Chamois

Sitting on a prime location at 1,800 m of altitude, Chamois has been inserted among the ‘Pearls of the Alps’, distinguishing mountain resorts for their environmental sustainability and soft mobility. Time stood still here, as cars are not allowed: a quiet place suitable for families, couples and anyone looking for a slower pace of life that speaks the language of authenticity.  
Chamois can be reached only on foot or by a comfy cableway. And the lucky ones can even try a landing in the small mountain airport.

WHAT TO SEE
● The town centre, the hamlet of Corgnolaz, is a car-free area with wood and stone buildings and tiny streets.
● Saint Pantaléon parish church: originally built in 1681, it was enlarged and transformed in 1838, when it assumed the actual structure, with the bell tower facing East and the presbytery with an octagonal dome and vault facing West.

NATURE AND SPORTS 
Is there anything more natural than a car-free town? Should you prefer not to use the cablecar, you can reach Chamois by going through the old mule track and its 93 haipin bends! Alternatively, an easier, flat path goes from La Magdeleine.
To admire Chamois from a higher point of view and without taking the chairlift you can walk along the Ru des Novalles, a panoramic irrigation canal dating back to the Middle Ages.
Another interesting area from a naturalistic point of view is the Lake Lod, which is accessible either by chairlift or after a 40-minute walk. Close to it,, you will find a picnic area. This is also the starting point of various hikes towards other villages and peaks, and for the route towards to the Clavalité sanctuary.
In winter, the Chamois ski resort has more than 16 km of ski slopes of various difficulties and some off-piste routes. You will also find some striking tracks for snowshoes.

EVENTS AND TRADITIONS
● Chamoisic: international festival of experimental music, electronic and jazz in an exceptional natural environment.
● The taste of a walk: along the path from Chamois to La Magdeleine, stalls display typical products, from crafts to food and wine. The market is enriched by live music.
● New Year’s Eve torchlight procession: celebrations for the last day of the year are held in the main square with live music and a charming torchlight procession.

FOR THE LITTLE ONES
A panoramic playground welcomes kids who have just arrived in Chamois. Walk a little further for a spectacular route: between Chamois and La Magdeleine lies an almost flat path suitable for kids with games and educational panels on the subject of energy (‘energie in gioco’). A true must-see, the volcano on which kids can climb and the double funicular to ‘fly’ for almost 20 metres.

IDENTIKIT
● Inhabitants: 100
● Altitude: 1800 m
● How to get there by public transport: reach Châtillon by bus or train, then take the bus to Valtournenche (timetable 'Chatillon - Breuil-Cervinia') and get off at Buisson. From here, take the cableway to Chamois.

USEFUL LINKS
● Discover Chamois, the Alpine Pearl!
● Download the map of the village
● Snowshoe trail map