If you are planning to ski your way through winter and have chosen Chamonix (a great decision), there is plenty to look forward to and a few things to prepare for.
The town is a world famous destination for mountaineering, off piste skiing, trail running and ski touring, along with many other adrenaline filled mountain activities. At the same time, it has a strong sense of history, character and charm as a traditional French alpine town.
Throughout the winter there are free events across the valley, from slope side entertainment to seasonal celebrations. Add summer music festivals in the mountains and a long sporting history, and Chamonix offers a mix of culture, adventure and alpine heritage.
Chamonix winter season dates
Employers often start planning their winter teams as early as the end of summer, and accommodation can be booked quickly. Read our guide and you will have everything you need to prepare.
The winter season usually runs from mid December to early May, depending on snowfall. Most seasonal contracts begin just before the Christmas period and finish around mid April.
Where to stay for the winter season
Ski areas to explore in winter
Choose the best season pass for your ski season in Chamonix! There are 3 main passes that are options to buy for your Season Pass:
Mont Blanc Unlimited
This pass gives access to 3 countries including Switzerland, Italy (inc. Skyway Monte Bianco) and France. As well as everything the Chamonix pass gives you, this pass provides access to Les Houches and the Evasion Mont Blanc ski are which includes Mégeve, St Gervais, Combloux and Les Contamines. The Unlimited Pass also grants you free access to the Aiguille du Midi lift, the Montenvers – Mer de Glace train & the Tramway du Mont Blanc.
Chamonix Le Pass
This pass grants you access to all the skiable domains within Chamonix village; Grands Montets Argentière, Brévent – Flégère ski area, and Balme – Le Tour – Vallorcine ski area. It also includes La Vormaine, Les Chosalets, Savoie and Planards beginner ski areas.
Les Houches local pass
This pass is useful if you are staying in the lower part of the valley and are a beginner or casual skier. It gives access only to the Les Houches ski area.
Les Houches offers a good mix of slopes and several independent mountain restaurants. It is a good option if you want to spend less and plan to ski occasionally rather than every day.
The area is also a good choice in bad weather, as many of the runs are through the trees, which improves visibility.
The best ski pass for the winter season
It is best to buy your season pass early. Early Bird passes usually go on sale in October and offer the best price.
If you plan to stay for the summer as well, you can choose an annual pass. This includes summer lifts and is valid for the whole year. Keep in mind that some lifts close during the interseason.
Some employers offer a ski pass as part of the salary package. These passes may include different benefits or access to certain ski areas. However, it is better not to rely on this when planning your season, as it may limit other job opportunities.
Having your own ski pass can also make you a stronger candidate. From an employer’s perspective, it shows commitment and preparation for the winter season in Chamonix.
How to find accommodation for the winter season
Some jobs in Chamonix include accommodation, although this is becoming less common. Many employers struggle to find housing for all their staff in one place.
Some seasonaires also prefer to organise their own accommodation rather than have rent deducted from their salary. Sharing a large chalet with friends or colleagues is a common option.
If you arrive as a group, renting a house or organising a flat share can work well. If you are travelling alone, renting a room in a shared apartment is another good option. Many locals rent out spare rooms in chalets or apartments around the valley, which can also be a good way to meet people and settle into the community.
Be aware of scams
Don’t ever send money to anyone without having physically seen the apartment first and having some sort of written agreement or confirmation. The winter can see a flurry of scammers screenshotting photos of actual rental apartments and putting them up for super-low prices, asking for the deposit & first couple of month’s rent to be wired immediately, and then disappearing off the page. As a rule, don’t ever send money to an individual if you haven’t set foot in the property! Any legitimate landlord would always let you see the place before demanding payment, even if there is high demand.
Check out the local estate agents and call around, join the facebook groups and get meeting and talking to people (if you are already out here) to make connections and hear what is going via word of mouth. Sign up to the Chamonix local web page Cham Social to see what is being rented, and you can also check the Mairie de Chamonix logement page, where people post property rentals weekly.
A new law will come into effect in May 2025 that seeks to minimise the amount of holiday rentals on the property market, which will hopefully raise the amount of long-term properties available for seasonal rentals. Click here to read more about what our Managing Director, Kerry said about the change and how we hope it will affect the valley.
