Zermatt vs Chamonix
Chamonix has more vertical (9,209 ft vs 7,426 ft); Zermatt has more lifts (52 vs 48). Zermatt is on the Independent Pass and Chamonix on the Ikon Pass. Snow usually peaks in January at both.
The mountains
| Zermatt | Chamonix | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Valais, Switzerland | Haute-Savoie, France |
| Vertical drop | 7,426 ft | 9,209 ft |
| Summit | 12,740 ft | 12,605 ft |
| Base | 5,314 ft | 3,396 ft |
| Skiable acres | – | – |
| Trails | – | – |
| Lifts | 52 | 48 |
| Average snowfall | – | – |
| Pass | Independent | Ikon |
| Usual season | Nov 14 – May 3 | Dec 13 – May 10 |
| Fly into | GVA, ZRH | GVA |
Resort statistics are approximate and change year to year.
Month by month
Typical snowfall, crowds and trip prices (flights and lodging against each resort's yearly average).
| Month | Snow | Crowds | Trip price |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 0 / 0 in. | Quiet / Quiet | -25% / -25% |
| December | 0 / 0 in. | Very busy / Very busy | +15% / +15% |
| January | 0 / 0 in. | Very busy / Very busy | +18% / +18% |
| February | 0 / 0 in. | Packed / Packed | +27% / +27% |
| March | 0 / 0 in. | Packed / Packed | +24% / +24% |
| April | 0 / 0 in. | Busy / Busy | -1% / -3% |
Pairs read Zermatt / Chamonix.
This week
Grades for the next few days from Veabird's snow model, updated Oct 3, 19:00 UTC. Higher is better: A+ to F.
Good to know
- Zermatt: Car-free village; arrive by train from Täsch or Visp.
- Zermatt: Glacier skiing on the Theodul Glacier is available year-round.
- Chamonix: Scattered ski areas linked by bus; lift-served off-piste like Vallée Blanche needs a guide.
- Chamonix: Summer (mountaineering, Aiguille du Midi) is as busy as winter.
Questions
- Is Zermatt or Chamonix better?
- Chamonix has more vertical (9,209 ft vs 7,426 ft); Zermatt has more lifts (52 vs 48). Zermatt is on the Independent Pass and Chamonix on the Ikon Pass. Snow usually peaks in January at both.
- Which is less crowded, Zermatt or Chamonix?
- They are about equally busy over the season (busy on average).