of 300 steps. Calculate your strength.

An adult train ticket to the glacier costs 30.50 EUR (return trip included). Child - 25.90 EUR. Family - 91.50 EUR.

The first train from Chamonix to the glacier and cave usually departs from 8:00–9:00 am. Then trains run every twenty to thirty minutes. The last trains back to Chamonix leave at 16:00–18:00 depending on the season. The glacier is open to visitors almost all year round. The detailed schedule can be viewed.

Glacier d'Argentière

The Argentiere Glacier is less famous than the Mer de Glace, but no less amazing. This enormous word breaks out from the depths of the mountains, absorbing all living things in its path. One look at it is enough to understand how much stronger nature is than man.

To get to the glacier in the summer, come to the village of Argenterre, neighboring the town of Chamonix. Here, change to the Lognan (1972 m) or Les Grands Montets (3300 m) ski lift. You will have to walk from the ski lift to the main viewpoint. You can do it in half an hour. The price of an adult round trip lift ticket ranges from 17.50 to 35.50 EUR.

In winter, you can ski down to the glacier.

Lake Cornu, Lake Brévent and Black Lakes

Mountain lakes are another attraction of the Alps and a natural wonder that will make you gasp. There are many of them in the Chamonix Valley, but the most famous is, perhaps, Lake Cornu. The mountains and sky are reflected in its frozen surface. Its majestic stillness and the silence reigning around suggest thoughts of eternity.

You can get here in winter on cross-country skis, but the lake will most likely be covered with snow. Therefore, it is better to plan a visit for the summer. To get here, in the town of Chamonix, take the Planpraz ski lift (1999 m), and then change to the ski lift to Brévent (2525 m). Here, by the way, you can have a snack in the cafe. Then you will have to walk for quite a long time (but that’s the point of a mountain holiday in the summer, right?). The journey to Lake Cornu will take 1 hour 45 minutes, to the Black Lakes - 2 hours 30 minutes.

The cost of going up and down from the city to Brévent is 31.50 EUR per adult and 27.80 EUR per child.

If you are too lazy to walk that far, then right next to the ski lift there is another beautiful lake with emerald water, which is called Lake Brevan. Here, in a small wooden house, there is a cafe.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

You won't find any impressive temples in the Chamonix Valley. But it is full of small parish churches that convey all the rustic charm of the Alpine area. For example, St. Michael's Church in the city of Chamonix. According to ancient documents, the first temple on this site was rebuilt in the 12th century. Then it burned down in a fire and was restored only six centuries later. The decoration of the church is quite modest - a few old paintings, small statues and a simple altar. Despite this, the church is very loved by local residents.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Frankly speaking, any museums in the valley pale in comparison to the beauty of the mountains. But if you are in a “museum” mood or there is fog and rain in the mountains, then Chamonix can offer you a couple of interesting places.

Alpine Museum (Musée Alpin)

This museum reflects the history of the Chamonix Valley. Ancient household items, lithographs, engravings, maps, photographs, mountain equipment of the last century - once you are here, you will understand how difficult and long it took for the mountains to be conquered by man.

The museum is located in the center of Chamonix at 89 Avenue Michel Croz, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. It is open daily in the summer from 14:00 to 19:00, and also in the morning from 10:00 to 12:00 during school holidays in France. Admission for adults - 5.50 EUR (with a guest card - 4.30), for children under 12 years old (when visiting with family) - free, from 12 to 18 years old - 1.50 EUR.

Crystal Museum (Musee des Cristaux, Espace Tairraz)

Here are collected all the unusual and precious stones that have ever been found in the valley. They shimmer under clever lighting and really make an impression. After all, when you think about how many years it took nature to create these riches extracted from the bowels of the earth, you truly understand their value.

Under one roof with a collection of stones there is a permanent exhibition telling the history of mountaineering. This is an interactive space where, using a special simulator, you can feel like a rock climber who has just conquered a mountain peak.

