When to Visit Chamonix, Season by Season

Winter is the valley’s most famous season. The ski areas generally open in mid-December and close in mid-April, though at Les Grands Montets they sometimes stay open until early May. The valley is home to several ski areas: Le Brévent and La Flégère, facing Mont Blanc; Les Grands Montets in Argentière, Balme, and Vallorcine; and Les Houches.

This winter of 2026–2027, Les Grands Montets is getting a makeover: the first section of the new Argentière–Lognan gondola will open in December 2026. The remaining section to the summit is scheduled to open in December 2027.

The Vallée Blanche is typically skied from late January through April or May, depending on snow conditions. This off-piste descent, which is over 20 km long, starts at the Aiguille du Midi. It is intended for skiers who are comfortable on all types of snow and must be done with a high-mountain guide.

For those who don't ski, winter is still a great time of year: walks in the snow, dog sledding, the Montenvers Train, and museums. You'll find all these ideas in our article on Chamonix for non-skiers.

Spring marks the transition between two seasons. Most ski resorts close in mid-April, but snow remains at higher elevations. This is the season for ski touring, often done with a guide, which can continue into May depending on conditions.

In 2026, the Aiguille du Midi and the Montenvers train reopened on May 1. The other summer lifts reopen starting in mid-June. In the meantime, the valley is quieter, and some businesses are taking a break.

In late June, the Mont Blanc Marathon kicks off the mountain racing season. The 2027 edition is scheduled for June 24–27.

Summer opens up the mountains to hikers. The main ski lifts operate from mid-June to mid-September, while the Brévent and Aiguille du Midi lifts run until early November. The trails lead up to Lac Blanc, the mountain terraces, and the alpine pastures, depending on snow conditions early in the season.

In the valley floor, daytime highs range from +18 °C to +24 °C from June through September, and regularly reach 30 °C. Nights remain cool, averaging between +6 °C and +9 °C.

It’s also mountaineering season. The Goûter Refuge, located on the standard route up Mont Blanc, is staffed from late May through early October; reservations must be made in the guest’s name. The ascent requires experience: the Alpine Club notes that rockfalls remain a real risk there.

Summer is finally the season for major events:

• Cosmojazz, in July: free concerts, both in town and at higher elevations.
• The Guides' Festival, held around August 15, is organized by the Chamonix Guides' Company, founded in 1821.
• The UTMB Mont-Blanc takes place in late August or early September, depending on the year. In 2026, it was held from August 24 to 30. The valley gets very crowded during this time, so it’s best to book early.

September and October are the best months for a peaceful getaway. After summer, the valley returns to a more leisurely pace, and in October the larch trees take on their autumn colors. The Compagnie des Guides also offers “Autumn Colors” excursions from October through late November.

November is the month for seasonal closures. In 2025, the Aiguille du Midi was closed from November 2 to December 20, and the Montenvers train was out of service for several weeks. Before booking a trip in November, it’s best to check the operating schedule on the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc website.