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Spring half-term activities in Chamonix

How to entertain children in Chamonix during the skiing holidays

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By Alison Shayler, Updated

Chamonix caters really well for everyone from little tots to energetic teenagers.

Half-term is the perfect excuse to swap screens for snowy adventures, and there are few places that do family holidays better than Chamonix. Set beneath the spectacular Mont Blanc, this iconic alpine resort offers far more than world-class skiing, with activities to suit toddlers, teens and adults alike. From thrilling mountain experiences and scenic train rides to ice skating, sledging and unforgettable family days out, Chamonix makes it easy to keep everyone entertained. Here's our guide to the best ways to make the most of your February half-term holiday in the valley.

Sights & Sites in Chamonix

If you’ve invested in the Mont Blanc Unlimited lift pass, you’ll find that there are plenty of extras that make great family excursions. You can go to the top of the Aiguille du Midi and Step Into the Void, ride the Montenvers train up to the Mer de Glace and visit the ice caves, or take the Tramway du Mont Blanc up into the snowy plains of Les Houches.

Even a simple train ride can be an adventure; you can travel for free on all stops between Servoz and Vallorcine with your carte d’hôte guest card, meaning that you can go for a snowy tramp through the forest or alongside the river and catch the train back again. 

Ski Hire in Chamonix

There are two mountain sites that have been specially dedicated to children - Skicamp at Les Houches and Mont Blanc Legend at Flégère. Think funzones with climbing frames, rope bridges, zip wires and slides and even a BBQ area. 

You’ll find that the ski hire shops sell and rent plastic sledges - so find your nearest sledging zone - you've got the Savoy piste at the bottom of Le Brévent, at Prarion and Chavants in Les Houches, at Les Chosalets in Argentière and behind the tourist office in Vallorcine.

Ski Hire in Chamonix

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Ski Schools in Chamonix

If you’ve got young daredevils to keep entertained, then paret sledging will have them buzzing for the rest of the holiday. Enquire with your ski school to find out what extra-curricular activities they put on. 

Or get the kids involved in some “off-piste”, “freeride”, or “snowpark” lessons. Most of the Chamonix ski schools do specific courses for those who want something more exciting to try. They’ll be taught by qualified instructors who will push their boundaries and boost their confidence within safe limits.

Ski School Lessons in Chamonix

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Nightlife in Chamonix

The bars in resort are pretty family friendly, certainly in the early evening when there's no problem taking little ones. They give families a warm welcome, and those that serve food and snacks usually have a kids menu if your après drink spills over into dinner time. 

Bars & Clubs in Chamonix

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Things to do in Chamonix

Chamonix offers plenty of family-friendly activities beyond skiing. At the Richard Bozon sports centre, “petits poissons” swimming sessions run on Saturdays for babies from six months to five years, with adult supervision required. Outdoor ice skating is available in Les Houches and Vallorcine, with low-cost skate hire. Torchlit ski descents create a magical evening spectacle during February. 

Families can also enjoy bowling, cinema screenings in English, husky sledding, paragliding, and scenic flights. Ice hockey matches add excitement, while the Alpine Luge at Les Planards offers a thrilling ride through the trees for children and adults alike.

Things To Do in Chamonix

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Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in the Chamonix valley and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.

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Upcoming Events

Chamonix hosts a wide range of sporting events throughout the year. The biggest ones include the Mont Blanc Marathon in June and the UTMB trail running race in August. In March, the Unlimited Festival brings ravers to the mountains while Musilac Mont Blanc takes place a month later. At the end of July, the Cosmo Jazz Festival hosts concerts all around the valley.

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