The museum is located at 615 Allée Recteur Payot, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Admission for adults - 5.90 EUR. For children and teenagers under 18 years of age, admission is free provided they are accompanied by an adult. Upon presentation of your hotel guest card, you will be given a discount on your ticket of 1.40 EUR.

The museum is open from 01.09 to 31.12 every day from 14:00 to 18:00. Closed from 14 to 26 November and 25 December.

Tourist streets

During the day, life in the Chamonix Valley bustles at the ski lifts, and in the evening - in the center of the town itself. Although the latter cannot boast of large size, it is here that tourists flock in search of entertainment after a hard day in the mountains. The main attractions, museums and shops are located in the heart of Chamonix.

What to see in 1 day

Unfortunately, if you come to Chamonix for only one day, you won’t be able to see many attractions. The ski lifts in the mountains close early, even in summer. So get up early, choose the lift you like (Aiguille du Midi, Cornu Lake, Argentiere Glacier) and enjoy the mountain scenery. In the evening, head down into the valley for a drink or two in one of the cozy log bars.

What to see in the area

There is a lot to see in the area around Chamonix. These include natural attractions, fairy-tale villages and elegant cities. Here are a few places that won't be too difficult to get to.

Emosson Reservoir (VerticAlp Emosson)

This is the second largest reservoir in Switzerland. It is truly huge: when you look at it from afar, you don’t understand what kind of force can, in principle, hold such an amount of water. However, here it is, the dam, in front of you. And you can even walk along its border.

To climb to the Emosson reservoir, located at an altitude of 1965 meters, you will need to travel 19 kilometers from the city of Chamonix. Take the Mont Blanc Express train from Chamonix train station (direction Martigny) and get off at the stop Chatelard. If you are by car, drive through Col de Montets, Vallorcine and cross the Swiss border.

IN Chatelard The lift will be waiting for you. Having climbed the mountain, transfer to a small panoramic train, from the window of which you can admire the enchanting landscapes of mountains and forests. The train will take you to another lift (Mini Funic), which will take you up to the reservoir in a matter of minutes. By the way, there is even a cafe here.

Emosson Reservoir is open to tourists from May 21 to October 23. Detailed lift and train schedules can be found. An adult one-way ticket to the very top will cost 27 EUR. Both ways - 36 EUR. For children under 16 years old, tickets will cost 14 and 18 EUR respectively.

Courmayeur

This is perhaps the most famous mountain resort in Italy. You can come here if you have already explored all the ski lifts in Chamonix and want new experiences. By the way, in addition to the magnificent mountain slopes, Courmayeur has the highest botanical garden in Europe ( Giardino Botanico Alpino Saussurea). The garden is open from June to September from 9:00 to 17:00. The entrance ticket costs 3 EUR (2 EUR for children under 15 years old and pensioners over 60 years old).

The town of Courmayeur itself is 21 km away. from Chamonix. You can get here from Chamonix by car or by bus. The bus schedule can be viewed. Please note that the road will run through a tunnel under Mont Blanc, whose length is no less than 11 km. If you are by car, you will have to pay 55.20 EUR for round trip travel.

Annecy

This is the center of the French department of Haute-Savoie and just a cute town at the foot of the mountains. It is located approximately 100 km. from Chamonix. The French love it very much and call it whatever they call it - “French Venice”, “Pearl of the French Alps”, etc. in Annecy you will enjoy even a simple walk around the city - there is a large lake, an ancient castle and a lot of picturesque streets.

Food. What to try

In Chamonix, it is worth experiencing Savoyard cuisine. This is a simple and satisfying meal of mountain shepherds. The main thing in Savoyard cuisine is cheese. It was in the Alps that the most famous cheese dishes of European cuisine were invented: fondue, raclette and tartiflette. Almost everyone knows what fondue is - melted cheese into which pieces of bread are dipped. Raclette is also melted cheese! They just melt it on a special unit called a raclette maker. Usually these are several heating surfaces. For example, stone for meat and Teflon for mushrooms and cheese.

