WHAT TO DO IN CHAMONIX
Nestled in the shadow of the stunning Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, the picturesque ski resort of Chamonix is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and is a charming retreat for those looking to experience some truly breathtaking alpine scenery.
An iconic destination, Chamonix offers a myriad of activities all year round, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and paragliding.
At Alpine Fleet, we’ve helped visitors reach Chamonix with leading private transfers and shared transfers. This experience has given us a thorough understanding of the resort and we’ve put together a handy guide that outlines all of Chamonix’s activities and how you can make the most of your visit.
Read on to find out more…
What to do in Chamonix
Chamonix is full of wonderful activities, and when winter arrives the area is transformed into a snow-covered playground.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-time visitor, there truly is something for everyone.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the activities you can enjoy.
Skiing and snowboarding
Unsurprisingly, most people go to Chamonix to enjoy the wonderful skiing and snowboarding that the resort has to offer. The region boasts several great ski areas that offer diverse terrain and different challenges. These include:
- Grands Montets: Perfect for advanced skiers, this area features steep runs, off-piste opportunities and even glacier skiing.
- Brevent-Flegere: These interconnected areas offer stunning views of the famous Mont Blanc and slopes that are suitable for intermediate skier.
- Les Houches: Known for its tree-lined pistes, this area is family-friendly and a great choice for beginners looking to try the slopes for the first time.
- Le Tour / Balme: A favourite choice for beginners and freestyle enthusiasts, with wide gentle slopes and a snow park.
- Vallee Blanche: For the adventurous skiers and snowboarders, you can hire a guide and embark on a legendary 20km off-piste route that starts from Aiguille du Midi.
Ice climbing
Scale frozen waterfalls and icy rock faces under the guidance of professional instructors. Ice climbing is an extremely popular activity in Chamonix with great spots including the Cascade de Berard and the Argentiere Glacier.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
A great winter activity that involves walking across Chamonix’s thick snow piles while wearing snowshoes, this bespoke footwear helps you spread your weight across the snow and makes it easier to walk.
At the resort, you can explore serene forests and beautiful valleys while discovering specific snowshoe trails. You can also glide through well-maintained Nordic skiing paths in areas including Les Houches.
Helicopter tours
Why not experience the majesty of Mont Blanc from above with thrilling helicopter rides?
These once-in-a-lifetime experiences provide you with panoramic views of jagged peaks and expansive glaciers. While they are available all year round, they are even more spectacular during the winter months.
Best things to do in Chamonix in the summer
While the winter is one of the most popular times to visit Chamonix due to the range of alpine sports and winter activities available, there is also plenty you can enjoy during the summer months.
Some of the things you can enjoy at this time of year include:
Hiking
Chamonix is home to hundreds of kilometres of trails and is known to be something of a hiker’s paradise. Some of the resort’s most popular routes include:
- Mont Blanc base camp trek: A challenging yet worthwhile route, this trail offers some of the most awe-inspiring views of Mont Blanc.
- Lac Blanc: A moderate hike that leads up to a pristine alpine lake with stunning reflections of Mont Blanc.
- Grand Balcon Nord and Grand Balcon Sud: These panoramic trails offer sweeping vistas of the incredible Chamonix valley.
Take a train to the Mer de Glace
Chamonix also boasts France’s largest glacier.
A truly spectacular sight that is sure to take your breath away, the Mer de Glace can be accessed easily by taking a traditional cogwheel train up to the glacier. It only takes around 20 minutes but you can also hike the route if you prefer by following the Grand Balcon Nord trail we mentioned earlier.
Paragliding
Take to the skies and enjoy unmatched aerial views of Chamonix with a paragliding experience. Tandem paragliding flights are available for those who have never done it before whereas experienced flyers can explore the region independently.
Via Ferrata
For the adrenaline-junkies among us, the Via Ferrata is for you.
Combining climbing and hiking, this challenge consists of ladders, wires, bridges, steps and ‘iron paths’ built into rock faces, if you’ve never attempted this kind of challenge before then guides are available to help you along.
Food and drink
At Chamonix, you can savour a whole host of local dishes like fondue, raclette and tariflette at restaurants and eateries across the resort. Plus, make sure you sample local pastries like delicious blueberry tarts and chestnut-based desserts.
How to get to Chamonix
The best way to get to Chamonix is to use airport transfers from Geneva Airport.
Despite being in Switzerland, Geneva Airport offers more flights and cheaper fares than many French airports and is just a one hour and 30 minutes drive to Chamonix.
At Alpine Fleet, we offer both private and shared transfers that can take you to the resort with ease, meaning you don’t need to worry about having to navigate the challenging mountain roads or public transport.
If you’re planning a trip to Chamonix, Alpine Fleet is here to help. Our team offers private transfers and shared transfers that can be tailored specifically to your needs. We’ll go above and beyond to make the experience as easy as possible for you, helping your trip get off to the best possible start. For more information, get in touch with our team today.
