Chamonix might be world-famous, but there’s still plenty that surprises even regular visitors. As your locals on the ground, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite lesser-known facts that paint a picture of Chamonix beyond the obvious. From speedy summit records to historic train lines and architectural quirks — how many of these do you already know?
1. The Mont Blanc speed records
Mont Blanc continues to draw athletes from around the world — and for many, reaching the summit isn’t enough. It’s about how fast you can do it.
Women’s foot record: Hillary Gerardi set the benchmark in June 2023, completing the round trip from Chamonix town centre (St Michel Church) to the summit and back in 7 h 25 m 28 s.
Women’s ski record: Élise Poncet established a new fastest time for women on skis in May 2025, with a round trip in 6 h 54 m 47 s.
Men’s ski record: As of 31 May 2025, William Boffelli holds the men’s round‑trip record on skis, with a time of 4 h 43 m 24 s.
Men’s foot record: Kilian Jornet still retains the fastest time on foot, set in July 2013, completing the round trip in 4 h 57 m 40 s — including about 3h 33 ascending and 1h 24 descending.
Each of these records is an extraordinary feat of endurance, skill, and mental strength — and they highlight Chamonix’s enduring reputation as a global centre for mountain speed and ambition.
2. The Tramway du Mont Blanc was once planned to reach the summit
The Tramway du Mont Blanc is one of the most scenic train rides in France, climbing from Saint-Gervais up to Nid d’Aigle (2,372m), where many mountaineers begin their final ascent of Mont Blanc via the Goûter route. When construction began in the early 1900s, the vision was bold – the line was originally intended to reach all the way to the summit of Mont Blanc. However, harsh alpine conditions, World War I, and the sheer engineering challenge meant the railway stopped short at Nid d’Aigle.
Still, it’s far from forgotten. Over a century later, works are underway to extend the line once more – this time by around 300 metres, taking it directly to the refuge at Nid d’Aigle with a new station and protective gallery being built to shield the track from rockfall. The modernised summit station, due to open in 2026, will offer a viewing platform, restaurant, and improved accessibility.
And yes, you can still spot the three iconic carriages – Anne, Jeanne and Marie – named after the original owner’s daughters. They’ve recently been joined by a fourth train, Marguerite, as part of the ongoing upgrades to this century-old line. So next time you hop aboard the TMB, know you’re riding a piece of history—with an exciting future ahead.
3. History at Our Doorstep – Hotel Couttet is being reborn
Directly opposite the Chamonix All Year office, the Grand Hotel Couttet is more than just a building – it’s a landmark of Chamonix’s golden age of mountaineering. Built in the late 19th century by the pioneering Couttet family, the hotel was one of the first grand establishments in the valley. At a time when wealthy travellers from Britain, Switzerland and beyond were flocking to the Alps, it became a base for gentlemen adventurers, scientists, and early alpinists dreaming of first ascents.
Many great names of mountaineering stayed here, drawn by the elegance of the hotel and the promise of high-altitude exploits. It wasn’t just a place to sleep – it was a social hub where routes were planned, triumphs toasted, and tales of the mountains exchanged over cognac in the salon.
Now, more than a century later, this historic building is undergoing a full renovation to become a five-star hotel, breathing new life into its iconic facade while preserving the legacy of exploration that has always defined it.
4. The Statue in Place Balmat Hides a Surprising Tale
If you’ve wandered past the Rose du Pont in Chamonix’s Place Balmat, you’ve probably spotted the iconic statue of two men. But here’s a twist — it’s not actually a tribute to the first two climbers who conquered Mont Blanc.
Back in 1786, Jacques Balmat and Dr Michel-Gabriel Paccard made history with the first successful ascent of Mont Blanc, sparked by a challenge from the Genevan geologist Horace-Bénédict de Saussure. However, the statue doesn’t show the pair who made that breakthrough climb. Instead, it portrays Balmat alongside de Saussure himself, commemorating their journey together to the summit a year later in 1787.
As for Paccard, the other pioneer? He wasn’t forgotten, two centuries later, in 1986, he received his own statue, standing proudly near the Alpine Museum. So next time you’re in Place Balmat, remember: history often has layers deeper than the monuments we see.
