Chalet Emeraud can be found around 4km from the centre of Chamonix in a nearby hamlet with glorious views of the Mont Blanc massif, at the foot of an impressive glacier. There are a couple of restaurants within walking distance and you are only 100m from the nearest bus stop with shuttles taking you to many skiing areas across the Chamonix Valley.
It’s about a one-hour drive from Geneva Airport (transfers can also be arranged). The ‘Route Blanche’ leading through the valley and on to the Mont Blanc tunnel is very close by, making many of the towns, hamlets and skiing lifts particularly accessible.
Included in the catered price is a morning drop-off service at 9.00 a.m. in an 8-seater mini-bus that will take some of you to your chosen skiing area for that day, bringing you back around 4 or 5.00 p.m (six days a week). When working, the staff are also happy to drop a group of you off in Chamonix after your evening meal before 10.00 p.m. or they can also arrange taxis. The local shuttle bus usually comes back from Chamonix just before midnight if you wish to experience the ‘apres-ski’ scene in this bustling town.
Chamonix is also well-loved for its restaurants, many serving regional Savoyard cooking as well as international options. There are various skiing options from the town – the Aiguille du Midi and the Vallée Blanche offers challenging off-piste skiing for the most experienced winter-sport enthusiasts whilst Le Brévent and La Flégère feature skiing for a variety of abilities in stunning scenery.
Les Houches, around 4km away, is another great spot with its challenging Kandahar piste, well-known amongst professionals, alongside its gentler slopes passing picturesque Alpine forests and scenery. The snow parks here are great fun for children with sledging and all sorts of family activities.
Another option for a great day out is Courmayeur in Italy, reached via the nearby Mont-Blanc tunnel – experience intermediate skiing, Italian hospitality and yet more incredible vistas.
For a day out without the skis or snowboards, visit the largest glacier in France, Mer de Glace, and even see the ice caves, reached via the old red railway from Chamonix to Montenevers.
The Region
Chamonix is often preceded by its own reputation. As one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, it has visitors travelling from all corners of the world to experience the epic runs year after year. The Chamonix town centre, also known as Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, is an endlessly inviting little city with enough going on to entertain skiers and non-skiers alike for weeks on end.
For those travelling from the UK, it is fabulously easy to reach. You can drive straight from Calais by motorway and be set up in a gorgeous chalet in less than half a day.
The
Chamonix Valley encompasses five main ski areas on four different mountains (with easy transfers in between). You can get yourself a single-resort lift pass or one that encompasses the whole valley. If you go with the latter option you’ll even have access to the Italian side of the valley in Courmayeur. The wider area encompasses 106 pistes at up to 3842m altitude and unparalleled off-piste runs.
Most of Chamonix’s ski areas are best suited to those who already feel at home on a pair of skis. Beginners definitely won’t get as much out of this valley as those who are comfortable tackling a black run. But that’s not saying Chamonix is unromantic by any means. There is incredible scenery for everyone to enjoy, from non-skiers to experts, and nature lovers will fall in love with the Chamonix in summer too. Ski season, however, often lasts until mid-March.
Once the skiing is over at the end of the day you’ll still find plenty to keep you occupied in town. There is an excellent selection of restaurants to choose from, ranging from Michelin starred fine dining to street food that will line your stomach for the après-ski (and rest assured there are dozens of great bars and clubs to choose from!)
