SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN CHAMONIX

BIKING 

DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKING, FAMILY TRAIL RIDES, ROAD BIKING, FAT BIKING, E-BIKING 

The Chamonix valley offers many exciting and challenging biking trails from casual bike rides to heart thumping cross country terrain. For adrenaline addicts, there are some technical downhill descents, and for the road cyclists challenging "cols". The Col de Forclaz was featured in the 2016 Tour de France and is easily accessible from Chamonix, with incredible views from the stage finish Emosson Dam 2,205m. The rise in E-bikes means that areas previously inaccessible to most can now be explored in comfort by all. 

PARAGLIDING 

Take in wondrous views of the Alps flying in the fresh air over Chamonix. The valley is perfect for keen paraglider, as well as novices wanting to experience that flying feeling. Take in the wonderful fresh air and stunning scenery of the Chamonix mountain range with a qualified pilot.

HELICOPTER TOURS

Helicopter sightseeing is becoming increasingly popular in both the winter and summer seasons. It is a totally spectacular way to see Chamonix; a true luxury. Fly over Mont Blanc itself and marvel at the most beautiful glacial scenery in the Alps.

HORSE-RIDING 

One of the best ways to discover the Chamonix valley is on horseback. For novices or confident riders there is something for everyone. There are several riding centers in the valley. The Mont Blanc horse center runs all year round and you can trek on horseback for half a day, full day or for several days!

A great place for the little ones to experience their first ride is Paradis des Praz; Pony rides are available here in the forest of des Praz in an idyllic setting by the river. Parents lead their kids on the ponies on a leash along a path for just 5€. 

HIKING

Chamonix has over 350km of well-marked hiking routes to suit everyone and boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse walking and hiking terrain in the Alps. From wonderfully peaceful walks in Alpine meadows and forests to endurance hikes, leading to crystal clear lakes under rugged peaks. Each of our chalets has walking books and maps and we recommend you ask our chalet manager for their suggestions during your stay.

Glacier walking is also incredibly popular and a truly unique experience. Grab your crampons, which can be hired in town, and go for a hike up the stunning Mer de Glace, Argentiere or Le Tour glaciers. A mountain guide is essential and can be booked via your chalet manager.

CLIMBING & VIA FERRATA 

Chamonix has arguably the best selection of climbing routes in the Alps. There are easier and more challenging climbs for beginners, intermediates and experts all within reach of a small hike or cable car ride (sometimes both). Take advantage of the bolted outdoor routes at Gaillands, or the Aiguilles Rouges and Mont Blanc Massif offer many more possibilities for those prepared to take them on. Guides can be arranged to climb Mont Blanc (normally a 5 day trip).

If you’re not an experienced rock climber, but you’re looking for the mental and physical challenge of climbing and the spectacular views that go with it, Via Ferrata in Chamonix is for you! Chamonix is deservedly known as the heart of alpinism worldwide. With such fame and popularity comes investment and growth in a full range of accesses and activities to view and explore these Alps. In 2016, Chamonix added Via Ferrata to the long list of activities on offer. As this is a sport which is growing in popularity

RAFTING, CANYONING, HYDRO SPEED

After the winter comes the big thaw, bringing with it rising water levels and awesome rapids to ride! The Mont Blanc region is home to outstanding rafting territory. On our doorstep we have the Giffre, L’Arve and the world class Dorea Baltea. Rafting is a great team exercise or family day out and offers a vastly different perspective on the raw power of nature around us.

Water sports on offer also include canyoning, which is not for the faint hearted and involves climbing, diving, abseiling and swimming in water with strong currents. There is also 'hydro-speeding' a recently introduced take on surfing and fast becoming a popular way to ride the rapids! Using a large body board like float you hold on for dear life and hurtle down the rivers.

Seen below, rafting on the river Arve is fun and adrenaline pumping, and is the closest to the local Amazon Creek chalets of Chamonix.

GOLF

The world class 18 hole golf course of Chamonix was designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Senior and features the Mont Blanc and Chamonix glaciers as its breath-taking backdrop. We can arrange lessons for you with the resident gold pros as well as more focused gold packages including taking in Evian and Crans Montana golf courses. To top off the perfect golf retreat, an official competition in Chamonix.

TENNIS

Chamonix has an excellent tennis club. With 13 outdoor courts and four covered courts, the club operates throughout the year. In the summer, the club runs courses for adults and juniors, or one off lessons can be booked with bilingual instructors.

RELAXATION

Chamonix has plenty of more relaxing options and wellness activities to discover. If you want to take a break from all the excitement and action, or prefer just to spend your holiday relaxing, Amazon Creek have the perfect properties and services for you.

Private Yoga and Pilates sessions can be arranged in the privacy of the beautiful surroundings of your summer chalet. This is a wonderful way to spend your time enjoying the peace and tranquility the mountains bring.

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

PARADIS DES PRAZ

This is an amazing outdoor play area for children. It is located in a remote and stunning area of woodland by a lake and river, perfect for allowing the children cool off from a day of adventure. Paradis des Praz is located behind the golf course and is a stunning destination for the whole family with pony rides, a small cafe and plenty of space to run around with a breathtaking backdrop of the Mont Blanc mountain range.

MONTENVERS - ICE CAVE AND TRAIN 

The train is a wonderful way for the children to get out and about and enjoy the stunning scenery without tiring them out too much! Above the Mer de Glace, where the train comes to an end, the views of Les grandes Jorasses and Les Drus are incredible. From here, everyone can walk to the glacier which makes for an exciting and spectacular adventure - taking you down steep stairs and through ice grottos (caves). You can also choose to walk on the hiking paths back down to the valley.

PARC DE MERLET

Parc de Merlet is a large nature reserve set high above Les Houches. It is a great place to go and spot wildlife in their natural habitat such as marmots, mountain goats, deer, bouquetin and chamois. For more information visit their website: www.parcdemerlet.com

PARC DE LOISIRS

Compared to Parc de Merlet, this park is more of a children’s play park with lots of fun rides including trampolines and even a summer toboggan run. Located opposite the train station in the center of Chamonix, this is an easily accessed and fun place for young and old to spend a few hours. There is also a restaurant with large sun terrace, from where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain panorama. For more information and opening times, please visit their website: www.chamonixparc.com

CHAM ADVENTURE - ACCRO PARK 

With five courses and more than 70 treetop elements and obstacles for the youngest to the most active: Giant ziplines, wobbly bridges, tarzan swings, quick jumps and much more, with courses suitable from toddlers to adults.

For more details and to see the wide range of activities on offer visit their website: http://www.cham-aventure.com/

INDOOR CLIMBING 

The spectacular indoor climbing wall Mont Blanc Escalade is open every day of the week and offers fantastic walls and routes for all levels of climbers. There is a brilliant children's wall with many easy routes for beginners. Instructors must be pre-booked if your children are not accompanied by an experienced adult.

For opening time and prices please visit their website: http://www.montblancescalade.com

OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL 

The Sport Center Richard Bozon, located right in the center of Chamonix, offers a fabulous outdoor swimming pool area for children of all ages. There is a shallow, fenced off area with slides and water features for the little ones, a middle-sized pool and an Olympic 50m pool for the young and adults. There is also a great “big-kids” water-slide and plenty of space for sun bathing, as-well as a snack-bar and grassy areas for those who prefer to bring a picnic. There is also an all year round indoor pool, including a shallow pool for younger kids.

Address: 214 avenue de la Plage, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Phone : +33 (0) 4 50 53 23 70