© Mont-Blanc Natural Resort
© Parc de Merlet
What’s new this winter in Chamonix
From the ski area to what's fresh in the resorts of Chamonix
As winter begins to take hold in the Chamonix Valley, we take a look at all that's new.
Early signs of snowfall in the Alps are creating much excitement for the upcoming winter season. The ski industry here is raring to go and this winter looks like being an exceptionally busy one. The ski area opens on 21 December, with the Grand Montets partially open earlier than this (usually mid November at the weekends) and ski passes are now on sale.
A reminder that you're going to need to have winter tyres from 1 November to 31 March (M&S marking, or all weather (four season) tyres), OR at least two snow chains/socks in your vehicle when driving in the mountain regions in France, following a law introduced from November 2021.
Watch this
Worth knowing
There's always more to see and do in Chamonix, so come and check the place out yourself!
On the slopes
Development at GM
Work is continuing on the mid station at Grands Montets after a fire destroyed the old one at Lognan (1,972m) in 2018. The new lift station and 3S cable car to access the top should be complete by December 2026. This means that for this season, access to the very top (3,275m) of the ski area will be limited to those who ski tour.
Compagnie du Mont Blanc's moves to save energy
Lift companies are being pushed by governmental and environmental agencies to find ways to save energy and improve performance, and the ticket buying public are increasingly aware of how environmentally un-friendly the industry is. For winter 2024, there will be a continuation of the roll-out of GPS fitted snow groomers to Brévent and Balme, having demonstrated how it saved energy when used at Flégère previously.
Catch the cross-country bug
Having become fashionable again in recent years, Nordic skiing now attracts skiers of all ages, and the number of cross-country skiers in the Chamonix Valley has tripled since 2020. In order to keep up with demand, there are now four marked routes of different lengths and difficulty. During the French holidays, the green track of Bois du Bouchet is free for Thursday evening sessions from 18:30 to 20:30.
First ski experience
The Chamonix tourist office is now offering an all-inclusive deal for beginners. This all in one package offers:
- ski lessons with a private instructor (three hours)
- ski equipment - skis, poles, boots
- technical clothing - pants, jacket, hat, gloves and mask
Snowshoeing adventure
This winter the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix has put together a new package of snowshoeing followed by a friendly dinner and aperitif at a local farm. Only running during the February school holidays, you can enjoy a guided snowshoe hike followed by a selection of regional produce, accompanied by wine. Thursdays only.
In the valley
Modernisation and preservation
A huge development project has been ongoing on the Montenvers site, firstly to replace the ancient gondola which opened last winter. As part of the investment is a planned International Glacier and Climate Interpretation Centre, forecast for opening in summer 2026. It will highlight the preservation of the site and raise awareness among visitors about climate change and its impacts.
Handmade skis in Chamonix
Now this really would beat a fridge magnet as souvenirs go, but a visit to Ronin Skis might see you needing to up your luggage allowance. Originally from Johannesburg, Jonathan Jacobs has gone from making skis for himself and his friends to creating limited editions skis with performance-enhancing materials and minimal environmental impact. He now offers workshops to build your own skis from his atelier in Taconnaz.
Dynastar's new Chamonix ski
In collaboration with the tourist office of Chamonix, Dynastar have created an eco-designed ski. The ‘Chamonix Pro’ will launch this winter season, featuring a new Hybrid Core 2.0 technology the design is inspired by the mountains of Chamonix.
Ski passes
Over the last couple of years the lift company has used dynamic pricing for daily ski lift passes and due to its success these daily best deal ski passes continue this season. You may be able to benefit from discounted daily rates if you choose to come skiing outside the peak weeks.
The CHAMSKIDEAL allows you to ski in Brévent-Flégère, Grands Montets and Le Tour-Vallorcine. You need to buy in advance and it's only valid for the chosen date. It's well worth looking at the website to see if your dates match a reduced price lift pass - some reductions are up to 50%. Book online at chamskideal.
In town
Wine tasting
Bottega Marta Vini has opened up right next to the Aiguille du Midi train stop, and offers a great selection of wines and homemade Italian dishes to take away.
Plus for those enthusiastic to learn more, you can enjoy a one-hour immersive wine-tasting evening themed around the five elements: air, water, fire, earth and Bella Ciao. Cheese, charcuterie and the subtleties of regional and Italian wines will be explored. Head to the shop to book.
Wellness centre name change
In line with the rest of the Italian group's establishments the QC Terme is changing its name to QC Spa of Wonders. And a fully renovated bistro with a new panoramic terrace will allow guests to enjoy Chamonix's beautiful winter days whilst savouring the latest creations from the kitchen.
Hotel Les Aiglons facelift
Along with a renovated hotel, opening in December 2024 the hotel restaurant Casa Nonna will offer ‘Transalpine’ flavours featuring both classic and original creations from Italian and Savoyard cuisine.
