What’s new this winter in Chamonix
From the ski area to what's fresh in the resorts of Chamonix
As winter begins to take hold in the Chamonix Valley, we take a look at all that's new.
Early signs of snowfall in the Alps are creating much excitement for the upcoming winter season. The ski industry here is raring to go and this winter looks like being an exceptionally busy one. The ski area opens on 20 December 2025, with the Grand Montets partially open earlier than this (usually mid November at the weekends) and ski passes are now on sale.
A reminder that you're going to need to have winter tyres from 1 November to 31 March (M&S marking, or all weather (four season) tyres), OR at least two snow chains/socks in your vehicle when driving in the mountain regions in France, following a law introduced from November 2021.
Jump to
Watch this
On the slopes
Development at GM
Work is continuing on the mid station at Grands Montets after a fire destroyed the old one at Lognan (1,972m) in 2018. The new lift station and 3S cable car to access the top should be complete by December 2027. This means that for this season, access to the very top (3,275m) of the ski area will be limited to those who ski tour. For winter 2025-26 we'll see the opening of the first section of the Argentière-Lognan gondola lift, the beginner's area and the Lognan restaurant corner - see below in our food section for more information on this.
90 years of the Bellevue cable car in Les Houches
With the rise in popularity of alpine skiing in the 1930s, Les Houches installed and opened the Bellevue cable car on 25 December 1936, just in time to allow the Alpine Ski World Championships the following year. To this day it serves skiers, hikers and snowshoers depending on the time of year. Until May 2026 you can visit the Montagnard Museum in Les Houches where their exhibition dedicated to the cable car displays photographs, historical documents and eyewitness accounts.
In the valley
Modernisation and preservation
A huge development project has been ongoing on the Montenvers site. As part of the investment is a planned International Glacier and Climate Interpretation Centre, forecast for opening in summer 2026. It will highlight the preservation of the site and raise awareness among visitors about climate change and its impacts.
Sentier
This summer we saw a new shop, Sentier, open its doors next to the Ravanel & Co shop in Chamonix. Dedicated to the sport of trail running and in collaboration with Nike ACG, this unique, hybrid shop is for "anyone who sees the mountains as a playground, a space for self-expression, and a way of life"?
Ski passes
Over the last couple of years the lift company has used dynamic pricing for daily ski lift passes and due to its success these daily best deal ski passes continue this season. You may be able to benefit from discounted daily rates if you choose to come skiing outside the peak weeks.
The CHAMSKIDEAL allows you to ski in Brévent-Flégère, Grands Montets and Le Tour-Vallorcine. You need to buy in advance and it's only valid for the chosen date. It's well worth looking at the website to see if your dates match a reduced price lift pass - some reductions are up to 50%. Book online.
In town
Get a ‘frost shimmer’
The Pure Altitude boutique in Chamonix has introduced a new facial, the ‘Eclat de Givre’, infused with edelweiss and mountain plants, this treatment deeply cleanses the skin and delivers instant glow in only 25 minutes!
Big Sky launches new spa
Partnering with Yon-Ka Paris, a leading French brand in high-end phyto-aromatic cosmetics, Big Sky's spa is a wellness haven for all. Signature treatments include CBD treatment for anti-stress and tension release and the ‘Retour des Cimes’ crafted for hikers, revitalising tired muscles. Visitors can also enjoy saunas, a heated pool and jacuzzi and more.
Clarins wellness menu
Le Matafan restaurant is introducing its Wellness Menu by Clarins at the five-star Hotel Mont Blanc. This menu created by Dr Olivier Courtin (Clarins) and chef Mickey Bourdillat, combines flavours and balance, highlighting seasonal products, culinary tradition with the pleasure of healthy refined cusine.
Casa Valerio spreads its wings
Branching out from their father's Casa Valerio restaurant, a Chamonix institution since the 80s, Marco and his siblings David and Mara, along with Mara's partner Nadim, have launched their own place - I Fratelli - a stone's throw from Aiguille du Midi cable car serving Italian-style breakfasts and brunches.
Alpine Museum to reopen in Spring 2026
Closed since September 2021, this iconic building has undergone a major transformation that is set to complete in Spring 2026. The work is centred around a new concept dedicated to exploring the relationship between people and the mountains of the region.
Indoor Golf
Created by a young Chamonix native, Swing House is the first indoor golf centre in the town. From seasoned pros to curious beginners, when the weather turns head indoors to take on challenges from over 400 golf courses.
Bars and cafés
60 years of waffles
This charming wooden Gaufres kiosk in the centre of town has been serving handmade waffles since 1965, when local couple Pierre and Raymonde Favret set up their first waffle stand. The waffles sold to this day still use the same recipe and are baked on the original irons - these secret formula flavours have stood the test of time. Queues are common, but you won't be alone in agreeing it was worth the wait.
Fresh flavours in Servoz
The Franc Café team of Jen Weiss and Louise Mesnil have taken over the space La Table du Lieutenant at the incredible Maison du Lieutenant building just above Servoz. Offering guests a warm welcome alongside homemade dishes thoughtfully put together from local produce - think hearty soups, flavourful tartines, artisan coffee alongside delicious cakes and cookies. If you find yourself down this end of the valley be sure to call in.
Food on the slopes
Change at the top
The Plan Joran restaurant at Grands Montets ski area has reinvented itself as a stylish Alpine food court, offering a varied menu with multiple food stations - wood fired Neapolitan pizza, pasta bar, bistro classics, sandwiches, salad bar, soup station and a coffee shop. Seating over 500 both indoor and outdoor, you'll find digital ordering via kiosks and QR codes and group-friendly vouchers. Accessible only on skis.
Gaming at 3842m
Thrill-seekers and food lovers can discover adventure at the top the Aiguille du Midi. La Maison des Drus is launching a new format at Restaurant Le 3842 - a murder mystery or treasure hunt played out above the Alps. After the game enjoy an aperitif on the panoramic terrace, before sitting down to a three-course lunch (drinks not included) in the newly renovated, cosy interior.
Events
Free nature Wednesdays
As part of the activities organised within the nature reserves of the Aiguilles Rouges Massif and Natura 2000, free nature outings focus on wildlife during the winter season. Throughout the winter there will also be screenings, lectures and discussions on various nature related topics.
Dates for the diary
You’ll find plenty to keep you entertained in Chamonix this winter including the great Christmas and new year festivities, markets and parades.
The Kandahar Alpine Skiing World Cup, electronic music festival and much more will be on, so consult our events calendar for full details.
More inspiration...
There's always more to see and do in Chamonix, so come and check the place out yourself!
