Activities in Chamonix
Discover the top Chamonix activities
The main draw for people coming to Chamonix in winter is, of course, skiing and snowboarding. However, there’s other activities to do in Chamonix in the summer.
Whether you're just looking for something to do when the lifts close or you simply don't ski, we promise you, you'll have no time to get bored here!
With five different parts of the valley to ski in, and a wealth of off-piste areas, the valley has something for every level of experience. There are around 150km of piste, 65 ski lifts, the pisted terrain ranges in altitude from 950m to 3,300m and not forgetting the world famous Vallée Blanche descent - a 20km long route that takes you from the Aiguille du Midi down 2,700m to town.
What to do in Chamonix?
Chamonix is an outdoor activities paradise. The Alpine town and its surrounding mountains offer hundreds of things to do for every ability and every age.
Some activities are perfect for solo travellers while others are more suited to romantic couples. Families and groups will also find a wide range of things to do in Chamonix.
From relaxing to full on adrenaline, from child friendly to adults only, from outdoor fun to bad weather indoor activities, there is something for everyone in Chamonix.
Activities Guest Card
The Chamonix guest card ('carte d'hôte') is valid throughout the year (for the duration of your stay) and entitles you to various discounts throughout the valley, such as reductions at all the sports and cultural facilities including the swimming pool, ice rink, museums and covered parking.
If you do not receive one when you check into your accommodation, you can buy one from any of the tourist offices in the valley. You can find out more about the various advantages it offers from the tourist office website.

Top things to do in Chamonix
Below are our three favourite activities in Chamonix but there are plenty more to choose from.
Winter sports, skiing and snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding are probably the most popular winter activities in the the Valley, but there's ski touring, split boarding, cross-country skiing and télémarking. The the Valley mountains are also the perfect setting to go snowshoeing and husky dog sledging, whilst the ice skating rink in Chamonix town centre will keep the whole family entertained.
Mountain biking
The valley tracks and trails in the area attract hundreds of biking aficionados every summer. Meander through lush forests to reach stunning mountaintops with breathtaking views.
Walking, hiking and running
In the summer, the pistes turn into meadows and deep-forested trails to explore on foot. From easy valley strolls to gruelling trail running ascents and descents, everyone can explore the beautiful sunny landscapes.
Check out the selection of things to do below for some holiday inspiration – you'll see that there are plenty of alternatives to skiing and snowboarding in Chamonix.

Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding in Chamonix
Chamonix is great place for skiing and snowboarding, offering something for every level across five different ski areas. Whether you’re carving smooth beginner pistes, tackling thrilling off-piste runs, or exploring almost 60km of cross-country trails, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Modern lifts and varied snowparks make it easy to enjoy all kinds of terrain, while options like night skiing, speed riding and télémarking add extra excitement. With adapted lessons and equipment available, everyone can experience the slopes, making Chamonix a welcoming and unforgettable winter playground.
Climbing in Chamonix
Chamonix is a great place to give climbing a go or push yourself further, whatever your level. Head to well known spots like Les Gaillands for an easy day out, explore the crags around Vallorcine, or try bouldering near the Grands Montets. If the weather’s not playing ball, there are great indoor climbing walls in both Les Houches and central Chamonix. For a more secure way to reach new heights, Via Ferrata routes offer metal steps and ladders with spectacular mountain views. And if you’re after something truly memorable, you can scale frozen waterfalls or join a guide to take on the high routes of the Mont Blanc massif.
Guides & Tours in Chamonix
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Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides
Located in Chamonix
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialises in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism. Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.
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Via ferrata Passy
Open for those aged from 10 upwards, this five hour experience is ideal for those seeking something more challenging than just alpine hiking without the demand of the technical skill required in climbing.
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Climb Mont Blanc in 3 or 5 Days
If you are thinking about climbing Mont Blanc, and have little or no mountaineering experience but have a good level of fitness and motivation, then this is the course for you!
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Mont Blanc training course and ascent - five day
Located in Chamonix
This two to three training course is followed by a three-day ascent and is for people with a high level of fitness. An unforgettable experience, to reach the summit will test the skills you have learnt along the way.
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Mont Blanc traverse - three day
Located in Chamonix
Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, is without a doubt the most breathtaking and beautiful mountain in the world, and every year many mountaineers ascend this famous peak.
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Private guided rock climbing
Located in Chamonix
Improve your climbing skills with instruction from a professional guide.
