Chamonix in Winter vs. Summer

A star in the French Alps, Chamonix is an adventurer’s dream all year round. So, when should you visit? From epic ski slopes to blue-sky mountaineering – explore Chamonix in winter vs summer to decide which season suits your travel plans. 

Discover activities, events and seasonal travel tips to make the most of your visit to Chamonix. 

Chamonix – A Destination For All Seasons

Known for its breathtaking landscapes, endless outdoor activities and rich culture, the French resort of Chamonix attracts visitors throughout the year.

Here’s why:

• Outdoor activities for every season – while skiing and snowboarding dominate the winter months, hiking, paragliding and rock climbing come back on offer when the weather heats up.
• Scenic beauty – Mont Blanc Massif, the highest peak in the Alps, calls Chamonix its home. The mountain offers incredible views throughout the seasons as crisp white peaks melt away into lush greens and alpine flowers. Each season brings a different charm to the region, with spectacular views of glaciers, alpine lakes and mountain peaks.
• Historical heritage and alpine charm – From traditional villages and churches, to a rich history in mountaineering dating back to the 18th Century, Chamonix is a wonderful place to soak in some Alpine atmosphere.
• Easily accessible year-round – With Geneva airport transfers to Chamonix just 1 hour and 30 minutes away, the town is excellently connected and easy to get to whatever the weather.
• Events and festivals – World Cup ski races, ice climbing championships and ski festivals in winter give way to ultra trails, local markets and music festivals in the spring and summer. 
• Relax and unwind – After a full day of outdoor activities, unwind at one of Chamonix’s spas or wellness centres, such as QC Terme Chamonix, where you can enjoy thermal baths, saunas and massages.

Whether you prefer skiing in winter, hiking in summer, or simply enjoying the vibrant town life, Chamonix has something to offer at any time of year.

Things To Do in Chamonix in Winter (December to March)

You can’t beat a winter season in Chamonix. It’s not just the unbeatable skiing, the area is home to a huge range of bucket list activities, from thrilling snow sports to cosy festive fun. 

Skiing and Snowboarding

Situated right up close to the France/Switzerland border, Chamonix is home to deep valleys, challenging terrain and versatile runs to suit all levels. Four nursery areas cater for beginners and families while La Flegere, Les Houches and Les Grands Montets offer spectacular skiing for intermediates. Pros and off-pisters have plenty to tackle in the legendary Vallée Blanche, Le Tour and La Flegere. 

Chamonix Winter Activities

Diverse winter activities in the Alps make Chamonix an ideal destination for outdoor lovers and families.

• Explore frozen waterfalls with an ice climbing guide 
• Go on a winter hiking or mountaineering expedition. Take in the mountain views on foot and explore trails around Lac Blanc and Lac des Gaillands or get off the beaten track with a snowshoeing guide
• Go dog sledding or sledging through snow-tipped forests 
• Ice skating is a fun choice for families. Chamonix Ice Rink has both indoor and outdoor rinks
• Visit an ice cave that’s been carved straight into the glacier. This incredible attraction is filled with ice sculptures and an impressive collection of crystals 
• From the cable car station, take a ride up to Aiguille du Midi for stunning views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks. From there, ‘Step into the Void’ is a thrilling glass skywalk suspended 1000 metres in the air!

Christmas Markets and Festivals

Chamonix’s charming streets are lined with boutiques, souvenir shops, gift shops and local wares, making it a great destination for some retail therapy – whatever the season. 

At Christmas time, the festive markets come alive. Wander through quaint wooden chalets selling decorations, crafts, jewellery and local produce in Chamonix town centre. The savoyard cheeses, raclette and mulled wine come highly recommended!

Carolers, ice skating shows and Christmas concerts are the icing on the cake, helping you to sink into that cosy festive feeling. 

If festive charm isn’t your bag, there are plenty of other events and festivals over the winter months, including freeride competitions and the prestigious Kandahar World Cup Alpine Skiing event.

