Chalet Options in Chamonix: Choosing a Ski Chalet in Chamonix
also see Chalets in Chamonix: Find a Ski Chalet in Chamonix

Looking to book a Chamonix chalet for your ski holiday but not sure where to base yourself? Perhaps our guide to Chamonix chalets in the Chamonix valley may help.

Unique to Chamonix is a long valley which offers all ranges of chalet accommodation from top to bottom. It's impossible to simply put Chamonix's chalets in clear categories as the market is very varied. However, here's our advice on the best features of the chalets in each area to allow you to make your own mind.

Chamonix - central chalets close to lively après ski and amenities
First and foremost there's Chamonix town. The heart of this famous valley. Here you have the largest choice of options, ranging from luxury high-end all inclusive to simpler self-catered Chamonix chalets. Chalets in the centre of town and its immediate vicinity tend to be older in style however many have had full interior renovations to high standards. Those located right in town often have limited outdoor space and close neighbours, but you have the huge advantage of being at the centre of all activity, whether for après ski, dining out or browsing the shops. The north western edge of Chamonix leads you towards the Brevent ski area and is known for receiving the most sunshine in Chamonix town, as well as being perfectly placed for wonderful views of Mont Blanc. There are some lovely luxury chalets in this area and whilst still only a few minutes' walk from town, chalets here offer more space and privacy. The areas of Les Pélerins and Les Gaillands cover a kilometre stretch of parallel roads running down the valley from Chamonix and are a popular place to stay for their spacious chalets, many of which have been newly renovated, which are still only a short walking distance from Chamonix town centre.

Argentière - chalets within walking distance of the famous Grand Montets ski area
Heading up the valley from Chamonix, lies the village of Argentière. Whereas Chamonix feels modern and lively, Argentiere has more of an Alpine village charm. There are fewer chalets in Argentière, run in the main by smaller chalet operators or private owners, and they tend to be traditional in build and feel with more space and larger gardens, and tucked away in the quiet back streets of this lovely village. The main attraction of renting a chalet here is proximity to the Grand Montets ski area, without totally compromising on restaurants and nightlife. Argentière is no Chamonix, but it does have a good handful of shops, nice restaurants and après ski bars with live music.

Les Houches - family chalets close to relaxed skiing
With its own ski area, and good amenities, restaurants and bars spread along the length of the village, Les Houches tends to offer a more relaxed chalet holiday. There are probably more new build chalets here than anywhere else in the valley and chalets tend to be well spaced out. Here you can find some of Chamonix's few ski-in ski-out chalets as well as a number of niche tour operators offering eco-chalets. The close proximity of most chalets to some of the valley's easiest skiing means it's very popular with families.

Les Praz to Le Lavancher - luxury chalets
If you're looking for a high-end chalet with luxurious touches, hot tubs, cinema rooms and enough space to build an army of snowmen in the garden, this is the area of the valley for you. Most of the chalets here are privately run and have exceptional wide views from Le Tour across to the Drus, the Aiguilles, Mont Blanc and down to Les Houches. Starting with Les Praz village, there are a few scattered chalets which have the bonus of being located close to the Flégère ski lift. Les Praz also has a couple of small shops and bar/restaurants and in winter receives the most sun in the valley. Beyond Les Praz is the splendid area of Les Bois, running as far as Les Tines, with its extravagant chalets in quiet settings. Perched a couple of hundred metres up the south side of the valley above Les Bois is the hamlet of Le Lavancher where you will find a few boutique wooden chalets and mazots nestled in this serene spot.

The areas in between - secluded chalets for quiet nights in
The hamlets and areas above Argentière and in between Chamonix and Les Houches offer quiet isolated chalets which are perfect if you want to get away from it all, or aren't planning to spend your evenings partying in one of the valley's centres. Continuing past Argentiere, you reach the small hamlets of Montroc and Le Tour. Although extremely close to the Domaine de Balme ski area, there are only a small handful of chalet options here. Down valley from Chamonix town, you pass through Les Bossons and Tacconaz which offer many more options, with some operators and more privately-run chalets. Access and transport to chalets off the main roads can be difficult, especially in heavy snow, so chalet transport and/or your own vehicle is recommended if you chose to stay here.

Servoz and Vaudagne - chalets for those wanting to stay out of the valley
The hamlet of Vaudagne is nothing more than a long set of switch-backs dotted with, mostly residential, chalets. Further out of the valley is the small village of Servoz, which has a scattered collection of chalet options, including an eco-operator. If you're here to ski in Chamonix, then these two places are not really ideal as it's a decent drive or train journey to reach the slopes. The few chalets here tend to be rustic and offer perhaps a cheaper accommodation option.

Wherever you think is suitable be sure to take a look at our list of Chamonix chalets