Chamonix in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Chamonix
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak skiing conditions with 120-180cm (47-71 inches) base depth at Grands Montets and Brévent by mid-December
- Christmas market atmosphere from December 8-24 with genuine Alpine ambiance, not tourist fabrication
- Longer ski days with lifts running 8:30am-4:30pm, giving you 8 full hours on mountain versus 6-7 hours in January
- Fresh powder dumps every 3-4 days averaging 15-25cm (6-10 inches) per storm cycle
Considerations
- Accommodation prices jump 40-60% during Christmas weeks (December 21-January 2) with minimum 7-night stays required
- Visibility drops to under 50m (164 feet) on 8-10 days due to cloud cover at 1000m+ (3,280+ feet) elevation
- Valley temperatures of -8°C (18°F) make evening activities genuinely uncomfortable without proper Alpine gear
Best Activities in December
Aiguille du Midi Cable Car and Mer de Glace Access
December offers crystal-clear mountain views on the 30% of days with good visibility. The cable car operates in winter conditions, reaching 3,842m (12,605 feet) with spectacular glacier views. Ice cave at Mer de Glace is most dramatic in December with 2-3m (6.5-10 feet) thick ice formations. Avoid during storm cycles when cable car closes for wind.
Chamonix Valley Skiing Areas
December provides excellent early-season skiing with reliable snow coverage above 1,500m (4,921 feet). Grands Montets offers advanced terrain, Brévent-Flégère suits intermediates, and Les Houches handles beginners. Most runs open by December 15th. Fresh powder every few days creates ideal conditions for off-piste when accompanied by guides.
Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking Trails
December snow creates perfect snowshoeing conditions on marked winter trails around Argentière and Les Praz. Trail conditions stabilize by mid-December with 40-60cm (16-24 inches) base depth. Lac Blanc trail becomes accessible via snowshoes, offering impressive this destination views on clear days. Temperature stays comfortable for 2-3 hour excursions.
Montenvers Railway Winter Experience
The historic cogwheel train operates year-round, reaching the Mer de Glace glacier at 1,913m (6,276 feet). December visits offer dramatic ice formations and fewer crowds than peak season. The ice grotto changes configuration each December, carved fresh into the glacier. Journey takes 20 minutes each way with heated vintage carriages.
Christmas Market and Alpine Village Tours
Chamonix's Christmas market runs December 8-24 in Place Balmat with 25+ authentic Alpine vendors selling local specialties like génépi liqueur, reblochon cheese, and handcrafted wooden items. December evenings feature genuine mountain atmosphere with snow-covered chalets and traditional carols, not manufactured tourism.
Ice Climbing and Winter Mountaineering Introduction
December creates stable ice conditions at practice areas like Cascade du Dard and Les Gaillands. Beginner-friendly frozen waterfalls form reliably by mid-December. Professional guides offer half-day introductions perfect for experienced hikers wanting winter skills. Temperature stability prevents dangerous thaw-freeze cycles common in March.
December Events & Festivals
Chamonix Christmas Market
Traditional Alpine market with local artisans selling hand-carved wooden ornaments, mountain honey, génépi liqueur, and regional cheeses. Features hot mulled wine, tartiflette, and live traditional music in authentic mountain setting with snow-covered this destination backdrop.
New Year's Eve Torchlight Descent
Ski instructors and guides perform synchronized torchlight descent down Chamonix slopes, followed by fireworks display over this destination. Traditional celebration dating back decades, visible from valley floor. Culminates with champagne toast in village squares.