Patinoire Richard-Bozon

The Patinoire Richard-Bozon in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has been outliving its era for decades. Built in 1962 with wooden benches that freeze the legs of supporters, it is a building that operates on a different logic than the modern arenas. The main ice surface is artificial, a flat expanse of white that sits under harsh lights, but the air inside remains cold enough to see your breath even in February.

The venue could spring a surprise when the Pionniers de Chamonix Mont-Blanc play at home in the Ligue Magnus. The memory of that night lingers in the stands more than any renovation project ever could.

The future of the site is already written in blueprints. The Pôle d'Excellence des Sports de Montagne will rise to replace the current structure, a €58 million project scheduled to start in 2028. The new rink will feature double-glass walls and climate control that keeps the temperature steady, but for now, the old Patinoire remains the only place in town where you can watch the game and feel the mountain air seep through the windows. The community is left to maintain the old building while planning the new one.

The name honours Richard Bozon, a mountain guide who died in an avalanche in 1995. The rink itself survived a flood of the River Arve in the same year, which forced the suspension of the men's team for a season. The facility is energy-intensive and expensive to run, but it has hosted everything from figure skating championships to short track speed skating.

The capacity is debated, with some sources citing over two thousand seats while others insist on a lower number. It does not matter much. The stands are packed regardless of the official figure. The building is outdated, yes, but it is also the heart of the town's sporting life.