Fully inclusive activity holidays in central Chamonix
Not your regular hostel, this holiday centre is run by UCPA who offer affordable, all-inclusive activity holidays in Chamonix. This hostel is in a great location just a two minute walk from the centre of town. Special buses run daily from right outside the accommodation to the local ski areas, exclusively for UCPA residents.
This centre is based within a fully refurbished Victorian residence and boasts one of the highest comfort ratings of all UCPA's holiday centres. If you want to enjoy some of the best skiing in Europe, whilst staying in the centre of a vibrant and lively town, then this is the place for you!
Rooms are sold on a multi-share basis and sleep 4-6 people, with shared bathroom and toilet facilities just a few steps away in the corridor. The centre also has a number of en-suite twin rooms available for a small supplement if you prefer to have a bit more privacy, but these are very popular and tend to get booked first. Sleeping up to 200 people in total, this is a great accommodation choice for a large group of friends or a sports club looking to keep costs reasonable.
The UCPA staff lay on a low key entertainment programme each week for the enjoyment of guests and there is a sports bar and nightclub on site. The centre also has a kit room and large drying area, sauna and a large dining room with stunning views of Mont Blanc. Whilst the centre is only situated 2 minutes walk from town, when you can even rent and service your skis/boards on site, you'll just have no reason to leave the premises except to ski!
The centre has a lively resident's bar for a spot of apres ski or a social drink in the evenings, as well as its own small nightclub if you're not too fussed about getting first lifts the next day!
A buffet-style breakfast is served each morning, comprising yoghurts, cereals, fruit juice, coffee and fresh bread and then you can prep yourself a picnic style lunch from a great selection of breads, meats, cheeses, pasta, salad, fruit, sweets etc. Taking a picnic lunch with you means maximising your time on the slopes whilst minimising damage to your wallet. However, should the weather not be conducive to picnicking, you can also return to the centre for a hot lunch.
The 4-course dinner is also served buffet style with a varied and colourful salad bar, a choice of 3 or 4 main courses, a selection of cheeses and a tempting array of desserts, fruit and ice-cream for afters. Specific dietary requirements should be made known to reception staff at check-in but generally, vegetarians will find sufficient choice within the buffet.
Join an award-winning photographer for a half-day course focused on improving your observation, exploring light, and developing your photographic eye. This workshop is suitable for all levels, ages, and equipment types.
Discover the unforgettable sensation of flying high above the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley on a tandem paragliding adventure. Whether it’s your first time in the air or you’re craving an adrenaline-fuelled experience, each flight is designed to showcase the Alps from their most spectacular angle.
This company's sole activity is tandem paragliding, so they are 100 % focused on you and your flight. Their fully qualified pilots have vast experience and have done 1,000s of flight in the Chamonix Valley.
Here’s an opportunity to let a professional photographer capture the true bond between a man and his dog... cat, or otherwise!
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
Chamonix's own Cinema VOX is situated right in the centre of town, slightly tucked back on the Place Balmat (main square in the centre). There are three recently refurbished screens equipped with digital 3D projectors show the latest French and International films, as well as a number of premieres and specialist mountain-sports films.
Takeaway spot at the heart of Flégère ski resort - perfect for a quick bite to eat or a coffee.
Italian restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area with an outdoor terrace and fantastic views. If you're looking for authentic Italian pizza then try out La Piazza. It's right next to the nursery slopes at the Savoy and is the ideal place to refuel after a day skiing. Enjoy homemade pizzas and Apérol Spritz whilst admiring the mountains on their incredible terrace.
Whether you’re hungry or thirsty after a day in the mountains, Big Mountain Basecamp has you covered. Come for fresh craft beer, a relaxed restaurant atmosphere, an on-site micro-brewery, a large sunny terrace, shady beer garden and a take-out beer shop.
At Le Comptoir de Plan Praz in Chamonix, the food celebrates hearty alpine tradition with a refined touch. Expect comforting dishes like rich tartiflette, savory raclette, and melted cheese fondue, perfect after a day on the slopes. Fresh-baked breads, crisp seasonal salads, and homemade desserts add balance. Ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible, offering authentic mountain flavors. Warm soups, generous meat platters and light vegetarian options ensure there’s something for every appetite and mood.
Using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods, these pizzas are made with a sourdough crust prepared from mother yeast, two flours, sea salt, water and extra virgin olive oil, then left to rise for at least 72 hours for light, easy digestion. They use San Marzano and Yellow Datterini tomatoes and the freshest fior di latte mozzarella. With sustainability in mind, only a couple of organic meat options are offered, keeping the menu thoughtful and delicious.
Bighorn Bistro in Chamonix Sud is known for its homemade American-style comfort food, from stacked burgers to freshly baked desserts. You can pair your meal with a craft beer or one of their creative cocktails. With friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a favourite with both locals and visitors, offering generous portions, warm hospitality, and a menu that consistently delivers hearty, satisfying flavours after a day on the mountain or during a relaxed evening out.
When altitude meets relaxation, Brev’Bar is the perfect place to pause, unwind, and soak up the beauty of the mountains. Ideally located on the Brévent slopes in the Chamonix valley, this welcoming bar offers skiers and sightseers alike a well-deserved break with front-row views of Mont Blanc.
