Restaurants, food and drink
There are plenty of restaurants in Chamonix to chose from morning, noon and night. Do as the Europeans do and have a pastry and coffee for breakfast at one of the cafes dotted around the resort or head to the Bluebird café to fuel up for the day, and enjoy the vast breakfast offering including breakfast sandwiches or English breakfast.
Stop for lunch at one of the many on piste restaurants often serving traditional Savoyard dishes such as fondue or raclette. Make sure to keep an eye out for the 'plat du jour' (plate of the day) which is usually made up of local produce and is reasonably priced. You can also find a number of snack shacks and take away spots on the mountain too, if you are in a hurry to explore the slopes.
Down in the town there is a selection of restaurants and takeaways to choose from. La Calèche is a cosy Savoyard restaurant in the centre of Chamonix, with its cosy warm ambiance and antiques from days past you can enjoy specialities from the region in this magnificent restaurant. Being a short distance from the Italian border, naturally there is some incredible Italian spots, head to Casa Valerio for authentic Italian dishes popular with locals and tourists alike.
Apres, bars, clubs and nightlife
A French ski resort is never short of apres options, and Chamonix is no different. Head to La Folie Douce for live DJ sets, dancing on the tables and an afternoon of entertainment. Down in the town you have the choice of sophisticated cocktail spots, chic wine bars, pubs with a choice of beers and bars open until late. The Fubar at the bottom of the Grands Montets in Argentiere has a rodeo bull, live music and an excellent choice of drinks. Chambre Neuf is the loudest après bar in Chamonix, a favourite place for locals, seasonnaires and tourists, with live music and DJs regularly playing throughout the winter season.
Spas and relaxation
If you have achy ski legs after exploring the slopes, head to one of one the fabulous spas for a couple of hours of relaxation. The QC Terme Spa is not to be missed, with the perfect mix of saunas, steam rooms, solariums, whirlpools and an incredible infinity pool looking onto the Bossons glacier.
Many of the hotels we work with also have wellness facilities available for guest use. Unwind after a day of skiing at the Hotel Heliopic's spa featuring a heated pool and ice grotto or fully relax at the renowned spa facilities at the Refuge des Aiglons.
Shopping
As Chamonix is a large ski town there is a variety of different shops from sporting goods, high end luxury to quaint shops selling souvenirs.
For those staying on a self catering basis there is also a number of supermarkets throughout the resort to stock up on the essentials.
Events
During the first week of February you can watch the world famous Kandahar World Cup skiing events in Les Houches. It is free to watch and there are other stalls at the event as well.
If watching skiers speed down the slope isn't your thing, there are regular ice hockey matches throughout the season.
Things to do in Chamonix
Parapenting
Take to the skies and admire Chamonix from above. Parapenting is a popular excursion in the Alpine regions as it is a unique and thrilling experience and you can see the mountains from a different point of view. Payable locally.
Planards Park
The Planards park has a range of unique mountain activities for the whole family to enjoy. 'SNOCC' is a French innovation which combines skiing and sledding, and allows the non skiers to have a go at gliding downhill. Open throughout the winter season, pay locally.
Alternatively the luge coaster allows two people to speed down the 1.3km track which is filled with twists and turns. The ride is open to all over three years old, and operates in all weather conditions. Payable locally.
Sport Centre
With an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, indoor climbing and indoor tennis and a gym, there is something to keep you occupied at the Richard Bozon Sports Centre.
Ice rink
Swap your skis or board for some skates and fly around the ice at the indoor Olympic sized rink at the Richard Bozon Sports Centre. There is also an outdoor rink is also open throughout the winter season.
Support the Pioneers, Chamonix's local team when they play home matches which are generally on Saturday evenings.
Bowling
The Bowling Alley is open in the evening throughout the winter season. With eight lanes, an arcade, billiards room and mini golf, it is a great evening out for the whole family. Drinks and snacks are available as well. Pay locally.
Sledging
Chamonix has a number of designated sledging areas across the resort which are regularly maintained. Enjoy sledding in the Savoy beginners area in the centre of Chamonix. Located next to the magic carpet lift you will see a mound of snow that is heaped up and is generally enjoyed by those sledging.
Snow shoeing
If you are not on skis, snowshoeing is an excellent way too enjoying the snowy scenery. With a range of trails suitable for all skill levels, Chamonix is one of the greatest locations in the region for snowshoeing.
L'Aguille du Midi viewpoint
The Aiguille du Midi is the highest cable car in Chamonix taking you up to 3842m, the closet you can get to the summit of Mont Blanc without climbing or hiking. On a clear day, you can see the surrounding peaks of the Matterhorn, the Monte Rosa and the Grand Combin.
Montenvers - La Mer de Glace
Departing from Chamonix’s central train station, take the little red train up to Montenvers to take in the impressive view of the Mer de Glace glacier. Take a trip into the very heart of the glacier with a walk through the ice cave, which is re-sculpted every year.