The main component of the tartiflette is... I know, you guessed it. Cheese. In addition to cheese, this includes potatoes, bacon and onions. All this is baked in layers in the oven and you get another hearty Savoyard dish.

Such an excessive love for cheese among the inhabitants of the Alps is due to the fact that this hearty product can be stored for a long time. Previously, when it was difficult to find food in the mountains in winter, only cheese stored in advance helped out the brave mountaineers.

For dessert, try the blueberry tart ( Tarte aux Myrtilles), whose taste will remind you of walks in a mountain forest.

You can try Savoyard cuisine in the restaurant La Calèche, which is located in the very center of Chamonix. On three floors of the establishment there is a warm atmosphere of gatherings in a large friendly company. In the basements of the establishment there are entire racks of cheese lined up, waiting to be melted in the fondue pot. This place was founded back in 1946 and still carefully preserves not only the gastronomic traditions of the region, but also material evidence of its rich history. The restaurant's walls are lined with bobsleigh skis and beans from the first Winter Olympics in 1924. If you read French, there are also topical books here.

The average bill is 20–25 EUR. The establishment is very popular, so it is better to book a table in advance. Restaurant address: 18 Rue du Dr Paccard, Chamonix.

Budget

There are quite a lot of cheap places in Chamonix where an ever-hungry skier or mountain trail explorer can kill a worm. Here are some examples:

• Elevation 1904- here you can order both a burger and a tartiflette. You can eat both outdoors and indoors. In general, fast, tasty, inexpensive, varied and noisy. Many tourists come here to have breakfast. The cafe is located in the very center of Chamonix at 259 av Michael Croz Chamonix Sud.
• Poco Loco Chamonix is both a brewery and a snack bar. That's why it's always fun here! And delicious, by the way, too. The food is inexpensive, but the range is quite simple - mainly burgers and fries.
• Place Hibou Deli stands out among others. People here love healthy, low-calorie food. There are Arabic, Asian, and European dishes. This establishment is suitable for anyone who is tired of heavy Savoyard food. It is located at 416 rue Joseph Vallot, Chamonix.

Mid-level

• Chez Constant-modest interior, small hall... But the quality of the dishes will pleasantly surprise you. It's always delicious here. The restaurant values ​​​​its reputation very much, it is often recommended to tourists and, believe me, for good reason. Savoyard dishes are, of course, worth trying.
• La Tablee-another nice place where you can taste Savoyard cuisine.
• Le Munchie Chamonix- one of the trendiest and most popular restaurants in the valley. Lovers of modern cuisine with an Asian touch will love this place. On the walls there are exhibitions of contemporary artists. Be sure to try the duck with teriyaki sauce here.

Expensive

• Le Panier des 4 saisons- the most famous gourmet restaurant in Chamonix. As the name suggests, they try to cook with seasonal ingredients. Excellent wine list. The interior may seem rustic - wooden walls, dim lighting, no gold. But this is exactly how the residents of the Chamonix Valley see comfort.
• Restaurant owners La Cabane des Praz They also did not deviate from traditions and welcome guests in a spacious wooden house made of logs. The menu is very varied: there are oysters, snails, lamb, foie gras... In a word - everything to delight the taste of a true gourmet.
• Restaurant L"Impossible- everyone's favorite Italian cuisine in the most exquisite design! They cook here exclusively from the freshest organic products. Suitable for vegetarians. Located at Adresse: Route des Pélerins, Chamonix.

Holidays

Christmas

Many people go to Chamonix for this Catholic holiday. Chamonix in winter is a fabulous place. It does not need artificial New Year's decorations. Wooden huts, whose roofs are decorated with snow caps, are part of the image of Chamonix by definition. The most breathtaking sights are created here by nature itself - snow-capped mountain peaks, fiery sunsets and slopes shining in the sun.

