While the first thing that may spring to mind when travelling to France is a romantic break in Paris, there’s so much more to the largest country in Western Europe than the city of love. One of the most popular reasons to visit is the Alps – a perfect destination for skiing. And where better to base yourself than the location of the first-ever Winter Olympics almost 100 years ago? Chamonix! Mixing incredible skiing in winter, hiking and biking in summer, and great nightlife all year round, there’s nowhere better to enjoy the French Alps than Chamonix.
There’s just one problem – Chamonix can be pretty costly. While you might want a hotel with a balcony overlooking Mont Blanc and a hot tub, you may need to temper your expectations a bit. When it comes to finding a place to stay, hostels are a great option – and they’ll mean you can keep your cash for what’s important.
With that in mind, we’ve decided to help you out. It can be a minefield navigating hostels in Chamonix. However, my list takes into account a range of budgets, personalities, and travel styles (including yours) – so, I think you’ll find the perfect place to stay in town.
Let’s jump in!
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Chamonix
- Best Overall Hostel in Chamonix – Chamonix Lodge
- Best Hostel in Chamonix for Solo Travelers – La Folie Douce Hotels Chamonix
- Best Cheap Hostel in Chamonix – Chalet-Gite Chamoniard Volant Hostel Chamonix
- Best Party Hostel in Chamonix – RockyPop Hotel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Chamonix – The Vert Hotel
The 5 Best Hostels in Chamonix
While you might already have dusted off your skis or thrown your walking boots into your backpack, hang on just a second; it’s time to sort out where you’re going to stay first. And it’s really important to think about your travel style.
Do you want a traditional backpacker hostel? Perhaps you want something a little more upmarket. Or you might just want a bed to crash in while you make the most of your backpacking France trip, Chamonix, and Mont Blanc.
Whatever you desire, there’s a Chamonix hostel for you!
1. Chamonix Lodge – Best Overall Hostel in Chamonix
- Dorm (mixed): From $31/night
- Private Room: From $50/night
- Address: 92 Chemin de la Ch’na, 74400 Chamonix
First on the list of the best hostels in Chamonix is the town’s most happening backpacker pad. Not only is it easy to make friends and get involved with the social activities here, but there’s also a load of freebies that you can enjoy. I’ll even go as far as saying that this is one of the best hostels in France.
These include breakfast, tea and coffee, a sauna and hot tub, and Wi-Fi. Should you fancy seeing the area by bike, you can also get a reduction on rental for that! If you’re looking for something a little more chill, enjoy a book in front of the log fireplace or catch a movie in the TV room.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- There’s literally a sauna
- Free breakfast
- Amazing views
This Chamonix hostel has an array of both private rooms and dorms, and even more freebies for backpackers like free coffee/tea, a gas BBQ, and safe luggage storage. The terrace has incredible views of the Mont Blanc Massif, and overall you’d be hard-pressed to find a better value place to stay in the French Alps!
2. La Folie Douce Hotels Chamonix – Best Hostel in Chamonix for Solo Travelers
- Private Room: From $119/night
- Address: 823, Allée Recteur Payot, Chamonix City Centre, 74400 Chamonix
One of the coolest places to stay in France and the most innovative property in Chamonix, La Folie Douce is part hotel, part hostel – and the only place you can ski into and out of in town.
It’s great if you’re a beginner skier; the town’s ski school is just a two-minute walk away, and one of the town’s ski lifts is just a little further. If you have had a tiring day on the slopes, don’t worry; you can come back here to enjoy one of five places to eat, drink, or soak those aching muscles in the amazing heated swimming pool.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free breakfast
- Spa and wellness center
- Bar
The place seems like it should be a luxury hotel, but really it’s a youth hostel with a mix of private rooms and bunkbed dorms. An amazing restaurant and bar are on-site to meet other travelers and enjoy a DJ set, and there’s even a ski rental spot. The city centre is within walking distance too, meaning this place truly has everything you need for a fab stay!
3. Chalet-Gite Chamoniard Volant Hostel Chamonix – Best Cheap Hostel in Chamonix
- Dorm (mixed): From $37/night
- Address: 45 Route de la Frasse, 74400 Chamonix
This small and comfortable hostel has one of the lowest bed prices in Chamonix. You’ve got the choice between dorms of 4, 6, 8, and 18 guests, and you’ll be using a shared bathroom.
Not only is it suitable for travellers on a budget, but for those who are travelling solo, too. It’s super easy to meet people here! Breakfast isn’t included in all room rates, but it’s a good idea to splash out a few euros extra to fuel up before hitting the slopes or mountain biking trails. Those who arrive with their own transport will be delighted to know the parking is free.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Easy walk into town
- Kitchen to cook your own meals
- Bus stop outside
While it might not be the most modern place to stay in Chamonix, it does have hot showers, decent facilities, and epic views. You’ll get to meet other travelers in the communal area that also has foosball and board games, all for the cheapest price in town.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. RockyPop Hotel – Best Party Hostel in Chamonix
- Private Room: From $69/night
- Address: 1476 avenue des Alpages, 74310 Les Houches
Okay so this place isn’t really a hostel, but it’s listed as one and it’s super budget-friendly. It’s cute, unique and has a ton of features you’d never expect to find as a budget backpacker. It’s especially nice for backpacking couples who want some privacy without the massive bill.
The innovative space has an indoor food truck style food court, with all kinds of cuisine! There’s also a cocktail bar, ski shop, arcade games and more. Basically like a resort without the price tag!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Amazing food and drinks
- Stunning rooms
- Great common area
It’s really what you might think of as a flashpacker’s hostel – there’s no dorm rooms here, but there are various options and plenty of communal amenities. The views of Mont Blanc are amazing, and the breakfast (for an extra fee) was huge and so worth the cost.
