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.
Jump to
- Beach Activities
- Biathlon
- Canyoning
- Cinema
- Climbing
- Cross-country skiing
- Culture and guided tours
- Cycling
- Diving & Snorkelling
- Fitness and swimming
- Flying
- Glacier walking
- Golf
- Heli-ski
- Horse riding
- Husky-dog rides
- Hydro-speeding
- Ice-climbing
- Ice-skating / Hockey
- Indoor activities
- Indoor climbing
- Light Aircraft / Microlight Flights
- Fat biking
- Mountaineering
- Paintballing
- Paragliding / Parapenting
- Scenic drives
- Ski-joering
- Ski-touring
- Snow and ice activities
- Snow-shoeing
- Spas and massages
- Squash
- Swimming
- Telemarking
- Via Ferrata
- Winter walking
- Watersports
- Yoga
- Other surface watersports
Beach Activities

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
Canyoning
Canyoning Watersports in Chamonix
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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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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.
Cinema
Climbing in Chamonix
Climbing Guides 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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5-Day Mont Blanc Training Course & Ascent
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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Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides
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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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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3-Day Mont Blanc Traverse by Tacul & Maudit Summits
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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Guided via ferrata de Curalla
Discover the Alps from a unique and exhilarating vantage point.
Cross-country skiing

Culture and guided tours in Chamonix
Sights in Chamonix
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VerticAlp funiculars and train
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. ย
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Les Houches summer lifts
Les Houches sits at the bottom end of the Chamonix Valley and is a popular place for hikers, mountaineers and mountain bikers in the summer months.
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Maison de Barberine museum
Situated in an 18th century house, the Barberine museum is dedicated to showing pastoral life of the Vallorcine people in the valley since the 18th century.
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Parc de Merlet
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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Municipal library
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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Montagnard museum
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.
Cycling in Chamonix
Road Bike Bike Hire in Chamonix
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Road bike hire
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.
Diving & Snorkelling
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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Outdoor Ice Rink
This open air ice rink is open throughout the winter months from late December to the end of March. It is situated on the main road just opposite the exit toward the train station and the motorway.
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Chamonix Sports Centre
The Richard Bozon Chamonix Sports Centre has a gym (salle de musculation), with a selection of body building and cardio equipment.
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La Clinique du Sport
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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Indoor Climbing Wall
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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Tennis de Chamonix Mont Blanc
With 8 clay courts, 5 hard and 1 practice wall this outdoor tennis club is a fantastic facility for all the family to enjoy.
Flying in Chamonix
Flying in Chamonix
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Tandem Paragliding
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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Heli-Skiing Trips From Chamonix
As heliskiing is not permitted in France, this company offers trips from a number of different resorts in Italy and Switzerland. Each trip departs from Chamonix.
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Introductory Tandem Paraglide
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
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
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!
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Helicopter tours
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
Glacier walking
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
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
This mini ranch welcomes children of all ages for short pony rides. Itโs located behind the golf course in Les Praz, just a short walk along the river.
Hydro-speeding
Hydro Speeding Watersports in Chamonix
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Hydrospeed
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
Enjoy rafting, hrdrospeeding and more in the summer time with Yellow rafting.

Ice-climbing
Ice Climbing Guides & Tours in Chamonix
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5-Day Mont Blanc Training Course & Ascent
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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Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides
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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Mountain guides
Trust this local team of High Mountain Guides (UIAGM), ski and snowboard instructors, all of whom have the highest level of state qualifications.ย
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3-Day Mont Blanc Traverse by Tacul & Maudit Summits
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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Mer de Glace glacier trek
Strap on your crampons for a scenic stomp across the frosty wasteland known as the Mer de Glace.
Ice-skating / Hockey

