Chamonix transfers all year round
Our Geneva to Chamonix shuttle is by far our most popular transfer route. Of all the alpine resorts, Chamonix attracts a huge amount of visitors in winter, summer, spring and autumn too.
So where is Chamonix? It’s a really easy transfer from Geneva Airport in Switzerland across the border into France and from there it’s a straight transfer run up the motorway. Chamonix is one of the few alpine ski resorts that’s dual-carriageway all the way from Geneva Airport.
The Geneva to Chamonix transfer time is between 1hr 15 and 1hr 30, depending on road conditions and your drop off point. So with Mountain Drop-offs, you’ll soon be checking out the latest snow conditions at the foot of the snow-capped peaks of the Chamonix Mont Blanc Massif on your way to the ski hire shop, ready to hit the slopes!
Geneva to Chamonix Information
- Transfer time – Chamonix transfers take approximately 1hr 15 dependant on traffic, weather conditions and your drop off point
- Door to door – Our transfer shuttles take you right to the door of your accommodation in Chamonix (subject to road access)
- Baby and booster seats – Baby and booster seats are available for free – make sure to add when booking
- Multi-lingual team – Our team is English speaking
- Transfer types – We have fares to suit all with our Supersaver, Flexi, Private and VIP options
- Skis and snowboards – Skis and snowboards are transported free with Mountain Drop-offs – make sure to add when booking
- Bikes – Bring your bike in summer – make sure to add when booking
- Return to Geneva Airport – On your return to Geneva Airport will aim to get you there approx 2 hours before you flight
- Reminder updates – Our in-resort SMS reminders will ensure you are kept up to date with your in-resort pick-up time
- Modern fleet – All our shuttle vans are comfortable and efficient
See our terms and conditions for more information or check out our FAQ page.
Guide sectionChamonix Destination Guide
Europe’s Highest Mountain
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan towns in the French Alps. Visitors flock to the alpine resort of Chamonix, drawn by the breathtaking scenery which surrounds the valley and the myriad of activities available year round.
Superlative skiing in Chamonix – and so much more!
If you’re an active type, almost every conceivable outdoor pursuit can be experienced around Chamonix. From skiing and ice climbing, to paragliding and mountain biking, with Mont Blanc (Europe’s highest mountain at 4810m) as your backdrop – and all this just over an hour from Geneva Airport.
The lifts and railways that traverse the entire Chamonix valley, from Les Houches up to Le Tour, are open both winter and summer, boasting incredible skiing, mountaineering and hiking, with captivating viewpoints at every turn.
Our top tip for Chamonix ski holidays – think about skiing in late March/early April. The main Feb school holidays are done, the days are lighter longer and you can usually make the most of the sunshine on a mountain restaurant terrace!
Chamonix attractions off the slopes
If all that sounds too much like hard work, back down in Chamonix town itself, there’s plenty to occupy the visitor. Chamonix is a truly year-round destination. It’s a lively, working town with so much to offer to both those who make it their home and those who come to visit.
News, views and what’s new in Chamonix for 2024
Chamonix Mobilite – the new Ski & Urban bus network! Excellent news for those arriving on Chamonix by transfer. With your Guest Card (available from your hotel, Airbnb etc) you can travel free on the trains from Servoz to Vallorcine for the duration of your stay. This year, there will be dedicated ski buses to whisk you straight from Chamonix Centre to the slopes, which are free if you have a valid lift pass.
Chamonix’s mountain restaurant revolution! We hear there are some interesting changes coming this winter…keep a look out at the Bergerie at the Brevent snow front and things may be changing at Flegere too! And of course, Les Vieilles Luges (Les Houches slopes) made a welcome return last winter with new owners, but the same vibes!
Pssst: The Renzo Piano-designed new cable cars at Grands Montets should be on course for being opened in December 2026. A fire closed both the Lognan and Grands Montets ‘top’ cable car back in 2018.
