Chamonix Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
2024 Trip to Chamonix, France with the Swiss Ski Club
I. Lift Tickets – Epic/IKON Pass Holders, Daily Tickets, When to Purchase
II. Room and Hotel Info - Roommate Designation, Restaurant, Room Tabs
III. Flight Info
IV. Trip Insurance – Book via Travel Agent, choose Travel Guard or other
V. General Information
VI. Non-Skiing Activities – Winter Fun
I. LIFT TICKETS
Q. Does Chamonix honor the EPIC ski pass?
A. No, it is not part of the Epic ski network.
Q. Is the IKON ski pass valid at Chamonix?
A. Yes, Chamonix is part of the IKON ski network.
FULL IKON PASS – 7 days at Chamonix, most access, NO BLACKOUT DATES at 56 destinations worldwide
IKON BASE PASS – 5 days at Chamonix, 49 destinations worldwide, SOME BLACKOUT DATES
https://www.ikonpass.com/en/destinations/chamonix-mont-blanc-valley
Q: Do you offer a discounted EPIC or IKON PASS?
A. The club no longer offers discounted passes. The signup period expired.
Q. What is the price of a Chamonix Lift Ticket for the trip?
A. If the IKON PASS is not an option for you, you can purchase your lift tickets directly on the mountain or even online. Lift tickets not included; approx. $400 for 6 days including Courmayeur, Italy https://www.montblancnaturalresort.com/en/chamonix-lepass Chamonix Adult 5-day ski pass approx. $299, Senior (62+) $257 (2023 pricing) https://www.chamonix.net/english/lift-systems/lift-passes
Q: What are the differences between EPIC & IKON passes?
A: Please see the following link: https://epicorikon.com/
Q. Where can I see ski area maps for skiing Chamonix?
A. https://www.chamonix.net/english/maps/ski-resorts
About Chamonix-Mont Blanc Valley and its 4 Resorts:
- Among the most famous Alpine Ski Resorts in the World
- Revered for Huge Vertical Descents, Extreme Off-Piste, Historic Village
- High-altitude terrain with 90% above 1900m, but terrain for all ski levels
- 4 major ski resorts spread across valley, 60 lifts (not interconnected)
- Brevant-Flegere is closest to Chamonix, intermediate and sunny slopes
- Grand Montets 8km “up valley” at Argentiere, serious steep and deep runs
- Balme-Tour-Vallcorine resort just beyond, good for beginners/intermediates
- Les Houches resort located “down valley” offers pleasant wooded slopes
- Highest Lift-Accessed Peak (via cable car) Aguille du Midi (3,248m/10,656ft)
- Departure Point for World’s Longest Vertical Run famed “Valle Blanche”
II. ROOM AND HOTEL INFO
About 4-star Hotel Mercure Chamonix Centre: https://all.accor.com/hotel/2808/index.en.shtml
Also check out the Trip Advisor Link: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187261-d233335-Reviews-Mercure_Chamonix_Centre_Hotel-Chamonix_Haute_Savoie_Auvergne_Rhone_Alpes.html
- Just-renovated 4-star chalet-style property, modern but warm alpine décor
- Striking views of Mont Blanc and Le Brevant peaks
- Trip Advisor 2023 Traveler’s Choice Rating
- Located just outside bustling Chamonix Village Centre (quieter, 5 min. walk)
- Classic Rooms (Double or 2 twins) with balcony and mountain views
- La Cordee Restaurant offers regional Savoie cuisine and wines
- Bar 4810 features fireplace, piano, terrace with views
- Unfortunately the spa renovation is not going to be complete by the time we arrive however, we have full access to the spa at the sister hotel.
- On-site ski rental store
- 10-min walk to Brevant-Flegere ski area
- Connect by bus to other “up- or down-valley” resort mountains
Q. How much is the Single Room Occupancy Supplement and how do I pay for it?
A. The single room supplement price is $950 and is based on limited availability, so be sure to book early. After you register on the trip website using standard registration form, proceed and choose Single Occupancy Option button and complete single (add-on, additional) registration form and enter your email once again. If you are asked for an access code, please email Trip Leaders at Trip2024@SwissSkiClub.org
Q. Do I need to designate a roommate when I register for the trip?
A. No. If you already have a roommate, enter it upon registration. Otherwise, you can let us know as we get closer to the trip departure date. If you don’t have a roommate and need one, we’ll try to pair you up with another trip participant of the same gender.