Culture and guided tours in Chamonix
Chamonix is packed with cultural sights and guided experiences that let you explore the valley’s heritage, nature and alpine traditions. You can take in spectacular views from the Aiguille du Midi, ride the Montenvers train to the Mer de Glace and its famous ice cave, or wander through the galleries and museums dotted across the valley. From waterfalls and gorges in Servoz to local weekly markets and charming historical sites, there’s plenty to discover at your own pace or with a guide. Whether you’re visiting an animal park, riding the mini train or trying your hand at pétanque, Chamonix offers more than just mountain adventures.
Guides & Tours in Chamonix
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VerticAlp funiculars and train, Châtelard
Located in Le Chatelard
At the edge of the Franco-Swiss border lies the 'VerticAlp' experience, which is made up of a steep funicular, a panoramic train and a smaller funicular taking you up to the Emosson Dam.
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Maison de l'Alpage museum
Located in Servoz
This little museum is housed in the same building as the post office and library in the village centre of Servoz.
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Parc de Merlet
Located in Les Houches
Parc de Merlet is a great place to spot some local animals in their natural environment. A nature reserve, rather than a zoo, the park is perched on a large plateau high above Les Houches.
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Espace Tairraz Crystal Museum
Located in Chamonix
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
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Montagnard museum
Located in Les Houches
Situated in a house dating back to the 1750's, this museum showcases mountain lifestyles from the reconstruction of three pieces of traditional housing and objects from everyday life.
Cycling in Chamonix
Cycling
The whole of the Alps are known worldwide for hosting some of the most gruelling stages of the Tour de France so, to gain the most from your riding in the area, you need to have a reasonable level of fitness. There are some renowned climbs near Chamonix, including the Col de Colombière, Col du Grand Saint Bernard, Col de Joux Plaine or Col des Aravis, as well as lesser-known but fun rides like the Col des Montets, the Emosson dam, the Col de la Forclaz or the tour around Lake Annecy.
Bike Hire in Chamonix
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Road bike hire
Located in Chamonix
Located close to the Aiguille du Midi lift in the centre of Chamonix, Legend'Chx is a large shop of 250m2 dedicated to renting and selling bikes. They also have a workshop for repairs.
Flying in Chamonix
Take to the skies in and around the Chamonix valley and enjoy the mountains from a whole new perspective. From scenic helicopter tours to peaceful hot air balloon rides and thrilling paragliding flights, there are plenty of ways to experience the Alps from above.
Daily helicopter trips offer panoramic views over and the snowy peaks of Aiguille de Midi and Mont Blanc, while hot air ballooning gives a more relaxed way to take it all in. For something more hands-on, try paragliding with a local instructor and glide down from one of the nearby peaks.
Flying in Chamonix
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Tandem Paragliding
Located in Chamonix
This company's sole activity is tandem paragliding, so they are 100 % focused on you and your flight. Their fully qualified pilots have vast experience and have done 1,000s of flight in the Chamonix Valley.
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Heli-Skiing Trips From Chamonix
As heliskiing is not permitted in France, this company offers trips from a number of different resorts in Italy and Switzerland. Each trip departs from Chamonix.
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Cross Country Tandem Paraglide
Located in Chamonix
Enjoy a longer flight than the usual tandem paraglide and experience an amazing trip above the mountains to give you an incredible feeling of flying like an eagle.
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Introductory Tandem Paraglide, Chamonix - Le Brevent
Located in Chamonix
Realise man's oldest dream and discover the simple pleasure of a tandem paragliding-flight. The best way to discover Chamonix Valley and Mont-Blanc massif
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Paragliding
Located in Chamonix
Take to the skies with Evolution 2. The most exciting and beautiful way to see the breathtaking views - you are guaranteed to leave with memories of a lifetime!
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Heliskiing/boarding
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
Golf in Chamonix
You can play a round with stunning mountain views at the 18 hole golf course in Les Praz, just a few minutes from Chamonix. Surrounded by iconic peaks like Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi, it’s a memorable place to tee off. The course is open from spring, with lessons and week-long courses available in English for all levels.
Golf Courses in Chamonix
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Chamonix Mont Blanc Golf Course, Les Praz
Chamonix has one of the most beautiful 18 hole golf courses in the Alps.
Horse riding in Chamonix
Horse riding is a great way to explore the Chamonix valley’s trails and take in the scenery from a different perspective. You can join a guided trek or take lessons at the riding school in Les Houches. For younger riders, the mini-ranch at Paradis des Praz offers gentle pony rides through the woods.
Horse-riding in Chamonix
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Mini Ranch Horse Riding, Les Praz
Located in Chamonix
This mini ranch welcomes children of all ages to take short trip on their ponies. It is situated behind the golf course in Les Praz following a short walk along the river.
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Centre Equestre Du Mont-Blanc
Located in Les Houches
This horse riding centre is situated in just up the hill from the train station in Les Houches. The centre is open all year round and has both an indoor and outdoor arena.
