You want to visit Chamonix and are wondering what are the things to see in Chamonix? Chamonix is a pretty little mountain village nestled at the foot of the Mont Blanc range. Nicknamed the “World Capital of Mountaineering,” it was also the first resort to host the Winter Olympics, in 1924. Today, it offers a multitude of activities, summer and winter, regardless of snow conditions. Come with me and discover five fun things to do in Chamonix and the surrounding area in winter, even when there’s no snow. Let’s go!
PRACTICAL TIPS TO VISIT CHAMONIX
How to get to Chamonix?
Chamonix Mont Blanc is 2 hours 20 minutes from Lyon and 2 hours from Grenoble by car. By train, it takes at least 5 hours 30 minutes from Paris. The train stops at Saint Gervais-les-Bains or Bellegarde, then there is a bus connection to Chamonix.
Once there, buses and the “Mont Blanc Express” train allow you to travel between villages if you are staying outside the town center. A free shuttle service is also available in the center of Chamonix only.
However, if you want to be independent, it is best to rent a car. Rent a car here should you need it.
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Where to stay to visit Chamonix?
Here are several accommodation suggestions, classified according to your budget.
Find your accommodation in Chamonix!
3 recommended accommodation to visit Chamonix
L’AUBERGE DU MANOIR
- Ideal location in the center
- 4 star hotel
- From €140
HELIOPIC HÔTEL & SPA
- With a pool and a spa
- Perfect to relax!
- From €200
HÔTEL DE LA COURONNE
- In a peaceful setting
- Rated 9 out of 10
- From €100
How much time do you need to visit Chamonix?
If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, you can spend a week or more in Chamonix! But even in just a few days, it’s possible to enjoy the valley and its magnificent landscapes without rushing.
Several passes are available to help reduce the cost. These are for skiers, of course, but also for those who want to take the ski lifts to access the most beautiful views. The “summer” pass gives you unlimited access to the Mer de Glace, the Aiguille du Midi, the Brévent, and other attractions for one or more days, consecutive or not (starting at €63 per day). This pass was also offered in winter two years ago for non-skiers.
When planning your trip, don’t forget to check the snow conditions, which may affect your plans. Some attractions may also be closed at certain times, so it’s best to check before you go.
1. MARVEL AT THE SUMMIT OF THE AIGUILLE DU MIDI, ONE OF THE TOP THINGS TO SEE IN CHAMONIX
It is definitely a must-see if you come to visit Chamonix! This was the most memorable part of my trip and one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen in my life. Yes, really! The Aiguille du Midi cable car leaves from the center of Chamonix and takes you up to an altitude of 3,842 m in two stages. During the ascent, the view of the valley is magical, but it’s best to squeeze up to the window to get the most of it.
The climb is quick, and when you reach the top, you’ll be breathless! Not just because of the landscape, as the 360° view will leave you speechless, but also because of the weather conditions. At this altitude, it is -17°C at the end of December and you quickly feel the effects of the physical effort. Fortunately, you won’t have to do much, just contemplate the surroundings!
To the north, the Brévent mountain range and the Chamonix valley, and to the south, the Vallée Blanche in the foreground, the Mont Blanc mountain range, and the Grandes Jorasses. You can even see the Swiss Alps in the distance.
At the summit, you will find several observation platforms and places to warm up and eat. It is also the starting point for expeditions to Mont Blanc and for skiers. You may see them descending along the ridge that leads to the Vallée Blanche: the scene is impressive, as there is nothing but empty space on either side. But the reward is at the end: a 24-kilometer ski descent with a 2,800-meter drop!
Thrill seekers can also try the “step into the void” experience, walking on a glass platform suspended above a vertiginous drop. Thrills guaranteed!
You then take a lift to the top, at 3,842 meters. Even with people around, you feel alone in the world when faced with the immensity of nature! The landscapes are magical, with snow-capped peaks, the Mont Blanc range, the untouched white valley, and little figures braving the elements.
This panorama calls for superlatives: take a look at the photos and see for yourself! I have unforgettable memories of this place, so I have no doubt that you too will be captivated if you ever have the opportunity to go up there.
