Chamonix is shaped by ice. From glaciers high above the valley to the many gelaterias dotted around town, frozen things are part of local life. Ice even runs through the history of the region: long before freezers existed, ice harvested from the Mont Blanc massif was transported as far as Paris and the French Riviera. […]

People end up in Chamonix for all sorts of reasons. Some come for a single winter season and stay far longer than they planned. Others arrive with a clear idea of building a life here. What most have in common is that pull towards the mountains. Building Confidence in the Mountains But not everyone arrives […]

While Chamonix offers a wide variety of shops, it’s easy to find yourself lost amidst all the sports stores and souvenir boutiques. For the times when you need something you can’t find in the Chamonix stores, or when you simply feel like some retail therapy, there are several large shopping centres in the vicinity of […]

To rent or to buy ski gear is one of the most common questions when planning a ski holiday in Chamonix. Rather than a single right answer, the decision depends on how often you ski, how you travel, and how much flexibility you want. Should you rent or buy ski gear in Chamonix? Here are […]

One of the advantages of Chamonix’s being a year-round town is the wealth of bars and restaurants to choose from, and we of course love sampling the best bars in Chamonix! We know that sometimes after a few drinks you get the munchies too, so we’ve put together a guide to our favourite bars for […]

As winter settles in and the snow builds up, sledging becomes one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to have fun in Chamonix. It’s a great option for families, non-skiers, and anyone looking to enjoy the snow without skis or a snowboard. There are several spots in and around the Chamonix valley that are […]

Along with Chamonix Tourist Office, we were delighted to welcome Iain Martin to Chamonix in January 2024. Iain is the founder of The Ski Podcast and Ski Flight Free, and he was here to cover the Kandahar ski slalom race as well as the 100th anniversary of the first Winter Olympics in Chamonix. Iain stayed […]

Visiting a local market is one of the easiest ways to get a feel for life in the Chamonix valley. From fresh produce and regional specialities to small artisan stalls, markets offer a slower, more local contrast to the busy high street, and they are popular with both residents and visitors. Chamonix markets guide The […]

A winter holiday in Chamonix offers far more than just skiing. From toddlers to teenagers, there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained, whatever the weather. Here’s our guide to the best winter activities for children in Chamonix, with ideas for skiers, non-skiers, and everything in between. Skiing and snowboarding Chamonix is […]

At the beginning of the 19th century, Chamonix was visited by between two and three thousand tourists annually. Following the Enlightenment, a voyage to Chamonix to marvel at the mighty mountains and glaciers became the ultimate upper- and middle-class pilgrimage.