From relaxing strolls to challenging hikes, holidays in Chamonix offer something for everyone. The huge choice of outdoor activities includes rafting, horse-riding, parapenting, mountain biking, climbing and summer tobogganing. In the resort centre there's bowling, a cinema and even a casino. There's also a superb adventure park, a sports centre and a wonderful 18 hole golf course and mini-golf; be as relaxed or active as you like.
Ride one of Europe's highest cable cars to the spectacular Aiguille du Midi overlooking Mont Blanc, the famous rack railway to 6,200ft to admire the stunning Mer de Glace glacier, or take a trip to Les Houches, Chamonix's quieter village neighbour, 6km down the valley.
The farmers market is in Mont Blanc Square every Saturday morning, with lots of food stands, cheese, fruit, vegs, local items and souvenirs.
Take the train to Gorges of Diosaz for a lovely walk on the boardwalks that're alongside the watercourse up to the gorge with some beautiful waterfalls (approx. 6€ entry, pay locally).
Merlet Animal Park in Les Houches is where eight species of alpine wildlife roam freely in a cleared section of the mountain side. Here there's two walking routes and a café onsite or picnic areas. Shuttle bus that's run by the Animal Park from Les Houches train station Monday to Friday (approx. 8€ entry, pay locally).
Resort Card - Free to all guests
The free "Chamonix Valley Card" is provided by your hotel/apartment upon arrival and offers free bus and train travel in the Chamonix Valley and reductions on many other services.
Sample itinerary:
- Day 1 | Bus to Argentiere and brisk walk back on the Petit Balcon Sud via Chalet la Floria for tea.
- Day 2 | Train to leBuet or Vallorcine for walk to Refuge du Bérard or the Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve.
- Day 3 | Train towards Servoz, admiring the Bossons and Taconnaz glaciers. Visit the spectacular Gorges de la Diosaz (entrance €6.50, payable locally).
- Day 4 | From Chamonix, bus to les Houches then the cable-car (pay locally) to the Col de Voza and the train to Eagle's Nest.
Lift Opening Dates
- Brévent - 11th June to 11th September
- Flégère - 9th June to 11th September
- Grands Montets - 2nd July to 4th September
- Aiguille du Midi - open year round (weather dependent)
- Montenvers Mer de Glace train - open year round (weather dependent) NB. The ice cave and gondola is open from 11th July to 13th September
- Vallorcine - 4th June to 25th September
Dates shown are for summer 2022.