Winter Travel Tips

We’ve been making winter journeys throughout the Alps for longer than we’d care to remember! To help you make the most of your visit to Chamonix, we’ve gathered some of our essential travel tips:

• Book travel and accommodation early during peak ski season, Christmas, New Year and school holidays to avoid disappointment and save money
• Sort your ski rental ahead of time to avoid long queues at the resort
• If you’re driving, ensure your car has snow tires or chains. Mountain roads can be icy, so please drive carefully!
• Winter weather in Chamonix can be unpredictable. Always check the daily weather forecast before heading out
• Save local emergency contact numbers, such as mountain rescue into your phone for safety
• Consider visiting nearby resorts like Courmayeur in Italy or Verbier in Switzerland to have the best time exploring the mountains

Things To Do in Chamonix in Summer (June to September)

As winter fades and the weather gets warmer, Chamonix valley transforms into a lush green paradise, while outdoor summer activities in the Alps and cultural events come back on the menu. 

Chamonix Summer Activities

Whether you’re scaling a peak, enjoying a leisurely hike or just soaking up the views, the summer months provide an excellent opportunity to explore this iconic Alpine destination.

• Hiking and trail running – Every summer, the valley hosts the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), one of the most prestigious trail running races in the world. Have a go yourself on one of Chamonix’s many hiking or running trails. The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of our favourite summer hiking trails.
• Paragliding – Chamonix is renowned for being one of the best destinations for paragliding in the Alps thanks to its favourable wind conditions and panoramic views of the mountains, forests and glaciers.
• Mountain biking – No matter your ability level, Chamonix has a trail for you, including downhill and cross-country routes. Bike rentals and guided tours are available in town.
• Climbing and mountaineering – The granite walls of the Mont Blanc Massif provide some of the best rock climbing and bouldering spots in the Alps. There are routes for both beginners and advanced climbers.
• Golfing – Take a swing at Chamonix’s 18-hole golf course – you can’t beat those views of Mont Blanc.
• Water sports – From white water rafting on the Arve River to paddle boarding and swimming in the lakes, cool off in the water with an activity that matches your thrill level. 
• Chamonix’s Alpine Coaster toboggan run – Open all year round, this ride is perfect for families and features a 1300 metre track with jumps, turns and 540° twists.

Events and Festivals

Chamonix hosts a number of summer festivals, including music festivals, cultural events, and trail running competitions. The Cosmo Jazz Festival is a popular one, featuring jazz performances in stunning outdoor settings.

Museums and culture

For history buffs, Chamonix Alpine Museum offers insight into the town’s history, from its early days as a climbing destination to the development of alpinism and skiing in the region.

Explore the area

Chamonix makes a great jumping off point for exploring nearby towns and cities. Whether it’s a day trip to Courmayeur in Italy for some Italian cooking or a trip to Annecy ‘The Venice of the Alps’ to see the lake and stroll the streets of the old town. 

Comparing Winter vs. Summer in Chamonix: What to Expect

Between the winter and summer seasons, Chamonix transforms, offering a different experience each time you visit. 

Weather and Climate

Minus temperatures and a blanket of snow turn Chamonix into a winter wonderland from around December to March. The average temperature ranges from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F) and gets colder the higher you go. 

In summer, you can expect the temperature to be around 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). As the snow melts away, Alpine flowers and green meadows are revealed. 

Atmosphere and Crowds

During winter, Chamonix is a lively hub for skiers and snowboarders and the resort can get busy in peak season (December to February). School holidays are also a busy time. 

Summer is a pretty laid back affair, with visitors coming to enjoy leisurely outdoor pursuits surrounded by nature. Chamonix can get more crowded in summer when key events come to town, such as the UTMB, but quietens down in September. 

Costs

Prices for ski lift passes and accommodation tend to be higher during peak ski seasons when lots of visitors come to make the most of the slopes. 

Travelling from Geneva to Chamonix

Getting from Geneva airport to Chamonix usually takes about 80 to 90 minutes by car, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Taking public transport will be longer due to the extra stops. On the way, you might spot some stunning landmarks like Lake Geneva or the picturesque town of Annecy!

At Alps2Alps, we offer Geneva to Chamonix private transfers all year round – offering reliable journeys with safe drivers and a modern fleet of vehicles for groups of all sizes. 

So, if you’re looking to hit the ski slopes and soak up traditional Alpine charm at a cosy ski chalet surrounded by snow-tipped forests – winter is your season. If you’re looking to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Alps with outdoor adventure and laid-back relaxation – summer in Chamonix might be for you.