Travel in the Chamonix Valley, the Ski slopes and Courmayeur

Transport around Chamonix and to the Ski slopes

The Astor is perfectly situated for the numerous public transport options that can be used to travel around both Chamonix town and throughout the whole valley.

Public transport around Chamonix town

‘Le Mulet’ free local shuttle bus has a stop right outside the apartment (called F. Devouassoux). Turn left out of the drive, take the first left which is Chemin Francois Devouassoux, and the stop is on your left next to the poubelle. There is another stop on Rue Helbronner. The bus runs a circular route around the town centre and is useful for quick and easy travel to local areas when the weather is not perfect or you’ve had a hard day on the slopes. The bus runs every 12-15 minutes.

Public transport throughout Chamonix valley

Ski bus

The ski bus is the easiest and quickest way to access all of the different ski areas in the Chamonix valley using public transport. The bus is free to use with a liftpass or guest card (ask in Snostation office for this) or 3 euro/day without and very reliable, even in heavy snow. The buses are usually every 10 mins to all locations but change according to season, see Chamonix bus timetables for up to date timetables.

If you wish to go to Le Brevent, Le Tour, Flegere or Les Grandes Montets  the best bus stop is ‘Place du Mont Blanc’. Use the footpath that runs along side the ‘Montenvers Train’ (look out of the kitchen window!), get to the end, carry straight on until you hit the main road, turn left and cross the bridge. The bus stop is opposite the ‘Alpina’ Hotel. It takes less than 10 mins, even when carrying your partners / children’s skis! If you wish to go to Les Houches then head to the station at Chamonix Sud. Turn left out of the apartment and take your first left. Follow your nose to the junction and then head left past the ‘Aiguille du Midi’ lift until you hit the main road. It takes between 5 and 10 minutes to get there.

Train

The SNCF line serves all the villages from Saint Gervais-le Fayet to Martigny (Switzerland), passing through Servoz, Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentière and Vallorcine. One train approximately every hour. This is a great way to travel around the area, is very comfortable and the trains are brand new with large panoramic windows. It is also possible to use the train to access the different ski areas, although the stations can be quite a distance from the actual slopes so the bus / car is normally a better option.

The link to the timetables and can be found here: Chamonix train timetable

Driving to the ski slopes

Driving to the ski slopes can be the easiest way to get around and means you don’t have to carry all of your gear around. There are large car parks at the Grands Montets, Flegere and Le Tour. The parking is more difficult at Les Houches and Le Brevent as there is a shortage a space – It is best to walk to Le Brevent (15 mins) and get the bus to Les Houches (see details above).

By car:

• To Le Brevent: 4 mins
• To Flegere: 7 mins
• To Les Houches: 8 mins
• To Les Grands Montets: 12 mins
• To Le Tour: 18 mins

Skiing in St Gervais, Megeve and Les Contamines

The Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass allows you to ski in St Gervais and Les Contamines free of charge. It takes less than 30 mins to get to the first lift station and provides great family skiing along with some fantastic off piste opportunities. Free shuttles to Megeve are also usually available if you have the pass, check the website for the latest information and to book a place online.

Skiing in Courmayeur

The Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass also allows you to ski in Courmayeur free of charge, accessed through the Mont Blanc Tunnel. It is best to park at Val Veny which is the first area you reach and has a very large free car park. The skiing in Courmayeur is similar to Les Houches and is definitely worth a trip if you have a car, it takes approximately 30 mins to get there. There is a bus that leaves Chamonix very early in the morning also, if you don’t have this option.

Important information:

• Buy your Mont Blanc Tunnel pass, using your Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass at the Montenvers train station before you travel. You will receive a substantially better rate (approximately 27 Euros return) than simply paying at the toll booth (approximately 55 Euros return). You have to present the ski pass used to buy the tunnel pass at the toll booth on arriving at the tunnel for the card to be valid.
• You MUST take your receipt for your ski pass. Without it your pass is not valid in Courmayeur and you will be made to buy a day pass!
• You have to validate your Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass at the cash desk in Courmayeur before you get the lift, so someone get in the queue straight away on arrival!

Please note that the Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass gives you lots of ‘extras’ – from discounted Cinema, free swimming / ice rink trips and skiing in Verbier to free trips on the Montenvers railway, Aiguille du Midi (for spectacular views) and Tramway du Mont Blanc – using all the benefits is highly recommended. These offerings change from season to season, for the most up-to-date information go to montblancnaturalresort.com