Our current fave Chamonix restaurant & bars:
Mumma – Chef David’s borderless cuisine goes from gyozas and tempura, to sea bass ceviche and silk tofu sticks. It’s all about sharing (accompanied by some incredible saki) in this bustling contemporary bistrot setting.
Situated opposite the Pointe Isabelle hotel, Mumma makes a great addition to this part of town with MESS, Moo, Roster, Tanpopo, Chambre 9 and Elevation.
The new place to see and be seen – Rose du Pont, place Balmat. It used to be the seasonnaire hang-out ‘La Terrace’ and now it has undergone a multi-million euro transformation into a very stylish Brasserie.
Run by the same people as ‘Josephine’ just around the corner. Popping in for an ape and a look around the stunning decor is a must!
Best proper coffee – Moodys (with Cinnamon Rolls & Blueberry Muffins to die for!)
Apres-anything, with tapas, drinks and fun – L’Hydromel on the main drag. Cocktails, tapas & more all day long!
The classic – The MBC (Micro Brasserie Chamonix) is a veritable Chamonix institution. In-house brewed beers, wings and a great atmosphere
Meeting & eating – Plan B Hotel & Restaurant. Kids & parents love it!
Everything in one place – La Folie Douce with outdoor fun on the huge terrace, multiple bars and restaurants
Sushi – Satsuki for the best value lunch deals, YumiDori for a fancy sushi treat
Out of towners – Le Petit Social in Les Praz is a hit
Chocolate heaven – New this winter 2023 : the gorgeous Gateau & Cacao shop opposite the Hotel La Croix Blanche carrying on where the legendary Ancey Chocolatier left off after retiring
The Mountain Drop-offs blog:
For more on the best places to eat up and down the Chamonix valley, on and off the mountain, check out our Chamonix restaurant reviews. We’ve explored the fine art of lunch, the best newcomer eateries on the block and our favourite cheap eats and Savoyard favourites will follow soon.
The Chamonix mountains are calling, I must go…
So, now you know a little more about what’s happening in Chamonix, the best time of year to ski in Chamonix and the best restaurants to try out in resort, it’s time to get organised. Think about getting your holiday form in to the boss, book your flights, reserve your accommodation and get those Mountain Drop-offs Geneva to Chamonix transfers in the bag!
Use the online booking form on this page to get a quote and book your transfers in just a few simple steps.
Things to do around Chamonix
There’s plenty to keep you occupied and entertained in Chamonix whatever the time of year. With so much to do and see, it’s guaranteed you will have a great time.
And remember, when you book your Airport transfer, we will take you to wherever you want to go in the Chamonix Valley. So if you want to go straight for a round of golf in Les Praz, or be dropped off in time for apres-ski at La Folie Douce, it’s no problem!
Summer Highlight : On your bike!
Chamonix’s reputation as a mountain playground isn’t limited to snow and rock. Mountain bikers are spoiled in Chamonix thanks to a combination of a long (June to September) summer lift season and a diverse range of trails from the rocky technical challenges of Brevent and Flegere, to the more flowy singletracks of Le Tour and Les Houches.
Road bikers are spoilt for choice, with Chamonix ideally located between the renowned road routes of the Swiss Valais, the Chablais and the Aravis. And there’s plenty of Tour de France and Criterium du Dauphiné stages to try!
With free transport of bikes available* when you book your Mountain Drop-Offs airport transfer, we are the best transfer option for your next cycling holiday. Pic: TimFoster@ Unsplash
*Don’t delay, we carry a maximum of 4 bikes per vehicle.
The Chamonix Classics – Breathtaking views guaranteed!
content-activities.phpQC Terme Chamonix
The QC Terme Centre Bien-Etre (Wellness Centre) is run by the behind the Pre St Didier Thermal Baths just past Courmayeur. Covering 3000m2 and based right next to the municipal swimming pool and sports centre in Chamonix, this very Italian-style thermal bathing centre boasts outdoor and indoor hot and cold basins, jacuzzi pools, saunas, hammams, restaurant and treatment rooms. And yes, you can laze in a jacuzzi and gaze at Mont Blanc!
