Chamonix isn't a purpose built ski resort but a market town at the foot of Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain. The town is surrounded by dramatic peaks and immersed in 200 years of mountaineering history. The first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix in 1924.
Ski holidays in Chamonix are made easy because the town is one of the most accessible of all the resorts in the Alps. It's only about 90 kms/55 miles from Geneva airport.
Ease of access from Geneva airport
Expert terrain - best tackled with a guide
Proximity to other resorts, like Argentiere
Spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif
Vallee Blanche - a long, dramatic and entirely off-piste route. Don't
attempt it without a guide.
Not for holidaymakers wanting simple and easy access to all skiing and boarding. Part of Chamonix's charm is that the skiing is spread around the Chamonix valley.
There is no minimum passport validity requirement to enter France.
December to April.
Yes but it's probably not the best spot for beginners or nervous boarders.
Plenty. It's worth taking the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi to enjoy the spectacular view. Elsewhere there's snowshoeing, swimming, cross-country skiing and walking to enjoy. And there's an interesting alpine museum in the centre of town.
Flights to Geneva from London take about ninety minutes and the drive to Chamonix from Geneva also takes about ninety minutes. Precise journey times depend on weather and road conditions.
It's easy to hire a car at Geneva airport and there's plenty of choice, but like most ski resorts Chamonix has a resort bus, so consider whether you really want the hassle of driving and parking a car when there are easier ways of getting around. Environmentally-friendly mini-buses also operate in the town centre in high season.