Fresh look in time for winter
La Brasserie du Rond Point has had a makeover with delightfully retro touches reflecting the fifties (the period it was originally constructed), as well as a brand new first-floor restaurant with a panoramic dining room that accommodates around 30 guests. From its superb central Chamonix location you can enjoy a stylish bar with a spacious terrace, serving appetiser plates to share.
A Dahu from the ashes
Founded in the sixties, this Argentière restaurant originally named after the legendary mountain folklore creature, was sadly destroyed by fire in 2022. However, Le Dahu is back welcoming guests in a new, rustic, harmonious setting with 140 covers indoors, serving traditional Savoyard dishes plus flavourful creations made with fresh, high-quality, local produce.
Winter Olympics celebration continues
The first Winter Olympics was held in Chamonix in 1924, and to mark the anniversary this famous French ski resort has celebrated all year long. There are two exhibitions to commemorate the Winter Olympics anniversary that will remain open until March 2025:
- The invention of the Olympic Winter Games
- Champions at the Olympic Games
Bars and cafés
A rumble in the jungle
A new bar-restaurant The Jungle on Rue des Moulins opened its doors this summer, and will be gearing up for its first Chamonix winter. It's a brand new building with a terrace out the back sitting at the edge of the river Arve and offering views of the Mont Blanc range. The décor reflects the name with some ‘interesting’ touches. The food is a variety of tapas dishes from young Chamionard chef, Cyril Choay.
Give yourself a boost
Green Gorilla is already in a number of Swiss locations and this winter is bringng its idea of ‘providing the best possible food to the community they love’ to Chamonix. The quality of their food and beverages is their highest priority, whether its to recharge your immune system, aid your heart health or boost digestion with smoothies, delicious poke bowls and hot drinks. Find them in the shopping centre under the Alpina Hotel if you need a health-kick this winter.
Monchu's little brother launches
Le P'tiot Monchu is opening its doors this winter, promising the best of it's bigger brother's incredible Savoyard flavours and atmosphere, located right next to the Montenvers train station make sure you head on over during your stay.
Couloir coffee
A new coffee place is opening in January 2025, from the team that brings us Moody Coffee Roasters. We're looking forward to an exciting choice of coffees plus some delicious food options to eat in or take away. Be sure to leave space to take some freshly roasted home in your suitcase.
Faster food on the slopes
Change at the top
Situated at 3,842m altitude, the restaurant ‘3842’ will be revealing its new look this winter - expect a new decor in harmony with the exceptional views of the surrounding peaks. The cafeteria, Le Summit 3842, will also be revamped.
Events
Free nature Wednesdays
As part of the activities organised within the nature reserves of the Aiguilles Rouges Massif and Natura 2000, free nature outings focus on wildlife during the winter season. Throughout the winter there will also be screenings, lectures and discussions on various nature related topics.
Dates for the diary
You’ll find plenty to keep you entertained in Chamonix this winter including the great Christmas and new year festivities, markets and parades.
The Kandahar Alpine Skiing World Cup, electronic music festival and much more will be on, so consult our events calendar for full details.
New rooms available to book
Five star freshen-up
The Hôtel Mont Blanc has continued its redesign and redecoration under the watchful eye of renowned French interior designer Sybille de Margerie. Introducing a subtle blend of tradition and modernity, a further 20 rooms and two suites have been included in the creative vision.
Luxury expansion
The four-star chalet hotel Hermitage Paccard is offering three new suites this winter, blending rustic oak floors, made from the wood of old railway wagons, with modern comforts.
Meanwhile, the newly opened Lykke Hotel & Spa expanded in July 2024 and now has a new aquatic area featuring an indoor pool, outdoor sauna, hammam, fitness room and outdoor exercise equipment. Its new Cinq Mondes spa has four treatment rooms, with treatments provided by expert therapists.
New name, new look
The three-star Hotel Gourmets is currently undergoing a makeover and will reopen in December 2024 as Hotel Lyret. Ideally located in the centre of the town, art and hospitality will meet to provide an exceptional experience. Working in collaboration with interior designer Emmanuelle Delaage, curator Laurène Maréchal has invited six internationally renowned artists to create works on site to enchance the common areas and rooms of the hotel.
Another name change is going on at the southern end of Chamonix at Le Refuge des Aiglons. From December 2024 it will reopen as the four-star Les Aiglons Hôtel, having undergone a renovation and redecoration. It will have a spa area with an outdoor heated swimming pool and serve Italian cuisine from its Casa Nonna restaurant.
First winter for new spot in Argentière
The new La Couronne Hotel is actually the oldest hotel in the Chamonix Valley. Built in the 1860s, it has recently undergone major renovation, reopening its doors this summer offering 69 rooms (45 in the history building, 24 newly created) with a spa (sauna and hammam) and a restaurant. Scandi in style, the designers' vision was inspired by the hues of Chamonix - green for springtime, red for fiery autumns and the eternal blue glaciers.
