How to Spend a Weekend in Chamonix & Geneva if You Don't Ski
When most people think of Chamonix, they picture pristine ski slopes, snowboarders carving down the mountains, and a winter wonderland for adrenaline seekers.
But what if you’re visiting outside of ski season - or simply don’t ski?
Is Chamonix worth visiting if you don’t ski? Absolutely! As someone who struggles to stay upright on grass, skiing is not on my list of things to try. However, I absolutely love the dramatic snowy scenery and winter feel. Chamonix felt like the perfect place with lots to do for non-skiers.
Let me take you through our unforgettable day trip from Geneva to Chamonix this February, where we discovered just how much this charming Alpine town has to offer.
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How to Get to Chamonix from Geneva
Geneva is the perfect place to base yourself if your looking for a trip to Chamonix.
Geneva Airport (GVA) is just 90 minutes by road to Chamonix, making Geneva the ideal gateway to the French Alps.
Geneva Airport is very well-served with international flights, and you can get a train from Geneva airport into Geneva city centre in just 5 minutes, with trains departing every 5-15 minutes.
We chose to stay 2 nights in Geneva, then to book an escorted tour to Chamonix for the day with activities included here
Alternatively, you can book a Flixbus from Geneva and book the activities yourself. Be sure to book well in advance though, as they do sell out and only have a limited number available each day.
What to do in a Day in Chamonix
Travel by Panomoramic Coach from Switzerland to France
Our day trip to Chamonix started bright and early at 8:30 am, with a coach pick-up from Geneva Bus Station, conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from our accommodation at Hotel D Geneva.
The journey takes around 90 minutes, crossing the Swiss-French border before arriving in Chamonix by 9:45 am- don't forget to bring your passport!
We travelled in a luxury coach with a panoramic roof which meant we were treated to breath-taking views of the surrounding Alps along the way.
Aiguille du Midi – See Italy, France and Switzerland All at Once
The highlight of our trip - and an absolute must-do in Chamonix, was the ascent to Aiguille du Midi. Even if you don’t ski, this is one of the top things to do in Chamonix.
The journey up involved two cable cars that delivered us to a staggering 3,842 metres, where you can see Italy, France, and Switzerland all from one viewpoint. The tickets were included in our tour price.
Once at the top, we braved the 'Step into the Void', a glass box that juts out over a sheer drop. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the thrill made it more than worth it.
A word of advice: altitude sickness can be a real issue at this height, with oxygen levels at just 60%. Be sure to bring plenty of water and maybe even some chocolate to keep your energy up, as we saw several people struggling with dizziness and headaches.
After spending time at the very top, we decided to descend back down a level, to enjoy lunch at a more comfortable altitude.
Here we enjoyed incredible crystal clear views, along with a panini and a wine.
Montenvers Railway
At 2pm, we re-grouped and made the short walk to Mer de Glace railway station.
This charming red mountain train winds its way through the Alps, delivering stunning views before arriving at Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France.
The 3 mile uphill journey takes around 20 minutes- be sure to sit on the left hand side of the train on the way up, and the right hand side on the way down, for the most dramatic scenery.
Again, the cost of the train was included in our tour price.
Mer de Glace Glacier
After exiting the train, we then joined a gondola which would take us down to the glacier and ice tunnel.
The glacier is the longest and largest in France at 7.5 km long and 200 metres (660 ft) deep
Tickets for the gondola and ice cave were included in the tour price.
We then took the return gondola and mountain train back to the station and met our coach to depart back to Geneva around 5pm, getting us back to the hotel around 6.30pm.
Is Chamonix Worth Visiting if You Don’t Ski?
Absolutely! Whether you’re into hiking, sightseeing, or just soaking up stunning mountain views, Chamonix offers something for everyone. It’s the perfect destination for non-skiers, families, and adventurers alike.
On our trip, we should have had some free time in Chamonix included, unfortunately, it was very busy, long queues meant that wasn't possible. But the town itself is beautiful and there's also an alpine coaster we would have loved to have tried, if time had permitted.
Where to Stay in Geneva – Our Stay at Hotel D Geneva
For our base in Geneva, we couldn’t have picked a better spot than Hotel D Geneva. Located just a 5-minute walk from Geneva train station, it’s perfectly placed for both exploring the city and catching transport to Chamonix and beyond.
One of the best perks? Before check-in, the hotel emailed us a free local transport pass, meaning we got from Geneva Airport to the hotel in under 20 minutes – completely free. This pass also gave us unlimited access to Geneva’s buses, trams, and even the little yellow boats that shuttle across Lake Geneva.
From the moment we arrived, the staff couldn’t do enough for us. Our room was modern, immaculately clean, and generously sized, with a huge bathroom and a firm, comfortable bed that guaranteed a fantastic night’s sleep.
The location really sells Hotel D. It’s within easy walking distance of Geneva’s Old Town, Lake Geneva, and a wide variety of international restaurants, with the staff happy to share their personal recommendations.
And while the hotel doesn’t have its own restaurant, the breakfast is absolutely worth adding to your stay — the scrambled eggs were the best I’ve ever had! (I’m still trying to get the recipe).
We’d highly recommend Hotel D Geneva if you’re looking for the perfect base for Geneva and day trips to Chamonix or further afield.
Things To Do in Geneva
Don’t rush through Geneva- it’s a beautiful, vibrant city with plenty to offer. Some of our highlights included:
Jet d’Eau – Geneva’s iconic water fountain.
Old Town – Cobbled streets, historic buildings, and fascinating museums.
The United Nations – A must for politics and history buffs.
Chocolate & Cheese Tasting – Because you can’t visit Switzerland without indulging.
Lake Cruises – See the city from the water for a whole new perspective.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking epic mountain views, adventurous experiences, or cosmopolitan charm, this weekend trip to Geneva and Chamonix delivered it all. With so many incredible things to do in Chamonix beyond skiing, it’s a fantastic destination for year-round adventure. And with Hotel D Geneva as our perfect city base, we truly had the best of both worlds.
If you’ve ever dreamed of standing beneath Mont Blanc, stepping into a glass box high above the Alps, or walking inside a glacier, it’s time to add Geneva and Chamonix to your travel list.
