Area information
The Chamonix valley runs from southwest to northeast over approximately 17 kilometres and is made up of numerous villages and hamlets surrounding the main town of Chamonix. Please select from the areas below to find information on that location.
- Les Houches
- Les Bossons
- Les Gaillands
- Chamonix Town
- Les Praz
- Les Tines
- Le Lavencher
- Argentière
- Le Tour
- Vallorcine
Les Houches
Les Houches is situated in the far east of the Chamonix ski region and boasts a variety of slopes to suit all tastes and abilities. The ski season here lasts from December until April and each year it plays host to the Kandahar downhill and slalom events on the world cup circuit. Les Houches is a resort in its own right, with plenty of gentle slopes and long, wide descents, as well as a couple of more expert runs and good off-piste skiing and snowboarding. Aside from the downhill pistes, you have access to 10km of cross country skiing trails, snow shoe tracks, telemark instruction, dog sledding rides and even ski jumping. Les Houches is perfect for young families, as there are 4 creches and a ski school, allowing parents to get some time on the slopes. The resort offers a good selection of bars, restaurants, cafés and is equally as popular to visit in the summer months where the large number of hiking trails and organised excursions into the mountains give you access to the magnificent views and scenery.
Les Bossons
The peaceful village of Les Bossons lies in the heart of an exceptional glacial setting and offers a fantastic view of the Aiguille du Midi, the Mont-Blanc mountain range and is home to Europe's largest ice-fall, the Les Bossons Glacier. Located only 5 minutes drive away from the Les Houches and Brevent ski areas and is also only 5 minutes drive away from Chamonix centre. The train and the local bus stops are nearby with a free shuttle bus to the slopes and to Chamonix town centre. Hiking and mountain biking trails are accessible directly.
Les Gaillands
Les Gaillands is home to the only lake area in lower valley and is known as the photographers dream with many coming to the lakeside for wedding or location shots. The woods nearby are a great place to start many walks and trails of the valley and be sure to look out for the grotto used in Jean Cocteau's film 'Beauty & the Beast'. The famous Les Gaillands climbing wall is also here, with its many bolted sectors and varied routes it's a popular place to learn, train or just hang out. A few local restaurants service this area, but it also has its own famous snowboarding hotel with bar/restaurant known as Le Vert, which is often the local hangout of the pro riders when they are in town. Well connected with free ski bus shuttles to all areas and by train and with Chamonix town centre just a few minutes drive you are never far from the action should you want it.
Chamonix Town
Just as busy in the summer as the winter, Chamonix is known as the destination of the extreme, but with the amazing array of sporting and leisure activities, après ski, dining and superb scenery, you can enjoy it at whatever pace suits you. Chamonix town has colourful mix of sport shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and cafés to suit all tastes and budgets and some of the most vibrant nightlife in the Alps. The atmosphere is added to with the cobbled streets, squares, traditional buildings and a lively Saturday market brimming with local crafts and produce. Known for the beauty of the scenery, the town square and pavement cafés bustle with visitors taking in the jaw dropping view of Mont Blanc and the glacier. Chamonix town offers you ultimate convenience for all facilities with direct access to the brand new high speed Brévent ski lift and free bus shuttles to all other ski areas. With a large sports centre, an ice rink, a bowling alley, a cinema, museums and access to numerous other activities and sports, you're spoilt for choice for off piste entertainment and après ski, in addition to the mountain playground that surrounds you on all sides.
Les Praz
The pretty village of Le Praz enjoys a unique location which offers direct access to the Flégère ski area via cable car and is also home to Chamonix's magnificent 18 hole golf course. Les Praz is bordered by woodland with access to many walks, runs and bike rides and just a 5 minute drive or 20 minute walk along the riverbank takes you to the busy and lively Chamonix town centre. Le Praz is also well connected with free ski bus shuttles to all areas and by train. With some fantastic restaurants of its own, Les Praz provides a perfect destination for your holiday.
Les Tines
The picturesque hamlet of Les Tines is situated between Chamonix and Argentière and borders Chamonix's famous golf course. With superb views of Mont Blanc, Le Tines rural setting offers easy access to walks, runs and bike rides and to all ski areas via the free bus shuttles or by train, with the closest ski area being Flégère accessed via the neighbouring village of Le Praz. Less than 10 minutes drive takes you to Argentière or into Chamonix town centre where the lively ski town buzz greets with plenty of sports, bars and après ski activities for all.
Le Lavencher
Le Lavancher is a delightful sunny hamlet at the foot of the Aiguilles of Chamonix. Facing the Argentière valley, Le Lavancher offers fabulous views and is suited to a quiet getaway whilst remaining in easy reach of all there is to do. Serviced with the free bus shuttles, all ski areas are accessible and is closest to the Grand Montet ski area. Le Lavancher is also just 6km away from Chamonix town centre where you have access to the hustle and bustle of a busy ski town with all the sports, activities and après ski it has to offer.
Argentière
Staying in Argentière opens up an unrivalled choice of snowriding for skiers and snowboarders within the Chamonix valley. Set towards the head of the Chamonix valley, Argentière is the perfect base for Les Grands Montets, where the more adventurous can find steep slopes and almost unlimited possibilities. All other ski areas are easily accessible by car or bus. A number of bars and restaurants service Argentiere, our favourite being The Office Bar where great pub food satisfy's all after a hard days riding or hiking. The magnificent terrain attracts as many visitors in the summer as it does in the winter with access to all the outdoor activities. The free shuttle buses offer access to all other ski areas and into Chamonix town centre where there is a sports complex and fitness centre, a cinema and many other activities and après ski.
Le Tour
Le Tour is a peaceful village located at the end of the Chamonix valley just after Argentière and is just 5 miles away from the Swiss boarder. Overlooked by the spectacular Le Tour Glacier, Le Tour offers amazing opportunity for walkers to sample high altitude terrain without undue technical difficulty and with some of the best views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix valley. With direct access to the Le Tour cable car and linking with Vallorcine, staying in Le Tour offers you the huge Domain de Balme ski area as your playground. Le Tour provides the perfect base for those looking to explore the valley and with the free shuttle buses offering access to all other ski areas and into Chamonix town centre, it is a great place to start your holiday.
Vallorcine
The small picturesque village of Vallorcine lies in the valley between Mont Blanc and Switzerland. With direct access to walks, runs, mountain bike trails and the vast Domain de Balme ski area which also links to Le Tour. All other ski areas are serviced by the free bus shuttles and train line. Vallorcine is a little known and preserved area where you can find great local food and is just 20 minutes drive from Chamonix town centre where you can head for the lively ski town atmosphere and extra activities.