2. VISIT CHAMONIX AND ITS ICE CAVE
On the same day, you can return to Chamonix to take the little red Montenvers train to the Mer de Glace. This is a rack railway with a toothed track that allows it to climb much steeper slopes than usual. It works on the same principle as the famous tramway in Lisbon. In Chamonix, the red train climbs more than 900 meters!
The journey is slow but really enjoyable, especially if the snow covers the sides of the track and the forest you pass through! When you arrive at the little “station” at Montenvers, you will have a magnificent view of the largest glacier in France (covering 40 km²). The glacier originates near Mont Blanc, at an altitude of 3,900 meters, and stretches for seven kilometers to an altitude of 1,400 meters. Its average thickness is 200 meters!
You will need to take a cable car and then descend several hundred steps to reach the glacier. The descent will also give you the opportunity to see how quickly the sea of ice is melting. On either side, sad signs indicate the heights reached by the glacier 100 years ago, 50 years ago, 10 years ago, 2 years ago… You’ll see, the difference is incredible!
Due to the melting, the glacier is not very clean and is even rather grayish. But the ice cave is worth a visit. The blue tunnel is truly sculpted out of ice, as are the statues and decorations inside. Every year, the “grottus” continue to dig and rework this tunnel, as the glacier is constantly changing.
The spectacle is beautiful and makes you aware of the fragility of this environment. At the height of the cable car, the sea of ice advances about 90 meters per year, or one centimeter per hour! Incredible, isn’t it?
3. ADMIRE THE SUNSET FROM THE BRÉVENT
On the other side of the Mont Blanc range, a cable car takes you up to Planpraz. From there, you can access some ski slopes and hiking trails, as well as the paragliding area. But above all, it is the starting point for a second cable car to the summit of Brévent, which will take you to an altitude of 2,525 meters.
I recommend going up there for sunset, as the low light on the snow creates some wonderful landscapes. The view is absolutely breathtaking, taking in the entire French side of Mont Blanc, the Chamonix valley and, in the distance, the peaks of the Aravis. A lovely way to end the day!
4. VISIT CHAMONIX BY TAKING A SCENIC STROLL
The village of Chamonix is nothing special, but it’s very pleasant to walk around. Many hikes are accessible at the beginning of winter when there isn’t much snow yet. Don’t hesitate to check out the Chamonix website for more information.
The “Petit balcon sud” trail offers a lovely walk through the woods just above Chamonix. The elevation gain is very low, making this walk accessible to everyone. Although it is considered a summer hike, it hadn’t snowed yet when we went to Chamonix, so we took advantage of it! And I think that even with a little snow, there is no particular risk if you are equipped with hiking boots. The view will be even more beautiful!
The trail allows you to admire the Mont Blanc range, Chamonix, the Aiguille des Grands Charmoz, and more along the way. The panorama is magnificent with all the snow-capped peaks!
You can follow the trail along the entire length of the valley, which will take you to the hamlets around Chamonix. These small villages are also a great place to stay, as they are much cheaper than the town center. The hamlet of Les Houches, for example, is just a few minutes’ drive from Chamonix and much quieter than the resort.
5. FEAST YOUR EYES AND EXPERIENCE THRILLING SENSATIONS
The Chamonix Valley offers an extraordinary variety of sporting activities in both winter and summer. In winter, skiers and mountaineers are in the majority, but you can also go sledding, snowshoeing, hockey… and even paragliding! Several schools offer introductory lessons and tandem flights. You’re guaranteed to have your head in the clouds and feel like you’re flying over the snow. I think it’s an incredible experience in such a beautiful setting. Have you ever tried it?
VISIT CHAMONIX AND ITS BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS
If you come to visit Chamonix, I recommend to discover its beautiful region as well. The nature around Chamonix is breathtaking ! Here are some other top things to see in Chamonix and its area!
La Réserve des Aiguilles Rouges (20 minutes away): located a few kilometers from Chamonix between Vallorcine and Argentières, this reserve is known for its diverse flora and fauna. Check out my post 4-day Aiguilles Rouges Tour (only possible in summer)
Annecy (1 hour 15 minutes away): this pretty town on the shores of the lake of the same name is said to be a little haven of peace. Its old town has everything to please with its castle, canals, and colorful facades! Check out my post Visit Annecy : Things to See and Do
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