The Big Mountain Journey
Big Mountain Brewing Co. is all about the taste of adventure – created in the heart of Chamonix.
It all started back in 2014, when mountain guide Jack Geldard spotted something missing in the valley: great craft beer. So, he rolled up his sleeves and launched Big Mountain Brewing Co. with one goal in mind — to create tasty, local beer for the outdoor community.
After a whole lot of experimenting (and even more tasting), the first beers hit the taps: a solid IPA and a refreshing Pale Ale — both of which are still favourites today.
As word spread and more people reached for a fresh craft pint, the team quickly outgrew their space and relocated to a garage in Les Praz. The demand kept climbing, so they packed up again — first to Passy, and now to their current home in Cluses, just 40 minutes from Chamonix.
Today, Big Mountain brews a lineup of modern craft beers, with the IPA, Blonde Mountain Lager, and Blanche Freeride leading the charge. They also roll out new limited-edition beers every month — there’s always something new to try.
Basecamp Bar: Your Après Spot
The original Big Mountain bar quickly became a go-to hangout for the mountain community in Chamonix. In 2024, they took things up a notch and opened Basecamp — a bigger and better version just a little further down the road.
Basecamp is the ultimate Chamonix adventure bar. Think 20 taps of craft beer, an on-site micro-brewery, and a sunny terrace and beer garden with epic Mont Blanc views. The menu’s a winner too — packed with artisan pizzas, juicy burgers, ribs, fresh salads, and share plates.
Speaking of the pizzas — they’re a real highlight. Perfect for recharging with a cold beer after a day in the mountains.
Don’t miss out on their regular events:
- Happy Hour every day from 3–5 PM
- 2-for-1 pizzas every Tuesday
- Live music on Sunday nights with local bands
The Big Mountain Trail Club meets the last Wednesday of every month for a social trail run, a free post-run beer, and a prize raffle.
Photo credit Sam Hill
The Brewery: Crafted With Care
Now based in Cluses, the Big Mountain brewery is a modern setup. It’s fast, modern and super effective, whilst still maintaining the ‘hands on’ feel, which is all-essential for brewing to a high quality and standard. To maintain a zero-waste policy, they use and reuse steel kegs, and for the smaller packaging items they prefer glass bottles and cans which can be recycled.
The Beers: Something for Everyone
The beer lineup is a mix of crowd-pleasing classics and fun, fresh monthly specials. Their core range includes 10 beers — like the alcohol-free NANO IPA, easy-drinking Session IPA, fruity Tropical Smoothie, hazy NEIPA, and a rich Breakfast Stout.
You can order beers online and get them delivered right to your doorstep — whether you’re a full-time valley local or just visiting. Plus, orders over 60 € get free shipping within France.
You’ll also find Big Mountain brews at local supermarkets like Super U in Les Houches and Carrefour in Chamonix, and the Basecamp Bar always has a well-stocked takeaway fridge ready to go.
Whether you’re winding down after a big day on the slopes or just craving a quality beer with an artisan pizza — Big Mountain Brewing Co. has got your back.
Stay in the loop with all the latest beer releases and events by following them on
Big Mountain Brewing Co. 📸 Instagram | 👍 Facebook
Big Mountain Basecamp Chamonix 📸 Instagram | 👍 Facebook
Photos courtesy of Big Mountain Brewing Co.