During the Christmas market (from 12/16 to 12/30), in the midst of all this splendor, local residents and tourists meet Father Frost (St. Nicholas), organize processions, drink mulled wine, sing songs and simply enjoy life.

Feast of Guides

This is the most important holiday in the valley. It was first held in August 1924. Tourists may not understand the importance of this event, so I will explain everything briefly. Guides, also known as mountain guides, have been the most important people in the valley from time immemorial. They paved the way for others to reach the mountain peaks with fearlessness and zeal.

To this day, all Chamonix guides stick to each other and their traditions. The Festival of Guides is the day when local residents praise the skill of mountain conquerors, and the guides themselves put on a uniform, go out and willingly communicate with each other and with everyone.

Safety. What to watch out for

There is no need to be afraid of scammers and thieves in the valley. The main safety rule is to be careful in the mountains. If you are going to Chamonix to ski, choose slopes that you can really handle, and before each dangerous descent, check that your skis are securely fastened and that your boots are not loose. Helmet and goggles required.

If your trip is planned in the summer, think about equipment. For long walks in the mountains, trekking boots with thick soles and special poles are required. Otherwise, you risk twisting your ankle on the first cobblestone. When I first arrived in Chamonix, I didn’t have any walking sticks, so I had to look for suitable ones in the forest. But I quickly realized that there is no substitute for professional trekking poles.

Also be sure to bring sunscreen and some kind of hat. Remember, warm jackets and sweaters will also come in handy. After all, above 3000 meters it is always winter.

Another important point: the French are incredibly sensitive to the nature of their country. In the French Alps, everything is strictly regulated. For example, you cannot light a fire, put up a tent, or walk the dog just anywhere. In many places there are even signs prohibiting picking flowers. Follow these rules whenever possible. Of course, it is unlikely that anyone will catch your hand if you decide to pick a dandelion in a mountain forest. But for a tent pitched in the wrong place, they can be taken to the police station.

Also be careful with mountain animals. There is nothing scary in the alpine forests, but you should not provoke even mountain roe deer or badgers.

Things to do

If walking in the mountains (with or without skis) seems too boring or tiring to you, in Chamonix you can always figure out how to diversify your holiday. Firstly, the valley provides endless opportunities for extreme sports. But if you are not an extreme person at heart, there are safer options. In winter, you can try snowshoeing or dog sledding. In summer - horse riding.

Shopping and shops

If you are a shopaholic and even in the mountains cannot do without shopping, then in Chamonix I advise you to pay attention to shops with local products (for example, the Boucherie du Mont Blanc butcher shop at 156, rue Paccard) and points of sale of equipment (there are almost every step).

You can buy a regular food kit for cooking at the Super U supermarket at 117, rue Vallot. Open from Mon. on Sat. from 8:15 to 19:30, Sun. from 7:30 to 12:00.

Bars. Where to go

The valley's bars are the holy of holies. On winter evenings, mountain sports lovers gather here for “après ski”, that is, “after-ski” gatherings.

• Barberousse Chamonix- be sure to pay attention to this bar. Its interior resembles a pirate ship. There's a great selection of rums here. If you don’t have enough money for rum, you can get by with a glass of beer for just 2 EUR. Address: 17 place Jacques Balmat. Open every day from 18:00 to 02:00.
• A good bar is located in the hotel building Pointe Isabelle at 165, avenue Michel Croz. The interior is designed in a modern style. Good selection of cocktails. There is something to eat. Open every day in the morning, at lunchtime, and also in the evening.
• Savoy Bar Argentiere- the place to go for the relaxed atmosphere of a friendly village drinking session. Address: 109 rue Charlet Straton, Argentières. Open every day from 15:00 to 02:00. The prices are very affordable.
• Les Caves du Pele- a bar that lovers of live music should go to. Jazz and blues are played here in the evenings. DJs perform later in the evening. Restaurant address: 80, rue des Moulins.

By the way, there is also a wine bar in Argentiere. It is located at 214, rue Charlet Straton, Argentère and is called " 214 ".