Aiguille du Midi
Take the two-stage cable car to the viewing platforms, walkways and exhibition areas. Summiting at an incredible 3842m, you’re getting unparalleled views of Mont Blanc and 360° views of the French, Italian and Swiss Alps. Don’t miss ‘The Tube’ walk and the ‘Step into the Void’ glass viewing box. This is must-do sightseeing at high altitude.
The Vallée Blanche
Known as the VB, this is the legendary 20km-long off piste ski itinerary from the top of the Aiguille du Midi lift, that takes in the glacial terrain of the Geant, Tacul and Mer de Glace glaciers. Hiring a fully qualified Chamonix guide is strongly recommended for this non-pistes, high mountain outing in a stunning glacial setting high above Chamonix. For very good skiers only!
Montenvers Railway
Spectacular cog railway from Chamonix to Montenvers above the Mer de Glace. From here you can visit the Grotte de la Mer de Glace ice cave, which takes three months to carve out and has a constant interior temperature between -2 and -5 degrees. You can catch the train back down or walk (spring/summer only). We love the route back down to Chamonix centre via the picturesque Rocher des Mottets ‘buvette’ (a mountain chalet for drinks and food).
Chamonix Golf Course
Enjoy a round of golf on the 18 holes on this challenging par 72, 6188m golf course with stunning mountain views. You can also practice your swing and aim at the driving range. Chamonix’s golf course in Les Praz is open until 19:00 each day in the summer months. And of course, there’s the club house for members and the Cabane restaurant overlooking the greens for refreshments afterwards.
Upcoming Events around Chamonix
Chamonix event calendar | What’s on!
There’s never a dull moment when it comes to events and attractions in the Chamonix valley. Fun on the slopes in winter is combined with music and dancing at apres-ski events, then a plethora of sporting endeavours across spring, autumn and summertime (many of which involve wearing lycra and running for miles!).
In essence, there really is something for everyone in Chamonix in all seasons – which is why we run our Chamonix service all year round.
Chamonix FAQs – all your questions answered!
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When are the lifts open?
Each ski area in the Chamonix valley has its own lift opening dates for the winter and summer seasons. The Aiguille du Midi and Montenvers are open all year round (with breaks for maintenance). During the ski season, lifts are generally open from 09:00 to 16:30 each day. Before making any plans to travel to Chamonix, check full details on lift openings on the Mont-Blanc Natural Resort website.
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When’s the best time of year to ski in Chamonix?
If you want peaceful skiing come outside of school holiday season (the whole of Feb is holiday time in France). We love spring skiing in March and April. January can be cold, but there’s often lots of snow.
Christmas and New Year is, of course, really busy but it’s a magical family time too. If you’re really lucky, there may be some early doors skiing at weekends as early as the end of November, but it’s pretty rare these days.
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Can I visit Chamonix out of season?
Yes! Chamonix is different to other alpine ski resorts in that it is a proper working town. That means it’s not a ghost town when the snow melts. There are always lots of shops, bars, restaurants and cafes open even in spring and autumn.
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What are the lift pass prices in Chamonix?
The first thing you need to know is that there are two passes. The Chamonix Le Pass and the Mont-Blanc Unlimited. Chamonix Le Pass gives access to Brevent, Flegere, Balme (Le Tour), Grands Montets (except the very top lift) and the low level beginner areas.
The Mont-Blanc Unlimited (or MBU) is valid for all these areas PLUS Les Houches, the top of Grands Montets, Mer de Glace Montenvers, Aiguille du Midi and Tramway Mont Blanc. MBU passes of 2+ days give you access to Courmayeur, Verbier from 6+ days and the Chamonix pool and ice rink for 3-21 day MBUs.
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Can I get a discounted lift pass?
