Chamonix, the famous mountain village that is every adventurer’s dream holiday destination. Not only has this winter hot spot got a multitude of fantastic ski areas to suit of levels of skier, but as a summer alpine resort Chamonix is the perfect choice for an outdoor lover’s summer mountain holiday. We give you an insight into the 5 best activities to do whilst in the Valley on your summer holiday.
The Chamonix Valley provides tourists with a multitude of different summer activities. Read on and immerse yourself in the adventurous lifestyle of Chamonix in summer.
#1 Hiking In The Chamonix Valley
If you are looking to get away, gain a tan and come back toned and revitalised from a week of physical action in clear mountain air, then a Chamonix luxury summer holiday is the answer!
With the entire valley at your disposal, you will want to lace up your walking boots and get hiking ASAP. Chamonix has some of the best hiking trails in the Alps to suit all levels. Visitors will also be reassured that it’s one of the most complete and well maintained networks of high altitude mountain footpaths in the region.
We really mean it when we say it has a lot to offer. With over 350 kilometres of maintained trails to explore, you maybe have to consider a long-stay! During the summer hiking season of mid-June to mid-September, international hikers make the pilgrimage to Chamonix to tick a few extra routes of their rambling bucket list! Technical climbers can enjoy a challenge by heading up the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. For families, the Brevent to Flegere section of the Grand Balcon Sud is an accessible hike that showcases incredible views, and lots of opportunities for gorgeous family photos. It’s about 2 hours long and there are several incredible picnic spots for a pitstop.
For adventurous spirits, Via Ferrata in Chamonix offer a memorable experience. Translated from Italian, via ferrata means “Iron Roads” and the activity is true to the translation. The routes are built into rock faces on the mountain. Cables and ladders are designed to aid in ascending the paths in an activity that mixes elements of rock-climbing, with scrambling and hiking. It must be said that when it comes to Via Ferrata in the Alps, you will need to be comfortable with heights!
#2 Mountain Biking in Chamonix
So, you think that walking is a bit tame for you? Don’t worry, as Chamonix in the summer also has a lot of mountain biking trails suited to all levels. Discover long, calf burning, technical ascents and cruise’y downhill trails for those looking to take in the scenery at their own pace. Chamonix provides you with a plethora of lift access to take you back up the hill. After all that, the last thing you want to do carry your bike up or even worse, cycle!!
During a summer activity holiday to Chamonix, mountain biking enthusiasts can challenge themselves with one of the most iconic trails in Europe. The Tour du Mont Blanc cycle is a 200km ride around the breathtaking Mont Blanc. Not one for the faint-hearted, it’s nevertheless a once-in-a-lifetime mountain biking adventure. For something a little more sedate, the Bois du Bouchet bike park is well-designed for families, with several looping trails ranging from beginner to intermediate levels.
If you fancy exploring further afield on a mountain biking holiday to Chamonix, the resort is a gateway to nearby resorts including Verbier and Megeve. The world famous summer resorts of Morzine and Les Gets are also on the doorstep, where you can find some of the best mountain bike parks and trails!
#3 Chamonix Paragliding
You have done one day of hiking, one day of mountain biking. You are now looking to step things up a bit! For those looking for pulse-raising activities with unrivalled mountain and valley views, Chamonix is perfect for paragliding in the Alps. Chamonix has an array of paragliding schools to get you airborne.
With both solo flights available (if qualified) or in a tandem with a qualified paragliding pilot, this incredible sport can be enjoyed by everybody. As a passenger, you get the luxury of choosing how you would like to fly. Do you enjoy the rollercoaster feeling? Or would you rather enjoy cruising the air currents in order to get the perfect camera shots? It’s an unmissable experience for alpine adventurers.
For safety reasons, paragliding cannot be performed during poor weather conditions.
#4 Canyoning in Chamonix
If you haven’t heard of this before, canyoning combines climbing, swimming, hiking and cliff jumping. Chamonix is one of the best places for Canyoning in the Alps. It’s a fun-packed day out for adults and older children. Abseil into glacial pools of water (or jump if you are a bit of a show boater!), while taking in beautiful mountain scenery and fresh mountain air; what more could you want?
Canyoning is offered as either a half or full day activity, depending on your energy levels! The guide will provide all the equipment required, including safety gear like helmets and life jackets. You’ll be thankful for a wetsuit, as the glacial water isn’t exactly warm! One of the best summer activities, canyoning in Chamonix is a great choice for anyone who loves the outdoors. It’s also an opportunity to see all of Chamonix’s hidden gems, you wouldn’t normally be witness to.
#5 Mer de Glace and Montenvers Train
Looking for one of the more beautiful and relaxing summer activities in Chamonix? Make sure to add the Mer de Glace and the Montenvers Train to your holiday activity plan. In summer, the Montenvers train runs regularly from the station in the centre of town. It ascends from 1,000 metres to 1,913 metres at its final stop. The tramway was built in 1908 and was the first custom-built tourist attraction within the valley. It is also one of the top sightseeing hot-spots in the Alps.
The train transports you up to the Mer de Glace, which translates as ‘sea of ice’. It’s simply breathtaking and an absolute must, being the largest glacier in France (at 7km in length and 200m deep). The views from the station include some famous Chamonix peaks too. Cast your eye at Les Drus (3,754 metres), Les Grands Jorasses (4,208 metres) and the Aiguille du Grepon (3,482 metres). While visiting, enjoy a delicious lunch with epic views at the Refuge du Montenvers Restaurant.
Chamonix is a mountain destination that is arguably more popular in the summer than it is in the winter. If there are any activities above that spark an interest in exploring the opportunity for a summer holiday in Chamonix, then please do get in touch with our Summer Alps Specialists. Drop us an email or give us a ring on +44 (0) 1202 203659 for information on our summer listings. Make sure to follow our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates from the Alps.
