Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Why Chamonix

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, known as "Cham" to regulars, sits at 1,035 metres at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps at over 4,800 metres. The valley hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924 and remains the world capital of alpinism. Every year at the end of August, it comes alive for the UTMB, the big event in the trail running calendar.

Within minutes, you can go from the town centre to the high mountains: the Aiguille du Midi cable car climbs to 3,842 metres, and the Montenvers train takes you to the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France.

What to do in Chamonix through the seasons

• Winter : skiing in the valley's ski areas (Brévent-Flégère, Grands Montets, Balme, Les Houches), ski touring, and the Vallée Blanche, a glacier descent of around twenty kilometres that should be done with a guide.

• Spring and summer : hiking to the lac Blanc and in the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, climbing, mountain biking, tandem paragliding with views of Mont Blanc, and alpinism courses.

• Autumn : the valley is quieter, the colours are superb and the glaciers are a great place to try ice climbing.

Activities you can book on Peaked

• Paragliding : a tandem flight with an instructor, no experience needed.

• Ice climbing : a day on the Mer de Glace led by a mountain guide.

• Mountain biking : a skills session to improve your downhill riding.

• Nature discovery : an outing with a mountain leader to learn about high-altitude environments.

Each activity is offered directly by the professional who will be looking after you. You choose your slot, then book and pay online.

Why go out with a professional

Conditions in the mountains can change quickly. A state-qualified guide, instructor or mountain leader will choose a route to suit your level and the day's weather, provide or check the technical equipment, and help you progress safely. They also know the valley well and bring it to life with their stories.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need experience to go paragliding in Chamonix? No. On a tandem flight, the instructor does the piloting: all you have to do is run a few steps at take-off.

Can I ski the Vallée Blanche without a guide? It's a high-mountain glacier route with crevasses, and it is neither marked nor secured. It should be done with a mountain guide.

How do I get to Chamonix? By car or shuttle from Geneva airport, which is just over an hour away by road. By train, take the Mont-Blanc Express line from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet.

When is the best time to visit? It all depends on the activity: winter for skiing, summer for hiking and alpinism, autumn for peace and quiet. The dates each professional has opened up are shown on their listing.