Holidays to Chamonix

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Chamonix

Its hard to escape the eye of the Mont Blanc when walking in Chamonix (not that you'll want to), the views are breath-taking and there are walks for all abilities. 

Inghams guided walks

Don't forget, you have the option to join two included Inghams guided walks per week, with a local, professional guide. Get to know our favourite walking trails with insider knowledge and the company of Inghams guests. Pre-booking is essential - check out the Guided Walks section below for more information.

Summer lift network

Chamonix's extensive summer network of local lifts gives access to some incredible and diverse walking areas. One of the most famous is the Aiguille du Midi, it's also one of the steepest cable cars in the world. All lifts are payable and bookable locally. You may wish to purchase a Mont Blanc Multipass, that gives you access to certain lifts for a selected duration of time, the Mont Blanc Multipass is bookable and payable in resort.

Please note that lift opening dates are weather dependent and subject to change, opening times and days vary throughout the summer months.

• Le Brévent lift (normally open 10 June - 17 September)
• Flégère lift (normally open 10 June - 17 September)
• Grands Montets lift (normally open 01 July - 03 September)
• Vallorcine cable car (normally open 24 June - 03 September)
• Aiguille du Midi cable car(normally open from 01 May - 05 November)
• Le Tour Gondola (normally open from 10 June - 10 September)
• The Bossons Glacier chairlift (normally open from 17 June - 17 September)
• The Tramway du Mont Blanc (normally open from 17 June - 01 October)
• Montenvers train (open year round) The ice cave and gondola are normally open from 11 July - 13 September

Inghams guided walks - included in your holiday

We’ve included two full-day walks per week in Chamonix, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional mountain guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area.

The walks will run every Monday and Friday. You can add them onto your holiday at the time of booking, through My Booking or by calling us on 01483 319 652.

Routes may vary from week to week but as a guide you can see some of our planned routes below:

Aiguilette des Posettes

This walk spoils you with great scenery and fantastic views of the Chamonix Valley. First you’ll need to take a bus to Le Tour to meet your guide before you head off on a day of walking. On this route you will be heading up the Aiguillette des Posettes, it’s the last summit of the Tour du Mont-Blanc and offers breath-taking views.

• Grade: Moderate to challenging (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: approx. 9km
• Duration: approx. 6-7 hours (walking time approx. 4 hours)
• Ascent/descent: 850m
• Terrain: Mountain terrain with technical rock track, the track gets a bit more challenging the further you climb
• Useful information: You will need to take your own lunch and snacks. The meeting point for this route is in Le Tour which you can get to by bus using the Chamonix Valley pass, the journey can take approx. 30 - 40 minutes so make sure you plan ahead and you will need to do the reverse journey to get back to Chamonix after the walk. Please also note that there is nowhere on this route to buy lunch, drinks or access toilets.

Albert 1er Hut

You’ll start your day by heading to Le Tour where you’ll meet your guide before hopping on the Charamillon Gondola up into the mountains (please be aware there is a charge of approx. €22 per person payable locally for the gondola). You’re heading for the famous Albert 1er Hut, which is perched in the mountains with incredible views surrounding it - you can’t get much more remote than this and you may even see some glaciers on the route.

• Grade: Challenging (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: approx. 12km
• Duration: approx. 7-8 hours (walking time approx. 4-5 hours)
• Ascent/descent: 650m
• Terrain: Mountain terrain with some technical rock track 
• Useful information: You will need to take your own lunch and snacks for this walk; at the hut there may be the opportunity to purchase food and drinks but we always recommend taking your own in case of unscheduled closures or lack of availability. The meeting point for this route is in Le Tour, which you can get to by bus using the Chamonix Valley pass, the journey can take approx. 30 - 40 minutes so make sure you plan ahead, you will also return this way. You’ll head into the mountains on the gondola of Charamillon and chairlift of Balme (payable locally, approx. €22 per person). Toilets can only be used at the hut if you purchase something and there are no other toilets on the route.

Lac of the Chesery

You’ll walk through the Aiguilette d’argentiere where you’ll see amazing views of the Chamonix Valley. Keep your eyes peeled for the mountain Ibex, known locally as bouquetins, they’re known to roam these areas but if you spot one, be sure you keep your distance. When you reach the Lake of the Cheserys you’ll see wonderful Mont Blanc views and if you’re lucky and the lake is still you’ll see the landscape reflected in the lake.

• Grade: This walk is moderate to challenging and recommended for people with a good level of fitness.
• Distance: approx. 10km
• Duration: approx. 9am - 4pm
• Ascent/descent: 800m of ascent and 950 descent (or 800m if you go the same route on way down)
• Terrain: Mountain terrain, steep climb at the start, ladders mid way, nice path from ladders to lake.
• Useful information: You will need to take your own lunch and snacks for this walk. You meet at the Montroc train station or car park tré le champ, from Chamonix you can catch the train to Montroc on the way (or bus to Col des Montets), then take the train or bus from Argentiere on the way back. Please note that there is nowhere on this route to buy lunch or access toilets.

