It's the school holidays and the resort is full of families, and the snow is already deep in resort.
February in Chamonix: What's on and weather
A busy time in resort coinciding with some great skiing conditions
With the school holidays in full force, on the slopes and throughout town it's buzzing with activity. Chamonix lays on plenty of entertainment, with regular events and parties going on around town.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout February.
What are the weather and snow conditions like?
There is still regular snowfall and very much like January the average daily temperatures generally fall between a high of 4ºC and a low of -5ºC, with around just over five hours of sunshine. Still very much a time for wearing a thermal under-layer.
Nightlife in Chamonix
If, like most people, you like to follow several hours of exercise with several hours of drinking, you can hit up any of a number of local après-ski sessions. Down at the bottom of the Brévent slopes, you'll find world-famous La Folie Douce, or head to Rue du Moulin for a range of eateries and bars, or to Cham Sud where you'll find bars offering great music, delicious food and happy hours.
For late-night entertainment, the clubs hold special nights on most days of the week.
Bars & Clubs in Chamonix
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Brev'bar
Outdoor snack bar at the Brévent ski area with a sunny terrace and deckchairs
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.
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La Folie Douce Bar
The most famous mountain clubbing hotspot in the Alps comes to Chamonix
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.
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L'Amnesia Nightclub
Late night fun in this Chamonix nightclub located in the Chamonix Sud area
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!
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Big Mountain Basecamp Bar & Restaurant
Local craft beer, artisan pizzas and epic mountain views in the heart of Chamonix
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.
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Bighorn Bistro Bar
Craft ales, quirky cocktails, American cuisine and home cooked baked goods
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.
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Le Janssen Cocktail Club
Folie Douce Hotel's cocktail bar next to the Savoy nursery ski area
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.
Ski Schools in Chamonix
February is a popular month for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the four-week French holidays begin. Fortunately, the Chamonix valley ski area is so vast, that even in high season you can find quiet slopes and minimal lift queues. Here are our insider's top tips for the school holidays:
- group lessons are the best option in the busy period, as private lessons are almost impossible to book - unless you got in early, so make sure to get your ski and snowboard lessons booked well in advance to avoid disappointment
- if you're not in ski school, be an early bird. Arrive at the lifts before they open so that you get up and away before the ski school classes set out around 09:15
- ski over lunchtime when the slopes are calmer (between 12:00 and 14:00) whilst the French take a leisurely lunch break
- avoid the queues and make the most of your time in the mountains by pre-booking your lunch reservation - some restaurants offer a Click & Collect service
- seek out the peripheral areas, try to avoid the busy main ski areas closer to Chamonix town, mainly Brévent and Flégère, and head to the edges of the valley as Le Balme / Vallorcine and Les Houches may be a bit quieter
- if you have a Mont-Blanc Natural Unlimited pass, remember that you can also head across the border into Italy and ski in Courmayeur
- get off-piste - competent off-piste skiers can book a local mountain guide and explore the vast off-piste areas in the valley or even go touring to find complete solitude in the backcountry
Ski School Lessons in Chamonix
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Private ski lessons
Private lessons from ski and snowboard school for Le Tour and La Balme ski area
The perfect choice for private ski lessons in the Chamonix Valley if you're staying in Vallorcine, Le Tour or Montroc, or would like to discover the beautiful Balme ski area at the top end of the valley.
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Private ski lessons
Private skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly rated instructors
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
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Private ski lessons
Largest French ski school offering private ski and snowboard lessons
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in private lessons.
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Group ski lessons
Largest French ski school offering group ski and snowboard lessons
The perfect choice for group ski lessons in the Chamonix Valley if you're staying in Vallorcine, Le Tour or Montroc, or would like to discover the beautiful Balme ski area at the top end of the valley.
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Private ski lessons
Exceptional coaching tailored to your needs for unforgettable skiing
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
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Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
Winter Things To Do in Chamonix
Family fun in Chamonix
February is synonymous with school holidays. As hundreds of children and their families descend on the pistes, the Chamonix valley puts on a show for them. There are lots of activities to keep the little ones entertained on and off the mountain. Les Houches, the most family-friendly of all the resorts in the valley, has various events for the children during the holidays.
For anyone and everyone there is plenty to do, there's sledging, night skiing, and you could even try your skills on the valley's cross-country skiing tracks that snake their way through the valley.
Wintersport Things To Do in Chamonix
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Snowshoe guided walks
Half day and full day snowshoe walks in Vallorcine
Explore the fantastic natural scenery around Vallorcine, Le Tour and Montroc by going off the beaten track on snowshoes!
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Guided snowshoeing
Half day or full day private guided snowshoeing walks
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche
Experience a guided off-piste ski or snowboard adventure on the Vallée Blanche
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism. Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.
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Helicopter tours
10, 30 or 60 minute private helicopter tours for up to five people
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
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Heliskiing/boarding
Heliskiing/boarding trip in Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass.
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
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Mer de Glace glacier hike
Full-day glacier hike on the Mer de Glace 'Sea of Ice' with experienced guide
Experience one of the best known glaciers in the Alps, safe in the hands of an experienced local guide.
February events in Chamonix
Chamonix is a foodie's paradise. For this 14 February, take your pick of the best in town with a table at the only Michelin-starred eatery or if this is beyond the budget, worry not, Chamonix is full of great gourmet options. If you're after some entertainment while you eat, many places will put on live music, or you could head out after your dinner. Whether you're a major fan or have never seen a professional ice hockey match in your life, you should definitely head down to the local ice rink when the Chamonix Pionniers play their home games.
Events in Chamonix
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Festival Les Petits Asticots
Children's festival with workshops and entertainment
For over 20 years this week long autumn festival has been encouraging children to be imaginative and creative, whilst having lots of fun.
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Photography workshop - "L'Art du Regard"
Discover light, composition, and creativity on a relaxed half-day photography workshop in nature with an award-winning photographer.
Join award-winning photographer Monica for an inspiring half-day photography workshop in the Chamonix valley. Open to all levels and offered in both French and English, this small-group experience focuses on the art of seeing - learning to notice light, composition, and the details that give an image its soul.
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Farmer's market Les Houches
Local produce sold at this weekly market - fresh food direct from farm to table
Come and discover the produce of this local farm in Les Houches.
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Chamonix Photo Festival
Mountain, nature and culture combine
Celebrating the beauty of nature at this three day photo festival all around the Chamonix valley
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Ice hockey match - Chamonix Pionniers
See the Chamonix Pionniers in action
The local Chamonix ice hockey team, the Pionniers, play in France's Synerglace Ligue Magnus, the first division. See them battle against other national teams at Chamonix's ice rink.
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Halloween in Chamonix
Check out the best parties around town this All Hallows' Eve
There will be a number of parties and events happening this Halloween at some of the best venues in town and neighbouring villages.
