Chamonix Mont Blanc: 21 tips what to do here

Chamonix Mont Blanc: 21 tips for places and experiences for winter and summer holidays

In the heart of the Alps, beneath the majestic Mont Blanc, lies the iconic winter destination of Chamonix Mont Blanc, which has everything a winter lover could wish for. Winter here is not just a season, but a way of life. And although this place is a popular destination for summer vacations, the winter months are its main draw. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-fueled experiences, a family ski vacation, or just a quiet walk among the snow-capped peaks.

Five ski areas, Grands Montets, Brévent-Flégère, Les Houches, Vallée de Balme and Le Tour offer a diverse selection of trails for everyone. Whether you are a beginner, an experienced skier or a freeride enthusiast, you will find terrain that is just right for you. The views of Mont Blanc, Aiguilles Rouges and the mighty glaciers will remind you why Chamonix is one of the most iconic mountain destinations in Europe.

Below, I have prepared a list of 12 more or less challenging winter tips for you, what you can do in Chamonix in winter, and 9 of the best inspirations on how to enjoy a vacation in this fabulous mountain area during the summer season.

>> AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION IN CHAMONIX MONT BLANC <<

Accommodation in Chamonix Mont Blanc

If you are looking for the ideal place to stay in the heart of Chamonix under the majestic Mont Blanc, a great choice is Hôtel Les Aiglons Chamonix (4*), which offers a great price/quality ratio. This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms with wonderful mountain views, a wellness center with an outdoor heated pool, sauna and hammam, which you will appreciate after a winter day spent on the slopes or on summer hiking trails.

A great advantage is also the location, the hotel is located just a few minutes walk from the city center and cable cars, so you can easily get to both skiing and mountain hikes. The combination of stylish surroundings, quality services and excellent accessibility makes this hotel one of the most popular accommodations in the area.

Hôtel Les Aiglons Chamonix

Check price and availability HERE
Great prices for the start of the winter season in December

Getting to Chamonix Mont Blanc

From České Budějovice to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, it is approximately 9 to 10 hours by car, depending on the traffic situation and the chosen stops. The most common route leads through Austria (Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck), then continues through Geneva in Switzerland to Chamonix itself in France. The journey is approximately 950 kilometers and I recommend using Austrian and Swiss highways – it is necessary to purchase highway stickers for both countries.

My TIP: Combine your vacation in Chamonix Mont Blanc with one of the other destinations in Switzerland or Austria. The journey won’t be as long as it may seem at first.

In the winter months, it is a matter of course to have a car equipped with winter tires and ideally also snow chains (they are really needed in some areas and sometimes even mandatory), especially when arriving in the mountain area. Parking is well provided for in Chamonix, with public parking lots and accommodation with its own parking spaces available. Covered parking spaces are usually paid, but during the winter it is definitely worth it so you don’t have to remove the often large snow caps from the car.

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Winter tips – Chamonix Mont Blanc

Winter Chamonix has a completely different atmosphere than in summer. Freeriders, traditional skiers and those looking for more leisurely experiences with views of the snow-covered peaks flock under Mont Blanc. Here I have prepared an overview of the 12 best tips (in my opinion) purely for a winter vacation in Chamonix:

1. Brévent – Flégère slopes

The sunny area with a panoramic view of Mont Blanc offers varied trails from gentle slopes to sporty black slopes.
Thanks to the connection of both resorts, you have dozens of kilometers of slopes with unique views at your disposal.

2. Les Grands Montets (Argentière)

A legend among freeride areas. Although the upper cable car is still being rebuilt after the fire, the lower parts of the area are among the best, especially for experienced skiers. Steep slopes, deep snow and adrenaline. If all this appeals to you, head to Grands Montets.

3. Le Tour & Balme

The area at the end of the valley near the Swiss border will please families with children and those who like open slopes with long carving turns, just like us. On clear days, the view of the Swiss Trient Glacier opens up.

