Things To Do
in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

A melted cheese pot typically made from local cheeses (Beaufort, Comté, Emmental). Best enjoyed at traditional restaurants in town or in mountain restaurants after skiing or hiking.

Must-Try!

Melted cheese scraped over potatoes, charcuterie and pickles — a winter favorite offered at many Savoyard eateries and chalets.

Potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons and onions baked together — very satisfying after a cold mountain day; widely available in bistros and après-ski menus.

Savoyard sausages (diots) often served with crozets (small buckwheat or wheat pasta) — a staple in regional restaurants.

Local market days (usually twice weekly in high season) feature cheese stalls, cured meats, breads, pastries and seasonal produce — great for picnic supplies.

During summer and winter, you’ll find vendors and huts offering tarte salée, grilled sausages, and hot chocolate near lifts and trailheads; pick these up for quick fuel on the move.

Polite French greetings matter: say 'Bonjour' on entering shops and 'Merci' when served. Use formal 'vous' with strangers unless invited to use 'tu'.

Stand in line and wait your turn at lifts, ticket desks and shops; cutting is frowned upon.

Stick to marked trails, respect seasonal closures, and follow local rules on wildlife and waste — alpine environments are fragile.

Table service is usually slower and more relaxed than in some countries; tipping small amounts is fine but not expected as a rule.

Service is included in restaurant bills by law (service compris), but it’s customary to leave small change or round up for good service (5–10%). For guides, drivers and porters, a more substantial tip is appreciated (5–10% or a modest flat amount).

Credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops; smaller mountain huts or markets may prefer cash (euros). Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common in town.

Warm days and cool nights with peak hiking, climbing and mountain-biking conditions; high-altitude snow patches can remain, and afternoon thunderstorms are common — plan for weather changes and carry layers.

Quieter trails, vibrant foliage at lower elevations and cooler temperatures; some lifts and mountain services start to close in late autumn, and early snowfall can occur at altitude.

Snowy and cold with world-class skiing, snowboarding and busy après-ski culture; avalanche risk exists in backcountry areas — use guides and check forecasts.

Variable conditions with snow lingering at higher elevations while lower trails open; quieter than summer and winter, but some mountain services remain limited.

Long-term residents with roots in the Alpine region, often involved in hospitality, mountain guiding, farming and local services.

A large transient population of workers in hospitality, ski schools and tourism businesses who live in Chamonix during busy months.

Visitors from across Europe and worldwide drawn by skiing, climbing, hiking and the Mont Blanc experience; a diverse, multilingual group.

A smaller group of long-term expatriates who work in tourism, guiding or run businesses and contribute to international services and schools.

The valley has several ski areas catering to all levels, from family slopes to extreme off-piste terrain; winter is peak season for these sports.

A historic center for alpinism with classic routes on Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks; ice climbing on frozen waterfalls is popular in winter.

Chamonix hosts trail races and is a hub for long-distance mountain running, with routes ranging from valley runs to high alpine ridges.

Aerial sports are popular thanks to reliable thermals and spectacular terrain; tandem flights are common for visitors.