Indoor activities in Chamonix
There’s plenty to do indoors in Chamonix, whether you’re taking a break from the slopes or the weather is not on your side. You can hit the gym at the sports centre, give the indoor climbing wall a go, unwind with a spa session or have a browse around the museums or local shops. You’ll also find bowling at Hotel PlanB and a cinema in town and one in Les Houches – just check for VOST screenings if you want to catch a film in English.
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Cinema VOX
Located in Chamonix
Chamonix's own Cinema VOX is situated right in the centre of town, slightly tucked back on the Place Balmat (main square in the centre). There are three recently refurbished screens equipped with digital 3D projectors show the latest French and International films, as well as a number of premieres and specialist mountain-sports films.
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Indoor Climbing Wall
Located in Les Houches
The Chamonix valley is home to one of the largest indoor climbing walls in France. The Mont Blanc Escalade is located in Les Houches and is open all year.
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Ice Skating Rink
Located in Chamonix
This covered ice rink is based in the centre of town just behind the Place du Mont Blanc. During the winter season, it is the home of the Chamonix ice hockey team.
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Cinebus Cinema
Located in Les Houches
Les Houches cinema is located in the village centre just next to the Mairie. It has just one screen and the space can also be used for conferences and presentations.
Mountain-biking & Fat-biking in Chamonix
Mountain biking
Chamonix offers some of the best terrain for mountain biking in Europe. There are hundreds of kilometres of fast, smooth and rocky trails available all under the backdrop of Mont Blanc. If you’re not a fan of the uphill, then you can always take the stress out of it all by taking any of the main lifts up and enjoying the descent. Mountain biking in Chamonix has something for all riders, from beginners right up to the more technically advanced. Note that, in French, mountain biking is called VTT (Vélo Tout-Terrain!).
Fat biking
A fairly recent craze, the fat bike is completely at home in the snow. Although it will be difficult to mountain bike along the valley floor during the winter months, hiring a fat bike can offer you hours of fun in the snow. Several of the ski hire shops in town will also rent fat bikes and they can also tell you the best trails in the valley to tackle.
Bike Hire in Chamonix
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Mountain bike hire
Located in Chamonix
Located on the main road out of Chamonix and leading up the valley towards Argentiere, you can find this branch of Intersport just after the Albert 1er Hotel, and just before the MBC micro-brewery.
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Mountain bike hire
Located in Chamonix
Located close to the Aiguille du Midi lift in the centre of Chamonix, this is a large shop of 250m2 dedicated to renting and selling mountain bikes. They also have a workshop for repairs, plus they have a handy bike wash to hose down your ride after a day on the trails.
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Mountain bike hire
Located in Chamonix
This Chamonix-based shop offers a full range of quality bikes for hire, servicing year-round, and a passionate team ready to help you hit the trails.
Snow and ice activities in Chamonix
Winter in Chamonix is packed with snowy adventures beyond the ski slopes. You can hike across glaciers with a guide, explore peaceful forest trails on snowshoes or whizz down hills on a sledge or snow tube. Try your hand at dog sledding, enjoy a spin on one of the valley’s ice rinks or brave the alpine rollercoaster at Planards. From scenic snowshoe routes to thrilling glacier treks and fun family zones, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the snow.
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Snowshoe Day Hikes in Chamonix
Located in Chamonix
Suitable for all abilities and tailored to your group. A perfect way to experience the mountains.
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Snowshoe Guided Walks
Explore the fantastic natural scenery around Vallorcine, Le Tour and Montroc by going off the beaten track on snowshoes!
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Guided Snowshoeing
Located in Chamonix
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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Chamonix Valley Snowshoe Week Excursion
Cloud 9 Adventure is a small independent adventure travel company run by Emma Jack. They offer expert guiding services in and around Chamonix Valley.
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Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche
Located in Chamonix
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism. Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.
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Mer de Glace glacier trek
Located in Chamonix
Strap on your crampons for a scenic stomp across the frosty wasteland known as the Mer de Glace.
Spas and massages in Chamonix
Spas
If it's calm and relaxation you're after then head to a luxury day spa or book in for massage therapies and beauty treatments.
Most luxury hotels in the Chamonix valley have a spa and many of them are open to the public. You can keep warm and revive aching muscles in saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis or take a refreshing dip in a swimming pool. Unwind, relax and indulge.
Spas in Chamonix
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La Folie Douce sports club and spa
Located in Chamonix
Why not spend a morning or afternoon relaxing at the spa in La Folie Douce. Unwind and allow yourself to be pampered.
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Massage Me
Massage Me work across the French Alps and can offer a whole variety of massages and treatments in your own chalet, apartment or hotel.
