Uncover the thrill of the Alps
To Piste or Not to Piste in Chamonix, France. Handpicked suggestions for dining, unwinding, and skiing, all immersed in the stunning scenery of one of the globe’s premier outdoor destinations.
As winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere and ski trip planning as an avid skier is well underway (on three different continents, I might add), I can’t help but get excited to share my best recommendations here in Well Traveled. Reminiscing about my first international ski adventure thrills that took place last season thanks to the Ikon Ski Pass—a multi-day pass granting access to a collection of resorts worldwide—Chamonix quickly caught my attention.
Having no prior familiarity with this French town (or how to pronounce its name—it's "shaa-muh-knee," with the "x" silent, by the way), my family and I decided to venture to Europe for a ski holiday. This picturesque alpine destination is easily accessible from Geneva, Switzerland. Not only is it situated in the French Alps, but it’s also just a short distance from the Swiss and Italian Alps, as we soon discovered.
The Chamonix Mont-Blanc valley is home to several ski areas, each varying in difficulty and size. We spent most of our time at Brévent-Flégère, given its proximity to town, but also had an unforgettable powder day at Les Grands Montets—just a short bus ride away. The region boasts an extensive, free bus system, making it easy to explore. One notable difference between the ski areas in France and those in the United States is that, unlike many U.S. resorts where you can ski all the way to the base of the mountain, Chamonix requires gondolas to access most skiable terrain.
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