Altus Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley 2025

A fresh breeze is blowing through Chamonix with the opening of Le Pèle, a unique audiophile bar that celebrates the vibe of the 1970s. Here, everything is designed to blend modernity with authenticity, driven by resident DJ Kosme and his carefully curated vinyl collection. From 6 PM, the atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, perfect for enjoying a drink or sharing gourmet plates. Then, at 11 PM, the venue transforms: the music gets louder, the kitchen turns into a bar, and the party is in full swing until 2 AM. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the slopes or dance the night away. This winter, Le Pèle is the place to be!

Six years after the fire that devastated the mid-station of the Grands Montets cable car in Chamonix, reconstruction is gradually bringing this extraordinary site at 3,300 meters back to life.
Considered both a gateway to high mountain adventures and one of the most stunning ski areas in the world by freeriders, the Grands Montets site experienced a turning point in September 2018 with the fire at its mid-station at 2,000 meters altitude. Destroyed by flames, the site is expected to reopen in December 2026, eight years after the closure of the upper domain. The reconstruction project for the second section between Lognan and the summit of Les Grands Montets is a one-of-a-kind undertaking in France, located at over 3,000 meters altitude and spearheaded by the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc and the Chamonix town council. The project starts in Argentière, passes through Lognan, and reaches the summit of Les Grands Montets.
With a total cost of €155 million, the Grands Montets site will feature two gondolas departing from the valley, enabling an ascent of 1,996 meters. A 10-seater gondola will cover the first section, connecting Argentière to Lognan. The same building will house the arrival station of the first gondola and the departure station of the second section.
The latter will be served by a detachable cable car with 24 seats. The two cable sections will link Argentière to the Aiguille des Grands Montets at 3,300 meters altitude. Without seeking to increase transport capacity, this infrastructure will offer greater comfort and improved wind resistance, ensuring more operational days.
The RPBW architecture firm, founded by Renzo Piano, has been chosen to design the modern steel-and-glass stations, inspired by the crystals of the Mont-Blanc massif. The structure at the summit of Les Grands Montets will be partially anchored into the rock to mitigate the effects of permafrost melting. It will take the shape of a 20-meter glass cube resembling a pyrite crystal. Finally, a tunnel will allow experienced skiers to reach the Col des Grands Montets, while a pathway will lead to the summit of the Aiguille des Grands Montets, offering breathtaking views at 3,300 meters altitude.

A historical gem of Argentière, Hotel La Couronne, built between 1863 and 1865 by the Devouassoux family, has undergone a major renovation. To preserve the authentic charm of the oldest continuously operating hotel in the Chamonix Valley, the historical spaces have been carefully highlighted. The original entrance remains, and part of the roof is adorned with slate as a tribute to its past.
Complementing the main building, a new structure blends seamlessly into the mountain landscape through the use of larch wood shingles, traditionally reserved for roofs but here applied to the façade. Designed by Chamonix-based architect Alain Mazza, the two buildings maintain architectural coherence, respecting the site’s history. The main building features white plaster, red shutters, and granite frames, reminiscent of the 1960s style.
The interior design, conceived by architect Gesa Hansen, combines noble materials with custom-made furniture to create a refined atmosphere while preserving the soul of the hotel. New features enhance the establishment: a bistronomic restaurant, a wellness area, a multipurpose lounge, and a ski room, marking a modernization rooted in the local heritage while contributing to the revitalization of the village of Argentière.