Category: News

Our Geneva Airport to Chamonix route is our most popular transfer by far, with many of you as enchanted by the magic of the mountains as we are! Here’s what’s new and happening in the Chamonix valley for this winter season…

New shops, bars & restaurants
A lot has changed in Chamonix town centre over the recent months. The former Terrasse bar right in the heart of Place Balmat opened as Rose du Pont to much acclaim. The amazing renovation has classic French bistro at its heart and it is truly lovely. A must visit.

After Mr Ancey’s well deserved retirement (known as Quiche Man to those who have been in Chamonix longer than they care to admit!), his beautiful little boutique chocolate shop opposite the Hotel Croix Blanche has been taken over by Sallanches chocolatiers Gateau & Cacao. And we have to say, the hand-made chocolate goodies are incredible…

Not far from our Mountain Drop-offs Chamonix HQ, you’ll find Bureau Services in the Galerie Alpina. This is the go-to place for all your stationery needs. They’ve now opened a cool little shop opposite where you can get all sorts of things printed – perfect for getting those instagrammable Chamonix skiing snaps made into a wall hanging or even a mug!

Chamonix hotels
The Hotel Mercure next to the train station is having a total makeover, with a revamped reception, bar and restaurant area, as well a whole new Spa are being built for relaxing those tired ski legs.

Work continues on transforming the former Hotel Couttet into a five star hotel and resort. It won’t be open for this winter, but it is sure to make an impact when it does!

There’s a change of name and a new look for the big hotel on the main road between Chamonix and Les Houches. Now called the Bigsky Hotel, it’s all about a funky retro styling with an indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi!

Mountain restaurants – all change?
We keep out ear well and truly to the ground in Chamonix and we hear that a trio of mountain restaurants are changing this winter. We’re excited to see what is going to happen at the Bergerie in Brevent at the eateries on the snow front at Flegere! Watch this space!

Getting around Chamonix
This winter there’s a whole new perspective on transport in the Chamonix valley, with dedicated Ski Buses and Urban Buses covering everywhere from Servoz to Vallorcine. In essence, special express ski buses pick up from Place Mont Blanc, Chamonix Sud bus station, Chamonix Tourist Office and Grepon Parking to then take skiers directly to the slopes.

There’s a new Chamonix Mobilite website and a new App too, so make sure you download it before you arrive in Chamonix!

Has all this talk of places to shop, eat and stay in Chamonix whet your appetite? Make plans and get your transfers booked online with Mountain Drop-offs now! We’re here for you.

A proper welcome back for World Cup Climbing Chamonix style!

The Chamonix leg of the World Cup Climbing tour is back in full effect for 2022 from the 8th to the 10th July! After the rather particular circumstances of the 2021 series (thanks, COVID!), this year, the doors are wide-open, giving spectators access to the all the action, animations, events and sports village – for FREE! Yay!

Chamonix World Cup Climbing – where it happens

The world’s best competition climbers will be back at the Place du Mont Blanc (the big square by the Alpina hotel) for the difficulty and speed events (or ‘lead & speed’ as it’s known in the sports climbing community!).

The Chamonix stop is one of just 12 in the 2022 World Cup series. With other stops as far afield as Jakarta and Japan, this really is a key event for the sporting calendar in Chamonix.

Official World Cup Climbing event series

Organised by Chamonix Sports and overseen by the IFSC (the International Federation of Sport Climbing), it’s an incredible event, with the majestic mountains as the backdrop. Just take a look at those super-high, super-technical climbing walls built just for this competition. There are some seriously tricky overhangs, And as for the speed climbers? Blink and you miss them, as they make that final arm stretch to hit the buzzer at the top.

The world’s best climbers…and more!

And it’s not just about climbing. There will be films on the big screen, events, entertainment for all the family and the world cup village to stroll around, with sports companies showing off their latest gear. Our highlight is the awards and closing ceremony on the Sunday night. It happens after night fall (around 22:30) and generally turns into a good old party!

When it happens

Here’s the full programme of then Chamonix World Cup Climbing competition as it stands:

Friday 8th July 2022

17:00-19:00 : Training World Cup speed climbing
19:00-21:00 : Qualifications World Cup speed climbing
21:00-21:00 : Films as featured at the Chamonix Film Festival on the big screen

Saturday 9th July 2022

10:00-17:00 : Qualifications World Cup difficulty (lead) climbing
19:30-20:00 : Films on the big scree
20:00-21:00 : Live music
21:00-22:00 : Finals of the World Cup speed climbing

Sunday 10th July 2022

10:00-12:30 : Semi-finals of the difficulty (lead) climbing
15:30-18:00 : Speed climbing wall open to all – come and have a go!
20:30-22:30 : World Cup difficulty (lead) finals

If you’re contemplating a summer trip out to Chamonix, early July is a great choice. All the lifts are open for the summer season and all the bars and restaurants are ready to welcome you, but you’ve haven’t yet got the numbers of holidaymakers Chamonix attracts once the school holidays properly kick off.

And of course, as always, we are here to get you to and from Geneva Airport to wherever you’re staying in the Chamonix valley or elsewhere, in comfort. We’re fully operational throughout the World Cup Climbing event, so book your Geneva to Chamonix shared or private transfer now!

All photos : IFSC / Chamonix Sports