At Bighorn in Chamonix, the food blends gourmet flair with comforting alpine soul. The menu offers dishes like succulent steaks grilled to perfection, smoky ribs, and hearty burgers — ideal after a day of skiing. Fresh salads, seasonal sides and crispy fries round out meals for a balanced touch. Locally sourced produce and fine cheeses enhance flavor and authenticity. For dessert, expect rich chocolate creations or creamy cheesecake. Whether you’re hungry for a filling dinner or a casual bite, Bighorn delivers.
Whether you’re hungry or thirsty after a day in the mountains, Big Mountain Basecamp has you covered. Come for fresh craft beer, a relaxed restaurant atmosphere, an on-site micro-brewery, a large sunny terrace, shady beer garden and a take-out beer shop.
Step into Le Janssen Cocktail Bar, where the glamour of the Roaring Twenties meets the charm of the Alps. With its Gatsby the Magnificent ambience, this elegant bar is the perfect spot to start a winter evening in style. Plush interiors, soft lighting, and tasteful décor create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere that invites you to relax, sip, and savour the moment.
L'Amnesia (formally Le Garage) is ideally located near to the Aiguille du midi cable car in Cham'Sud and is a legendary Chamonix nightclub and melting pot for all the late night (and sometimes all-night) party-goers!
La Folie Douce in Chamonix is the ultimate destination for après-ski with a twist. Perched in the heart of the resort, its vibrant terrace provides panoramic mountain views that make every sip and every step feel unforgettable. From early afternoon onward, the lively atmosphere builds with energetic performers, live music, and DJ sets, creating a celebratory environment where guests can unwind, dance, and fully embrace the spirited, high-altitude party culture throughout the entire afternoon there.
The museum is currently closed for renovations
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
No trip to Chamonix should be complete without a visit to the legendary Mer de Glace, the longest and arguably the most impressive glacier in the Chamonix valley. It is also the largest glacier in France.
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
In summer the cable car at Flégère and the Index chairlift operate, taking you up to an altitude of 1,894m and then on to 2,396m at the top of the Index.
Chamonix has one of the most beautiful 18 hole golf courses in the Alps.
The Aiguille du Midi summits at a height of 3,842m and is the starting point for the famous Vallée Blanche off-piste route. There is a dedicated lift pass office here which can sell you tickets not only for the Midi but also any of the other lifts in the valley.
This ticket office not only sells tickets for the Montenvers train but also all other lift passes for the area that Compagnie du Mont Blanc cover.
The Brévent gondola delivers efficient high-speed access to the ski area, from the centre of Chamonix town - almost.
The Chamonix cross-country ski trails are easily accessed from the centre of town and are located near to the sports centre.
Les Planards is very much a family and beginner area, with nursery slopes and other fun activities on offer. Situated just beside the Montenvers Train station it's easily accessible.
La Flégère is a large south-facing ski area accessed by a cable car from the village of Les Praz; you can reach this lift pass office at the bottom of the cable care in just 10 minutes by bus, train or car from Chamonix town.
Chamonix is a lively market town known as both a world-class ski resort and mountaineering destination. Consequently, it is bustling with activity, in both the winter and summer seasons. Situated in the Haute-Savoie region of France, Chamonix is bordered by Switzerland and Italy and dominated by the incredible Aiguilles de Chamonix mountain chain which peaks at the top of Mont Blanc (4,810m) - the highest in Western Europe.
Les Praz is a small picturesque village on the outskirts of Chamonix. The village is surrounded by forests and streams making it an idyllic mountain hideaway and a popular place to live. You will find many chalet-style properties in this area. It is also home to a number of good bars and restaurants.
Les Bossons is a sleepy little village just a five-minute drive from the centre Chamonix on the road to Les Houches. It is fairly spread out and consists mainly of chalet-style properties and is popular with families due to its school.
Les Houches is one of the largest towns in the Chamonix Valley, spreading over 8km from Vaudagne and the Col de Voza at one end, towards the bottom of the Taconnaz glacier and the Merlet Animal park at the other.
Argentière is a picturesque village within the Chamonix Valley and is just a short 10-minute car journey from Chamonix town. This charming village has been less affected by wealthy tourists and ex-patriots from various countries who have chosen to make their living in the mountains. It therefore retains a lot of authentic French charm and has a beautiful unspoilt high street with patisseries, boulangeries and wine bars.
Le Tour is a small, quaint little village at the far end of the Chamonix Valley in the Domaine de la Balme area. Take a stroll around the back streets to see some of the classically Alpine-style houses and the church dome. Look up to see the glaciers reaching down towards you, which are really impressive even in the height of summer.
Find out all about what is happening in the Chamonix valley and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsChamonix hosts a wide range of sporting events throughout the year. The biggest ones include the Mont Blanc Marathon in June and the UTMB trail running race in August. In March, the Unlimited Festival brings ravers to the mountains while Musilac Mont Blanc takes place a month later. At the end of July, the Cosmo Jazz Festival hosts concerts all around the valley.
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