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Faucigny Hotel Spa, Chamonix
Located in Chamonix
This chic modern spa is situated in the centre of chamonix in the Place de l'Eglise. It's part of the boutique Faucigny Hotel.
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Mountain Massage
Located in Chamonix
Based in Chamonix, Mountain Massage offers a range of deep tissue, sport and relaxing massages.
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Mont Blanc spa
Situated in Vallorcine just minutes away from the train station and local bus stop, this spa is easily accessible to all in the Chamonix valley and includes everything you need to unwind.
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Grand Hotel des Alpes spa
Located in Chamonix
Located in the centre of Chamonix, the Grand Hotel des Alpes wellness centre offers a peaceful atmosphere.

Theme parks, waterparks and aquariums in Chamonix
Chamonix has plenty of fun on offer for families and thrill seekers at its adventure parks and leisure areas. Test your aim with a round of paintball in the woods, or tackle high ropes, zip lines and tree-top courses at one of several local parks. Younger visitors can enjoy mini go-karts, trampolines and a rollercoaster-style summer luge at the Parc de Loisirs near the Montenvers station. It’s a great way to spend a few active hours off the mountain.
Walking, hiking and running in Chamonix
Chamonix is a fantastic place to explore on foot, whether you’re after a gentle stroll along the valley floor or a more challenging hike up into the mountains. With around 600km of well-marked trails, you’re spoiled for choice in both summer and winter. If you’re into trail running, you’ll find world-class routes with big climbs and stunning scenery, plus expert advice available at the Maison du Trail. In winter, many trails remain open and accessible, with lifts helping you reach higher ground and simple gear making it easy to enjoy the snow-covered paths.
Guides & Tours in Chamonix
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Teresa Kaufman Discovery Walks & Mini-Photoshoot
Located in Les Houches
An opportunity to get in the picture with Teresa Kaufman as your personal photographer, guide and story teller. This is the perfect activity accessible to everyone; children, adults, grandparents - easy walking, incredible scenery, a moment to share. Non-skiers will love it in the winter. An activity to experience with loved ones or to give as a gift.
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Teresa Kaufman Chamonix Valley Vortex Walk
Located in Les Houches
Chamonix-based photographer and writer Teresa Kaufman has been hosting Discovery & Photo Walks since 2011 in the beautiful and energy-charged environment of the Chamonix Valley. Orignally designed for budding photographers visiting Mont Blanc, Teresa’s walks have started to appeal to a different kind of visitor - those looking for a digital detox from the internet and social networks in order to reconnect to nature in Chamonix’s fantastic landscapes.
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Chamonix Holiday Planning & Travel Scout - Teresa Kaufman
Your holiday time in the Chamonix valley is valuable. Every day counts. Every moment should be a special one.
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Classic Haute Route Trek, from Chamonix
Cloud 9 Adventure is a small independent adventure travel company run by Emma Jack. They offer expert guiding services in and around Chamonix Valley and further afield.
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Teresa Kaufman Walks for Women
Located in Chamonix
A spoonful of curiosity, a pinch of empowerment – and you’ve got the recipe for a great afternoon. Join these outings exclusively for groups of women, led by local mountain climber, tour guide and photographer Teresa Kaufman.
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Guided Hiking Day Trip
Located in Chamonix
Cloud 9 Adventure is a small independent adventure travel company that organises guided trips for hiking and trekking. Suitable for all abilities and tailored to your group, hiking with a guide is the perfect way to experience the mountains.
Watersports in Chamonix
There are plenty of ways to make a splash in Chamonix during the summer months. From rafting through town to tackling faster rapids just across the border, you’ll find a range of white water activities to suit all ages and abilities. Try canoeing, canyoning or hydrospeeding with expert guides and all the gear you need for a fun and safe day on the river.
Watersports in Chamonix
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Canyoning
Located in Chamonix
An exhillerating mountain water experience travelling down rivers or streams within a canyon by a variety of means including walking, scrambling, climbing, abseiling and swimming.
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Challenging Canyoning
An exhillerating mountain water experience travelling down rivers or streams within a canyon by a variety of means including walking, scrambling, climbing, abseiling and swimming.
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White Water Rafting
Located in Chamonix
Experience the perfect way to see areas of the valley that are otherwise inaccessible with Evolution 2. Are you looking for the ride of your life? Because these beautiful alpine rivers will turn into exhilarating playgrounds for fun!
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Hydrospeed
Located in Chamonix
Experience the most aquatic all out activities with Evolution 2. Are you looking for the ride of your life? Because these beautiful alpine rivers will turn into exhilarating playgrounds for fun!
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Yellow Rafting
Located in Chamonix
Enjoy rafting, hrdrospeeding and more in the summer time with Yellow rafting.