Christmas in Chamonix
How to get to Chamonix
Geneva airport is 98km from Chamonix (1 h15 ).
by Private transfer (recommended when traveling in a group) offers the fastest and most comfortable journey, with door-to-door service.
Geneva Airport → Chamonix
€450 per way (up to 7 people)
1 h 15–35 min depending on traffic
by Train
There’s no direct train; you’ll make 2–3 changes. Expect ~2 h 40 m – 3 h 30 m total depending on the connection. Typical one-way adult fares are ~€23–€55 when booked in advance (day-of can be higher).
Route A (usually simplest): via Annemasse → St-Gervais-les-Bains (France)
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Genève-Aéroport → Genève-Cornavin (7 min, frequent airport shuttle trains).
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Genève-Cornavin → Annemasse → St-Gervais-les-Bains–Le Fayet on the Léman Express / TER.
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St-Gervais-les-Bains → Chamonix-Mont-Blanc on the Mont-Blanc Express (TER).
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Typical total ~2 h 40 m – 3 h 10 m with 3 changes. Advance prices from the low €20s–€30s; many listings around €30–€50 depending on time.
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Route B (scenic Swiss route): via Lausanne/Martigny → Vallorcine (Switzerland → France)
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Genève-Aéroport → Genève-Cornavin.
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Genève/Lausanne → Martigny (SBB/RegionAlps).
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Martigny → Vallorcine → Chamonix on the Mont-Blanc Express.
Typically a bit longer (~3 h – 3 h 30 m); prices often €30–€55 depending on availability
Check into your accommodation, get settled.
Where to stay
Langley Hotel Gustavia super-central hotel in Chamonix, perfect for easy access to the town and mountain adventures.
Refuge du Montenvers built in 1880 for Mer de Glace visitors, this historic haven offers stunning views over the Sea of Ice. Combine with a trip to the Mer de Glace and stay overnight.
What to Visit
Apart from skiing, Chamonix also offers other attractions, including the ice caves at the Mer de Glace, just 20 minutes by train from Chamonix, which make an excellent day or half-day-trip. General info page: Montenvers – Mer de Glace (English) — includes practical details and opening times.
Restaurants
The restaurant is housed in a reconstructed Savoyard farmhouse, built from reclaimed wood of old farms in the Mont-Blanc region, giving it a warm, rustic-chalet charm.
Traditional Savoyard restaurant: hearty Alpine dishes like fondue, raclette in a cosy, mountain-chalet style interior (cow bells, vintage skis, warm wood décor).
Why you’ll love it: It offers the authentic mountain-dining experience that Chamonix is famous for.
Great for: Comfort food after a day in the mountains, or when you want that cosy alpine atmosphere.
A stylish wooden lodge serving stylish French mountain cuisine, La Cabane is a great place for dinner. Fondues and Raclettes feature heavily on the menu
Getting from the town centre to the ski slopes
is easy thanks to the free Chamonix valley bus service (“Le Mulet” in-town shuttle and Chamonix Bus for valley routes). Here’s a clear description you can use:
Bus from Chamonix Town Centre to the Slopes
You can take the Chamonix Bus from the main bus stop at Place du Mont Blanc or Chamonix Sud Bus Station (both in the town centre). These are the main departure points for buses going to all the ski areas around Chamonix.
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To Brévent: Take the local shuttle “Le Mulet” or walk (it’s about 10–15 minutes uphill from the centre).
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To Flégère: Take the No. 1 or No. 2 bus toward Les Praz and get off at “Les Praz – Flégère.”
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To Les Grands Montets: Take the No. 1 bus toward Argentière and get off at “Argentière – Les Grands Montets.”
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To Le Tour / Balme: Take the No. 2 bus toward Le Tour and get off at “Le Tour – Charamillon.”
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To Les Houches: Take the No. 1 bus in the opposite direction (toward Les Houches) and get off at “Bellevue” or “Prarion.”
Frequency: Buses run roughly every 10–20 minutes during the winter season, and all rides are free with a ski pass or a guest card from your accommodation.