Itinerary Summary
A one-hour bus from Geneva airport brings you to Chamonix, with the Montenvers railway up to the Mer de Glace glacier on day two, the Aiguille du Midi cable car to 3,842 m on day three, then ski days…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Geneva arrival and the bus into the Chamonix valley
10:30
2h
Bus transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix
Coaches leave from the French sector at Geneva Airport and reach Chamonix in about 75 minutes, with views of the Aravis range. Book a seat online in peak season and keep your passport handy at the border.
📍 Geneva Airport to Chamonix
14:30
2h
Ski hire fitting in Chamonix Sud
Collect pre-booked skis and boots from a Chamonix Sud shop, where staff can adjust bindings while you wait. Hiring before arrival is cheaper and guarantees your size in February and during school holidays.
📍 Chamonix Sud
18:00
1.5h
Evening walk along the Arve
Follow the riverside path past the parish church for close views of the Bossons glacier and the Aiguille du Midi. The path is unlit after dark, so bring a head torch if you walk back after dinner.
📍 Chamonix town centre
💡 Pro Tip: Chamonix has no airport of its own, so most trips start at Geneva in Switzerland, an hour away by road. Border formalities depend on your passport and on whether you enter through Switzerland or France, so check both country visa sections. The valley runs on UTC+1, moving to UTC+2 in summer. Winter daylight fades by 17:00 in December and January.
Days 2-7 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$89035%
Chamonix ski hotels, 6 nights
Food & DiningUS$51020%
Raclette, fondue, vin chaud and mountain-restaurant lunches
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport do I fly into for a Chamonix ski trip, and how do I get there?+
Geneva (GVA) is the closest airport, and a bus or shared transfer takes about an hour to Chamonix. Confirm your transfer accepts ski bags and book ahead for weekend arrivals. Lyon and Turin are alternatives, but transfers from either are much longer.
When is the best time for skiing in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?+
January and February usually bring the most reliable snow and full slope operation. December and March are quieter and cheaper but can be patchy lower down. Check the Chamonix lift status and snow report before booking, and note high-altitude cable cars close in strong wind.
Do I need a visa if I land in Switzerland and ski in France?+
You enter the Schengen area through Switzerland, so if you need a Schengen visa, apply through Switzerland as your first-entry country. Visa-free passport holders move between the two without extra checks. Rules depend on your passport, so check both countries' visa sections.
Is Chamonix suitable for beginners, and do I need to book ski school?+
The valley has gentle nursery slopes at Les Planards and Le Tour, but many runs are steep. Beginners should book lessons with a local ski school, especially in peak weeks. Off-piste sections on this route need a guide, avalanche gear and insurance covering mountain rescue.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 7 days
- Budget: Ski · approx. $2,090–2,990 (≈ €1,820–2,600), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: Winter Getaway
Budget Spreadsheet
Download the customizable budget template for this itinerary.
Unlock Budget DownloadPrint / Save as PDF
Open a print-ready version, then choose Save as PDF in the print dialog.
Unlock Print / PDFYou May Also Like
- Scenic TGV: Paris, Bordeaux & the French Riviera in 8 DaysFrance · 8 days · Comfort · approx. $1,640–2,390 (≈ €1,430–2,080), excl. int'l flights
- Paris Shopping: Galeries Lafayette & La Vallee Village in 5 DaysFrance · 5 days · Shopping · approx. $1,200–1,790 (≈ €1,040–1,560), excl. int'l flights & shopping
- Paris Fairy-Tale & Disneyland: 7-Day Family TripFrance · 7 days · Comfort · approx. $1,640–2,240 (≈ €1,430–1,950), excl. int'l flights; per family of 2 (1 adult + 1 child)