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Set in a gorgeous tree-lined valley and surrounded by massive, jagged mountains, Chamonix is a wonderland in the winter. Here are 10 tried-and-tested ways to have a blast in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
1. Go skiing (or snowboarding)
People come from around the world to ski and snowboard Chamonix. And yes, the ski areas are rad and generally great at accommodating skiers of all levels. But the entire experience in Chamonix is next-level. If you’re a beginner, the ski instructors are fantastic (and you can find excellent English speakers). If you’re an expert, then you’re in the place that invented extreme skiing. The views on clear days are staggeringly beautiful. And the vibe is outstanding; because you’re rubbing elbows with people from almost literally every continent, you meet a lot of cool people. And you learn that everyone on the planet wipes out in the same awkward way. Which is kind of comforting.
2. Shop, shop, shop
Chamonix’s downtown rocks. It has book shops, gear shops, art shops, a toy store, grocery stores, oddity shops, t-shirt shops with one-off custom designs that you can only buy in Chamonix, shoe stores, jewelry stores…you get the idea. Even people who don’t like to shop don’t mind shopping in Chamonix.
3. Fuel your tank with great food
Chamonix is one of the best ski town dining destinations I’ve ever been to. And best doesn’t equal fancy (though you can totally go high-end in Chamonix). We’re talking outstanding slope-side food, reasonably cheap and high-quality pizza, fondue galore, meats, cheeses, takeout, the works. It’s kind of like having access to big-city options in a small town setting. And then, of course, there are the pastries. This is France, after all. My last trip there, I had a new type of magnificent cake every single day. And never got tired of it.
4. Be a slack-jawed tourist
Which is to say: marvel at the incredible place in which you’ve found yourself. Stare unabashedly at the mountains. Take the tram to the top of Le Brévent and snap selfies with Mont Blanc over your shoulder. Sit on benches and just…take it all in. One of the best parts of going to a winter wonderland is appreciating the fact that you’re there.
5. Party like a Euro après-ski bum
If you’re into parties, you can find one in Chamonix. It rightfully has a reputation for having a terrific après-ski scene, with a good balance of chill vibes and Euro-level raucousness. Start at a pub or a restaurant. Mingle with some of those people from around the world that you met on the slopes. Make new friends. Hit a night club, or a hotel bar, or a hole in the wall like Bar’d Up. Don’t worry about the fact that you’re still wearing a ski bib and a stocking cap. No one will judge you.
6. Visit the Christmas market
Yes, Chamonix has a Christmas market, too. And, while it does not resemble a classic German version, it’s still a lovely experience. White lights strung across a stone and wood plaza. Stalls that sell sweets that actually taste like sugar was used. Funky keepsakes and sleek ceramics. Warm drinks and a gentle ambiance. It’s a good place to be.
7. Go sledding
Sledding mountains is So. Much. More. Fun. than sledding the occasionally steep and always bumpy river hills where I grew up. The Chamonix valley has multiple areas that are dedicated solely to sledding. You’ll find groomed runs, easy access, low costs (runs are generally free, but some areas require you to buy a pedestrian pass), and a time-tested way to wear out your kids (if you have them). Bring your own sled, or buy/rent one in town.
8. Ring in the New Year
New Year’s Eve in Chamonix is straight-up awesome. The “everyone is always in a good mood” vibe skyrockets to “everyone is in a fantastic mood.” Bars, restaurants, and shops throw parties. When the fireworks go off, it’s like something out of a dream, with the snow, the mountains, and the soft city lights. Ringing in a new year in Chamonix reminds you of all that can be good in the world.
9. Watch a ski race
One of the first times I went to Chamonix was during an era when Bode Miller and Alberto Tomba were skiing superstars (so, a while ago, then). I still remember seeing them downtown, and feeling the palpable excitement around the World Cup event. Watching world-class skiing live is an incredible experience. It’s like watching a Formula 1 race or an NBA game, but without having to pay for tickets (that’s right, it’s free!). Look for events in January 2025.
10. Don’t fear the ice
There are two ice skating areas in Chamonix – one indoor, and one outdoor. Both are loads of fun and offer skate rentals. If you like hockey (or even if you think it would be a good cultural experience to watch a French hockey match (which it is), then you should check out the Chamonix Pionniers, who play in France’s first division. They have home matches all winter long. Ticket prices are very reasonable, ranging from €14-30 for adults, with reductions for families and for kids under 16.
