Planning a Trip

Getting There

Most (but not all) trains coming from other parts of France or Switzerland require a transfer in such nearby villages as St-Gervais (in France) or Martigny (in Switzerland). Passengers change trains in either of these villages before continuing on by train to Chamonix. Passengers from Aix-les-Bains, Annecy, Lyon, Chambéry, Paris, and Geneva pass through those villages. There are six daily connections from Paris (trip time: 7 hr.); the one-way fare is 80€ to 98€ ($116-$142). From Lyon, there are six relatively complicated rail links per day (trip time: 4 hr.). A one-way fare costs 40€ ($58) with transfers at Bellegarde and St-Gervais. For more information and schedules for trains throughout France, call tel. 36-35 or 08-92-35-35-35.

Year-round, two to six buses a day run from the Geneva airport; the one-way fare is 35€ ($51). Buses arrive and depart from a spot adjacent to the railway station. For information, call Cie S.A.T. (tel. 04-50-53-01-15).

If you're driving, you probably won't have to worry about road conditions: Because Chamonix lies on a main road between Italy and the Mont Blanc Tunnel, conditions are excellent year-round. Even after a storm, roads are quickly cleared. From Paris, follow A6 toward Lyon, and then take A40 toward Geneva. Before Geneva, turn south along A40, which runs to Chamonix.

Getting Around

Within Chamonix, a local network of small buses (navettes, usually painted yellow and blue) make frequent runs from points in town to many of the téléphériques (cable cars) and villages up and down the valley. The price of a lift ticket usually includes the fare. Daily ski passes cost 37€ to 47€ ($54-$68), depending on the areas you specify. For information, contact Chambus (tel. 04-50-53-05-55; www.chamonix-bus.com).

Visitor Information

Chamonix's Office de Tourisme is on place du Triangle-de-l'Amitié (tel. 04-50-53-00-24; fax 04-50-53-58-90; www.chamonix.com).