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What’s new this winter in Chamonix
From the ski area to what's fresh in the resorts of Chamonix
As winter begins to take hold in the Chamonix Valley, we take a look at all that's new.
Early signs of snowfall in the Alps are creating much excitement for the upcoming winter season. The ski industry here is raring to go and this winter looks like being an exceptionally busy one. The ski area opens on 16 December, with the Grand Montets partially open earlier than this (usually mid November at the weekends) and ski passes are now on sale.
A reminder that you are going to need to have winter tyres from 1 November to 31 March (M&S marking, or all weather (four season) tyres), OR at least two snow chains/socks in your vehicle when driving in the mountain regions in France, following a law introduced from November 2021.
Watch this
On the slopes
Development at GM
Work is continuing on the mid station at Grands Montets after the fire destroyed the old one at Lognan (1,972m) in 2018. The new lift station and 3S cable car to access the top should be complete by 2024. This means that for this season, access to the very top (3,275m) of the ski area will be limited to those who ski tour.
Compagnie du Mont Blanc's moves to save energy
Lift companies are being pushed by governmental and environmental agencies to find ways to save energy and improve performance, and the ticket buying public are increasingly aware of how environmentally un-friendly the industry is. For winter 2023 to 2024, there will be a roll-out of GPS fitted snow groomers to Brévent and Balme, having demonstrated how it saved energy when used at Flégère last winter.
In the valley
A huge development project to replace the existing gondola down to the Mer de Glace from Montenvers is underway and due to be opening winter 2023 and 2024. Due to the sadly diminishing glacier, the new gondola is being installed further up the glacier and an International Glacier and Climate Interpretation Centre is being created (due to open in December 2024).
The new gondola will be accessible from the furthest end of the train platform and will go down some 600m to where the ice is currently.
Ski passes
Over the last couple of years the lift company has used dynamic pricing for daily ski lift passes and due to its success these daily best deal ski passes continue this season. You may be able to benefit from discounted daily rates if you choose to come skiing outside the peak weeks.
The CHAMSKIDEAL allows you to ski in Brévent-Flégère, Grands Montets and Le Tour-Vallorcine. You need to buy in advance and it's only valid for the chosen date. It's well worth looking at the website to see if your dates match a reduced price lift pass - some reductions are up to 50%. Book online at chamskideal.
In town
The first Winter Olympics was held in Chamonix in 1924, and to mark the anniversary this famous French ski resort will be celebrating throughout the town.
Chamonix will launch its period of celebration on 3 February with a Flag Tour through the town in the company of numerous Olympians, followed by the Kandahar Alpine Ski World Cup bib draw and a programme of events. There will be two exhibitions to commemorate the Winter Olympics anniversary:
- The invention of the Olympic Winter Games
- Champions at the Olympic Games
There is also a second anniversary to be marked this winter by the International Ski Federation (FIS), which also marks 100 years since its creation.
And sticking to the Olympic theme, the Olympic Torch is set to pass through this summer as it makes its way to Paris for the summer games.
Faster food on the slopes
Maison des Drus
This winter the company that runs the 'at altitude' restaurants will change to Maison des Drus, and the new owners have plans for all establishments to offer homemade seasonal cuisine made from local products. Their focus will be on short supply chains and small-scale producers.
Three mountain restaurants have undergone renovation in time for this winter:
- Bergerie de Planpraz: visitors to this Brévent restaurant can enjoy a cosy interior and large terrace
- Le Comptoir de la Bergerie: another Brévent restaurant that will be updated to seat more guests both inside and out
- Fœhn Sandwicherie: On the Flégère side this snack bar will become more Savoyarde in feel and boast a new décor
And new food delivery options
Online micro-bakery
PIN PIN delivers bread to your doorstep, and not just any old baguette either. Choose from 100% natural and sourdough products available to order online and delivered by bike. Exclusively online, without a physical store.
Events
You’ll find plenty to keep you entertained in Chamonix this winter including the great Christmas and new year festivities, markets and parades.
The Kandahar Alpine Skiing World Cup, electronic music festival and much more will be on, so consult our events calendar for full details.
New rooms available to book
Wake up and smell the oil paint
Enjoy a night's stay in the studio of French painter Marcel Wibault (1904-1998). His former studio has been transformed into a bed and breakfast, and is due to open this December. A stone's throw from the centre of the town, the artist's granddaughter has created a cosy and comfortable space in which to rest and appreciate the works of this celebrated mountain painter.
More rooms at five-star hotel
If high-end luxe is your thing, you'll pleased to know Grand Hotel Des Alpes has added two new suites.
A little bit of happiness
The old Mercure Hotel in the centre of Chamonix has been completely renovated and turned into Lykke Hotel. Danish for 'happiness', this new concept hotel from the Mont Blanc Group focuses on enjoying a slower pace of life. Its wellness area is set to open in March 2024.
Enjoy a new spa
The Chalet Hotel Le Prieuré is not only enjoying its new four-star status this winter, but has opened up a Cinq Mondes spa with a steam room, jacuzzi, outdoor sauna, a pool and a fitness room.
More inspiration...
There's always more to see and do in Chamonix, so come and check the place out yourself!
