So we have had some lovely weather at last, it seems like an age since we saw the sun but now it has returned and in full force, with temperatures hanging around in the late thirties! Summer is in full swing now with all the lifts open for summer adventures and loads of activities on offer.
With the temperature being so high at the moment a lot of folk are getting themselves submerged in some form of liquid, or staying cool by rivers or walking under the cover of trees. There is loads of great ways to keep cool in or around the valley, simply dipping your toes in the river, or finding a waterfall pool to dip in to is great, and all the lakes in the area are well up to swimmable temperatures.
A lot of the footpaths in the area have been filled with trail runners as the Chamonix 10k ½ and full marathon where completed this week in some crazy hot temperatures. As with the marathon hyping people for trail running now begins the set up for the world cup climbing competition and with the wall now up in the town people are getting the bug to find a wall to climb and have a reasonable amount of pleasure on. With the sheer volume of people getting in to this sport, it has become fairly busy at les Gaillands wall just a short walk out of town, and with so many differing grading options who can blame anyone who comes along. It's a great place to go if you just want a quick climb, or it looks like the weather might make a turn for the worst. However you might not always be able to climb what you want at the moment as it's so busy, so heading out to one of the lesser known walls you should have more options, and if they are less climbed than the busy central Gaillands wall, you should find it a lot more grippy and tranquil to climb. There is a great crag climb guide book available from most bookstores, sports shops, and tabacs in town, and is a great book which details and grades most of the climbs in the valley, so be sure to grab a copy if your over for a bit of climbing.
There are so many different biking options available in the valley, from road biking to downhill, cross country and dirt jumping. There are options for every level of rider in whatever section of biking interests you most, and you can pretty much rent or buy any of the equipment needed for any side to the sport. Recently I've been getting in to the dirt jumping possibilities in the valley. There is a great selection of jumps in the back of Le Bois by the river, which is about a 10 minute cycle from the centre of town, or get the train, or bus to Les Praz and head towards Le Bois from there. There are jumps to satisfy the beginner like me right through to the expert, shown in the photo, and there is great progression through the levels.
So with all this great weather and many activities on offer why not get clicking and book a summer adventure out to the amazing valley of Chamonix!
Editor's note: So, that's it for winter 2010/2011 then! We hope you've enjoyed reading our reports as much as we've enjoyed writing them and we look forward to bringing you more up-to-date info next season.
You can read all of our reports from this season and previous ones by using the “Archived Reports” box in the top right-hand corner. In the meantime, there will occasional interseason updates and be sure to check back around the beginning of June when our summer reports start up again, bringing you regular updates on local events and activities.
Chamonet.com is one of the Skinets.com ski resort websites; we are looking for enthusiastic and reliable reporters who will be in the Alps all season to produce written reports and/or present video reports. If you are planning on spending next winter in one of the following resorts and are interested in working for us please send an email to alison@skinets.com.
Alpe d'Huez – Avoriaz – Chamonix – Courchevel - La Plagne - Les Arcs - Les 2 Alpes – Meribel – Morzine – Tignes - Val d'Isere - Val Thorens - Verbier
Check out our Mountain Guide Listings for contact details of local guiding and activity companies.
Check out what to do around town once the lifts have closed with our Apres Ski Report - a weekly round up of what's hot and where to party in Chamonix!
