Chamonix: Complete Guide 2025 - Gliding down Mont Blanc!

The real capital of the valley, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is where most of the action is: pedestrianised streets, shops, bars, restaurants, ski schools and departure points for the major sites (Brévent-Flégère, Aiguille du Midi, Montenvers - Mer de Glace). It's the ideal base if you want to do it all without depriving yourself: panoramic skiing facing Mont Blanc by day, shopping, spas and nightlife by night. From the centre, you have quick access to the lifts and valley buses, without necessarily having to use your car.

At the entrance to the Chamonix valley, Servoz is an authentic village of traditional hamlets, surrounded by meadows and forests, with superb views of the Mont-Blanc massif. It's a perfect base if you're looking for peace and quiet, nature walks and a real village spirit, while still being connected to the ski areas (quick access to Les Houches and then to Chamonix by train or bus). The Diosaz gorges, balcony paths and rural heritage make it a popular spot for families and four-season hikers.

Nestling at the foot of the Argentière glacier, the village is the place to be for experienced skiers and riders. It is the gateway to the Grands Montets ski area (partially reopened, with plans to renovate the summit), renowned for its steep slopes, long vertical drops and supervised off-piste itineraries. Argentière retains a true mountain atmosphere, with traditional chalets, outdoor cafés and shops, ski schools and a strong presence of guides and mountaineers. It's the ideal base camp if you come for committed skiing, freeriding or ski touring.

At the end of the valley, Vallorcine is a discreet mountain village surrounded by forests, rivers and nature reserves, on the border with the Swiss Valais. The Balme - Le Tour / Vallorcine sector offers large, panoramic runs on the Le Tour side and more forested, intimate skiing on the Vallorcine side, accessible directly from the village by gondola. Here, the atmosphere is more intimate, ideal for families, beginners or skiers who like to alternate between leisurely skiing, Nordic walking and days out in nearby Switzerland.

At the entrance to the valley on the Mont Blanc side, Les Houches is a real mountain village, with chalets, farms and local life all year round. Its ski area stretches from the forest to the peaks, with gentle runs for families and more challenging runs, including the famous Kandahar World Cup run. Skiing takes place in a setting of fir trees with a 360° view of the Mont-Blanc massif, in a warm and accessible atmosphere. It's the perfect resort if you're travelling with children, beginners or if you're looking for a compromise between great skiing and a village atmosphere.