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Winter

Winter in Chamonix

Winters are spectacular in this world capital of mountain sport. Ski, snowboard, tour, ice climb, paraglide and more in an amazing Alpine playground.

Skiing

Chamonix is one of the world’s top destinations for skiing, with an excellent snow record (90% of the pistes are above 2000m) and unparallelled scenery.  Learn to ski in the stunning mountain surroundings, or marvel at the 17km classic high mountain off-piste route of the Vallee Blanche.

Perfect powder day at Flegere
Perfect powder day at Flegere

Chamonix has four major ski areas.

Brévent & Flégère
Les Grands Montets
Le Tour & Vallorcine
Les Houches

Snowboarding

Snowboarding at Flegere
Snowboarding at Flegere

Winter in Chamonix is equally fantastic for snowboarding with its huge scope and variety. It’s a place that can really push your riding to the next level if that’s what you’re looking for. Of course most of the info here applies equally to both, but here’s a page with snowboarding specific info. There’s also a thriving splitboard scene in Chamonix and it’s a great place to give it a try.

Other ski-based activities

Styling itself as the world capital of alpinism (with ample justification), it’s the true home of mountain and adventure sports. Cross-country skiing, ski touring, telemarking, vol & ski….if it can be done, whether on two planks or off, someone will be doing it here. 

Cable cars and mountain railways

These have been deservedly popular since long before skiing came to Chamonix. Whether you’re on the slopes or not, they are a fantastic day out. The Aiguille du Midi is one of France’s biggest attractions year round and all the ski areas have facilities for you to come and enjoy the views and atmosphere on foot.

For non-skiers, or for a day off

Chamonix is indisputably one of the best places in the world for a winter holiday without skiing. There’s a huge range of activities including loads of winter activities for families.  You can try snowshoeing, husky-sledding, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, fatbiking, ice skating, parapenting, ice climbing, helicopter or balloon flights.

On a more relaxing theme there are also cultural events, museums, live music and art exhibitions, and the new spa is spectacular and excellent value.  Or just enjoy the more straightforward holiday pleasures of a beautiful mountain town with restaurants, bars, shopping and so on. The tourist office can help with details of day trips to interesting places nearby, as well

Start our guide to seven days in Chamonix for non-skiers here.