Wintersports in Chamonix
Discover the top Chamonix wintersports
Whatever you choose to do on your winter holiday you are sure to find a huge range of activities across the Chamonix area. From relaxing to full on adrenaline there is something for everyone, every ability and every age in Chamonix. Check out the selection of things to do below for some holiday inspiration!
The main draw for people coming to Chamonix in winter is, of course, the skiing and snowboarding. With 5 different parts of the valley to ski in, as well as a wealth of off-piste areas, the valley has something for every level of experience. There are around 150km of pistes accessed by a total of 65 ski lifts split between the main ski areas and the low mountain beginner zones. There are 6 green pistes, 30 blue pistes, 31 red pistes, 10 black pistes and two snowparks. The pisted ski terrain ranges in altitude from 950m to 3300m. The backcountry skiing offers much more in terms of altitude, vertical descent and of course, difficulty, including the world-famous Vallée Blanche descent, a 20km long route that takes you from the Aiguille du Midi down 2700m to the bottom of the valley.
Activities Guest Card
The Chamonix Guest Card ('carte d'hote') is valid throughout the year (for the duration of your stay) and entitles you to various discounts throughout the valley, such as reductions at all the sports and cultural facilities including the swimming pool, ice rink, museums and covered parking. If you do not receive one when you check into your accommodation, you can buy one from any of the tourist offices in the valley at a cost of €10 per person per week.
It also entitles you to free travel on the buses and trains between the valley's resorts from Vallorcine to Servoz (with the exception of the Chamo’nuit night bus). If you wish to take the train all the way through to Martigny in Switzerland or down to Le Fayet and St Gervais, you just need to pay the difference from Vallorcine or Servoz.

