Summer is over and the locals get their town back for a few weeks.
October in Chamonix: What's on and weather
Autumn in Chamonix still has plenty on offer to keep you entertained
The majority of the lifts close, but don't let that get you down, there's still plenty to do in the valley in October. From golf tournaments to first division hockey and traditional fêtes, you'll find a reasonably full calendar.
Also, whilst there will be some rainy days, the temperatures remain warm enough to be out in the mountains, even if it will be under your own steam with a waterproof packed just in case. Plus, to watch the snow line rise and fall as the tops of the ridges get a fresh first dusting of snow is a magical glimpse of the seasonal change.
Yes, some of the bars and restaurants close for the break, but that just means you can find out where the locals always go for a great plat du jour at lunch, or a quick apéro before heading home.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout October.
What's the weather like in Chamonix in October?
With an average low of 6ºC and high of 15ºC (sometimes more), you'll notice the temperatures drop rapidly once the sun goes down, but even the occasional downpours don't last for long.
Things to do in Chamonix
Chamonix’s autumn events include the Chirv’Athlon, a challenging triathlon with running and cycling stages through the scenic villages of Servoz, and the prestigious Grand Prix Golf Tournament set against Mont Blanc views in Les Praz. The season also features the seasonal Halloween celebrations across the valley with themed local events.
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Snowshoe guided walks
Half day and full day snowshoe walks in Vallorcine
Explore the fantastic natural scenery around Vallorcine, Le Tour and Montroc by going off the beaten track on snowshoes!
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Cinema VOX
English films and digital 3D equipped
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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Haute Route ski tour
7 day ski tour from Chamonix to Zermatt
The winter Haute Route (or "high route") from Chamonix to Zermatt, is one of the most well know ski touring traverses in the world after Doctor Payot and his friends first skied the route in January 1924.
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Guided snowshoeing
Half day or full day private guided snowshoeing walks
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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VerticAlp funiculars and train
Just over the border to Switzerland you can journey up to the Emosson Dam
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. Â
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Tandem paragliding
Enjoy the trip of a lifetime with these qualified tandem paragliding specialists - All year round
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.
Walking in Chamonix
October is the perfect time to go hiking. Temperatures are lower and due to the possibility of snow on the higher trails, it's better to stick to the lower or mid-mountain paths and always check the weather conditions, even asking local mountain guides which routes they advise trying. Some of the lifts stay open in October, such is the case of the Aiguille du Midi, the Montenvers vintage train or the Planpraz gondola in Brévent which will whir into action again mid-month. With easy access to the mountains, this is the time to go out and explore the local forests.
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The Grand Balcons in Chamonix 
The Grand Balcons in Chamonix
Two high altitude walks are amongst the most popular in the valley
The Grand Balcons walks are the big brothers of the Petit Balcons previously described. These two higher altitude walks are amongst the most popular in the valley, offering some of the best and most easily accessed views of the surrounding mountain ranges. (Expect them to be pretty busy during July and August).
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Les Prapators and Le Chapeau circuit 
Les Prapators and Le Chapeau circuit
A picturesque circuit of around 12km with a lovely lunch stop
With having spent a few years exploring the trails of this valley, I thought I knew all the accessible routes so when someone mentioned one I’d never heard of I was excited to check it out - even more so when I was promised a good lunch along the way.
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The first snowfall of winter 
The first snowfall of winter
Hiking through fresh snow in Vaudagne can mean only one thing - winter
Big fat snowflakes, thick white tree branches and dropping temperatures. Up in Vaudagne there is a winter wonderland to be explored. By following the signposts for Vaudagne you can circle back round to where you started in about 40 minutes or so, finishing up beside a field.
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The Petit Balcons in Chamonix 
The Petit Balcons in Chamonix
Beautiful panoramic promenades with an almost constant level of altitude
Chamonix is unique with some of its trails, in particular the 'Balcon' walks; two 'petit' and two 'grand'. They are all beautiful panoramic promenades with an almost constant level of altitude and can be done partially or in their entirety. The 'Petit Balcons' run around the lower valley floor (approx altitude 1,200m) and are named "Nord" (north) and "Sud" (south) after their directional compass bearing.
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Chalet Buvette de Caillet 
Chalet Buvette de Caillet
A half-day hike towards Montenvers that begins and ends in Chamonix centre
When the weather is beautiful here in Chamonix it seems a shame to not go out and explore the surrounding mountains. This is a great half-day hike that sees you leave the town and head up towards Montenvers through the forest.
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Belvedere du Chapeau from Lavancher 
Belvedere du Chapeau from Lavancher
A forest trail leading towards the Mer de Glace with a stop at the Refuge du Chapeau
Situated 150m above the bottom of the Mer de Glace, the Refuge du Chapeau has been a classic stop for tourists for over a century.
October events in Chamonix
Chamonix’s autumn season includes home games for the Chamonix Pionniers ice hockey team in the Magnus League, with a lively rink atmosphere for spectators. Autumn school holidays bring family entertainment through the Les Petits Asticots programme across the valley, featuring shows and activities. Halloween is also celebrated locally with themed bar events and spooky cocktails.
Events in Chamonix
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Photography workshop - "L'Art du Regard"
Discover light, composition, and creativity on a relaxed half-day photography workshop in nature with an award-winning photographer.
Join award-winning photographer Monica for an inspiring half-day photography workshop in the Chamonix valley. Open to all levels and offered in both French and English, this small-group experience focuses on the art of seeing - learning to notice light, composition, and the details that give an image its soul.
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Farmer's market Les Houches 
Farmer's market Les Houches
Local produce sold at this weekly market - fresh food direct from farm to table
Come and discover the produce of this local farm in Les Houches.
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Halloween in Chamonix 
Halloween in Chamonix
Check out the best parties around town this All Hallows' Eve
There will be a number of parties and events happening this Halloween at some of the best venues in town and neighbouring villages.
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Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Ice hockey match - Chamonix Pionniers
See the Chamonix Pionniers in action
The local Chamonix ice hockey team, the Pionniers, play in France's Synerglace Ligue Magnus, the first division. See them battle against other national teams at Chamonix's ice rink.
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Christmas in Chamonix
Join in the Christmas spirit in the lead up to the big day
The snow is here and the Christmas lights in Chamonix are on, and there's plenty to do in the week before Christmas day.
