Chamonix, France in spring

Staff who were in Chamonix in the last week of May this year told me that many lifts and hikes were closed due to snow. For instance, you could take the lift to Aiquille du Midi but not on the opposite side to Le Brevent, could not do the popular hike from Plan de l'Aiguille to Montnevers, and the luge ride was open fewer days. You could make some hikes at a lower level or without using the lifts for your ascent. They would still consider a visit worthwhile, but not with enough activity options for a whole week. People who were there in mid-June did not have the same issues, but a restaurant or two was still closed.

Hi Linda,
The problem is your dates are somewhat between seasons, as the town/lifts and trails will all be transitioning to summer. It will all depend on the snowpack during the 15/16 winter season. If this is your only time window, I would suggest pushing your visit back to as late as possible.

Compay

Thank you so much Laura & Compay! My plan is only to stay a couple of days. I could push the date sooner but not later. I guess I'll just have to hope for the best or land up changing my itinerary to somewhere else on the last moment. It looks like I should be able to do the main lift (don't remember the name) and would have loved doing the lift into Italy, but it looks like that will not be possible at that time. Also want to very much do the luge. Did it in Austria and loved it. I also found another Hotel del A'Irve that is appealing and open at that time, so that's good.

As of what you both told me, I think I will still want to include Chamonix in my itinerary. Thanks again!

Hi Linda, we were in Chamonix May 31 to June 2 this year as a part of a RS Eastern France tour. We had a free day on June 1 and the weather was perfect. Sunny, and 50 degrees. We purchased a day pass that covered several activities, a good value. We took the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi (it was about 30 degrees at the top, I was comfortable wearing a fleece and sweatshirt). After that, we walked to the train station, and took the rack railroad to Montenvers. We took another cable car, and then hiked down 430 steps to the ice cave. We ended the day sitting by the river, sipping champagne. It was amazing, the best day of the entire trip!

We stayed at the Hotel L'Arve - nice rooms, friendly staff, and great breakfast. There was a Saint Bernard puppy named Lasko running around, absolutely adorable.

We also liked Hotel L'Arve and were there the first week in June a few years ago. Our room had a large balcony that over looked the river. Regret that we did not see a puppy at that time! There were a few restaurants still closed for the summer season. The lift was open for the trip to ADM.

Well, Lasko probably won't be a puppy by the time you arrive in 2016! Wanted to mention that we had a terrific dinner at La Calechet - fondue and raclette. I'd love to spend another perfect day or two in Chamonix!

Thanks Donna & Susan for all the great info. It all sounded so great that I'm all excited again to go there. Thank you also for the restaurant tip. The luge wasn't running then though, right?

Hi Linda, I checked with my friend, and he said that he saw the luge ride by the train station as we were going up to Montenvers. He didn't notice if it was in operation. We just ran out of time that day. It is a very nice town, hope you are able to visit!

Thanks Donna! Most definitely still plan on going. From all the pictures I've seen, I really can't wait :-)