Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I get to Chamonix?

You can get to Chamonix in a number of ways, with a number of different modes of transport. If you’ve flown into Geneva, which is the most popular and cost effective option for transfers to Chamonix, it takes around 1 hour 15 on the motorway to get here. You can pick up a car and drive yourself, or we’d recommend you book an airport transfer from our preferred partner company Haute Transfer. 
 
They offer shared or private minibuses which seat up to 8 people and come stocked with soft drinks, water and beer. They also offer a door to door service so you’re taken to your accommodation and once you’re in Chamonix they also offer a taxi shuttle service. Get a quote & book your transfer via the quick quote panel on this page.
 
If you’ve hired a car at Geneva airport or you’re self-driving to Chamonix, you can arrive in the valley from three different directions. From Italy you arrive via the Mont Blanc Tunnel, from France it’s on the main motorway “The Autoroute Blanche” or from Switzerland it’s via the Col des Montets. (Be careful if you choose to come via the Col in winter as it’s often closed due to heavy snow or avalanches). In winter you should also check that your car has snow chains. Tolls apply on the French motorways and in Switzerland you’ll need a ‘vignette’ sticker on your windscreen which you can buy at the border. You can calculate the cost and the distance for driving to Chamonix with Via Michelin. 
 
Chamonix is also accessible by train, via Martigny in Switzerland or St Gervais le Fayet on the French side. Train travel, although relaxing often takes a lot longer due to lots of changes, especially if you’re coming from further afield. The final stage of the journey sees you boarding the Mont Blanc Express train, which travels the length of the Chamonix Valley, and its windows in part of the roof allow you to make the most of the impressive mountain views. You can buy tickets in advance for French trains via SNCF or for Swiss trains via SBB. 
 
A number of bus and coach companies also run services to Chamonix, stopping at either Chamonix centre or Chamonix Sud - check before you book as if you’re staying out of the centre you will need to add on either another bus or train journey, or book a private transfer. Look for bus companies such as SAT Bus operate from Geneva and Courmayeur, or coach companies like OuiBus, FlixBus, Eurolines or SnowExpress come from further away. 

What transport is there once we’re in Chamonix?

The public transport in Chamonix is great in the daytime, with lots of buses and trains all year round and an increased frequency of service in winter and summer. The good news is that when you stay with us, it’s free to travel on the buses or trains between Servoz and Vallorcine. When you check into your accommodation, we will give you a "carte d'hôte" guest card (one per person) that permits you to travel on all trains and buses in the Chamonix valley (with the exception of the Montenvers Mer de Glace train and the late night bus). 
 
If you are travelling past Servoz or Vallorcine on the train you can buy tickets on the train or at the main station stops. Night buses do operate in Chamonix in peak seasons for a small fee and when it’s interseason you may need to book in advance the day before. Find out more information and timetables on our local transport page (link). 
 
For a taxi service in the Chamonix Valley or to neighbouring areas, speak to our preferred partners Haute Transfer or get a quote for "in-valley" travel via the quick quote box on this page. 

How much is a skipass & which one should I buy?

If you’re coming to Chamonix skiing or snowboarding, you’ll need a skipass. The Mont Blanc Unlimited (as the name suggests) gives you ‘access all areas’ to everything in the Chamonix Valley, including ski lifts and visitor attractions. 
 
Chamonix Le Pass covers just the main ski lifts and the lower sections of the ski areas but not the high altitude lifts, so it’s better for beginners and intermediate skiers or families. There’s also a Les Houches only pass. 
 
Find this year’s prices and how to book skipasses.

Where can I rent my skis or snowboard?

We work with a number of different local companies offering ski and snowboard rental, with lots of shops located across Chamonix, so there will always be one within easy reach of your accommodation. 
 
Head to our ski hire page to see what they offer and how to reserve your ski gear. Don’t forget when you buy online you can save up to 50% off the price.

How do I book ski lessons?

Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced level skier or snowboarder, it’s always worth considering taking a lesson - techniques are constantly evolving and the best instructors always adapt their teaching methods. 
 
If you’re thinking about booking lessons for the school holidays, it’s best to book as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment. Find out more about the types of lessons and how to book.

How do I buy Chamonix summer lift passes?

In summer the Mont Blanc Multipass gives you access to all the summer lifts and visitor attractions in the Chamonix Valley. Family passes and special offers such as 6 days for the price of 5 are also available. 
 
Read more about the areas covered with the multipass and contact us if you have any questions, or you’d like us to order your passes & have them waiting for you on arrival. 

Are pets allowed?

We have a general ‘no pets policy’ however exceptions can be made with prior agreement from the property owner, and subject to an additional cleaning charge. Contact us if you have an enquiry about bringing a pet. 

Can we add on catering?

All our properties are rented on a self-catering basis, however we work with a number of local chefs who provide catering services. 
 
You can have full catering from a private chef for the duration of your stay, or just a few selected days, opt in or out of breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner, or choose a heat and serve option where the food is delivered to your kitchen and you heat it up and serve yourselves. Contact us with your requirements and we’ll organise some quotes for you.

How do I get keys for the property?

Apartment bookings: All our apartments have a self check-in procedure. If you would prefer to be met in person, please contact us. 

Chalet bookings: Please call us on our arrivals phone 20 minutes before your arrival so we are ready to welcome you at the chalet.  On arrival you will be met at the property by one of our in-resort team. They will show you round the property, answer any questions you may have and hand over the keys. You will be informed of the departure procedure and where to return the keys at the end of your stay. 

Before we can give you access to the property, you must have paid your security deposit. You will receive an email a few days before your arrival with details on how to pay this. Please make sure this payment is completed 3 days before your arrival. The deposit will be fully refunded within 7 days of your departure if our house rules and departure guidelines are followed.

Do I need to bring towels or sheets?

One towel is provided per person in all properties, or two per person in chalets and those with hot tubs and/or saunas. One robe is also provided per adult for hot tubs and saunas. One hand towel is provided for each basin. Please check the "What's included" section of the relevant apartment or chalet for more detail. You can also add on extra housekeeping services if you wish. 

When can I Check-In?

Check-in is from 16:00 - 20:00. Access after 20:00 must be organised by prior arrangement and may be subject to a late check in fee. Please contact our team on info@mountain-base.com for check-in's after 20:00.
 
Check-in prior to 16:00 is subject to availability and must be agreed with our office staff in advance. Please email our team for more information: info@mountain-base.com.

When do I need to Check-Out by?

Check-out is by 10:00am on the day of departure.
 
Check-out after 10:00am is subject to availability and must be agreed with our office staff in advance. Please email our team for more information: info@mountain-base.com

Do you offer a discount to repeat guests?

Yes, we offer a 5% discount to repeat guest on all new bookings of 5 nights or more. You will be provided with a discount code after your first booking. You can use this discount code when making a booking in the future.