Chamonix Guide

Every ski village in Europe has its own personality, and after being dragged to more of them than I can count in service of the skiers in my family, I’ve become something of an accidental expert. My people love skiing. I do not. And yet, here we are — because that’s what you do when you love someone who gets genuinely emotional about powder conditions. The good news is that after years of this arrangement, I’ve gotten very good at finding the places where everyone wins, and Chamonix is one of those places.. The skiers will be entertained with multiple ski domains spread across the valley, a quick blast through the Mont Blanc Tunnel for a spontaneous day on Italian slopes, and the famous Vallée Blanche, a glacier descent that will be talked about for years . Meanwhile, I’m enjoying the village activities  that have nothing to do with ski boots. This guide is for families like mine: the ones with skiers and the ones who married into it!

Hotel Recs:

Heliopic

Best for a client that wants easy, family friendly, and a better price point

Location: This is located right by the gondola for the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car. It is on the edge of town, but an easy 5 minute walk into the center. It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the Alpine coaster and kids adventure area.

Facilities: It is great for all seasons, but their facilities really shine for winter! There is a ski rental company in the lobby, ski lockers (with boot warmers), and a ski shop for any lost items. Two restaurants, a kids play area (complete with retro video games and trikes to ride on), a lobby bar, a library, a full service spa, and indoor pool.

Traveler Type: It is a great family hotel! We saw plenty of adults and couples as well.

Special Touches: Every day, they make complimentary popcorn in the afternoon. They also make crepes fresh (and complimentary) every afternoon at 5:00 (a total hit for kids and adults). There is a complimentary coffee machine available 24/7 in the lobby and it can make standard coffee all the way to lattes. There is live music nightly starting around 6:00pm.

Restaurants: Akashon is where breakfast is sold. Booking through me gives you complimentary breakfast and it is a large buffet. Dinner is served here as well and it is a “Bib Gourmand” rated restaurant. Frometon is their traditional Swiss (think fondue) restaurant.

Spa Facilties: I got a 90 minute massage and greatly enjoyed my service. They include scent choices ahead of time and once chosen, you also receive a tea and dessert in the same scent/taste you chose. There is an ice cave, jacuzzi, sauna, steam, and indoor pool. One issue is that kids under 13 can only be in the indoor pool from 10am-2:00pm. Fun for adults only, but difficult if you come off the slopes and your child wants to swim (which would be a no go).

Rooms: We had a King bed with a single pull out sofa and balcony. There is no traditional closet, but it is open to the room. The bathroom has a shower and bathtub. There is a Nespresso machine in the room as well.

Le Hameau Albert 1er – Relais & Châteaux

Best for a client that has a group: some want traditional and some want modern OR the client that wants an elevated food and wine experience.  

Location: This is located right off the main square.  It has a beautiful large lawn and 2 minutes into town.  

Facilities: This hotel is focused around the restaurants and the food and wine experience.  There is a traditional restaurant and their 1 Michelin star restaurant.  An indoor pool and an outdoor pool (with a stunning view of the Mont Blanc) is amazing in the summer.  There are ski lockers, but no ski rentals on property (although the hotel can easily set up rental delivery).  They also have a few free standing chalets!

Traveler Type: I’d send a multi generational group here!

Special Touches: They have a driver to take you (shuttle you) around, but the driver is known to give hiking tips and take you directly to the hikes, as well.  The large lawn has some lawn games available.  I love that you can chose between traditional Swiss chalet style and the modern option.

Restaurants: Total shining moment.  I get daily breakfast included for clients.  There is a traditional restaurant AND a 1 Michelin star restaurant.

Spa Facilities: I’m obsessed with the area built into one of the original wooden farm homes on the property.  The garden space is so magical.

La Floie Douch

Best for a client that wants to be in the middle of it all!  

Location: This is located right in town, at the base of the green runs (not many in Chamonix, so thats helpful).

Facilities: This hotel shines when on the terrace-it is the Apres Ski spot!  The terrace is amazing and the place to be.  There is a spa and ski rentals, lift tickets, and ski lockers are all located at the hotel.  There is an amazing kids club, an outdoor pool, and a spa space.  They have an awesome fitness center and a yoga studio.  The rooms are fun and functional and the family rooms have bunk beds, which kids will love.

Traveler Type: I’d send my families (they have an awesome kids club) and those looking to ski then party!

Special Touches: The kids club absolutely shines.  They have a cooking class and everything is included!

Restaurants: I’m obsessed with their huge brunch (all you can eat) and of course, breakfast is included for my clients

Top Experiences for Skier

• Have your guide drive you to Courmayeur and ski in Italy for the day
• Let me help you find the perfect guide to spend the day experience the Valle Blanch-a ski/hike combo that is so unique
• Le Brévent & La Flégère for runs with views facing Mont Blanc

Activities for Non Skiers (or those that need a ski break)

• Take a ride to Courmayeur with your skiers, but instead of skiing, enjoy a different vibe by wandering the adorable Italian village.  
• Take an afternoon to ride the Alpine Coaster Luge.  When you’re done, sit at the restaurant terrace there and grab an Aperol Spritz while the kids run around on the playground
• Take a ride up the mountain to go inside the Mer de Glace glacier which is France’s largest Glacier
• Spa hop: check out the spas at different hotels in the area
• Panoramic Mont Blanc Gondola-you don’t have to ski to take this Gondola and enjoy the views
• Take a guided snowshoe tour

Restaurants

Albert 1er: The 1 Michelin star restaurant

Le Cap Horn: My favorite restaurant in Chamonix.  Sushi in the French Alps?  Yes and it is so delicious.  The atmosphere is fun and funky, too!

Josephine: I could sit outside on their patio every day and have fondue and a crisp glass of rose!