It's very cold and the days are short, but the skies are blue and the pistes are quiet.
January in Chamonix: What's on and weather
Quiet slopes, great atmosphere and some special events
After the Christmas holidays are over, January is the quietest part of the main winter season in Chamonix. This means you have the slopes to yourselves, rarely have to queue for a lift and can enjoy pistes in great condition. So wrap up warm and get outside to find new year adventures.
The quiet conditions on the mountain don’t translate to quiet nights in the town. There are fewer families and more adult visitors, meaning it can be easier to get a table at a restaurant, and the bars are buzzing with plenty of live music and party nights to keep you entertained whilst you warm your hands on a glass of vin chaud.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout January.
What are the weather and snow conditions like?
There is regular snowfall - on average 13 days - and subzero temperatures keep it nice and fresh. In January the average daytime temperatures generally fall between a high of 4°C and a low of -4ºC, getting around five hours of sunshine. Definitely pack those thermals!
Nightlife in Chamonix
At this time of the season we are looking forward to some live music sessions, whether from local bands or even one of the open mike nights and jam sessions that the local bars often hold. So, whether you fancy yourself an Adele, Bob Dylan or a Satriani, there's definitely somewhere you can 'entertain' the crowds.
Of course, that's if we've made it home from one of the many après-ski events taking place. In addition to the regular afternoon on-pistes parties, there are some big events that light up the resort throughout the month.
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
With all those empty pistes, no lift queues and perfect conditions, we like to get out into the mountains on our skis and snowboards as much as possible.
If you visit the resort in January you can buy a lift pass and join one of the local ski schools' many ski or snowboard lessons taking place around the resort.
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
With December out of the way, there's plenty of fun to be had in Chamonix in January. There's cross-country skiing, plus ski-touring, split-boarding - all of which have gained in popularity, especially so since lockdown. If there's a whiteout, pull on some raquettes (snowshoes) and venture forth into the wilderness - there are many snowshoe routes around the valley where you can still ‘earn your burger’.
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.
January events in Chamonix
Chamonix has been hosting winter sporting events since the very beginning, starting with the first winter Olympics way back in 1924. This tradition continues today, and every month during the winter season there are a number of world-class events happening here.
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.
