Columbia opened its new 200m2 store in the centre of Chamonix in December 2007 and since then it has proved a popular stop for locals, tourists and mountain enthusiasts alike. The Columbia brand, originating in the US in 1938 is now world famous, owing to the wide range of technical sportswear offered at affordable prices.

The shop is extremely well-presented, making browsing a pleasure. The clothing is generally sized on the large side, accommodating big sizes (not always easy for technical clothing!) and there is also some gear for the kids. In a town where the price of good technical clothing is often out of reach for families and young people, Columbia is an essential stop if you want good quality gear that won’t send you broke.