How to get a job for the winter season
It’s all about the job! Chamonix opens up to thousands of seasonaires in the winter, and there is never a shortage of jobs. Whether you’re into high-end cocktail making or fine-dining restaurant work, artistic latte skills or you just want to flip burgers after a long day on the sunny slopes, you’ll find everything here.
Employers will want to start looking as early as the end of August, so contact everyone, get a solidly spell-checked CV going and make sure you tailor it to the job you are applying for. September is the best time to start looking.
Chamonix needs you!
Again, if you are already in Chamonix, this is a huge plus as people can tell you are serious about looking for work for the season. November is quite quiet with lots of the locals and employers taking their well-earned holiday, so aim to get this done before interseason hits. Checkout Chamonix.net and facebook groups, too. Don’t hesitate to get out there and get in touch directly with the employers after doing your research into their business.
Fluency in French isn’t always required in all jobs; however a little bonjour and merci never hurt anyone. Download a couple of apps to learn the basics as it will help. Experience in hotellerie, hospitality, cleaning and driving are the most sought-after skills in the valley.
At Chamonix All Year, both at the beginning of winter and the start of summer, we look for cleaning managers to work with us, and sometimes office staff too. Check out our Job Opportunities page to see what’s going on, and follow our socials to stay updated.
What to pack for the winter season
As you might have guessed – it’s going to be very, very, chilly! You’ll need layers and layers upon layers, and lots of hats.
To pack:
Woolly hats, balaclava for when the snow is sleeting down the front of your jacket, scarves, roll-neck thermals and jumpers, thermal leggings too & trousers – corduroy is sure to keep you warm, extra thick socks, waterproof or leather gloves as well as skiing gloves & coat. A ski jacket will be very useful too, of course!
High boots are a must for when the snow is ankle-deep, and waterproof is best for when the snow slushes up.
Obviously ski wear is necessary; there are second-hand sales here in November where you can pick up things you need, and a Bourse Aux Skis in Chamonix where you can buy ski and board equipment, too. You’ll probably end up buying more gear whilst here so don’t overpack your bag!
Follow our Ultimate Packing Guide for a Ski Holiday so you don’t miss a trick😉.
Not to pack:
There’s no need to pack too many light clothes – except for something nice for a night out – and maybe a smart shirt or two for when you’re feeling fancy.
You can definitely leave your heels at home!
Hair gel: there is a 90% chance that you will be wearing a hat 90% of the time.
Winter events and things to do
Chamonix in the winter can be wild. There are constant events and nights put on, and always a lot to do to entertain the hordes that descend into Chamonix between Christmas and April.
Our blogs have loads of info on events going on, and no doubt you’ll see posters and adverts all around reminding you. There are also lots of posts on Chamonix facebook groups so make sure to join a few of those, too.
Some of the regular classics include the Farmer’s market every Saturday morning in the Place du Mont Blanc square; weekly Ice Hockey matches to get your team spirits kicking in, the Kandahar Alpine World Cup for downhill skiing, and all the fun shenanigans gearing up towards and during Christmas and New Year celebrations. Also, the Chamonix Unlimited Festival celebrates the end of the season, and starts at the top of the ski lifts with live music, DJ’s and parties, and continues down in the valley late into the evenings… Watch this space to see what’s coming!
Find your adventure partners
OAK – The Getoak app is a new platform designed to help you find adventure partners, launched in Chamonix.
It was created to address the challenge of meeting like-minded people for climbing, ski touring, mountaineering, trail running, and other outdoor activities. After setting up your profile, you can explore various community activities available on the platform. If nothing fits your needs, you can easily create your own.
Oak is focused on building a strong community, offering free webinars, social events, and convenient access to booking local mountain guides. Get online and get involved!
Top things to do in winter
If you’re here for a ski season, you’re probably planning on being here just a short time over the winter, and not a long time. So grab the bull by the horns … These are some unmissable adventures to partake in, ‘cos you only live once:
1. Vallée Blanche
One of the most famous off-piste tracks in the valley, and can be done a multitude of different ways through different routes, depending on your level. At 22 km long, the Vallée Blanche offers unrivalled views of the Mont Blanc massif, and the experience includes coming off the top of the Aiguille du Midi and through France’s largest glacier, the Mer de Glace, skiing through ice caves and over crevasses.
