Chamonix Vacation Rentals

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is the home of the highest mountain in western Europe - the Mont Blanc, at 4810m - and is the world capital of skiing and mountaineering, making it the ideal destination for winter ski holidays and for those seeking ski accommodation in a key alpine location.

The famous mountain town of Chamonix has welcomed visitors and tourists since the 1700s and the first guest house was opened here as early as 1770, some 16 years before Mont Blanc was first climbed in 1786. All that seems a far cry from the many stunning ski apartments and catered chalets in Chamonix, which now nestle in the snowy surroundings, reflecting the alluring charm of the valley. The town was also home to the very first Winter Olympics in 1924, helping to establish its reputation as a destination for adventure and exciting alpine activities.

Nowadays Chamonix is a lively place, buzzing with visitors all year round. Its cobbled streets and squares are seamlessly mixed with designer boutiques, traditional cafes, Michelin star restaurants, cool bars and trendy casinos, giving it a modern and cosmopolitan air. This blend of traditional charm and modern living is reflected in the accommodation on offer; from luxurious catered chalets, to the homely atmosphere of the self catering apartments in Chamonix, there is something to suit everyone. The night life here isn’t in short supply either and you will find ‘Apres’ that carries on well into the early hours, both in summer and winter, keeping visitors as entertained off the slopes as on them!

As well as the main town in the centre, the 15km long Chamonix Valley is lined with old villages, from Les Houches with its picturesque ski chalets, enwreathed in traditional alpine surroundings, all the way up to Les Praz, Argentiere and Le Tour.

Chamonix isn’t a regular ski-in ski-out type of resort; it is a mountain town with over 10,000 people living here all year round. It is, in fact, made up of a total six ski areas! These huge areas cater for all levels of skier and snowboarder, from complete novice up to the professional back country and off-piste freerider, making it ideal for those on a short break in Chamonix, families, or friends on group skiing trips. The winter season runs from mid December to mid May and there is a staggering amount of skiable terrain - well over 15,000 acres in fact - and 90% of it is above 2000 metres. All this is available on one ski pass that covers the whole valley and also includes one day in the chic Italian resort of Courmayeur; visitors really will be spoilt for choice! It is all this and more that makes Chamonix one of the top places to ski in the world and a magnet for those who enjoy winter ski holidays, regardless of their ability and experience.

The Chamonix-Mont-Blanc ski areas are:

• ‘Le Balme’ in Le Tour and Vormaine : ideal for beginners and intermediates but with enough off piste and back country to keep an expert skier or snowboarder happy.
• ‘Grand Montets’ in Argentière: these high north facing slopes have a cable car reaching a height of 3295m. Here there is access to 100s of kilometres of back country skiing and snowboarding, mostly on faces and glaciers, so if you like it ‘steep and deep’ then this is the place for you!
• Flégère and Brévent: the only two linked areas in the valley. These are south facing areas, both starting from an altitude of 2000m, and offer the intermediate to expert skier a vast selection of Reds, Blacks and off piste. There are also some very good Green and Blue runs for the improving beginner. These sunny slopes enjoy some of the best views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley.
• ‘Les Houches’: a great family resort that is perfect for all levels of skier and snowboarder, with some of the most beautiful chalets in the alps, which have made it a real draw for visitors wanting something a little more quiet and rustic. (see our about Les Houches page)
• ‘Vallee Blanche and the Aiguille du Midi’: featuring the highest cable car in Europe at 3842m, this is a high mountain environment and not a marked ski area. It is suitable only for the level of good intermediate and above and, more importantly, it will require the services of a qualified mountain guide. With it being 22km long, and with a descent of 2800m, taking between four to six hours to complete, this is a skiing experience that you will never forget!

Alpine activity holidays aren’t just about downhill skiing and snowboarding though; Chamonix also has over 43km of beautiful cross country skiing trails for visitors who want to take time off from the pistes. For those who really want to try something a little different, there is also snowshoeing, paragliding and mountaineering, to name but a few of the exciting activities available.

In summer, the snow-capped mountains of Chamonix have plenty to offer. Several nature reserves, high mountain lakes and miles of well marked foot paths, provide plenty to do, and the diverse ski accommodation in Chamonix offers not only a wonderful base for walkers, nature lovers and photographers to set out from, but also a cosy, homely haven to curl up in and relax at the end of a tiring day. Chamonix is also the start and finish of the famous ‘Tour du Mont Blanc’; taking in three countries and up to 10 days to complete, it’s a 180 km walk that circles the Mont Blanc massif. To mountaineers and climbers it is the home of many classic alpine mountaineering routes, such as the Aiguille Vert, the Dru, Grand Jorasses and, of course, Mont Blanc. This, in addition to the paragliding, white water rafting, mountain biking, via ferrata and rock climbing, means that there is more than enough here to keep even the most energetic visitors busy.

Summary of Chamonix: Chamonix is an historic mountain town with all year round mountain sports, and is known as the ‘extreme sports capital of the world’ for good reason. However, there is so much more to it than that. While skiing holidays in Chamonix are the main draw for visitors, you can also enjoy other sporty and outdoor activities, mixed with a serene alpine atmosphere, not to mention a healthy dose of pampering and chilling. It is also great for families and couples looking to relax in one of the many beautiful Chamonix chalets sprinkled around the town, giving visitors a chance to soak up the breathtaking surroundings at a more relaxed pace. Winter: skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, mountaineering, cross country skiing, paragliding and speed riding. Summer: hiking, hill walking, rock climbing, paragliding, horse riding, golf, white water rafting, , tennis, fishing, hot air ballooning, spas and mountain railways. Currency: Euros, but bring some Swiss francs if you are planning to visit Geneva or the Spas in Switzerland. Nearest Airport: Geneva (GVA) 1 hours drive away.

Skiing accommodation in France can be as diverse as the sheer amount of activities on offer and it can be one of the most important factors when considering a winter ski holiday. From private ski chalets to the more luxurious ski apartments in Chamonix, we believe that we have something for everyone in this exciting valley, no matter their tastes!

Skiers on short breaks or those seeking the maximum comfort while they concentrate on the pistes and other alpine activities may opt for one of the luxurious catered chalets, while families or those who prefer to be more ‘hands on’ may prefer one of the many charming self catering chalets in Chamonix that offer the warmth and comfort of an alpine home away from home.

Given the size of the region, and the popularity of the valley and the town itself, it is only natural that the ski accommodation in Chamonix reflects the surroundings and activities on offer. Some private ski chalets will be tucked away, ready for guests to enjoy the warmth and traditional alpine charm while planning their next excursion or walk to soak up the breathtaking surroundings. Other Chamonix chalets and ski apartments will be nearer the amenities and action, enabling more activity oriented visitors to explore the town, enjoy the local ambiance, and plan their next assault on the slopes!

From quirky to modern, convenient to luxurious, the charm of a snow-dusted French ski chalet, nestled in the heart of one of the most popular and exciting ski destinations in Europe is undeniable. Whether you fancy the fun of a self catering ski apartment, or a catered chalet in Chamonix that allows you to focus on what really matters – the winter (or summer) sports and activities – we’ll have just that special place for you. After all, at the end of a long day on the slopes, or a tiring walk to admire the mountain lakes and outstanding views, what better place to come back to than the warmth and comfort of a ski chalet in Chamonix that offers rustic alpine charm, swaddled with home comforts and a cosy place to rest your aching feet.