Clubs and nightlife

• Amnesia Club Chamonix- for those who like to dance, this is the place to be. It is open every day except Monday from 24:00 to 06:00. Famous DJs often come here. The lounge area can be booked for private parties.
• Bunker- an establishment for those who love exotic things. The goal of the club's creators is to take you into the atmosphere of the Soviet Union in the 1970s. Gas masks, empty cans of black caviar, walls scrawled with unreadable words in Cyrillic, portraits of Lenin... In short, a dump of stereotypes about Soviet Russia. However, the music they play here is quite modern and they have a blast. Open from Mon. on Thurs. from 01:00 to 06:00. On Fri. and Sat. from 12:30 to 06:00.

Extreme Sports

Chamonix is ​​a paradise for both lovers of quiet walks and avid extreme sports enthusiasts. Both in summer and winter you can find entertainment to your liking. In the summer, this includes trekking, mountain biking (mountain biking), paragliding, rock climbing, mountaineering (primarily climbing Mont Blanc), cycling, trail running (running in forest areas), canyoning.... Agree, the list is impressive. Whatever you choose, you'll find instructors in Chamonix who will give you good advice on equipment and routes.

The list of winter extreme activities in Chamonix is ​​no less impressive: alpine skiing, freeride (off-piste skiing), snowboarding, ski mountaineering (climbing and descending a mountain on skis), paragliding, ice climbing (climbing with special equipment along an icefall), speed gliding (see sport that combines alpine skiing and paragliding).

For many of the above sports, Chamonix even hosts local competitions or stages of various cups and championships. So, next year the valley will host a stage of the international freeride championship. Every year the Mont Blanc Marathon is held and thousands of runners take part in it.

If you don't know where to start, contact the tourist information office. They will suggest a guide or company that will help you find your way. There are dozens of ski schools alone, and each of them has its own specialization.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

I advise you to bring cheeses from Chamonix. The prices are reasonable, especially considering how expensive good cheese is in Russia now. Just choose ones that are not too fragrant, otherwise the smell will follow you all the way home. Otherwise, the choice is not great - the same magnets and T-shirts as everywhere else.

Personally, I bought myself a stuffed marmot (this is one of the most common animals in the valley), which makes characteristic sounds when you press its belly. Why isn't it a wonderful gift? You can also take a closer look at souvenir bells, whose second purpose is to hang on the necks of mountain sheep.

How to get around the city

You can get around the Chamonix Valley on foot, by car, by bus or by bicycle. It is difficult to get lost - the villages are located in an even formation along the foot of the mountains.

Taxi. What features exist

There are about ten taxi services in the valley. It's better to call there in advance. Here are a few companies: Alp Taxi Laurent, Taxi Michel Buton, Taxi Servoz. The prices are quite high. Thus, a trip from Chamonix to Argentiere will cost 18 EUR, although the distance between the two points is only 10 km.

Buses

Buses in Chamonix connect local villages, as well as places where ski lifts and starting points of walking routes are located. Free buses run throughout the city of Chamonix both in winter and summer "Le Mulet". All other buses depart from the Chamonix Sud stop in the main town of the valley. The waiting time usually does not exceed 30 minutes. If you have a Guest Card, which should be issued to you at the hotel, travel will be either very cheap or completely free.

There are a total of eighteen routes running through the valley. Lines No. 1 and No. 2 depart from Chamonix Sud, make a short circle around the city, and then pass through 4 main villages - Les Houches, Servoz, Argentiere and Vallorcine. The schedule of other buses can be found

From December to March, a night bus runs through the valley. The ticket costs 2 EUR. The schedule can be viewed.

Transport rental

The easiest way to rent a car for traveling around Chamonix is ​​through the well-known services of Alamo, Hertz, Europcar and others. You can compare prices and choose the most profitable option, for example. To register a rental, you will need an international driver's license and a bank card. You must be at least 21 years old and have at least 1 year of driving experience. The approximate cost of renting a decent car is 50 EUR/day.

