Shopping in Chamonix often surprises first-time visitors. People come for the mountains, the skiing and the fresh air, then suddenly realise that the town has a brilliant mix of outdoor stores, French brands, local products and independent boutiques that you can enjoy throughout the year.
Shopping in Chamonix: Your complete guide
Chamonix is a lively town, not just a seasonal resort, and its shops reflect that. You can wander from technical gear to handmade gifts, from bakeries to designer names, all with Mont Blanc rising above you.
Sports and clothing
Chamonix has always attracted people who love spending time in the mountains, so it is no surprise that the outdoor shops are among the best in the Alps. Patagonia continues to be a major presence on the high street, known for its focus on sustainability, technical clothing and its long tradition of repairing well-loved garments. Snell remains a cornerstone of the town and is still the place where many residents and returning visitors head for advice on skis, boots, climbing hardware and everything needed for adventures in the valley.
Zero G keeps its reputation as one of the most interesting specialist stores, especially for people who enjoy niche brands and high-performance gear. In summer, it becomes a hub for mountain bikers thanks to its excellent bike department. Slash and Legend continue to support the biking and snowboarding community, offering rentals, repairs and knowledgeable staff who are always happy to help.
Families and casual visitors often find themselves in Intersport, which has several locations and a dependable range of equipment for every season. In winter, the shops fill with ski and snowboard clothing, while in summer the emphasis shifts to hiking layers, lightweight pieces and a strong selection of trail running shoes. For anyone planning to buy skis, Concept Pro and Snell remain two of the most reliable places in the valley thanks to their experienced staff and wide choice.
Rental equipment shops
If renting equipment suits your holiday better, Chamonix has an abundance of options. Local CHX in Chamonix Sud is well known for its delivery service, which is particularly convenient if your accommodation is outside the centre. ChamSport remains a popular choice thanks to its friendly approach and its several locations across Chamonix, making it easy to reach from wherever you are staying.
Visitors booking their accommodation with Chamonix All Year can still benefit from advance discounts on ski hire, which helps during the busiest weeks of winter. No matter the season, you will always find a rental shop within a short walk, as the valley has more than enough to cater for skiers, snowboarders, hikers and mountain bikers.
Food and local products
Food shopping is one of the real pleasures of spending time in Chamonix. The Coopérative Fruitière du Val d’Arly continues to showcase produce from nearby farms, including cheeses, cured meats, fruit syrups, wine, jams and chocolates. It is a favourite for anyone wanting to take home something authentically local. Refuge Payot, with its familiar wooden interiors and friendly staff, remains one of the best places to pick up fondue and raclette ingredients, as well as local liqueurs and sweet treats.
Bakeries are dotted across the town and valley, and many visitors develop a morning routine involving a stop at Aux Petits Gourmands or Chalet 4810. Both offer excellent pastries, cakes and chocolates shaped like Mont Blanc. Chez Richard is another longstanding favourite for bread, lunchtime treats and handmade cakes. Throughout the valley you will also find smaller fromageries offering traditional Savoyard cheeses and wines that pair beautifully with an evening in your chalet or apartment.
Souvenirs and local makers
Chamonix has a rich tradition of craftsmanship and creative work, and this is easy to see as you walk between the shops. Alp Chic remains instantly recognisable thanks to Charlie Adam’s colourful artwork, which has become a local icon. Savonnerie du Mont Blanc continues to produce handmade soaps and natural products that make thoughtful gifts.
Le Chamoniard Knives stands out as one of the most unique places in the valley, producing hand-forged knives inspired by Mont Blanc. Mario Colonel’s gallery remains a highlight for anyone who loves mountain photography, with books, prints and original images capturing the beauty of the region. For book lovers, the Guérin and Paulsen bookshop offers a wonderful collection of mountaineering and exploration titles.
Luxury boutiques
For those interested in designer names, Rue du Docteur Paccard offers one of the most elegant stretches of shopping in the Alps. Moncler, Ogier and Eric Bompard continue to draw attention for their high-quality winter clothing. More recent additions like Ralph Lauren bring a different style to the high street, while brands such as Billabong and Volcom keep the atmosphere relaxed and youthful. The mix of stores means you can explore a wide range of styles in only a few minutes of walking.
Supermarkets
Chamonix’s supermarkets make life easy for anyone staying in self-catered accommodation. Super U, Carrefour and Casino in the town centre provide everything needed for the week, from fresh produce to household essentials. Les Houches has a larger Super U with more variety. For visitors with a car, the supermarkets in Passy and Sallanches offer even more choice, including Grand Frais, which is excellent for fruit, vegetables and fresh products. The Decathlon Mountain Store in Passy is also worth the trip thanks to its enormous selection of outdoor gear and its café.
The Saturday market
Every Saturday morning, Place du Mont Blanc fills with colour and the smell of fresh food as the weekly market opens. This is one of the most enjoyable shopping experiences in the valley, offering cheeses, seasonal produce, cured meats, honey, flowers, clothing and handmade goods. It is lively, friendly and very local, making it a lovely way to start the weekend before wandering into the centre for a late breakfast or a warm drink.
Shopping in Chamonix all year round
Chamonix offers far more than outdoor thrills. It is a town with personality, full of shops that reflect the people who live here and the visitors who return year after year. You can spend the morning trying on ski boots, wander through an art gallery in the afternoon and pick up fresh cheese and pastries on your way home. The combination of technical expertise, local flavour and international style makes shopping in Chamonix an enjoyable part of any trip, no matter the season.
