What's new in Chamonix for 2020?

What's hot this winter season? Scroll down for all the latest news and events for winter 2020. 

Flegere Lift

Chamonix locals have been watching with excitement as the old cable car pylons have been taken down and construction teams have been hard at work getting its replacement up and running. The latest update is that the new 10 car bubble lift will be operating in time for the opening of the winter season. Amazing news for easy access to one of our favourite ski areas - Flegere is great for sunny skiing and suitable for all ski levels and abilities.  The new bubble will have the capacity to carry 2000 people per hour - compared to around 300 per hour in the old lift. Bring it on!

Argentiere Grands Montets Lift

After last season's fire, the Compagnie du Mont Blanc have invested over 1 million euros repairing and securing the lift station so its ready for action again this winter. The top bin will still be closed - but there's a golden lining! Keen skiers can access untouched terrain with a little effort by ski touring up from the Lognan lift. Definitely worth the effort for a glimpse of what Grand Montets was like in the 'golden days' - untouched powder as far as you can see and hardly a soul in sight.  We can't wait!!

Christmas 2020

Typically in France, Christmas dinner is celebrated on the evening of the 24th December and the streets of Chamonix will come alive with festive cheer in the run-up to this evening. For little ones, Santa can be spotted in central Chamonix from Sunday 22nd December, with a final celebration in the centre of town on the 24th December at 5.45pm for the festive Parade. On the 25th, all the ski instructors from the ESF will parade through the town with a live band - join them for a dance through the streets, departing from the Place du Mont Blanc at 6pm.  

New Year 2020

The detailed party-list hasn't yet been revealed but it goes without saying that Chamonix knows how to celebrate the start of a new year. The square in the centre of town is the busiest place to count down the clock, and as always, fireworks will mark the stroke of 12. The busiest bars are likely to be La Folie Douce - for techno party lovers, Chamonix Social Club for cocktails and funky tunes or Monkey for down to earth beer and a younger crowd. Individual restaurants will offer special new year meals.  Le Caves is also a great spot for a sophisticated evening with Champagne and cocktails. 

Kandahar 2020

2020 is a Kandahar year in the Chamonix Valley - the famous men's world cup downhill race. With 10 million euros of investment in the course, this year is set to be an unforgettable one. Reputed as the best downhill ski course in the world, this year's event has been getting a complete facelift, with a new arrival area to make viewing even better. Taking place in Les Houches on 8th and 9th February 2020, book your space on the sidelines now to watch the world's best skiers fight it out for the top spot on the podium. 

New bars & restaurants

Chamonix is waiting with baited breath for the re-opening of Le Shack. What started as an outdoor pop up, this hip hot spot was the place to be seen last summer. For winter 2020, the guys who brought you the ever-successful Monkey bar are opening a new bar-restaurant. It promises to be amazing! There's also a new organic cafe just behind Super U, in the centre of Chamonix, called the Cafe du Genepy. This healthy hideaway is a great option if you want a bit of a detox during your ski holiday. There's a new take-away Sushi bar due to open for winter 2020, and the always-popular Pointe Isabelle has had a facelift for this upcoming winter season.

New spas

Not new, per se, but definitely worth a mention as a must-do during your ski holiday: QC Thermes is a well known Italian spa group, which opened its Chamonix doors last year. Whether spas are your thing or not, you really must try it! A truly wonderful and unforgettable experience that will leave you blissed out and reinvigorated. Enjoy unspoilt views of Mont Blanc from their warm outdoor pools, where you can lay back and relax on even the coldest day. Work your way around a plethora of water treatment rooms, or feel your muscles relax as you watch ski movies in the cinema-sauna. Lie back on waterbeds, listening to the noises of the glacier or treat yourself to a massage. All served in true Italian style with a glass of fresh juice and a delicious buffet.

Music Events 

Spring is all about live music in Chamonix with the Unlimited Festival back in town with top-name DJs playing sets high in the mountains from 31st March to 5th April. There's no-where else you can party at 3800m or listen to top beats against the backdrop of the Argentiere glacier! Musilac will also be back - with new branding - to mark the end of the winter season. Well known French and English speaking acts create a true festival vibe. The full list of artists is yet to be announced but the event will be taking place from 16th-18th April 2020.