snowingplaces

Ski resort in Haute-Savoie, France

Chamonix

A historic mountain town beneath Mont Blanc, with steep, high skiing spread across several separate areas.

Out of season

Forecasts here pause outside the season and start again in October.

Where it is

Department
Haute-Savoie
Country
France
Village
1,035 m
Top lift
3,842 m
Vertical
2,807 m
Season
Mid-December to Early May
Airports
Geneva (GVA)

About Chamonix

Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924 and remains one of the best-known mountain towns in the world. It is known more for steep and off-piste terrain than for long cruising runs.

The skiing

The valley’s ski areas are not all linked, so most visitors travel between them by bus or car. The Vallée Blanche, reached from the Aiguille du Midi cable car, is a famous glacier descent that should only be skied with a guide.

Getting there

Geneva is the nearest major airport.

When it snows here

Snow falls on about 14 days in January in a typical year, the snowiest month here. Snow is regular from September to May.

Days with at least 1 cm of snowfall, averaged over 2016–2025 at mid-mountain.

Nearby

CourmayeurSki resort, about 20 km awayNo snow this weekMegèveSki resort, about 20 km awayOut of seasonAvoriazSki resort, about 30 km awayOut of seasonVerbierSki resort, about 30 km awayNo snow this week

Sources: Chamonix.net lift opening dates