4. Les Houches – Saint-Gervais

An area with a family atmosphere and beautiful forest slopes. It is especially famous for the black slope La Verte des Houches, which is the venue for the World Cup races.

5. QC Terme Chamonix

A modern wellness center with outdoor heated pools, panoramic saunas and relaxation zones. Ideal for regeneration after a day on the slopes with a view of the glaciers.
From my own experience, I recommend including it in your itinerary, both in winter and in summer. You will regenerate your muscles and relax beautifully here.

6. Chamonix Center

Especially an evening walk through the snow-covered center of Chamonix with Christmas lights, a stop for fondue savoyarde or tartiflette in one of the traditional pubs and a glass of local wine. Can you feel the winter atmosphere already? I admit that I always look forward to the wellness center and snowy walks in the mountain Chomonix the most.

7. Cascade de glace (Ice climbing)

Frozen waterfalls and cascades in the Chamonix valley are popular destinations for ice climbers. In local mountain schools, you can try climbing with ice axes and crampons under the supervision of an instructor.

8. Vallée Blanche

The legendary glacier descent from Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m) to the Chamonix valley. The almost 20 km long descent is not a marked trail – you move on a glacier with crevasses. It is recommended to complete only with a mountain guide (guide de haute montagne).

9. Ski touring in Chamonix Mont Blanc

What you may not know is that Chamonix is a mecca for ski mountaineering. The possibilities here start with easy tours around Flégère and end with multi-day expeditions towards Refuge des Grands Mulets or across Col du Tour Noir. But don’t set out here without avalanche equipment and experience! I recommend booking a tour with a guide.

10. Cross-country skiing in Chamonix

Cross-country trails in Argentière, Chamonix or Vallorcine are well maintained and offer a quiet base in the middle of a snow-covered landscape. A great alternative to the busy slopes. I definitely recommend not to miss it!

11. Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing leads, for example, in the Aiguilles Rouges area or around Les Houches. It is an ideal activity for those who want to get to know the winter landscape without haste and crowds. Another of my favorite tips for winter activities in this area.
Ask directly at the reception of your hotel what tours are currently offered in the area.

12. Sleigh ride – Les Houches

Dog sledding is a popular family experience. Capacity is limited, so reservations are required well in advance.

Summer tips – Chamonix Mont Blanc

Chamonix Mont Blanc is a well-known and popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, but in recent years this area has also been enjoying increasing popularity among summer tourists. I have selected for you nine main experiences that I would not miss here in the summer.

13. Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m)

A cable car that takes you to almost 4,000 meters in a few minutes. Viewing platforms, exhibitions and the legendary glass platform “Step into the Void” are among the symbols of Chamonix. I definitely recommend not to miss it.

14. Panoramic Mont-Blanc cable car

In summer, you can “fly” directly from Aiguille du Midi over the glaciers to Punta Helbronner in Italy. A safe, comfortable and absolutely unique experience that you don’t see just anywhere.
The cable car is currently undergoing reconstruction and is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2026

15. Skyway Monte Bianco

Italian cable car from Courmayeur with rotating cabins and a panoramic terrace. It offers a slightly different, but equally impressive view of the Mont Blanc massif.

16. Mer de Glace & Montenvers

A trip on a historic cogwheel train to the largest French glacier. The new gondola facilitates access to the ice cave, exhibitions and educational trails. I recommend it as an ideal day trip, even for a family with children.

Chamonix Mont Blanc

17. Brévent–Flégère

The cable cars will take you to the so-called “sunny balcony” with one of the best views of Mont Blanc. A great place for easy mountain walks or just enjoying the panorama. A great tip for all mountain pleasure seekers.

18. Lac Blanc

One of the most beautiful alpine lakes, in which Mont Blanc is reflected. Most, at least slightly, physically fit tourists can handle the ascent from the Flégère cable car. The reward is an iconic view that is one of the most photographed in the Alps.
Since we love mountain lakes, this is a tip that I definitely recommend not to miss.