Biathlon
Modern Winter Biathlon is the combination of cross country skiing and rifle shooting and tests not only fitness but also patience and control. In Chamonix you can try your hand at this Olympic Sport. If you like cross-country skiing but want to add another challenge then Biathlon is the perfect way to escape into the natural, quiet surrounding mountains and then shoot stuff, mainly with laser guns. Most of the biathlon lessons take place at Chamonix's cross-country skiing area by the Bois de Bouchet
Boat trips & sailing in Chamonix
Canyoning
Watersports in Chamonix
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Canyoning
Located in Chamonix
An exhillerating mountain water experience travelling down rivers or streams within a canyon by a variety of means including walking, scrambling, climbing, abseiling and swimming.
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Challenging Canyoning
An exhillerating mountain water experience travelling down rivers or streams within a canyon by a variety of means including walking, scrambling, climbing, abseiling and swimming.
Climbing in Chamonix
Guides & Tours in Chamonix
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Climb Mont Blanc in 3 or 5 Days
If you are thinking about climbing Mont Blanc, and have little or no mountaineering experience but have a good level of fitness and motivation, then this is the course for you!
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Via ferrata Passy
Open for those aged from 10 upwards, this five hour experience is ideal for those seeking something more challenging than just alpine hiking without the demand of the technical skill required in climbing.
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Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides
Located in Chamonix
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialises in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism. Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.
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Mont Blanc training course and ascent - five day
Located in Chamonix
This two to three training course is followed by a three-day ascent and is for people with a high level of fitness. An unforgettable experience, to reach the summit will test the skills you have learnt along the way.
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Mont Blanc traverse - three day
Located in Chamonix
Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, is without a doubt the most breathtaking and beautiful mountain in the world, and every year many mountaineers ascend this famous peak.
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Private mountain guiding
Located in Chamonix
Experience one of the Chamonix Valley's classic one day or multi-day mountaineering routes in the safe hands of a professional, experienced mountain guide.
Coasteering
Cycling in Chamonix
Bike Hire in Chamonix
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Road bike hire
Located in Chamonix
Located close to the Aiguille du Midi lift in the centre of Chamonix, Legend'Chx is a large shop of 250m2 dedicated to renting and selling bikes. They also have a workshop for repairs.
Fitness and swimming in Chamonix
A public gym and fitness classes can be found at the main sports centre in Chamonix. Pop-up instructors and classes also take place in Les Houches (look out for Studio 128) and most places around the valley.
Sports & Fitness in Chamonix
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Progression Fit Exercise Solutions
Progression fit offer a range of services including: Personal Training, Group Exercise, Sports and Massage Therapies, Corporate and One to One Fitness Assessments, Fitness Holidays and Cardiac Rehabilitation.
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Indoor Climbing Wall
Located in Les Houches
The Chamonix valley is home to one of the largest indoor climbing walls in France. The Mont Blanc Escalade is located in Les Houches and is open all year.
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La Clinique du Sport
Located in Chamonix
La Clinique du Sport offer a range of services including: Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Injury Rehabilitation, Sports Massage, Training Camps, Fitness & Yoga Classes.
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Ice Skating Rink
Located in Chamonix
This covered ice rink is based in the centre of town just behind the Place du Mont Blanc. During the winter season, it is the home of the Chamonix ice hockey team.
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Tennis de Chamonix Mont Blanc
Located in Chamonix
With 8 clay courts, 5 hard and 1 practice wall this outdoor tennis club is a fantastic facility for all the family to enjoy.
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Chamonix Sports Centre
Located in Chamonix
The Richard Bozon Chamonix Sports Centre has a gym (salle de musculation), with a selection of body building and cardio equipment.
Golf in Chamonix
Golf Courses in Chamonix
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Chamonix Mont Blanc Golf Course, Les Praz
Chamonix has one of the most beautiful 18 hole golf courses in the Alps.
Heli-ski
Unfortunately, heli-skiing is not permitted in France. However, thanks to Chamonix's location just on the border with Switzerland and Italy, some of the ski schools, adventure companies, local flight companies and mountain guide companies offer a pick-up/drop-off heli-skiing service for you where you will be taken over the border and ski down (even back across into France again). It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience!
Horse riding in Chamonix
Horse-riding in Chamonix
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Centre Equestre Du Mont-Blanc
Located in Les Houches
This horse riding centre is situated in just up the hill from the train station in Les Houches. The centre is open all year round and has both an indoor and outdoor arena.
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Mini Ranch Horse Riding, Les Praz
Located in Chamonix
This mini ranch welcomes children of all ages to take short trip on their ponies. It is situated behind the golf course in Les Praz following a short walk along the river.
Hydro-speeding
Watersports in Chamonix
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Hydrospeed
Located 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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Yellow Rafting
Located in Chamonix
Enjoy rafting, hrdrospeeding and more in the summer time with Yellow rafting.
Paragliding / Parapenting
If you’ve never tried paragliding before then Chamonix is a great place to learn how to fly. Known as “parapenting” in France, there are a great number of clubs and organisations in the area whose sole purpose is to give you the experience of flying. From the heights of the Brevent and other mountain tops in the valley, you can glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor. He manoeuvres the parachute while the passenger enjoys the ride and fantastic views. The main landing place in Chamonix in the winter is behind the sports centre, by the Bois de Bouchet, so you'll find some companies offering paragliding there. Top tip: Wait until the spring and then go on a sunny, warm day when the thermals will keep your airborne for longer.
Flying in Chamonix
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Tandem Paragliding
Located in Chamonix
This company's sole activity is tandem paragliding, so they are 100 % focused on you and your flight. Their fully qualified pilots have vast experience and have done 1,000s of flight in the Chamonix Valley.
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Introductory Tandem Paraglide, Chamonix - Le Brevent
Located in Chamonix
Realise man's oldest dream and discover the simple pleasure of a tandem paragliding-flight. The best way to discover Chamonix Valley and Mont-Blanc massif
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Cross Country Tandem Paraglide
Located in Chamonix
Enjoy a longer flight than the usual tandem paraglide and experience an amazing trip above the mountains to give you an incredible feeling of flying like an eagle.
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Paragliding
Located in Chamonix
Take to the skies with Evolution 2. The most exciting and beautiful way to see the breathtaking views - you are guaranteed to leave with memories of a lifetime!
Snow and ice activities in Chamonix
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Snowshoe Day Hikes in Chamonix
Located in Chamonix
Suitable for all abilities and tailored to your group. A perfect way to experience the mountains.
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Snowshoe Guided Walks
Explore the fantastic natural scenery around Vallorcine, Le Tour and Montroc by going off the beaten track on snowshoes!
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Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche
Located in Chamonix
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism. Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.
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Guided Snowshoeing
Located in Chamonix
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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Chamonix Valley Snowshoe Week Excursion
Cloud 9 Adventure is a small independent adventure travel company run by Emma Jack. They offer expert guiding services in and around Chamonix Valley.
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Mer de Glace glacier trek
Located in Chamonix
Strap on your crampons for a scenic stomp across the frosty wasteland known as the Mer de Glace.
Via Ferrata
Guides & Tours in Chamonix
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Via ferrata Passy
Open for those aged from 10 upwards, this five hour experience is ideal for those seeking something more challenging than just alpine hiking without the demand of the technical skill required in climbing.
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Guided via ferrata de Curalla
Located in Chamonix
Discover the Alps from a unique and exhilarating vantage point.