For every walk you will need: suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack and cash for mountain huts/transport. You may find walking poles useful.

Early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. All walks are subject to availability of local guides, weather conditions and maximum numbers. Planned routes are subject to change. Any times, distances and ascents/descents stated are approximate. Full details of the walks with the meeting points and routes will be provided to you on arrival. In some instances there may be a small charge for local transport that is payable locally. In resorts where the walks run over more than two days, the day of the walk will be allocated to you by your Rep in your welcome meeting. Where we cannot confirm your preferred option in resort, we will endeavour to offer an alternative subject to the above conditions.

Please ensure you are comfortable with the grade of walk, planned distance covered and terrain before booking. The decision of the guide on the suitability of the walk for you is final and no compensation will be paid where the guide believes, in their professional opinion, that it is not suitable. Please ensure you are well-equipped for the walk have suitable clothing and footwear. Walks are not recommended for guests under 12 years. Any guests under 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Petit Balcon Nord - Argentiere to Les Bois

• Easy to moderate walk
• 12 kilometres
• Expect to take around four hours

This is a fantastic walk for the mornings. Head off after breakfast and be back in time for lunch. Walk through forests and flower-filled fields and look out for cows and goats as you go along. The walk is relatively flat with a few gentle inclines and some downhill sections.

Lac des Gaillands

• Easy, family-friendly walk
• Two kilometres long
• Expect to take around half an hour

This walk is a great way to warm up your legs at the beginning of the holiday. It's a flat walk around the lake so it's nothing too strenuous for after you've been travelling. This is a great opportunity to get to know the area at the start of the holiday and a chance to think about what your next adventure will be.

Cascade du Dard

• Moderate hike
• Circular trail of 4.7 kilometres
• Expect to take around two and a half hours

This hike is brilliant if you want something slightly more challenging. You'll pass through a forest and end up with fantastic views of the 20 metre high waterfall, Cascade du Dard. There's also a nice café near the waterfall. The walk starts with a steep ascent and some of the paths have quite a loose surface so make sure you have shoes with a good grip on.

Les Praz to Lac Blanc

• Moderate hike
• Part of the tour de Mont Blanc
• 6.1 kilometres long
• Expect to take around three hours

You'll find incredible views over the Chamonix Aiguilles, Les Drus and La Verte. Take the Flégère cable car and begin your climb up to the Lac Blanc. There's a mountain refuge on route where you can stop for refreshments. Once you get to the Lac Blanc, walk around for gorgeous views of the Mont Blanc Massif.

Grand Balcon Nord, Plan de l'Aiguille to Montenvers

• Moderate hike
• High altitude
• Approx. 15 kilometres

If you're heading up in the Aiguille du Midi cable car then this is the perfect walk to make the most of those high altitudes. On the cable car journey back from the summit you can get off at the mid-station and this is where the walk begins. You're heading for Montenvers where you'll find the famous Mer de Glace and the Montenvers train which you can take to get back down to Chamonix, the Mont Blanc is behind you on this walk so make sure to stop and look back to take in those breath-taking views. Please note that during parts of the summer season some areas of this route can be covered in snow which can be dangerous, always check conditions prior to walking.

Recommended Equipment

Pack warm jackets and trousers for heading up in the cable cars. Even in high summer it'll be cold at high altitude. Don't forget to bring a rucksack to carry your water, lunch and supplies. There's nothing nicer than stopping to have a family picnic on the mountain.

If you're challenging yourself with a steeper walk then we'd recommend getting some adjustable walking poles that you can take with you.

Walking Apps & Maps

The Chamonix official app is really useful and a brilliant addition to your holiday. It has information about the lifts and their opening times, local bars and restaurants, walking trails, cultural days out, public transport, local tourist offices and more.

Hiking Guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers
• Don't leave the marked trails or go onto a glacier without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking alpine flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them
• Leave no trace

You'll get a free Chamonix Guest Card when you stay at any of our hotels. It gives you free bus and train travel on certain routes in the Chamonix Valley and discounts on activities. 

If you're looking to use a number of the summer lifts in Chamonix (open on selected dates) then you may be interested in purchasing the Mont Blanc Multipass. You can buy it for a certain number of days and includes multiple lifts in the Chamonix valley, including the Aiguille du Midi and Mer de Glace lifts. There's discounted rates for children aged 5-14, families and people over 65 years old.

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy on your holiday to Chamonix. The below activities are subject to local schedules, opening dates and times should be checked in advance, they are payable locally and may need to be booked and paid for ahead of your visit.

Admire spectacular views of Mont Blanc and Mer de Glace

No summer holiday in Chamonix is complete without a ride on the world's highest cable car to the Aiguille du Midi overlooking Mont Blanc. Or hop on the famous Montenvers cog railway to 1,913 metres to see the stunning Mer de Glace glacier. You can even spend a cosy night in the Refuge du Montenvers. There's some fantastic waterfalls to discover too, take the train to the Gorges de la Diosaz and explore (gorge entry payable locally, approx. €6.50).

