When summer hits in Chamonix, temperatures can soar above 30ºC.
Chill out for summer in Chamonix
Places to escape the heat in the valley when temperatures rise
At an altitude of 1,035m, the resort is relatively low down for an Alpine ski town, which means that things tend to be a little warmer here than in some of the higher altitude resorts.
In the middle of a heatwave in the Chamonix Valley, you have two friends: water and altitude. With that in mind, here's a quick rundown of some of the more refreshing activities you can partake in on those stiflingly hot days.
Outdoor public pool
If you're looking for a quick dip to cool off, the Centre Sportif Richard Bozon has a 50m outdoor swimming pool with slides, kiddy pool, and plenty of space to lie around and sunbathe. The outdoor pool was recently renovated and reopened, just in time for the hottest months of the year.
Watersports in Chamonix
Those struggling to cool down can take a dip in the icy glacial meltwaters of the Arve river flowing through Chamonix. This is a cold and violent river in summer, also prone to flash floods when hydro stations further up the valley release water. There are a number of white water rafting and hydrospeed options in town, you must use a professional rafting company when venturing into the local waters. Further out of town, you can experience canyoning with waterfall abseiling and water jumps. Certain to keep you cool on hot summer days.
If you're willing to travel a little further down the valley, Lac Passy is a fantastic place to swim, fish, or just hang out and cool off in the shade. The biggest lake in the Mont-Blanc valley, Lac Passy offers a wide array of water-based activities such as windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding and an inflatable water park for kids. When you've had enough of the water, there's mini golf, go-karting, bouncy castles and a go-ape through the trees, plus restaurants and 'buvettes' nearby.
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Hydrospeed
Hydrospeed experience with a guide 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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White water rafting
Half-day white water rafting excursions around 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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Rafting
Rafting and hydrospeeding specialists in Chamonix
Enjoy an exciting introduction to white water sports this summer with Mickaël and the passionate team. Whether you are looking for adrenaline or a fun outdoor experience with friends or family, several activities are available on some of the most beautiful rivers in the region.
Sights & Sites in Chamonix
To escape the heat, go high. There's no hiding from the sun up there but higher altitudes mean lower temperatures, and you could do worse than a trip to one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Alps.
Amongst the number of lifts open in the summer, the Aiguille du Midi is the highest point that can be accessed by cable car in the Chamonix Valley. The station stands at 3,842m and is situated directly across from Mont Blanc. This is the closest most non-climbers can get to Mont Blanc and offers unrivalled views of the massif, the glaciers and the Chamonix Valley, not to mention a large chunk of the Alps and surrounding countries. Temperatures up here rarely go over between 5ºC to 10ºC, even in the middle of a heatwave.
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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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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.
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Panoramic gondola - Aiguille du Midi
A gondola ride across the glaciers high above the Chamonix valley
The Panoramic Mont Blanc gondola operates during the summer months, connecting the Aiguille du Midi with the Skyway Monte Bianco lift at Helbronner, on the Italian side of Mont Blanc.
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Montagnard museum
Musée Montagnard et Rural, showing old mountain lifestyles with temporary exhibitions
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.
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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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Crystal museum
Musée des Cristaux has a collection of minerals and crystals collected in the valley
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
Walking in Chamonix
When the summer temperatures in the valley are on the rise, get up early and head into the mountains. Jump on the first lift or go under your own steam and enjoy the fresh (and much cooler) mountain air before the sun has had time to heat things up. Whilst you'll not escape the sun itself up on the numerous trails, you can find shade and lower temps, take a picnic and plenty of water and sunscreen.
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Chalet Floria walk
Easy walk to a beautiful mountain refuge decorated with over 4,000 flowering plants
A short hike suitable for families with children of walking age.
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Lac Blanc hike
Lift accessed hike from Flégère up to the lake in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges
This beautiful lake (which is often snow covered) offers an extraordinary vantage point over the Chamonix Aiguilles, Les Drus and the Verte.
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Aiguillette des Posettes, Le Tour
A steep trail offering an amazing panorama of the Chamonix valley
This walk situated at the top of the valley offers incomparable views of the entire Mont-Blanc range, as well as the Le Tour and Argentière glaciers.
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Cascade du Dard from Chamonix
A short but rewarding hike up to a dramatic waterfall overlooking Chamonix
Cascade du Dard is a dramatic waterfall tucked away in the forest beneath the Aiguille du Midi.
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Chamonix to Mer de Glace
A varied walk with great valley views and France's longest glacier at the top
This beautiful walk takes you up to the Mer de Glace and the Montenvers station. For those that prefer downhill walks you can take the train up and trek back down, or you can do a complete loop lasting approximately five hours.
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Vallorcine to Le Tour
A challenging ascent that is rewarded with great views over the Domaine de Balme
This hike takes in a rolling expanse of alpine meadows interlaced with streams and hiking trails on the Franco-Swiss border.