Winter walking
Guides & Tours in Chamonix
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Teresa Kaufman Discovery Walks & Mini-Photoshoot
Located in Les Houches
An opportunity to get in the picture with Teresa Kaufman as your personal photographer, guide and story teller. This is the perfect activity accessible to everyone; children, adults, grandparents - easy walking, incredible scenery, a moment to share. Non-skiers will love it in the winter. An activity to experience with loved ones or to give as a gift.
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Guided Hiking Day Trip
Located in Chamonix
Cloud 9 Adventure is a small independent adventure travel company that organises guided trips for hiking and trekking. Suitable for all abilities and tailored to your group, hiking with a guide is the perfect way to experience the mountains.
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Teresa Kaufman Chamonix Valley Vortex Walk
Located in Les Houches
Chamonix-based photographer and writer Teresa Kaufman has been hosting Discovery & Photo Walks since 2011 in the beautiful and energy-charged environment of the Chamonix Valley. Orignally designed for budding photographers visiting Mont Blanc, Teresa’s walks have started to appeal to a different kind of visitor - those looking for a digital detox from the internet and social networks in order to reconnect to nature in Chamonix’s fantastic landscapes.
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Classic Haute Route Trek, from Chamonix
Cloud 9 Adventure is a small independent adventure travel company run by Emma Jack. They offer expert guiding services in and around Chamonix Valley and further afield.
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Teresa Kaufman Walks for Women
Located in Chamonix
A spoonful of curiosity, a pinch of empowerment – and you’ve got the recipe for a great afternoon. Join these outings exclusively for groups of women, led by local mountain climber, tour guide and photographer Teresa Kaufman.
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Teresa Kaufman Adaptive Sensory Walks in Chamonix
Located in Les Houches
In 2012, the photographer/author Teresa Kaufman hosted her first group of autistic adolescents on a Discovery & Photo Walk in the valley of Chamonix. She is now introducing a 5 Senses Walk for disabled visitors - visually impaired, hard of hearing or autistic youngsters.
Watersports in Chamonix
Watersports in Chamonix
See all Watersports-
Canyoning
Located in Chamonix
An exhillerating mountain water experience travelling down rivers or streams within a canyon by a variety of means including walking, scrambling, climbing, abseiling and swimming.
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Challenging Canyoning
An exhillerating mountain water experience travelling down rivers or streams within a canyon by a variety of means including walking, scrambling, climbing, abseiling and swimming.
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White Water Rafting
Located in 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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Hydrospeed
Located 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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Yellow Rafting
Located in Chamonix
Enjoy rafting, hrdrospeeding and more in the summer time with Yellow rafting.

Aiguillette des Houches Ski Tour
Living in Chamonix means that you become friends with the best kind of people - the kind that like to go on adventures. These adventures can be as big as summiting Mont Blanc or as small as top-roping your first climbing route; this weekend my adventure was ski touring a route that I’d never done before with a group of similarly novice “randonneurs”.

Come spring skiing in Chamonix
Beautiful weather, super skiing and great après-ski - what's not to love?

Cross country skiing in Chamonix
Located in Chamonix
The long-awaited snow storm has arrived! This weekend has passed in a swirling blur of snowflakes, coating the mountains in a big thick white blanket. Until the skies clear up, weather conditions are ideal for a spot of cross country skiing.

Ski time to me time in Chamonix
Ski holidays don’t have to be all about pushing yourself to conquer the steepest piste, or master the sharpest turns; they can also be an opportunity to treat yourself to a relaxing massage or bliss out in a bubbly jacuzzi.

Ski Touring at the Aiguille de la Gliere
Located in Chamonix
It's been a slow start to winter in Chamonix, but (finally...) things are starting to look a bit more like winter. After a couple of small but useful snowfalls on the 7th and 10th January the old existing, and pretty darn firm, snow layer has received a cover of 20 to 40cm of light fresh snow (depending on where in the mountains you are).

Snowshoeing in Les Houches
There's more to Chamonix than skiing and when the weather is as beautiful as this, snowshoeing is the perfect way to enjoy being in the mountains.

Spring half term activities in Chamonix
Chamonix caters really well for everyone from little tots to energetic teenagers.