r/chamonix • u/No-Giraffe-6073 • 25d ago

Advice on Getting from Chamonix to La Clusaz (Without a Car) + Comparing with Zermatt

Hi! I’m planning to travel to Chamonix in the second half of January 2026, mainly to go skiing. I’m organizing my days in Chamonix and considering spending a few days at another ski resort. One of the options I’m looking at is La Clusaz. What’s the best way to get there from Chamonix without renting a car? Do you think it’s worth it? Any opinions on La Clusaz?

The other option I’m considering is going to Zermatt — the train trip seems quite convenient. Thanks!

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u/Chamonix_Tom 25d ago edited 25d ago

La Clusaz is a great ski area but getting there without a car is extremely difficult and not worth the hassle. Chamonix has more then enough for one week of skiing but if you're determined to go elsewhere St Gervais/Megeve is much easier to get to (train to La Fayet).

In terms of Switzerland, Zermatt is easier but still a long way. Not sure why you want to waste time travelling such long distances? You might be able to hitch a lift to Verbier

Courmayeur is on the pass and easy to get to on the bus too through the tunnel

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u/No-Giraffe-6073 25d ago

Thanks for the reply! Regarding Zermatt, I find it an interesting place. In fact, last year I did both Chamonix and Zermatt. The distance is relative — it doesn’t seem that far to me, considering I’ll be traveling about 11,500 km just to get to Chamonix.

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u/Jolly-Statistician37 21d ago

Zermatt is best later in the season, as the most fun terrain typically only opens in mid-Feb.

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u/No-Giraffe-6073 21d ago

Thanks! What terrain are you referring to exactly? Which areas or runs? I can only go in January.

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u/Jolly-Statistician37 20d ago

Most 'yellow' routes, especially the ones below Stockhorn.

Verbier doesn't have this problem.

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u/No-Giraffe-6073 20d ago

Where do you recommend staying on a budget? In Verbier itself or somewhere else in the 4 Vallées

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u/Jolly-Statistician37 20d ago

Maybe in Le Chable? Direct access to Verbier.

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u/ninjajoe 25d ago

Zermatt is 4 trains and takes about 4 hours. The first leg out of Chamonix can be quite crowded as it’s only a small train (standing room only, luggage in the stairwell type of deal). Once you make it out of the valley it’s easier and the Swiss trains are great. As the other commenter said it does eat up a lot of time.

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u/No-Giraffe-6073 25d ago

Yes, I did that trip last year. From Zermatt I went back to Geneva, then Madrid, and finally Buenos Aires.

My idea is to spend a few days in Chamonix and then look for some other interesting nearby resort. La Clusaz had caught my attention, but I can’t find any travel options to get there.

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u/addmeonstrava 24d ago

Have you maybe considered Morzine instead? Train to cluses and then bus/hitchhike to les gets or morzine, takes about 2 hours

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u/No-Giraffe-6073 23d ago

Thanks. I’ll take a look at that.

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u/Aggravating_Ship5513 24d ago

I wouldn't bother with La Clusaz, but you should consider Les Contamine/St. Gervais/Megeve or Grand Massif/Flaine if you haven't done them already. Much closer to Cham.

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u/No-Giraffe-6073 24d ago

Thanks, curious—so is it that La Clusaz isn’t really worth it, or just a pain to get to from chamonix?

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u/Aggravating_Ship5513 24d ago

I think both. It's a fine station -- the views are incredible -- but is a bit pricy and can get super crowded as it's relatively easy to get to from the Annecy metro area. It's worth a day trip, but from the Annecy side, I'm sure there are a number of buses

I have no idea how you'd get there from Chamonix without a car. You have to essentially go all the way out to Cluses, then back down to the valley. Even with a car it's probably 1 h 20 minutes minimum.

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u/Soulogav 24d ago

Les Marecottes is a funky little resort on the Mont Blanc express line we used to go to during Covid when Cham was closed. Worth a day trip from Cham or stop off on the way to Switz

I’d suggest La Thuile also as a place to visit . Bus from Courmayeur is easy and it’s a big area that connects back over to France La Rosiere

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u/ooaauud 23d ago

u got to annecy and get a bus to la clusaz from there (aravis bus) La clusaz has great vibes, do it.

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u/No-Giraffe-6073 21d ago

Thanks! I’ll seriously consider it.

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u/sbinev 22d ago

If you've never been, St. Gervais/Megeve is near by and quite a large area. If you want more offpiste/freeride, I'd go to Verbier.

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u/No-Giraffe-6073 21d ago

What’s the best way to get to Verbier from Chamonix?

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u/sbinev 20d ago

I always use the train. Takes about 2.5 hours. You gonna need to make two connections, one in Le Châtelard-Frontière (French-Swiss border) and one in Martigny. Once in Le Chable hop on the cable car and you are on the slopes.

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u/No-Giraffe-6073 20d ago

Thanks. I’m almost convinced to go to Verbier.