5. The Vert Hotel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Chamonix
- Dorm (mixed): From $31/night
- Private Room: From $58/night
- Address: 964 Route des Gaillands, 74400 Chamonix
A backpacker hostel can always be a bit of a lottery if you’re a digital nomad. However, a boutique hostel can easily bridge the gap between a fun atmosphere and space and time when you need to work.
The good news here is that some rooms come with a laptop-friendly workspace. When you’re tired of working in your room, there’s a cafe where you can grab a caffeine fix along with a change of scenery.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Restaurant and bar on site
- Helpful staff
- Amazing free breakfast
The hostel has both 4-bed mixed dorms and private rooms – all at super cheap prices for this part of the world! The common area cafe is a cozy space to work in, and you will only be a short walk away from the center of Chamonix.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Chamonix Budget Stays
Some more iconic hostels to stay in this idyllic mountain town:
Aiguille du Midi
- Private Room: From $91/night
- Address: 27 Place Edmond Desailloud, Chamonix City Centre, 74400 Chamonix
This cozy studio apartment has a beautiful sunshine terrace, and those views are to die for. The apartment has both a single bed and a double bed, but do be warned it is tiny! The mini kitchenette was sufficient to save some €€€.
The home is right across the street from the cable car that will take you to Aiguille du Midi, so the location couldn’t be more ideal for sightseeing. The price is also one of the absolute lowest in town for anything that’s not a hostel dorm bed!
Chalet Tissières
- Private Room: From $1900/night
- Address: 159 route des Tissières, Les Bossons, 74400 Chamonix
The beautiful Chalet Tissières is one of the standout budget properties in Chamonix. With a mixture of private rooms and shared dorms, you can enjoy views of the surrounding valley from the Alpine garden. You’d think that everything might cost extra here, but that’s not the case.
Breakfast is included, and in the winter months, you can sit in front of the fireplace and take advantage of books, board games, and the TV. You can do it in summer too, but you’d probably rather be outside! If you want to sample delicious French food, you can order a three-course meal for an extra cost.
Go on, treat yourself!
Chalet Les Frenes
- Private Room: From $88/night
- Address: 637 route de Vers Le Nant, Les Bossons, 74400 Chamonix
With so many great budget properties in Chamonix, I’ve decided to give you an insight into some of the town’s best bed and breakfasts too.
Though they’re more expensive than hostels, they’re an excellent option for a travelling couple or a family looking to have a memorable trip without the threat of being kept up all night by rowdy apres skiers. The chalet offers a daily breakfast, and if you’re having a lazy day to recover from summer activities, you’re welcome to chill out and rest those aching muscles in the pretty garden.
La Croix Blanche
- Private Room: From $94/night
- Address: 81 Rue Joseph Vallot, Chamonix City Centre, 74400 Chamonix
And here we have another one of the best budget hotels in Chamonix! It’s located right in the heart of town, so it’s perfect if you’re planning to make the most of shopping, eating, and drinking during your stay. There’s a ski shop in the hotel where you can rent equipment if you fancy heading out into the mountains.
It’s one of the most popular properties on booking.com for couples in Chamonix, with a ludicrously high rating. But that’s no surprise; just imagine being with the one you love on a balcony overlooking Mont Blanc or enjoying delicious regional food in the romantic restaurant on site.
Alpenrose
- Private Room: From $84/night
- Address: 1141 Route des Pèlerins, 74400 Chamonix
Ready for a dip in the bargain basement? Good. Alpenrose is one of the cheapest hostels in Chamonix, with prices almost half of its nearest competitor. As you might expect, it doesn’t set the world alight, but it’s clean and comfortable. And that’s enough to put a smile on my face after a day in the mountains.
You’ll still get some nice features, such as a garden and terrace with fabulous views of Mont Blanc. There’s also a fully-equipped kitchen so you can keep your costs down by preparing your own meals. It’s a good budget option.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Chamonix
Grab some good travel insurance before heading out!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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FAQ about Hostels in Chamonix
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Chamonix:
What to Pack for Your Chamonix Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much do hostels in Chamonix cost?
Hostels in Chamonix average about $42 USD for a dorm bed. Private rooms typically cost at least $80 USD per night.
What are the best hostels in Chamonix for couples?
A perfect place to relax and unwind, La Folie Douce Hotels Chamonix is a top-rated hostel for couples in Chamonix.
What is the best hostels in Chamonix near the airport?
Chambéry-Savoie Airport is quite far from Chamonix, so it is better to find the best place that offers airport transfer. I highly recommend The Vert Hotel, the best hostel for digital nomads in Chamonix.
Final Thoughts on Chamonix Hostels
Whether you want to ski and snowboard on Western Europe’s highest mountains, make the most of epic mountain biking trails, or try sports such as stand up paddleboarding on clear glassy lakes, Chamonix can cater to whatever you want. If you’d prefer not to strain yourself, you can take cable cars to the L’Aiguille du Midi – it boasts the highest vertical ascent in the world!
All the awesome activities in Chamonix may have a little of their shine taken off if you don’t choose the right place to stay.
So, be sure when perusing my list to match one of MYchoices with the way you like to travel. After all, if you’re travelling with your family or your other half, you don’t want to be in a noisy backpacker dorm! Pick the right place, and you’ll have an unforgettable trip.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in France for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in France covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in France before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for France to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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