With world-famous skiing and fabulous summer hikes, the wide range of activities in Chamonix tick all the boxes for a great holiday.
Experienced skiers come for the vertical descents and extreme off piste terrain, but Chamonix offers plenty of must-see attractions and unforgettable activities for all the family. Whether you’re looking for action, entertainment or relaxation you can find a wide range of activities in Chamonix, such as..
- Hiking
- Heli-skiing
- A wellness centre
- Biking
- Golf
- Amusement parks
- Animal parks
- Train rides
And of course spectacular views! Read on to discover the top 10 activities in Chamonix!
1. Conquer a mountain
From Chamonix, take the cable car to the top of the Aiguille du Midi for unforgettable views, on the way taking in the Glacier des Bossons, Mont Blanc, the Aiguille Verte, and the Aiguilles de Chamonix. At the top, you can step into the void – a five-sided glass box which will give you a real sense of altitude! Check the website for opening times.
2. Take a hike
There are so many wonderful places to walk in and around Chamonix. Head for the Lac Blanc for amazing views of Mont Blanc or the Mer de Glace for an up-close look at a glacier. For family treks, head for Les Pyramides from Les Bossons, or Berard valley and Mont Le Buet. The tourist office in Chamonix will be happy to advise you on a walk that will suit your itinerary. Click here to find out more.
3. Heli-skiing
Fresh tracks and incredible views are guaranteed when you access some of the best off-piste descents by helicopter! Routes have been carefully selected by knowledgeable guides, leaving you free to enjoy this unforgettable experience in safe hands. Find out more about heli-skiing here.
4. Pamper yourself
You’re on holiday, so why not treat yourself to the ultimate in relaxation – a day at a wellness centre? Whether you’re looking for a relaxing swim, a day of saunas, spas and thermal baths, or massages and treatments to soothe aching muscles, you’re sure to unwind at the fabulous QC Terme spa.
5. Biking
In the summer, the mountains become a magnet for cyclists. Experienced mountain bikers will find plenty of challenges, as many of the trails are steep and technical, but there are trails for all levels. Bikes can be taken on many of the lifts and on the Mont Blanc Express train, which links Switzerland to the Vallée de l’Arve via Chamonix. Road bikers will find plenty of routes starting from Chamonix, depending on your experience and time available.
The tourist office is a great place to start when looking for routes and advice. For information about mountain biking activities in Chamonix, take a look here. For information about road biking activities in Chamonix, you will find more here.
6. Golf
Surprisingly for a mountain golf course, all but two of the 18 holes at Golf de Chamonix are on the flat. The 6km course features bunkers, water holes, woodlands and streams as well as wonderful views. Check the website for more information.
7. Downhill fast
Planards is a great place to explore with children – in the winter it’s a ski area, and in the summer the snow is replaced by an amusement park, with water rides, slides, trampolines and much more. There’s a restaurant too, but if you want to bring a picnic there are plenty of places to eat it.
8. Canyoning thrills
Children looking for adventure will find it canyoning – scrambling, climbing, jumping and swimming down mountain streams, rivers and waterfalls. You’ll be accompanied by a mountain guide, who will ensure your safety at all times. This thrilling experience is open to children over the age of 10, as long as they can swim and are not afraid of a 4m jump. Head to the website to see more.
9. Animal encounter
Activities in Chamonix cater to all ages, with The Merlet animal park in Les Houches offering a great day out for all the family! Take a leisurely walk around the forests and meadows of the park, where you can spot free-roaming indigenous animals such as ibex, marmots and roe deer. In the winter, you can take a snowshoe tour of the park with a guide. There is a restaurant, and picnic tables are available outside the entrance.
10. Take the train
Youngsters will love exploring Chamonix on the little train throughout summer! Tour the town or head out into the villages of Le Praz and Les Bois. If you want to go a bit further afield take the Montenvers train, which has its own station next to the main train station in Chamonix. This funicular railway climbs steeply to a viewing point above the Mer de Glace. From the top of the line at Montenvers, it’s a lovely walk down to the glacier and an ice cave.
For more information about activities in Chamonix, head to our destination page, which includes restaurant recommendations, places to shop and tips on how to get around. You can also browse our range of properties available for your next holiday in Chamonix.
