Chamonix caters really well for everyone from little tots to energetic teenagers.
Spring half-term activities in Chamonix
The best things to do with kids in Chamonix this half-term
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.
Evenings out in Chamonix
The bars in resort are generally very family friendly, especially during the early evening when it's perfectly normal to see families enjoying a relaxed drink after a day on the slopes. Children are made to feel welcome, with many venues offering games, cosy seating and a laid-back atmosphere, whilst those serving food often have dedicated children's menus if your après drinks spill over into dinner… (no pun intended).
Bars & Clubs in Chamonix
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La Folie Douce Bar
The most famous mountain clubbing hotspot in the Alps comes to Chamonix
La Folie Douce in Chamonix is the ultimate destination for après-ski with a twist. Perched in the heart of the resort, its vibrant terrace provides panoramic mountain views that make every sip and every step feel unforgettable. From early afternoon onward, the lively atmosphere builds with energetic performers, live music, and DJ sets, creating a celebratory environment where guests can unwind, dance, and fully embrace the spirited, high-altitude party culture throughout the entire afternoon there.
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Brev'bar
Outdoor snack bar at the Brévent ski area with a sunny terrace and deckchairs
When altitude meets relaxation, Brev’Bar is the perfect place to pause, unwind, and soak up the beauty of the mountains. Ideally located on the Brévent slopes in the Chamonix valley, this welcoming bar offers skiers and sightseers alike a well-deserved break with front-row views of Mont Blanc.
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Bighorn Bistro Bar
Craft ales, quirky cocktails, American cuisine and home cooked baked goods
At Bighorn in Chamonix, the food blends gourmet flair with comforting alpine soul. The menu offers dishes like succulent steaks grilled to perfection, smoky ribs, and hearty burgers — ideal after a day of skiing. Fresh salads, seasonal sides and crispy fries round out meals for a balanced touch. Locally sourced produce and fine cheeses enhance flavor and authenticity. For dessert, expect rich chocolate creations or creamy cheesecake. Whether you’re hungry for a filling dinner or a casual bite, Bighorn delivers.
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Le Janssen Cocktail Club
Folie Douce Hotel's cocktail bar next to the Savoy nursery ski area
Step into Le Janssen Cocktail Bar, where the glamour of the Roaring Twenties meets the charm of the Alps. With its Gatsby the Magnificent ambience, this elegant bar is the perfect spot to start a winter evening in style. Plush interiors, soft lighting, and tasteful décor create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere that invites you to relax, sip, and savour the moment.
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Big Mountain Basecamp Bar & Restaurant
Local craft beer, artisan pizzas and epic mountain views in the heart of Chamonix
Whether you’re hungry or thirsty after a day in the mountains, Big Mountain Basecamp has you covered. Come for fresh craft beer, a relaxed restaurant atmosphere, an on-site micro-brewery, a large sunny terrace, shady beer garden and a take-out beer shop.
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L'Amnesia Nightclub
Late night fun in this Chamonix nightclub located in the Chamonix Sud area
L'Amnesia (formally Le Garage) is ideally located near to the Aiguille du midi cable car in Cham'Sud and is a legendary Chamonix nightclub and melting pot for all the late night (and sometimes all-night) party-goers!
Fun on the snow
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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Ginabelle
Ski & board hire in the centre of Chamonix, next to the Ginabelle apartments and parking
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the Skiset Ginabelle store!
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Ravanel & Co Praz
Ski & Snowboard hire at the foot of the Flegere cable-car in Les Praz
The shop in Les Praz is most conveniently located at the edge of the car-park at the foot of the Flegere cable-car. All members of staff, including the owners, who are also qualified instructors, guides and national coaches, actively pursue the sports they stock equipment for.
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Proshop Folie Douce Hôtel
Ski & snowboard hire located at the Folie Douce hotel in Chamonix
You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, we’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Chamonix!
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Cuby Sport
One stop shop for all your ski and snowboard equipment hire in Les Houches
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your first skiing day.
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Cham'Sport Mummery
Ski rental specialist with easy access to the Savoy ski area and Brevent lift
One of several Cham'sport shops, Cham'sport Mummery is located in the Mummery building, between the Folie Douce Hotel and the Alpina Hotel. Save time and money by booking all your ski and snowboard gear online, and collect easily before hitting the slopes.
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Michel Croz
Ski & snowboard rental in the heart of Chamonix next to the clock tower
Modern Ski & Snowboard Rental in the centre of town, selling a wide range of gear and clothing. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
Action packed days
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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Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
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Private ski lessons
Private skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly rated instructors
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
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Group ski lessons
Largest French ski school offering group ski and snowboard lessons
The perfect choice for group ski lessons in the Chamonix Valley if you're staying in Vallorcine, Le Tour or Montroc, or would like to discover the beautiful Balme ski area at the top end of the valley.
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Private ski lessons
British school offering a wide range of private lesson options tailored to all ages and abilities
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
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Private ski lessons
Largest French ski school offering private ski and snowboard lessons
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in private lessons.
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Private ski lessons
Exceptional coaching tailored to your needs for unforgettable skiing
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
Out and about 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.
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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.
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Alpine museum
Musée Alpin de Chamonix currently closed for renovations, planned reopening: June 2026
The museum is currently closed for renovations
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Municipal library
Public library and exhibitions in central Chamonix with great kids section
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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Merlet wildlife park
Chamonix nature and animal park with marmots, chamois and bouquetins
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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Le Brévent, Chamonix - Town
South-facing mountain with amazing views of the Mont Blanc massif which sits across the valley
Brévent is the closest summer lift to the centre of Chamonix and its impressive rocky summit rises to 2,525m above sea level.
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Aiguille Rouge nature reserve
Walk amongst this protected natural area and enjoy beautiful scenery in the summer
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
Family activities for everyone
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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Tandem Paragliding
Soar above the Alps: tandem paragliding adventures for every age and skill level
Discover the unforgettable sensation of flying high above the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley on a tandem paragliding adventure. Whether it’s your first time in the air or you’re craving an adrenaline-fuelled experience, each flight is designed to showcase the Alps from their most spectacular angle.
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Ski Mont Blanc
2 day excursion to ski Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc on skis is the ultimate way to reach the highest peak in western Europe. This is an epic end of ski-season challenge!
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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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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.
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Photography workshop - "L'Art du Regard"
Inspiring half-day in nature, led by an award-winning photographer
Join an award-winning photographer for a half-day course focused on improving your observation, exploring light, and developing your photographic eye. This workshop is suitable for all levels, ages, and equipment types.
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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.
