So, the peak season period is now over, the kids are back at school and the valley is a lot quieter now. The weather has still been quite changeable with a wee bit of rain from time to time and when the sun has been out its stayed fairly warm, but cooler than normal for this time of year.
Even though we are approaching the inter-season there is still loads to do and a couple of weeks remain before the first lifts begin to close in preparation for the inevitable arrival of the winter. So if you like your downhill trails, mountain footpaths, or climbing walls all to yourself for a last little taste of what the summer has to offer, then get booking a trip over before it's too late!
Comparing Chamonix to other mountain resorts there are lots of benefits in choosing this wonderful town. Unlike other resorts Chamonix is a fully functioning town and although there is an inter-season change when it becomes quieter, there is always something to do and at least one lift will be open to have fun in one way or another. Some bars and restaurants will close down during this period, but there is always a few that remain open such as, Monkey Bar, MBC, Bar'd Up, and The Office Bar, and will have parties catering for those who hang around during this period.
There are still some really great climbing opportunities around at the moment, and I'm starting to make the most of being able to climb higher up. In the morning the rock has been pretty cold and if the wall you're climbing is in the shade you might find that your fingers want to fall off, so picking a rock which is in the sun or climbing later on the day is a good idea. One of my favourite ways to climb is making it feel more like you're travelling and walking to the wall itself doing a multi pitch to the top of the route and walking out from the top rather than rappelling back down and heading the same way back home.
The other day we hiked up from Argentiere up the trail towards the Cheserys where there are a number of really good multi pitch routes on some lovely rough grippy rock at around the 4b - 6a levels. It takes around an hour or so to reach the wall from Argentiere and following the signs to the Aiguillette de Argentiere will get you to the start of the routes. Once at the foot of the wall we got ourselves kitted up, put our sacks on our backs and began the 5 pitch route to the top. The hardest parts of the climb were the first and last pitches but with the rock being really grippy it was actually easier to stay on the wall than it looked. There are some great views to be had on the way up; I managed to get a few snaps off before my battery ran out! But I can assure you that they are amazing from the top of the wall.
Once we reached the top we packed up our gear but kept our climbing shoes on to free climb up the very easy last part of the wall and headed to the footpath grand Balcon sud, where we followed the trail back round and down to Les Praz. We headed for a couple of beers at the Rhododendrons bar where there was a great Jazz band on, so we hung out a while and enjoyed the lovely views out on their tranquil terrace.
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!