Driving in Chamonix should be done very carefully. As I already said, in winter you need chains on your wheels. In summer you should also be very careful and under no circumstances exceed the speed limit. One wrong turn of the steering wheel in mountainous terrain can unfortunately cost you dearly. Yes, you know everything yourself.

Chamonix - holidays with children

The French are happy to travel to the mountains with children. French toddlers start skiing as soon as they learn to walk. I remember very well this feeling of shame and humiliation, when I was just learning to brake on a slope with a “plow”, and kids in helmets, barely reaching my knees, rushed past me.

Often mothers and fathers, coming to a mountain resort with their children for the very first time, send them to a special ski school. Once I was lucky enough to watch classes at such a school right from the window of my room. Children of three or four years old walked single file on skis behind a huge shaggy mountain dog. The spectacle was touching.

If your children don't mind, you can follow the example of French parents. Finding a Russian-speaking instructor in Chamonix, including for children, is not a problem.

If the child is still too small for extreme sports, there is nothing left to do but take him with you. For babies shorter than approximately 105 cm and weighing up to 15 kg. There are special hiking backpacks. You put your child in it, tighten the belt at the waist and go ahead - to conquer the peaks on foot or on skis.

For newborn babies, a sling or ergo backpack will do. But keep in mind: children under three years old are not allowed to an altitude of more than 3000 meters (for example, to the same Aiguille du Midi). Children under 5 years old are simply not recommended to climb. I think these are prejudices, but these are the rules.

Older children, I’m sure, will be happy to rise above the clouds with you or take a walk along one of the simple hiking routes. A trip to the ice caves of the Mer de Glace glacier will also bring them considerable pleasure.

In addition, there is a nature reserve in Chamonix Parc Animalier de Merlet - Les Houches, where animals can be observed in their natural habitat. It's like a zoo without cages and bars. It is at an altitude of 1563 m. Open from 30 April to 30 September from 9.30 to 19.30 in July and August and from 10.00 to 18.00 in May, June and September. Adult ticket - 7 EUR, children's ticket - 4 EUR. You can only get to the place by car. To do this, take the pan-European highway N205/E25 and exit at Les Houches-Chef-Lieu. Then follow the signs for Le Coupeau. You will need parking lot #4.

Ski holiday

Here we get to the most interesting part. Chamonix is ​​the most famous ski resort in France. Winter holidays here are unforgettable. You have 157 km at your disposal. ski slopes of all difficulty levels. All of them are located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters.

Ski passes

There is a whole system of ski passes in the valley. Dearest, Mon Blanc Unlimited gives access to all ski areas of the valley and even Courmayeur (Brevent-Flégère, Grands Montets, Balme Tour Vallorcine, Aiguille du Midi, Les Houches, Courmayeur). It costs 62 EUR for one day of skiing. There are discounts for children, families and senior citizens.

Chamonix Le Pass will provide access to all Chamonix ski areas with the exception of Grand Monte. It costs 45 EUR per day.

There are separate ski passes for the areas of Les Houches, Brevent-Flégeres and others. They cost around 30 EUR per day. You can read more about ski passes.

Trails

For first-timers, Les Houches is the place to stay. There are many blue runs here. There are also several green ones - very, very light.

More challenging trails can be found in the Brévent and Flègere areas. They are connected to each other by a cabin lift. You can get here by cable car from Chamonix or Argentiere.

Other ski areas in Chamonix are Le Tours - Vallorcine - Col de Balme and Le Grand Mortet. The latter is the largest and most popular in the valley, despite the difficulty of the trails. If you come here, do not miss the opportunity to ski down from an altitude of 3300 meters all the way to Argentiere.

If you are a true professional and enjoy freeride, Chamonix will be a ski paradise for you. Be sure to visit the White Valley (Valais Blanche) and try the descent of Mont Blanc.

Anything to add?