Frequently Asked Questions

What are the shop opening hours?

Almost all the shops in Chamonix open seven days per week, including bank holidays. Usual opening times are 0900h to 1200h and 1500h to 19.00h.

All shops tend to shut on Sundays (except for Super U in the main street, which is open from 0800h-1200h).

Are credit cards and travellers cheques accepted?

Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted and the local currency is the Euro.

What languages are spoken in Chamonix?

Most shopkeepers prefer to speak French but there are many shops that are run by English seasonal workers.

What are the Passports/Visa requirements for Chamonix?

Passports are required and they must be valid for at least 3 months prior to departure.

You do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days or by holders of 'British Citizen' endorsed passports.

Do I need insurance?

It is important that you have adequate sports and medical cover on your Insurance. It is also a good idea to carry a credit card with you as you may have to pay for medical assistance before you can claim on your insurance.

You can also buy a Carte Neige (40 Euros) which covers you for transport off the mountain, either on or off piste. If you show your card to the pisteurs they will take the policy number and their costs will be met by the insurance company.

Please note your E111 does not cover mountain rescue or transport home after an accident. In France you can claim up to 65% of treatment costs back from the French Social Security but this takes about 3 months.

What weather and temperatures can I expect in the Chamonix valley?

The winter temperature in Chamonix can vary between freezing and -20 degrees centigrade, depending on the wind and altitude this can feel much colder. However, it is not uncommon to have temperatures at around 15 degrees at the village centre in April.

In the summer these temperatures will rise well above 25 degrees in the day and fall to about 10 degrees at night.

View the latest weather conditions >Click here

When is the best time of year to visit Chamonix?

It depends entirely on your interests.

October and November are the quietest months as most places close to get ready fro the winter season.

January and April are usually the best snow months but the snow may begin to turn to slush at low altitude in April.

February and August tend to be the busiest months due to the school holidays.

View the latest slope and lift conditions >Click here

What type of clothing should I wear?

It is best to wear waterproofs and plenty of light layered clothing in the mountains as you can take the layers off when you warm up. It is also a great way of trapping your body heat.

What are the local specialities in Chamonix?

Tartiflette is a rich potato and bacon dish topped with melted cheese.

A raclette is a grilled cheese often served with meats, potatoes and salad.

There is also pierre-chaud (hot rock) or braserade (table-top BBQ) dishes where you cook your own meat often accompanied with potatoes and sauces.

Try the wines of the Savoie region which include Mondeuse, Chignin, and Apremont.

Where can I get or exchange foreign currency in Chamonix?

You can obtain Euros from the many cash points located in the centre of town using your PIN and credit card. This is one of the easiest ways to obtain Euros in Les Houches and Argentiere.

There is a Bureau de Change located on the road from town to the train station in Chamonix, which is open 7 days per week.

However, large dollar bills may not be accepted due to forgeries. Your passport may also be required for identification.

Where can I email from in Chamonix?

There are many bars, cafes and hotels offering an email and internet service. The rates can be quite expensive (9p/min).

Here are a few locations: Chamonix - Le Bureau (by the river in the centre of town), Shop74 (by the cinema), The Clubhouse (Rue Joseph Vallot), Cybar (Rue des Moulins), Le Lapin Agile offers free Wifi/broadband if you are eating and drinking, The Pub (Rue Dr Paccard), i-Guest (Galerie Blanche Neige, Rue Dr Paccard), La Cantina (rue Vallot/imp. des Rhododendrons), Le Vagabond Gite, Mojo's (opposite Post Office in the centre of town).

Argentiere - Le Rencard, The Office Bar

How do I report a theft in Chamonix?

Report the theft to the police or your resort representative as soon as possible. You will need a police report number to claim on your insurance. The Gendarmerie is located on Rue des Ecoles near the tourist information office.

If you have lost your rental equipment and you don’t have insurance cover with the hire shop, you will probably have to pay for the skis (replacement cost value) and then claim on your insurance.

What do the different colours on the piste map mean?

Green: Very easy with gentle runs. Beginner level and nursery slopes.

Blue: Easy, the gradient has increased with a few bumps and dips.

Red: Steep slopes, intermediate or above. Can be difficult in places.

Black: Very difficult and often steep. Advanced levels only.

Are there any childminding or baby sitting services in Chamonix?

The main winter establishments are the ski schools and creches.

During the summer school holidays the MJC (Maison de la Jeunesse) run activities for children age 4-17 years old, including sports, photography, theatre, tournaments, and local places of interest, both in Chamonix and Argentiere.

The main Chamonix Centre Sportif (sports centre) also hosts a kid's Miniclub from July to August which gives access to the centres facilities (swimming, climbing, tennis, basket-ball, ice-skating, etc.) and to an organised hike and picnic on the Wednesdays.

Are there English-speaking Doctors in Chamonix?

There are 2 medical practices in Argentiére and 10 in Chamonix. The main hospital and emergency treatment centres is in Les Favrands, just beyond Chamonix Sud.

There is also a French Doctors that can speak English at Cabinet Médical (Dr Roncin).

Can I drink the water in Chamonix?

Chamonix has decent water treatment. The water can taste a bit metallic due to the high mineral content and during the melting periods some people prefer to switch to bottled water just in case the treatment plants are at over-capacity.

Can I use my electrical appliances in Chamonix?

Your appliance must be 220/240V.

You must have an adaptor to fit a two pin socket with a central earth pin.

Can I get sunburned in winter?

Yes. Due to the fact you are at high altitude and the reflecting properties off the snow. Make sure you use a high SPF sun block with moisturiser and always re-apply after any activity. Also wear eye protection even when it is cloudy.

Will I suffer from altitude sickness in Chamonix?

You may experience breathlessness on exercising and slight tiredness due to the lack of oxygen. Make sure you drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and protect yourself against the sun as these are more likely to make you feel unwell.

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