Chamonix

World renowned for a reason, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is home to steep skiing, mountaineering, ultra trail running and so much more.

Best for

Those who love the high mountains

Fun fact

Chamonix has Europe's highest cable car, going up to 3,842m

Nearest airport

Geneva (100km)

Centre comfort

Resort charm

Snow sure rating

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Ski area

Chamonix is a relatively 'decentralised' ski resort comprising of 5 main smaller ski resorts, and one high mountain lift.

Brevent and Flegere are arguably the most popular areas, with plenty of altitude, a variety of runs for both expert and beginners alike, as well as a great lift network. Being predominantly south facing they receive lots of sun. The two areas are connected via a lift, but all the other ski areas are independent of each other.

Grands Montets is an off piste paradise. Being predominantly north facing, this area tends to have the best snow early and late in the season. Most of the runs here are quite steep and can be fairly icy, meaning it is best for the advanced to expert skiers.

At the end of the valley on the border with Switzerland there is the Le Tour ski area, which has a snow park and the most 'flowy' runs of the valley (good for beginner/improver level). You tend to have good sun here from mid morning until the end of the day, with spectacular views along the Chamonix valley and the Mont Blanc massif.

The Aiguille du Midi is a soaring high mountain lift, going up to 3,842m above sea level. You can go up here just to take in the views, or to explore the high mountains, or ski the Vallee Blanche. This is a very hostile high mountain environment and full glacier kit and rescue knowledge is required, going with a guide is essential for most people.

Town centre

Once again Chamonix boasts huge variety with regards to the town centre. You have both relaxed, informal bars, all the way up to glamorous expensive restaurants. There are good value outdoors shops for buying equipment and gear, up to high fashion shops and fancy jewellers. It is a town that covers the full spectrum, where everyone is in a happy equilibrium.

Chamonix is a very typical alpine town, with an arctic blue river running through the centre, wooden clad buildings lining the streets and pine trees frozen in time.

Of course everything you need is at UCPA, but if you forget something or fancy eating out in a Michelin star restaurant, everything is on your doorstep.

Accommodation

The ethos at UCPA is about meeting others through sport. The centres have a relaxed, international atmosphere where the sharing concept facilitates a dual benefit of keeping trips affordable and meeting others.

UCPA Chamonix is located ideally in the town centre, just a 4 minute walk to the main high street, 10 minutes to the central bus stop, and 10 minutes to the train station. All the buses and trains are free in the valley with a card we provide you with at the centre.

Rooms

- 4, 5, 6 person rooms

- Twin rooms available

- Showers and sink in the bedroom

- Toilets shared on each floor

Facilities

- Well priced bar

- Buffet style restaurant

- Ski equipment and storage all on site

- Lift passes provided at the centre

- WiFi in bar area. Please note the WiFi is not good enough for working on data intensive activities

Food

All UCPA meals are buffet style and with multiple servings the norm; you won't go hungry.

Breakfast is normally yogurts, cereals, fruit juice, coffee and bread - don't be surprised to see that the coffee and tea is taken in a bowl!

It is possible to return to the centre for lunch everyday where you will find 1 or 2 hot options available. As with all meals there will be a salad bar, plenty of bread, cheese, meat and of course desert. If you prefer you can make a packed lunch at breakfast time and eat on the mountain. Either way you will save a fortune avoiding the piste side restaurants.

Dinner is a 3/4 course buffet - typically a salad bar style starter, a choice of 3 hot main courses, a cheese and cold meat platter and ice cream/dessert.

Due to the cost focussed nature of UCPA and the wide range of dietary requirements, it is impossible to accommodate everyone as standard. If you have any severe dietary requirements please contact the centre two weeks before to let them know. Generally speaking vegetarians will find plenty of options, with vegan options being a little more scarce but improving year on year.

Getting there

By Air

Geneva airport is the nearest airport and the only airport with regular transfers to Chamonix. You would need to arrange onward transport from Geneva Airport to Chamonix. For most trips we can provide transfers, just select the option at checkout.

Airport Transfers

We offer shared transfers which go from Geneva airport to Chamonix with our transfer provider Mountain Dropoffs. The journey is 100km and takes around 1h30 and is usually in a 9 seater minibus.

Dates 16/12/23 - end of season	Latest flight arrival time	Earliest flight departure
Saturdays	21:00	09:30
Weds/Sundays	20:00	10:00

There is no timetable, passengers are grouped together based on flight times. The typical time from flight arrival to transfer departure is 1h30, often much less.

Please log in to your dashboard to enter your flight details as soon as your booking is confirmed and your flights booked, in order that we can book you onto the best possible transfer times, otherwise transfers will be subject to availability at the time that we receive your flight details.

By Coach

Our partner company Snowexpress offers affordable and environmentally friendly travel to the alps. All hold bags and ski bags are included in the price. The coaches travel through the night from London Victoria to resort, arriving typically after lunchtime directly at the centre.

Snow Express is usually only available to Chamonix and Argentiere on the busier holiday weeks (e.g. February half term).

By Train

It is possible to get to Chamonix via train, please check out Trainline, SNCF or another train booking website for information on possible options. Chamonix train station is less than a 5 minutes walk away from the centre.

By Car

Chamonix is an easy drive, with no particularly difficult mountain roads as long as you aren't arriving from the east. There is no parking at UCPA, but there are some paid options available in the town. Expect to pay around 100eur for a week, unless you are able to find free on street parking. Please also bear in mind that winter driving will requires either snow tires or you will need to have chains in the car to use as required.