Getting around Chamonix

Chamonix Ski Lift

Chamonix Ski Lift

Getting around Chamonix (France) is not quite as easy as you may think, most “Ski Resorts” don’t really need any public transport, you simply click into your skis and off you go.  Not so in Chamonix, unfortunately there are not many “ski-in, ski-out” chalets or hotels in the valley so you will need to consider how you are going to get to the ski station of choice.

The options within the valley to get around are either, BUS, TRAIN or TAXI (if you don’t have your own vehicle).

 

Chamonix Bus

Chamonix Bus

The Chamonix Bus system is the main way for people to get around the valley and has been designed to relocate as many people as possible.  During peak periods there is a higher turn over buses going all the way from Chamonix centre to Le tour at one end of the valley and Les Houches at the other end.  The system is good in many respects but can get extremely over loaded at very busy times resulting in long bus lines and the need to stand up once you do make it onto a bus. Its not uncommon for buses to simply drive by busy buses stops because there isn’t any room left on the bus.

 

Chamonix Train

Chamonix Train

The Chamonix Train system is a good option for certain people depending where you are staying and where you want to go in the valley.  If you are staying in “Chamonix centre” you need to be near to either Chamonix centre train station or the Aiguille du Midi train stop.  You would really only take the train if you were going to ski in “Flegere” or “Grand Montets“.  You might have to walk a little further than you would if you took the bus but its a lot more comfortable and generally a lot less busy.

 

Chamonix Taxi

Chamonix Taxi

By far the easiest way (but not the cheapest) to get around the Chamonix valley is in one of the Chamonix Taxis.  Using a “Chamonix Taxi” or minibus allows you to get picked up directly from your accommodation and dropped off as close as possible to the ski lift.  Even if you have a car in the valley its often better to leave your car where it is and avoid trying to find a parking space at the ski lift station, it also means you can have a drink before the return journey!  Most taxis are equipped with some type of ski carrying equipment and you can normally get straight into the vehicle with your ski boots on.

 

Chamonix Uber?

You might be wondering if Uber operate in Chamonix, the answer is no they dont.

No Uber

No Uber

The problem for Uber in Chamonix is that the demand fluctuates too much, from no demand for quite a few months of the year through to mega demand over Christmas and New Year and the busy months of the ski season.

The good news is that provided you arm yourself with a good contact number (may i suggest 00 33 (0)6 79 01 46 02, me) then you should be OK.  Taxis in France are regulated by the government and as such the prices are too.  Firstly your driver will have passed various exams (8 in total) including a type of “knowledge”.  The driver also has passed a criminal record check and will be in possession of a “Carte Professional” with a photo and name of your driver for extra security, this will be displayed on the windscreen.  The driver is obliged to use the taxi meter which (contrary to popular belief) is not very expensive around the valley and is way cheaper than a VTC.

We operate all year round and even during this hard time of COVID we are available.

For enquiries or even to book a cab contact us on.

06 79 01 46 02  for a french phone OR,

00 33 6 79 01 46 02  for international phones.

 

 

Chamonix ski Taxi

Now that Chamonix is open for skiing you might be looking for an easy way of getting to the slopes.  We have a dedicated vehicle (normally more than 1) servicing the valley for groups and individuals that dont want to stand in line for the bus or who require a lift home after an extended “Apres Ski”……

Taxi Chamonix

Taxi Chamonix

Uber in Chamonix!

If you a looking for an Uber taxi in Chamonix then, sorry, it doesn’t exist in Chamonix but………… you can download the Chamonixcabs Application on Apple or Android to order your Cab in just the same way.

The Chamonixcabs App is in English, it tells you where you are, or, you can choose an address.

Chamonixcabs app

Chamonixcabs app

You can pay by either Credit Card in advance or Cash in the vehicle AND it tells you how much it will cost BEFORE you book so that there are no hidden surprises.

So, if you are planning a trip to Chamonix and want to use Taxis to get around then please dont hesitate to use our App.

 

Is winter back for March 2017

The start of winter 2016/17 can only be described as terrible.  No snow to speak of over Xmas and New year, an average snowfall at the beginning of January followed by one of the hottest Februarys in years.

However, March is now here and we have gone back to winter, snow has fallen down to the valley floor again and since the 1st of March (today is the 4th) some areas have seen 1 metre of snow above 2000m.

Conditions at altitude are now considered “good” and if the forecasted precipitation arrives  then the end of the season could just be the best of the season too.

 

Taxi Chamonix Cabs APP

Chamonix Cabs now have an “Uber” style app that customers can use to hail a mini cab in Chamonix valley.  Over winter our service will be available every night until around 4am.

It can downloaded on the Apple Store or google play, its called Chamonixcabs.

You can still call us like other companies too – 00 33 (0)6 79 01 46 02

James Coates

Chamonixcabs app

Chamonixcabs app

Chamonix “Uber” Taxi.

Chamonixcabs app

Chamonixcabs app

Many people ask us why “Uber” doesn’t exist in Chamonix, and why the taxi system is so bad, so we decided to set up our own APP.

Its called Chamonixcabs and can be downloaded on either iPhone or android.

It will be up and running properly from this winter onwards.

if for some reason it doesn’t work (still some bugs) you can always call us on 0033679014602.

james Coates