Summary
Chamonix is far more of a town than the vast majority of Alpine resorts. It is an all year round resort, with just as many visitors in both summer and winter. The static poulation is about 15,000. 15% English speaking, 15% Swedish speaking. During peak season the town hosts up to 45,000 visitors.
History
Until the 1700's Chamonix was a small rural village, cut off for most of the year with snow. It became a popular destination in the early 1800's with the advent of mountaineering and Victorian exploration. It is now almost wholly dependant on tourism with winter & summer being equally popular.
Nightlife
Chamonix is a thriving and vibrant town, lots going on.
Our favorite bars…
Chambre Neuf - wild après ski with live music most nights. Very Scandanavian. Excellent lunch menu. Just opposite the train station.
Café Terrasse – centre of town, happy hour each night, good bands downstairs, excellent wood paneled upstairs bar with views over the town and towards Mont Blanc. In the main square.
The Jeckyll – pretty chilled, good place to watch rugby, listen to live music. Only 5 mins walk from Chalet Pelerins.
MBC – lively micro brewery, Canadian influenced. Live music at the weekend, great beer & burgers. Close to the ice rink. www.mbchx.com
La Cantina – lively night club, pretty local scene. Variety of DJs. Close to the Super U in town. www.cantina.fr
Le Garage – highly cheesy nightclub, open till late, close to Aiguille du Midi lift.
Lots, lots more bars in town – to suit all tastes - plan your apres ski carefully around the various happy hours !
Other Things To Do
Swimming pool, climbing wall, hiking, shopping, parapenting, horse riding.