At certain times of the year, Mountain Drop-offs offers clients a 5% discount on 2 to 9-day Chamonix Le Pass and Mont-Blanc Unlimited passes. Simply book directly through the Mont-Blanc Natural Resort lift company website using the special code in your transfer confirmation email from us!
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How much is ski/snowboard hire in the valley?
The cost of ski and snowboard hire in Chamonix varies massively from shop to shop. It always pays to reserve in advance on the internet for the best prices.
All the usual big names like Intersport, Sport2000, SkiSet, Twinner, Ski Republic and Skimium are in Chamonix. You need to allow from around 25€ when booked in advance, 30€ in the shop for a set of beginner skis, boots and poles for a day. A 6-day hire will cost around 100€ for beginners and up to 200€ for top-end skis boots and poles.
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Does Mountain Drop-offs have any ski hire deals?
Yes, we work with Sanglard Sports (part of the Skimium ski hire network) who have their flagship store by the place du Mont-Blanc in Chamonix and a shop at the foot of the Grands Montets ski area. When you book a transfer with us, you’ll receive an email about exclusive offers in Chamonix for our customers. You can save up to 15% off your ski hire with us!
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What other discount deals do you have?
They may vary from season to season, with everything from free children’s pizzas to money off your lift pass purchases. Make sure you read your transfer confirmation email from us for the latest promo codes and deals.
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Can you go from London to Chamonix by train?
You can, but it’s a bit of a mission as there is no direct service. It’d be Eurostar to Paris or Lille. After that you’ve got a choice of routes. You could cross Paris to Gare de L’Est for a train to Annecy. Then regional train to Le Fayet, then Mont Blanc Express to Chamonix.
Or changing at Lille (the International station) you can go to Geneva and either Leman Express to Fayet and then Mont-Blanc Express, or book yourself a Mountain Drop-offs transfer from the airport or main train station in Geneva.
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Should I stay in a hotel or go self-catering?
Chamonix has everything from five-star hotels and luxury catered chalets, to rental studios. Which you choose depends on what sort of holidaymaker you are. If you want best value, a small self-catering apartment you booked yourself could work for you (there’s the market and lots of food shops).
If you want to relax and do nothing for yourself, a catered chalet will take care of everything for you. Hotels are great for being in the town centre. And in all cases, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants to eat out in!
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Is there a bus to ski in Courmayeur?
Yes. There are two return journeys a day from Chamonix Sud main bus station. You have to have a valid Mont Blanc Unlimited pass to access it (it’s a paid service around 15€ day return) and it’ll drop you the Skyway Cable Car – a 5-mins walk to Val Veny cable car to access the main Courmayeur ski area.
Enquire at the SAT office at the bus station. Advanced booking advised. If there’s a group of you, why not ask Mountain Drop-offs? That way you can come and go when you want and be dropped off and picked up from the town centre, the fast access Dolonne bubble lift or at the foot of Val Veny cable car. No walking required.
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Where can I book my ski lessons?
There are ESF (Ecole de Ski Francaise) in Chamonix and Argentiere and other independent ski schools such as Evolution 2. All take bookings online for group and private lessons. Make sure you get in there early for February half term, as that peak week gets fully booked.
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Is there a tourist office/visitor centre?
Yes. The Chamonix tourist office is in Place du Triangle de l’Amitié, the big square next to the main church, town hall and ski school office. Open every day in high season.
Now you know all there is to know about Chamonix..
Amazing skiing, superb hiking and world-class events ensure that Chamonix always attracts a huge influx of visitors. During the peak weeks, our advice is to book up your flights, accommodation and airport transfers as early as you can. Getting to and from Chamonix couldn’t be easier, as we run services between Geneva Airport and Chamonix daily in both directions.
Head to our on-line booking form and in the ‘to’ section you will see several options for Chamonix to every corner of the valley, so just pick the most relevant area to ensure you get the right quote. And don’t forget, we drop off and pick you up at your door!