What's new this summer in Chamonix

featured in News & reviews Author Tracy Wise, Destination Editor Updated 4 June 2024

As the winter recedes, spring slowly turns to summer in the Alps.

The growing popularity of Chamonix as a summer resort means that increasingly the tourist industry here is providing more for its visitors to enjoy.

The lifts are usually open by the middle of June, with a few opening on the preceding weekends. You can find out more about the lift opening dates and plan accordingly.

With the rise of summer visitors, the mountain resorts are making a concerted effort to not allow themselves to look like a closed ski resort. The potential revenues this time of year brings is not to be sniffed at, and as temperatures rise at the coastal resorts, many are seeking the cooler temperatures of an 'at altitude' holiday. Plus being 'outdoorsy' and hiking and trail-running have all taken on a certain cachet in recent years.

If you're planning a visit to Chamonix this summer, whether as a first-timer or it's your 'go to destination' here's an update and a look at all that's new.

Design plans by Renzo Piano for Grands Montets

On the slopes

Developments at Grands Montets
The reconstruction of this major site will continue through the summer, meaning the entire area will be closed to visitors, including to those that love hiking the domain. The design team led by architect Renzo Piano, winner of the 1998 Pritzker Prize, is continuing its works which began in the spring and summer of 2023.

For those interested, full opening is expected for December 2026, with one lift, two sections, three stations. The first section will have a 10-seat gondola that will arrive at a new single station, with a separate second section departure station complete with catering area and space for ski patrol and rescue services. Access to the summit will be within a 'type 3s detachable cable car' with 24 seats.

In the valley

New gondola at Montenvers
A new beginning is underway at the listed Montenvers site. Expected to take three years, so far they have unveiled a wonderful new gondola, which thankfully replaced the rickety old one. The work also includes new footbridges and access steps to the ice cave. This was welcome news for anyone attempting the Vallée Blanche this winter, as they no longer had an exhaustive climb of hundreds and hundreds of steps at the end of the long off-piste route. Be sure to head up on the train from the centre of town and take a look at what's going on.

New title partner for the UTMB Mont-Blanc Finals
For those of you that flock to Chamonix every summer to enjoy (if that's the right word) the biggest Ultra in the world, you won't fail to notice there's a new title sponsor. Extending its collaboration with the UTMB until 2028, HOKA is now its premiere footwear and apparel partner. Founded by two former Salomon employees in France in 2006, it has grown to be one of the largest running shoe companies in the world.

Mont Blanc Tramway updates
The highest cogwheel train in France, its famous four carriages bear the names Anne, Jeanne, Marie and Marguerite - after the daughters of the owner. The renovation of the Saint-Gervais station has been completed in time for summer, allowing visitors to access Motivon, Col de Voza, Bellevue or Mont Lachat. However, the arrival at the Nid d'Aigle is closed for the summer due to renovations.

In town

Paris 2024 Olympic flame visits Chamonix
As the birthplace of the Winter Olympics, and in celebration of its centenary, Chamonix is to be honoured with a visit from the Olympic Torch as it makes its way around the nation en route to Paris for the 2024 summer games. This is to be followed by a free concert celebrating the work of Queen and Freddie Mercury (more of that below).

Events

L'Index en Fête
This summer festival has been created to bring music lovers together in the heart of Chamonix. Various artists and acts are performing throughout the summer, so check the schedule and be sure to grab your tickets before they all sell out.

Freddie performs
Well not quite 'the' Freddie, but Fred Caramia will be performing as part of this Freddie Mercury and Queen tribute act. Tickets are free, but obligatory, so be sure to sign up at the tourist office website before they're all gone. You can expect all the hits including 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'We Will Rock You' and 'Somebody to Love'.