What to do in Chamonix: a seasonal guide to activities

In short: Chamonix has something for every season. In summer, it's all about hiking (over 350 km of trails), paragliding with Mont-Blanc in front of you, climbing and white-water activities on the Arve. In winter, it's a kingdom of skiing and off-piste (including the legendary Vallée Blanche), snowshoeing, ice climbing and the Mer de Glace. This article covers the must-dos season by season, from the most accessible to the most committing, so you can plan a trip that suits you.

Chamonix in summer: hiking, flying and thrills

When the snow gives way to flower-filled alpine pastures, the Chamonix valley becomes one huge open-air playground. Here are the summer activities you won't want to miss.

Hiking: the essential

With over 350 km of trails, Chamonix is one of the finest hiking destinations in the Alps. From valley-floor paths open to everyone to big panoramic days out, there's something for every level. Classics include the climb to Lac Blanc facing the Drus, the lacs des Chéserys, or a section of the Tour du Mont-Blanc. Nature lovers may spot marmots, ibex and chamois, particularly in the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. To discover alpine wildlife and flora safely, and without missing a thing, heading out with a mountain leader makes all the difference.

Paragliding: Chamonix from the sky

Taking off on a tandem paragliding flight means seeing the valley from above, with Mont-Blanc, its glaciers and its needles right in front of you. Open to everyone, beginners included, the flight is made in tandem with a state-qualified pilot, taking off from Planpraz, Plan de l'Aiguille or the Aiguille du Midi. It's one of the most memorable experiences of a summer stay. Our guide to tandem paragliding in Chamonix explains everything.

Climbing and via ferrata

The valley has 19 crags for learning to climb or improving your skills, from the easy routes at Gaillands (ideal for families) to the technical spots at Vallorcine. If you'd like a taste of the vertical without being an experienced climber, the Évettes via ferrata combines airy sections with views over the massif, with safety assured.

White-water activities

On the Arve, the river running through the valley, you can try rafting or hydrospeed (white-water swimming) over a course of several kilometres at the foot of Mont-Blanc. Thrills guaranteed, as long as you can swim.

Chamonix in winter: skiing, ice and wide open spaces

In winter, Chamonix becomes a world-famous snowy playground. Far beyond pistes, the valley offers some truly unique experiences.

Skiing and off-piste

The valley's ski areas, Grands Montets (freeride and steep slopes), Brévent-Flégère (sunny skiing facing Mont-Blanc), Balme-Vallorcine and Les Houches, offer varied skiing for all levels. And for very strong skiers, Chamonix is home to the most legendary off-piste descent in the world: the Vallée Blanche, over 20 km across glaciers from the Aiguille du Midi, which must be skied with a mountain guide.

Snowshoeing

For a gentle, peaceful way to explore the mountains, snowshoeing is perfect. Many waymarked routes cross forests and alpine pastures around Vallorcine, Prarion and Les Houches. It's a lovely way to take in the snow-covered peaks away from the bustle of the pistes, with family or friends.

Ice climbing

Chamonix is a world capital of ice climbing, with hundreds of routes in the massif. Climbing with ice axes and crampons on frozen terrain, in the heart of a living glacier, is a rare and intense experience. It must always be done with a mountain guide. Find out about an exceptional outing with a bivouac on the glacier in our guide to ice climbing on the Mer de Glace.

The Mer de Glace and its ice cave

Reached by the Montenvers train, the Mer de Glace is the largest glacier in France. You can visit the ice cave carved into the glacier each year and enjoy an exceptional panorama of the Drus and the Grandes Jorasses. It's an outing for everyone, in summer and winter alike, and a striking reminder of how far the glaciers are retreating.

What about bad weather?

Even when the weather turns, Chamonix has plenty to offer. The town centre is home to museums (Musée Alpin, Espace Tairraz), shops and restaurants, and the Richard Bozon sports centre has a swimming pool and indoor facilities. Enough to fill a day away from the mountains, before heading back out as soon as the sky clears.

How to choose and book your activities in Chamonix

Most mountain activities (paragliding, ice climbing, off-piste skiing, guided hiking) require a qualified professional, both for safety and to get the most out of the experience. On PEAKED, you can book independent guides and instructors from the Chamonix valley at a clear, upfront price. You stay in direct contact with the professional so the outing can be adapted to your level and the weather on the day.

Discover all the activities in Chamonix on PEAKED →