Unlike many ski resorts, Chamonix is a  working town with a year-round population as well as both summer and winter visitors and, as such, there are some great shops here. You will find the usual great array of sports shops catering not just for skiers but for all alpine sports but you’ll also find great clothes shops with everything from designer wear through to leisure clothes.  Food shopping is well catered for with reasonably sized supermarkets and specialty delis offering local cheeses, dried and cured meats, and a couple of very good chocolatiers.

You will also find some great furniture, interior design, and antique shops that are perfect for browsing either after skiing or on a day off. If you’re looking for a souvenir of your visit to the French Alps, head to Arpin in the center which sells woollen rugs, throws, and clothing made in the mill in the Tarentaise from local sheep wool.

There are also outdoor markets several times a week in Chamonix selling fruit & vegetables, local produce from France and Italy as well as clothes and craft items.