Chamonix Altitude: Quick Guide & 5 Steps
Nestled in the pristine peaks of the French Alps, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a haven for skiers and adventure seekers. As a high-altitude based company, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Chamonix altitude.
Chamonix Altitude
Chamonix altitude sits between 3395 to 12604 feet (1035 to 3842 m) above sea level. Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix boasts one of the highest ski resorts in the world.
Chamonix Altitude:
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc altitude - 3395 to 12604 ft (1035 to 3842 m)
Here are the elevations of each ski resort in Chamonix:
- Aiguille du Midi altitude - 3396 to 12605 ft (1035 to 3842 m)
- Grands Montets Argentière altitude - 4108 to 9072 ft (1252 to 2765 m)
- Brévent/Flégère altitude - 3379 to 8284 ft (1030 to 2525 m)
- Les Houches/Saint-Gervais (Prarion/Bellevue) altitude - 3281 to 6234 ft (1000 to 1900 m)
- Balme/Les Autannes (Vallorcine/Le Tour) altitude - 4767 to 7382 ft (1453 to 2250 m)
- La Poya Vallorcine altitude - 4429 to 5085 ft (1350 to 1550 m)
- Les Planards altitude - 3484 to 4097 ft (1062 to 1249 m)
- Les Chosalets altitude - 3937 to 4232 ft (1200 to 1290 m)
-
Le Tourchet altitude - 3303 to 3507 ft (1007 to 1069 m)
At these high altitudes in Chamonix, you best be well prepared on a ski trip.
Is Chamonix High Altitude?
Yes, Chamonix is considered high altitude.
Mountain Medicine recognizes elevations over 4,900 feet as high altitude. While the lower parts of Chamonix may be just slightly under, most of the ski areas and mountains are much higher, reaching 12604 feet.⁸
Is Mont Blanc High Altitude?
Yes, Mont Blanc is considered very high altitude and just south of Chamonix.
At 15,766 feet (4,805 m), Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in all of western Europe.
Can You Get Altitude Sickness in Chamonix?
Yes, you can get altitude sickness in Chamonix.
Travel Medicine Consultants estimates altitude sickness starts at 4,000 feet and above.⁸ This puts you at high risk visiting most areas of Chamonix, especially when skiing and venturing off into the mountains.
Can You Get Altitude Sickness In French Alps?
Yes, you can get altitude sickness in the French Alps.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is located in the French Alps, but just at the border where France meets Italy and Switzerland. Just as you can get altitude sickness in Chamonix, many other areas of the French Alps above 4,000 feet (1219 meters) are at high risk too.
What Is Altitude Sickness Like In Chamonix?
Altitude sickness in Chamonix can mild in some areas between 4,000 to 6,000 feet, but increasingly gets worse above that as it is in the ski resorts.
For example, in Denver Colorado at 5,280 feet high many visitors feel the effects of altitude within the first day or two.
Chamonix Altitude Sickness
Chamonix altitude sickness is a result of lower oxygen levels at its high altitudes.
Chamonix altitude sickness causes are from dehydration, oxidative stress, and other physiological stresses that come from lower oxygen in the atmosphere.
Chamonix altitude sickness symptoms may include headache, nausea, and trouble breathing.
Chamonix Altitude Sickness Symptoms:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Dizziness
- Sleeping issues or insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling ill or malaise
Chamonix altitude sickness symptoms usually develop within 6-24 hours upon arrival. Best be well prepared for the high altitude before you venture to Chamonix.
5 Steps To Avoid Chamonix Altitude Sickness
Exploring the majestic heights of Chamonix elevation comes with its share of challenges, altitude sickness being the worst struggle for many.
As a Colorado based company with over a decade of high-altitude experience, we’ll share the best steps to take to avoid the misery of a bad trip.
Here’s 5 Steps To Avoid Chamonix Altitude Sickness:
1. Acclimate Gradually
One of the best ways to adjust to the high altitudes of Chamonix is to simply acclimate gradually. This means to take it slow, ascend slowly, and allow your body to acclimate naturally.
When you first arrive the elevation may be more tolerable in areas around 3395 ft (1035 m), versus when you ski it may ascend to heights as high as 12604 ft (3842 m). In this situation, you’ll want to stay at least a day or two in town upon arrival or until you feel acclimated, before you start skiing or hiking in the mountains.
2. Prioritize Sleep
Ample rest is a non-negotiable component of acclimating. Quality sleep is a key ingredient of recovery, and can even help blood flow and oxygen.⁹
Ensure you prioritize quality sleep, at least 7-9 hours before and during your Chamonix stay. To help improve your sleep, try to get natural sunlight during the day which can aid melatonin production in the body.
3. Enhance Your Hydration
Staying hydrated is paramount in the high elevations of Chamonix. The dry mountain air can lead to increased fluid loss, and has been shown to increase twice as fast in high altitudes versus sea level.¹⁴
With dehydration a high risk, consciously drink more water than usual. Experts recommend at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day.
4. Eliminate Alcohol, Initially
While indulging in a glass of wine or a beer might be tempting, it's wise to abstain from alcohol during your initial days in Chamonix.
Alcohol can exacerbate dehydration, and intensify symptoms such as headache and fatigue.¹⁰ Save the celebratory toasts for later in your trip, at least until you feel free of altitude sickness.
5. Boost Your Antioxidants
Oxidative stress is a major struggle resulting from high altitudes. Research has even shown that glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant, declined by 45% in high altitude conditions.
With the fact that antioxidants can fortify your body against free radical stress, it’s essential to boost and support your body’s antioxidants. One of the easiest and efficient ways is to take supplements such as glutathione.
By following these expert steps, you can pave the way for a more enjoyable experience at Chamonix. Acclimate wisely, prioritize your sleep, enhance your hydration, eliminate alcohol initially, and boost your antioxidants.
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SOURCES:
1. Chamonix Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamonix
2. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Ski Resort
https://en.chamonix.com/
3. Chamonix Piste Map, Ski Area, & Altitude
https://www.collineige.com/chamonix/piste-map-and-ski-area
4. The Highest Ski Resorts in the World
https://www.snow-online.com/skimag/the-highest-ski-resorts-in-the-world.htm
5. Chamonix vs Vail
https://versus.com/en/chamonix-vs-vail
6. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: elevation differences of ski resorts
https://www.skiresort.info/ski-resorts/chamonix-mont-blanc/sorted/altitude-difference/
7. Effects of high altitude on humans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_high_altitude_on_humans
8. High Altitude Illness
https://www.travelsurenyc.com/high-altitude-illness/
9. Sleep: The Secret Ingredient of Injury Recovery
https://www.orthocarolina.com/media/sleep-the-secret-ingredient-of-injury-recovery
10. Effects of Alcohol
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/01.HYP.29.6.1278#
11. High altitude and oxidative stress
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17482529/
12. Oxidative Stress and Diseases Associated with High-Altitude Exposure
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8868315/
13. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/
14. Why Do You Need to Drink a Lot of Water at a High Altitude?
https://www.livestrong.com/article/360485-how-to-train-for-high-altitude-hiking
15. Mont Blanc Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont_Blanc
