Chamonix is probably best known as the skiing and alpine capital of the world. As a destination it has a reputation for the extreme and this, whilst undoubtedly true, can mask a wide array of sporting and leisure activities (particularly in summer), peace and quiet, great nightlife, and superb scenery that can be enjoyed at whichever pace suits you.
Skiing and boarding in Chamonix
Located in the Aiguilles-Rouges, the Brévent-Flégère area is the largest skiing and boarding area in the Valley area and combines altitude, snow quality and sunshine.
Although not ideal for total beginners Le Brévent is great for most abilities with plenty of blue and red pistes. A well earned lunch at the amazing and aptly named "Le Panoramic" restaurant should be followed by the renowned "Charles Bozon" black run down to Planpraz.
La Flégère has always been great for beginners and lower level intermediates, however it has been given a new dimension since the new high speed 6 man Index chairilft was installed in 2005. It now caters for all levels with the gentle wide open slopes for careful cruising and deep powder bowls, steeps, drops and trees.
Après-ski In Chamonix
Chamonix's reputation as one of the liveliest apres-ski resorts in the Alps is justly deserved. With numerous bars, and even its own micro-brewery, you will find somewhere to cover every taste. Live music kicks off around 4pm in several venues, notably Chambre Neuf, MBC and South Bar, most days in the winter, but there are plenty of quiet and cosy meeting spots for a vin chaud and a chat.
As the early evenings pass into night-time, you can carry on partying until 4am or later in several nightclubs around town. On several nights of the year, all night licences mean you are likely to still be out at sunrise, especially during the summer months.
Many bars offer great food menus, but there is a huge selection of excellent restaurants as well, up to the Michelin-starred Albert Premier. Whether it be traditional French, Savoyarde, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean or just modern cuisine, Chamonix has it all.