Local summer events in Chamonix

Chamonix has a great range of events during summer. We've listed a few of our favourites below. Please be aware dates are subject to change and should be checked in advance, tickets might also be required and may need to be booked and paid for in advance:

Fête de la Musique, Chamonix (usually held around 21st June) - This isn't just an exclusive event to Chamonix but is celebrated in many French towns and villages to mark the summer solstice. Enjoy a variety of music from amateur bands to classical musicians.

Marathon du Mont-Blanc (usually held around the end of June) - Not for the faint hearted, this challenging race climbs to over 2,000 metres and is great viewing for running fans.

Climbing world cup (usually held in early July) - Chamonix centre becomes a stage for the climbing world cup where you can watch these impressive athletes take on daring climbing walls.

Cosmo Jazz Festival (usually held around the 22nd July) - Enjoy fantastic live music and a great atmosphere.

Fête des Guides (usually held around the 15th August) is a celebration of mountain guides, you'll find plenty of activities in the valley as well as concerts to celebrate the occasion.

Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (usually held at the end of August) - this ultra marathon follows the route of the Tour du Mont Blanc and is a chance to see some incredible athletes take on this mountain challenge.

Try out the local food

Every Saturday morning there's a farmers market in Mont Blanc Square - it's the best place to buy local cheese, bread, fruit and veg. You can see the locals out and about and the musty smell of warm cheese and dusty antiques that fills the air on market day are unforgettable.

Explore nearby villages

Your Chamonix Guest Card will come in handy when it comes to hopping from town to town. We recommend a trip to Les Houches and Argentiere.

Excursions in Chamonix can be booked locally with your Rep

E-Biking from £78 per person (half day)

There are plenty of bike paths in the Chamonix valley and there's no better (or easier) way to explore them than on an e-bike. A guide will take you through the bike paths, showing off the landscapes around you. The e-bikes mean you can getting a little extra help on those mountain paths and enjoy the journey, use as much or as little power as you like to help boost you along.

Paragliding from Planpraz (Brevent) from £113 per person

Glide in the air surrounded by the gorgeous mountains and see the Chamonix Valley from above. Seeing Mont Blanc from the Brevent mountain range, these are views you won't forget. You'll be in a tandem flight so your professional paragliding pilot will guide you in the air.

Please note the minimum age is 10 years old.

Rafting from £30 per person (half day)

A 6 kilometre adventure down the rapids, on the top part of the Arve and its faster currents. The team will make you feel in safe hands as they guide you down the river and be sure to look up and take in those views. Brace yourself for some chilly water though, the water runs right off the glacier here so it's pretty cold but lovely and refreshing on those warm summer days.

Please note the minimum age is 10 years old.

Canyoning from £61 per person (half day)

Abseil, jump and swim your way through the water. Enjoy natural rock slides as you plunge into pools of clear water, and have a fun day out exploring the canyons.

Please note the minimum age is 8 years old.

Rock Climbing in Les Gaillands from £51 per person (half day)

Located between the lake and forest, the Gaillands climbing site is the ideal playground for rock climbing. Supervised by a mountain guide who will take you through the various routes of the climbing wall, everyone can take this activity at their own pace.

Please note the minimum age is 6 years old.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Chamonix is great for families looking to be outdoors in nature with plenty of walking routes available, activities, beautiful scenery and an included Chamonix Guest card which gives free travel on selected local bus routes. Activities are all payable locally and we advise checking opening times and dates beforehand as these can be subject to change.

Montenvers train

Those looking for a gentle journey into the mountains will enjoy the Montenvers train. This delightful cog railway takes you on a gentle journey up the mountain, overlooking the Chamonix valley until you reach the Mer de Glace.

You can stop at this point and just admire the views before enjoying the train journey back down, or during certain summer months the Ice Caves open. The Ice Caves are carved into the Mer de Glace glacier and are vibrant blue tunnels winding through the ice. You'll also find various ice sculptures inside, usually carved into the shape of animals or characters.

To get to the ice caves you take a small gondola down from the Montenver train and then there is a long walk way with a lot of steps to get down to the caves, the walk can take around 30 minutes and you do the same walk in reverse on the way up. 

Leisure parks and activities

Chamonix Leisure park - This leisure park, not far from Chamonix town centre is great fun for kids of all ages. You'll find play areas, carousels, water games, mini karting and the alpine coaster, the luge. 

Adventure park: Accro Park of Les Gaillands - Just outside of Chamonix you'll find this adventure park. Situated in the Gaillands forest, you'll find playgrounds, high ropes courses, small ziplines as well as picnic areas.

Excursions

For older children or those that are particularly active, they may be interested in some of our excursions, which include white water rafting, canyoning and e-biking to name a few. See the 'excursion tab' above for more information, age restrictions apply.