Q. Trip package price does not include drinks. Can I run a tab at the hotel and settle at the end of my stay?
A. Yes. You can add charges from the hotel on your room bill and settle it at the end of your hotel stay.
Q. Does the hotel offer spa services?
A. Unfortunately the spa renovation is not going to be complete by the time we arrive however, we have full access to the spa at the sister hotels Alpina Eclectic and Hotel Prieure. Note, that there is also an Italian themed luxury spa located in Chamonix village called QC Terme.
III. Flight Info
Q. Is there any special seating on the plane?
A. We have very little control over seat assignment. There may be an option to upgrade to a premium seat. If interested, please let us know, and we’ll let you know if that option is available.
Q. Can I change the flight dates?
A. You cannot extend the return date of the flight. You must choose a land package only and arrange your own air travel for stays before and/or after ski trip dates.
Q. Does the flight include any luggage?
A. Yes, your flight includes 2 pieces of luggage. Bring a bag (first bag), 2nd bag equals your skis together with your boot bag. You are also allowed one carry-on.
Q. How much time needs to be left on the passport to be able to travel?
A. In order to travel to Europe, your passport must have at least 90 days beyond the planned departure date.
IV. TRIP INSURANCE
Q. Why does the Club STRONGLY recommend purchasing trip insurance?
A. We strongly encourage travelers to purchase travel insurance because it is a reasonable hedge against your pre-paid travel investment. Here is a list of the things a Travel Policy might cover:
- Cancel due to medical reasons, loss of work, any reason etc.
- Medical Coverage & Care abroad.
- Emergency Evacuation
- Trip Interruption
- Lost, Stolen, Damaged luggage
- Baggage Delays
- Inclement weather
- Trip delay due to unforeseen circumstances beyond anyone’s control.
Please read the fine print of your policy to make sure you are protected.
Q. How much is trip insurance?
The cost is typically between $170 - $380 depending on your age, home state, and range of coverage.
Q: Where do I connect with Travel Insurance providers?
There are many travel insurance options in the market. Based on prior usage by participants on former Swiss Ski Club trips, here are a few links to help you find the desired coverage.
- Generali Global Assistance offers above average travel coverage for below average fees
Travel Insurance Made Simple - Quote, Compare and Buy Online
- Travel Guard Group, Inc. - AIG Insurance
https://www.travelguard.com/buy?dc=null#travelDatePanel
- SquareMouth Travel Insurance is a search engine, providing a comprehensive list of policies to find you the best insurance for you.
- You can purchase insurance through our Travel Agent, Alpine Adventures, via GoReady insurance portal, Aegis General Insurance Agency Inc. and STARR Indemnity & Liability Company:
https://goreadyinsurance.com/partners/alp/alpagent/single-trip
Q: What is “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage?
Cancel-For-Any-Reason coverage is typically available if purchased by each traveler less than 14 days of the date of their individual initial trip deposit. Some insurance carriers may not cover the full amount but only 75% of the trip cost.
V. GENERAL INFO
Q. I have never skied with the club before. How do I find a group to ski with?
A. The group of trip participants consists of many skiers with varying abilities. We will do our best to introduce you to individuals that equate to your level. Be friendly, open to meeting new people, and make a point to introduce yourself to others in the group. Be your charming self! And be sure to communicate what kinds of terrain, slopes, and pace you prefer and are most comfortable with. Skiing with different people and groups during the trip is a great way to meet new people and make new friends!
Q. How many of the trip participants are Swiss Ski Club members?
A. It varies with each yearly trip. In previous years, about half the participants were SSC members.
Q. How can I get to know the trip participants prior to the trip?
A. Join us for one of our monthly happy hours or other social events or ski with us in Vermont. Look at the www.swissskiclub.org website and sign up for events or show up at any happy hour.
Q. What’s the best website for the current snow report?
A. Sign up for snow alerts at www.onthesnow.com
Q. What’s Official site for Chamonix?
VI. NON-SKIING ACTIVITIES
Q. What non-skiing activities are available in Chamonix?
https://www.chamonix.net/english/winter-activities
Q: Where are the best après ski places?
A: We will arrange a few apres ski happy hours. More to come in the itinerary that will be sent prior to the trip.