Winter holidays are synonymous with fresh snow and snuggling up around a cosy log fire in Chamonix. Many of our chalets and apartments feature fireplaces, so you can choose the accommodation of your dreams and enjoy those warm, glowing flames after a day in the mountains.
To help you make the most of your log fire in Chamonix, we spoke to our property management team and gathered their top tips for safely enjoying a fireplace during your stay.
Using Your Log Fire in Chamonix
Our Chamonix properties come with a variety of beautiful fireplaces, from suspended wood burners to traditional open log fires. Some feature glass surrounds for extra safety; these clever screens help radiate heat into the room while preventing sparks from escaping.
How to Use Your Log Fire Safely in Chamonix
Make sure the chimney is clean and clear
Guests staying with Chamonix All Year don’t need to worry about chimney maintenance. All fireplaces in our chalets and apartments are professionally swept and checked before the winter season, ensuring your log fire is safe and ready to use.
Open the air vent
Most air vents are opened before your arrival, but it’s always worth checking. If the vent is closed, smoke won’t draw up the chimney and will instead come back into the room—so confirm it’s open before laying or lighting your fire.
Prime the flue
If the fireplace hasn’t been used recently, the flue may be cold. Cold air sinks down the chimney, which can push smoke into your Chamonix chalet rather than letting it escape upwards. Warm the flue first by burning a little newspaper or a few small twigs for a couple of minutes, until you see the smoke rising smoothly up the chimney.
Lay your fire properly
Once the flue is warm, you can lay your fire. Airflow is key. If your fireplace doesn’t have a grate, use two small pieces of wood to lift the fire off the base of the hearth, then place kindling and logs on top. Add a little tinder underneath—newspaper or brown paper bags work well. Avoid glossy or heavily coloured paper, as it can leave residue in the chimney and doesn’t burn as cleanly.
Light your fire
If your fireplace has a glass screen, leave it open a small amount while the fire catches. You may also want to open a nearby window briefly to encourage a good draught. Once the flames are established, gently close the screen or window.
Enjoy the cosy ambience
Settle into your Chamonix accommodation with a book, a warm drink, or a glass of vine, and enjoy the glow of your log fire with snowy views outside. Remember to take care—never leave a burning fire unattended, and always use the fireguard or glass screen provided to stop sparks or hot logs from escaping.
Once your fire has burned down—usually by the following day—you can think about clearing out the ashes. Make sure the ashes are completely cold before you touch them, then use the metal tools provided to sweep them out carefully. Never place warm or hot ashes on the balcony or terrace of your Chamonix accommodation, as this creates a serious fire risk.
Log fire in Chamonix chalets
In addition to the tips above, each Chamonix All Year property has its own guidance for using the fireplace safely. You’ll find any specific instructions inside your chalet or apartment, so you can enjoy your log fire in Chamonix with confidence.
Many of our larger chalets also include a stock of logs for guests to use, while kindling can be purchased easily from local shops and supermarkets. To check whether firewood is provided in the accommodation you’ve booked, simply refer to the property information on our website or contact our team before your stay.
Reducing fossil fuel emissions in the Chamonix valley
To help you enjoy the beauty of the mountains today—and protect them for the future—we aim to limit the amount of fossil fuels burned across our properties.
Because of the valley’s geography, periods of high pressure can trap smoke close to the ground. When this happens, chimney smoke struggles to disperse and small particles can build up in the air. These particles affect the air quality for both visitors and local residents, which is why responsible use of log fires in Chamonix is so important.
We therefore ask you to bear this in mind and not use the fireplace unless necessary for warmth, particularly during periods of high pressure. Read more about eco-friendly steps you can take during your stay and find out what we at Chamonix All Year are doing to protect the environment.
Many of our Chamonix properties feature fireplaces, giving you plenty of choice when planning your perfect winter holiday. And it’s not just our chalets—several of our apartments also offer the cosy ambience of a log fire in Chamonix.
If you’d like the warmth and atmosphere of a fire in a smaller space, we even have apartments with ethanol-burning fireplaces, so you can enjoy those mesmerising flames whatever your budget. If you’re unsure which property is right for you, our team can recommend the best options based on your preferences.
You can view all of our Chamonix accommodation on our website and use the filters to show only properties with fireplaces. This makes it easy to see the full range of log fires in Chamonix chalets and apartments.