It’s recommended that you go with a guide, and to be a confident skier before setting off. Our partners Evolution 2 offer a package which includes the kit you’ll need to stay safe throughout the descent.
2. Parapente
Another extreme sport must-try! On a daily basis the sky between the mountain tops is peppered by the croissant-shaped wings of dare-devil paragliders popping off the edge of the mountain for a jolt of fresh air. Amazing views of the valley, as well as a birds-eye of the slopes you can’t get to on skis accompany a calm, zen-like space that you enter when that high. After lift off, obviously, and before landing (slow and safe) – the tandem instructor takes you on a few upside-down swirls, if you fancy feeling like you’re in a washing machine in the sky. Book through Evolution 2.
3. Raclette
The one and only! Nearly all of our properties have a Raclette machine handy, and if not, they can be rented from Refuge Payout – why? Because after a long hard day of skiing and expending energy, all you need is melted cheese with a baguette in one hand and a spoonful of potatoes in the other. It is sold pre-sliced in the supermarkets and épiceries in town. Careful; highly addictive.
4. Ice Hockey Match
It doesn’t sound so crazy, but it is still a must-do if you’re in Chamonix for winter. Matches are dosed full of team spirit and camaraderie. And, if you have no idea what’s going on, it’s still a fun thing to watch on an evening that you have nothing else to do; get a beer and get cheering! Local team Le Pionniers give a great show.
5. Ice dip in the Lac du Passy
This is one for the adrenaline seekers. It is usually done towards the end of the winter season, in March or April, when there is at least a little sunshine. The challenge is simple. Take a quick dip in an icy alpine lake. The cold water will definitely wake you up.
Cold water swimming is also said to have health benefits and can boost circulation and wellbeing. It might feel shocking at first, especially if you are not used to it.
6. QC Terme Spa
Plan a late afternoon or early evening visit to the spa to make the most of the experience. If it is your birthday, entry is free as long as you come with a paying guest.
The best time to arrive is just before sunset. You can enjoy the mountain views in daylight and then watch the sun set behind the peaks.
Allow at least two and a half to three hours to explore the different pools, saunas and relaxation areas. There is plenty to see and try, so it is easy to spend a full afternoon here.
For an additional fee, you can also include the Wellness Lunch buffet or the evening aperitivo with your visit.
Do not forget to bring a swimsuit.
7. Aiguille de Midi
If you do not want to ski down the Vallée Blanche, you can still reach the Aiguille du Midi by cable car. The lift takes you directly from Chamonix to 3,842 metres, offering some of the most famous views in the Alps.
The ride is included with the Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass. If you only have the Chamonix Le Pass, the Aiguille du Midi lift requires an additional ticket.
On a clear day, the views across the Mont Blanc massif are spectacular. Even when the valley is cloudy, the lift often rises above the clouds, creating a completely different experience high in the mountains.
8. Mer de Glace
The Mer de Glace is one of Chamonix’s most famous natural landmarks. It is the second longest glacier in the Alps.
Visitors can reach it on the Montenvers red train, which departs from Chamonix town centre. The scenic journey takes about 20 minutes and offers wide views of the surrounding mountains. The Montenvers train is included with the Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass.
9. Ice climbing
Ice climbing is something to add to your Chamonix itinerary. It is a unique mountain experience and the valley is one of the best places in the Alps to try it. There are several ice climbing locations around Chamonix. Some are in the valley itself, while others are nearby in Switzerland or in Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy, less than an hour away. You can book ice climbing with Evolution 2.
If you join with a group of four people, the price per person is usually lower.
Lastly… enjoy!
Hopefully these tips will make your trip to Chamonix a safe and unforgettable one – watch out though, as most of the team at Chamonix All Year can attest, most people come for ‘one season’ and end up staying forever!
Keep an eye on our blogs and social media for useful tips, things to do and best places to stay, eat, and sleep, too.
