Chamonix for the Non-Skier

Well of course, you are always going to have the ubiquitous skiing and snowboarding, but whilst you’re in the Chamonix Valley, you may want to try your hand at one of the many other winter activities available in this town. Below are a few suggestions to tickle your imagination! ... see "Chamonix Activities - Winter" for more

If you are unlucky enough to find yourself in Chamonix when the rain is pouring and the wind is howling, or if you simply want to have a day off all of those extreme sports you've put your body through, there's no shortage of things for you to do in Chamonix. Whether you fancy some pampering at a spa, want to catch a movie at the cinema, or take the kids to the indoor swimming pool; here's a few suggestions to keep you entertained during your stay. ... see "Chamonix Activities - Indoor / Bad Weather" for more

In 1997, the villages of Chamonix, Les Houches, Servoz and Vallorcine established a Guest Card system, whereby every visitor to the area is given a card on arrival. The normal method is to ask at your hotel reception, or request one from your chalet/apartment provider.

The card is valid in summer and winter (for the duration of your stay) and entitles you to free travel on the buses and trains between these resorts (with the exception of the Chamo’nuit night bus). If you wish to take the train all the way through to Martigny in Switzerland (which is well worth it) or down to Le Fayet and St Gervais, you just need to pay the difference from Vallorcine or Servoz.

The Guest Card also entitles you to various discounts throughout the valley, such as discounted entry to the swimming pool, Alpine Museum, cross country skiing and more. So, ask for one at the Tourist Offices of Chamonix, Les Houches, Servoz and Vallorcine if you do not receive one when you check into your accommodation.

Non-Skiers - for those of you wishing to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding mountains without hurtling down them, it is possible to buy a pedestrian ticket at the base of any of the valley gondolas, cable cars and trains for one return trip.

If you plan to meet up for lunch with the skiing members of your party, then ask about Le Cham’Gourmand pass. This entitles you to spend €27 in either Restaurant Plan Joran (Grand Montets) or La Bergerie de Planpraz (Brevent) and the return trip on the lift is included in the price. We recommended that you book your table in advance as the restaurants can get very busy between 12-2pm, although it is not possible to reserve a table for more than 10 people. You can call La Bergerie on +33 (0) 450 53 05 42 and Plan Joran on +33 (0) 450 54 05 77.