5. How Far the Mer de Glace Glacier Reached?
It’s hard to imagine today, but during the Little Ice Age—a period roughly spanning from the 14th to the mid-19th century—the geography of the Chamonix valley was noticeably different. At the beginning of the 19th century, the tongue of the Mer de Glace glacier extended much farther than it does now, reaching all the way down to the hamlet of Les Bois, within the modern boundaries of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.
More recently, a new panoramic lift has been constructed, providing easier access to the ice cave and offering spectacular views of the glacier’s retreat and the surrounding mountains. This glimpse into Chamonix’s glacial past is a powerful reminder of the dynamic natural forces shaping the valley and the changing climate we witness today.
6. Home to the World’s Oldest Mountain Guide Company
Did you know Chamonix is where the world’s very first official mountain guide company was born? Founded way back in 1821, the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix was established to support the surge of adventurous—and often wealthy—travellers drawn to the valley’s breathtaking peaks and challenging climbs.
Today, their headquarters remain a local treasure. Located in the historic Maison de la Montagne, just beside St Michel Church in the heart of town, it’s well worth popping in. Make sure to visit the upper floor, where a striking 3D model of the Mont Blanc massif brings the region’s dramatic mountains to life and offers a fascinating glimpse into nearly two centuries of guiding heritage in Chamonix.
7. Don’t panic when you hear the midday siren
If you’re in Chamonix around midday on the first Wednesday of the month, you might hear a loud siren piercing the air. No need to worry — it’s simply a routine nationwide test of France’s emergency alert system to ensure everything is ready should a real emergency arise.
However, if you hear that siren at any other time, especially during winter months, it could be a serious warning of avalanche danger or another emergency. It’s crucial to stay alert, seek shelter, and follow official instructions.
At Chamonix All Year, we make sure our guests are fully informed with clear safety guidelines and what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency, so you can enjoy your stay with peace of mind.
8. The Montenvers train stops automatically if the driver lets go
The Montenvers cog railway, which climbs steeply from Chamonix to the Mer de Glace glacier, uses a special safety mechanism when it comes to braking. Unlike a car, where brakes are applied by pressing a pedal, the train’s brakes are held open by continuous pressure from the driver. If the driver releases this pressure—whether intentionally or accidentally—the brakes automatically engage, bringing the train to an immediate stop. This ingenious system prevents any risk of the train running out of control on the steep mountain tracks, making it one of the safest mountain railways in the world.
9. The Mont Blanc Tunnel: engineering brilliance beneath the mountain
The Mont Blanc Tunnel, which connects Chamonix in France with Courmayeur in Italy, stands as a remarkable feat of mid-20th-century engineering. After three years of painstaking work, it officially opened in 1965. When the French and Italian drilling teams finally met in 1962, their alignment was astonishingly precise — they were off by just 13 centimetres, an incredible achievement considering the technology of the time.
Stretching 11.6 kilometres beneath the massif, the tunnel serves as a crucial passageway, linking northern and southern Europe and welcoming thousands of travellers and freight vehicles every day.
While the tunnel experienced a tragic fire in 1999 that led to significant safety upgrades, this event also spurred innovation and improvements, making the Mont Blanc Tunnel one of the safest alpine tunnels in the world today. It stands as a testament not only to human engineering but also to resilience and continuous progress.
10. Traces of history linger near the glaciers
Mont Blanc’s glaciers conceal more than just ice and snow; Bosson’s glacier holds remnants of two tragic Air India crashes that occurred in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1950, Air India Flight 245, the “Malabar Princess,” crashed into the mountain, followed by Flight 101, the “Kanchenjunga,” in 1966. Both flights were en route from Bombay to London, with intermediate stops in Geneva.
Over the years, as the glaciers have receded, hikers and climbers have uncovered various artefacts from these wrecks. Notably, in 2013, a French alpinist discovered a metal box containing rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, valued at over €245,000. The box bore the Air India logo and was later divided between the finder and the Chamonix commune. You can admire them in the Chamonix Crystal Museum!
There’s always more to learn about Chamonix!
Chamonix is rich in stories, legends, and fascinating historical twists. Want to keep exploring? Dive into our other blog posts, like The History of Chamonix or explore our range of hand-picked chalets and apartments to find your perfect Chamonix base – all year round.