Indoor activities in Chamonix
Indoor Activities Things To Do in Chamonix
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Cinema VOX
Chamonix's own Cinema VOX is situated right in the centre of town, slightly tucked back on the Place Balmat (main square in the centre). There are three recently refurbished screens equipped with digital 3D projectors show the latest French and International films, as well as a number of premieres and specialist mountain-sports films.
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Ice Skating Rink
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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Indoor Climbing Wall
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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Cinebus Cinema
Les Houches cinema is located in the village centre just next to the Mairie. It has just one screen and the space can also be used for conferences and presentations.
Indoor climbing
Climbing Sports & Fitness in Chamonix
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Chamonix Sports Centre
The Richard Bozon Chamonix Sports Centre has a gym (salle de musculation), with a selection of body building and cardio equipment.
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Indoor Climbing Wall
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.
Light Aircraft / Microlight Flights
Fat biking
Off-road bike Bike Hire in Chamonix
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Mountain bike hire
Located on the main road out of Chamonix and leading up the valley towards Argentiere, you can find this branch of Intersport just after the Albert 1er Hotel, and just before the MBC micro-brewery.
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Mountain bike hire
Located close to the Aiguille du Midi lift in the centre of Chamonix, this is a large shop of 250m2 dedicated to renting and selling mountain bikes. They also have a workshop for repairs, plus they have a handy bike wash to hose down your ride after a day on the trails.
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Mountain bike hire
This Chamonix-based shop offers a full range of quality bikes for hire, servicing year-round, and a passionate team ready to help you hit the trails.
Mountaineering
Mountaineering Guides & Tours in Chamonix
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Mountain guides
These mountain guides are the perfect choice if you're staying in Vallorcine, Le Tour or Montroc and want to explore the valley off the beaten track.
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5-Day Mont Blanc Training Course & Ascent
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.
-
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides
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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Vallee Blanche Off-Piste Ski Guiding
Trust this local team of High Mountain Guides (UIAGM), Ski and Snowboard Instructors, all of whom have the highest level of state qualifications.
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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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Mountain guides
Trust this local team of High Mountain Guides (UIAGM), ski and snowboard instructors, all of whom have the highest level of state qualifications.ย
Paintballing
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.
Paragliding Flying in Chamonix
See all Paragliding Flying in Chamonix-
Tandem Paragliding
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
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
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
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!
Scenic drives in Chamonix
Ski-joering
Snow and ice activities in Chamonix
Wintersport Things To Do in Chamonix
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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 Snowshoeing
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley onย foot.
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Guided off-piste Vallรฉe Blanche
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism.ย 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.
Price: โฌ370
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Mer de Glace glacier trek
Strap on your crampons for a scenic stomp across the frosty wasteland known as the Mer de Glace.
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Dog Sledding
Make your stay in Chamonix magical by experiencing wonderful adventures you will remember for the rest of your life!
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Mer de Glace glacier hike
Experience one of the best known glaciers in the Alps, safe in the hands of an experienced local guide.
Snow-shoeing
Spas and massages in Chamonix
Spas in Chamonix
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La Folie Douce sports club and spa
Why not spend a morning or afternoon relaxing at the spa in La Folie Douce. Unwind and allow yourself to be pampered.
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Faucigny Hotel Spa, Chamonix
This chic modern spa is situated in the centre of chamonix in the Place de l'Eglise. It's part of the boutique Faucigny Hotel.
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Mountain Massage
Based in Chamonix, Mountain Massage offers a range of deep tissue, sport and relaxing massages.
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Mont Blanc spa
Situated in Vallorcine just minutes away from the train station and local bus stop, this spa is easily accessible to all in the Chamonix valley and includes everything you need to unwind.
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Massage Me
Massage Me work across the French Alps and can offer a whole variety of massages and treatments in your own chalet, apartment or hotel.
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Grand Hotel des Alpes spa
Located in the centre of Chamonix, the Grand Hotel des Alpesย wellness centre offers a peaceful atmosphere.
Via Ferrata
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
Discover the Alps from a unique and exhilarating vantage point.

Winter walking
Walking Guides Guides & Tours in Chamonix
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Chamonix Valley Vortex Walk
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, Teresaโs 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 Chamonixโs fantastic landscapes.
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Teresa Kaufman Discovery Walks & Mini-Photoshoot
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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Adaptive Sensory Walks in Chamonix
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.
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Teresa Kaufman Walks for Women
A spoonful of curiosity, a pinch of empowerment โ and youโve 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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Chamonix Holiday Planning & Travel Scout - Teresa Kaufman
Your holiday time in the Chamonix valley is valuable. Every day counts. Every moment should be a special one.
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Bivouac in the Mountains
A great way to discover the Chamonix Valley for beginners and experienced hikers alike.
Watersports in Chamonix
Watersports in Chamonix
See all Watersports in Chamonix-
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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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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Hydrospeed
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
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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Yellow Rafting
Enjoy rafting, hrdrospeeding and more in the summer time with Yellow rafting.
Other surface watersports

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 Iโd never done before with a group of similarly novice โrandonneursโ.

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

Cross country skiing 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 donโt 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
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).ย

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.