Wintersport Things To Do in Chamonix — 8 of Our Favourites

Snowshoeing allows you to discover unspoilt areas, away from the busy pistes. It is also a fantastic option if you don't fancy skiing or snowboarding but still want to get some exercise.

ESF's guides will take you to remote locations where you can see the local wildlife up close and view spectacular scenery including panoramas of Mont Blanc. If you have a group of 4 or more people, you can do an evening walk and combine it with a traditional Fondue or Grolle as part of your adventure.

They also offer a Trapper's Trail, for children aged 6 to 12 from 16:30 to 19:00 on Wednesdays with the theme: searching for animal tracks and igloo-building. You can contact them directly using the web link on this page for more details.

The Vallée Blanche is one of the most enticing off-piste routes in Chamonix, suitable for both those experienced in off-piste skiing and those less experienced, looking to try out some accessible yet challenging off-piste terrain.

The Vallée Blanche is accessed via the Aiguille de Midi cable car, where you will meet your guide on the morning of your trip. Your guide will lead you from the top of the lift (at 3,812m) and down the 20km off-piste, glacial route which finishes in Chamonix town centre (snow permitting). The whole trip usually takes between four and five hours, depending on snow conditions and whether you decide to stop at the popular Requin refuge for a pick-me-up lunch.

All their guides are all fully qualified and hold the UIAGM certification and have each been recruited for their specialist skills. They are experts in creating beautiful experiences on the world’s highest mountains.

The possibilities are endless with access to forest trails and mountain hikes. Your guide will select the ideal route based on your preferences and ability, allowing you to experience the very best of nature in the heart of the Chamonix valley.

With family or friends, you can enjoy a peaceful walk and immerse yourself in the winter landscape. Listen to the white silence of the woods, spot wildlife along winding paths, or climb towards the sun across the peaks and valleys.

Snowshoeing runs all season from Tuesday to Friday, with the option of half-day or full-day walks to suit your schedule.

You can choose to have one, two or three drops depending on your budget, fitness ability and experience!

• One drop heliski – For those skiers and snowboarders who are looking to try heliskiing for the first time or those who are looking for a quick heliski hit away from the crowds without breaking the bank.
• Two drop heliski – Two drops for those that have a little more fitness, off piste experience and money to spend.
• Three drop heliski – Three longer flights allow you to get higher and further into the backcountry to find THE best snow and best terrain far away from lifts, roads and other people.

You can check out the possible ski areas and drop-zones HERE

There is no limit in place for the number of people that can book, however, generally there are four clients per helicopter plus a guide. Their guides are happy to supply you with any of the equipment needed to make sure you have the perfect experience. They also provide you with transceivers, shovels and probes.

The Mer de Glace or 'Sea of Ice' is one of the most well-known glaciers in the Alps. 

Its source begins at around 3,700m altitude in the Midi basin, and flows down in the direction of Chamonix to around 1,500m. Equipped with crampons, a harness, and ice axes, your guide will lead you to one of the most beautiful phenomena on earth. Marvel at the sea of ice, see giant crevasses, and even have a go at ice climbing.

Programme

• meet in front of the Montenvers train station in Chamonix. Train rides to Montenvers at 1,930m (30min)
• follow the walking path to the equipped section (ladders, cables and chains) and descend onto the glacier (30 min to one hour). Initially, the glacier is covered with scree and stones and a short walk will take you onto the ice. Crampon up and take the direction of the "Moulins" where a canyon has been eroded by the torrent, which disappears into the heart of the glacier (40 min)
• try out some ice climbing or continue in the direction of the junction with the Leschaux glacier. The glacier is quite chaotic here, and it's quite understandable why the glacier got its name. A bit of ice climbing for approximately one hour, before returning to Montenvers.

The whole adventure takes about five to six hours of walking for the longer trek, or about four hours when stopping off at "Les Moulins". The programme can be modified to adapt to the glacier conditions.

Experience the beauty of the mountains by taking an amazing tour in a helicopter to view stunning, remote locations. Get a birdseye view of the Espace Killy and Three Valleys ski domains and their nature reserves as well as the Mont Blanc Valley.

You can choose a 10 minute, 30 minute or 60 minute flight

• 10 minute heli scenic tour – Depart from your resort and circle the parameter of the nature reserve, with views around your resort and surrounding mountains.
• 30 minute heli scenic tour – Departing from your local resort and adventuring further afield to surrounding glaciers, resorts and national parks.
• 60 minute heli scenic tour – Not only is this a fantastic experience giving you time to really take in the moment and the scenery, it allows us to fly low over some simply stunning glaciers and down to the base of Mont Blanc for a tour of this awe inspiring mountain range before completing a loop of Italy and heading back into France.

Breathing in crisp, cold air and walking through snow covered pine trees - all in an afternoon's snowshoeing in our valley!

Chamonix is home to many kilometres of forest, both at Valley level and also off the beaten track.

You can join a snowshoe group, or hire your own private guide to tailor make your magical day. Group sizes are a maximum of six people.

Measuring 56 metres by 26 metres, the rink offers a generous space for skating, whether you are a beginner or more confident on the ice.

Families are particularly well catered for, with learning aids available for children, including small chairs and penguin supports to help them build confidence and improve safely.

This artificial outdoor rink is a great spot to enjoy some fresh mountain air while skating in a truly scenic alpine setting.