If you are planning your next ski holiday, then the Chamonix valley is the perfect place for a snowy getaway. With some of the most challenging and beautiful slopes in the Alps: it is no wonder the resort is growing in popularity. Chamonix is also one of the largest resorts meaning there are a few different places to stay when you visit. We asked the experts from Chamonix All Year to help assist on the choices when choosing where to stay in the Chamonix valley.
Town Centre
If you want to be in the middle of the action, and are looking for ski and après, then Chamonix town centre is the place to be. Whilst the other areas across the valley are lovely and have their own charm, there’s no question that Chamonix town centre is the most happening place for après ski activities. There is also a host of lovely tea houses, coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping too.
The Brévent ski station is the closest to the centre of Chamonix town, and is within walking distance. However, the hill from Chamonix centre to the bottom station is deceptively steep to walk up, especially in ski boots. So the easiest way up is to catch the free bus or to take the drag lift from Le Savoy to the bottom of the bubble lift.
Les Houches
Les Houches is a resort in its own right just inside the valley on the right when arriving from the southwest (Geneva). It is a resort without equal. 360 degree views of Mont Blanc, good restaurants, good off-piste and lots of room for everyone – skiers, boarders, telemarkers and cross-country skiers.
Pistes runs from 950m to 1900m and there is lots of tree line skiing, meaning it’s a great area for beginners and intermediates. There are 2 short, gentle beginners slopes at the top of both the Prarion and the Bellevue cable cars (the more gentle and longer of the two is at the top of Bellevue).
Argentière
Argentière is a very picturesque village within the Chamonix valley. It takes around 10 minutes in a car from Chamonix town. However, taxis in Chamonix are hard to come by at night, so if you stay in this area, it is wise to plan accordingly and dine here. Argentière retains a lot of authentic French charm and has a beautiful unspoilt high street with patisseries, boulangeries and wine bars, giving you ample choice of places to eat and drink.
The Argentière village is the home of the famous Grands Montets ski area which is the largest of the pisted skiing areas in the Chamonix valley. The Grands Montets ski area has a reputation for offering some of the most difficult runs in Europe – as well as some of the best off-piste too.
Hello, I’m Kelsey Thompson. My goal is to show that traveling can be affordable and fun! I love to explore new places and experience different cultures. I also like iced coffee, iced tea, and ice cream (in that order).
