Situated near Mont Blanc and the iconic Alps’ mountain range, Chamonix is a stunning destination for ski touring with plenty of entertainment in town when you’re off the slopes.
This French destination has been at the heart of snow sports for decades, since hosting the first modern Winter Olympics ceremony in 1924.
For travellers planning to explore more of Europe it’s also ideally positioned as it’s just an hour’s drive from Geneva.
Getting to Chamonix from Calais
If you’re driving on-board with P&O Ferries, the journey from Calais takes around eight hours via the A26.
This journey takes you via toll motorways up until the last twenty kilometres so bear in mind that will need to pay these along your route.
For those of you travelling from the UK to the Chamonix resort, there are also rules of the road to keep in mind like having a reflective vest and breathalyser in your car in case of emergencies.
Travelling in the winter months also comes with the requirement to keep a set of snow chains in case you get stuck at any point.
Tips For Skiing
There are a few ways to get up to the slopes in the Chamonix ski area with the simplest route being by car. If you’re not planning to drive to France you can also make your way up by shuttle bus or train.
Chamonix ski resort has a range of slope difficulties and for first time skiers and for anyone that wants to develop their abilities, ski schools offer lessons in skiing or snowboarding.
Bringing ski equipment with you on a P&O crossing is simple thanks to the fact you can drive on board. Simply ensure when booking your vehicle pass that you measure the dimensions with any equipment strapped to the outside.
When to Visit Chamonix?
The ideal time for skiing is anytime between December to April using the ski lift system. The slopes are also open on weekends in November if you’re keen to visit outside that period.
Chamonix’s mountains and the surrounding areas are a beautiful location to visit year round and hiking or mountaineering are both popular during the summer months.
Chamonix’s Ski Slopes
Chamonix’s ski slopes cater to all skill levels making it ideal for anyone you might be travelling with. For beginners there are low slopes to start on close to the town of Chamonix.
Of course more experienced skiers will crave something more challenging so higher in the valley you can find slopes as high as 3275 metres that range from green up to black difficulty.
We’d also suggest a visit to Chamonix’s latest and greatest attraction: Step into the Void. This installation is ideal for adrenaline-seekers that haven’t got their fix from the slopes; it’s a glass box that lets you peer down the vertiginous heights of 1000 metres above the earth’s surface! Your ticket for entry is included with the cost of a cable car up to Aiguille’s peak so it’s well worth a look.
Where to Stay in Chamonix
This alpine destination also offers great hospitality to go with its stunning slopes. Some of the best Chamonix ski hotels are both affordable and luxurious.
When planning your trip to the oldest ski area in France, the choice is yours between luxury hotels, ski chalets and apartments. Accommodation close to the ski slopes tends to be the most expensive so consider your budget and how far you can travel daily.
If you’re travelling with family, Les Houches is the most popular and kid-friendly area and even has chalets you ski in and out of.
For a truly luxurious ski holiday in Chamonix, Les Praz and Les Bois are the ideal spot. Lots of chalets in this area have hot tubs and large apartments so if you want to do skiing in style, this is the place to be.
Travellers on a budget also have plenty of choice and the Cham Sud area is a common choice for apartments that do all the basics well. However you’re planning to see Chamonix, there’s a place for you so start exploring this French
Craving an escape to Chamonix ski resort? Book your next adventure with P&O Ferries from Dover port and you’ll be in the heart of Europe after a quick 90 minute crossing to Calais!
