Winter Snow Sports

Chamonix is the perfect destination for an array of Winter Snow Sport activities, you could be snowboarding one day, hiking a glacier the next or taking in the sights from the top of Aiguille de Midi in their hair-raising Glass Observation boxes.

Skiing in Chamonix

The Chamonix Valley is unlike many other ski resorts. The variation in terrain and choice mean that skiing is divided into six areas, offering opportunities for skiing and snowboarding to suit all tastes and levels of skill. It is a mecca for off-piste itineraries, but also caters to beginners and intermediates looking for a convenient short break destination that has high altitude snow-surity and still within 70mins of Geneva.

The skiing on Les Grands Montets is ideal for both advanced and adventurous intermediate skiers. Renowned for providing some of the most challenging off-piste skiing anywhere in the Alps, it also offers some of Europe’s most breathtaking glacial scenery.

Le Tour (Balme), at the head of the valley, is perfect for beginners and intermediates keen to rediscover their ski legs. Its features include wide blue and red runs and a recently opened lift which offers access to some superb tree skiing.

Flégère and Brévent have sunny, south-facing slopes with stunning views of Mont Blanc, these two areas are now linked by gondola and offer an inviting cruising terrain for skiers of intermediate standard.

Hungry lunchers are also well catered for. The view across the Chamonix valley from a restaurant sun-deck is reason enough to spend a day skiing here.

Les Houches is the bad weather alternative, with good snow conditions ensured by a generous battery of snow cannons. The area offers very good Austrian-style skiing below the tree line and a variety of runs for all standards.

It also provides floodlit skiing for anyone who’s undefeated by daylit activities.

At an altitude of 3,842 meters, the Aiguille du Midi gives access to one of the highest lift-served skiing in Europe. This is the access point for the legendary Vallée Blanche, a 23 kilometre glacial route(s) down to the valley floor (up to 2,842 meters below).
One of the biggest vertical descents in the Alps and an unforgettable experience for confident intermediates skiiers and borders. 

See here for more off-piste information!

If you are not a keen skier or fancy doing something a little different in between your slope time, then you may a few of the following of interest….

Non-skiing activity recommendations:

The Aiguille du Midi and Montnevers Railway

For breathtaking views and a truly once in a lifetime experience, this is a must do activity. The Aiguille du Midi takes you up to approx. 3800 meters in two cable cars. Departing in Chamonix Sud this ride of your life will take you the best part of the afternoon. If you wish to make a whole day of ‘sight seeing’ then team it up with the Montenvers Railway which takes you up to the base of the Mer de Glace glacier.

Glacier Walking in Chamonix  

For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on the stunning Mer de Glace, Argentiere or Le Tour glaciers. The Mer de Glace is one of the longest and deepest glaciers in the Alps, moving at a comparatively rapid 120 metres a year. To get onto the glacier you’ll have to clamber down long steel ladders which are scary enough in themselves but you’ll quickly forget about that once you start admiring the breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses below. Prices from €99 per person.

Ice Skating in Chamonix

Chamonix has an excellent ice rink that is open every day except Mondays from 2pm until 5pm (6pm during school holidays). On a Wednesday night, the rink is open late from 9-11pm, and don’t forget the regular ice-hockey matches that take place throughout the season, generally on a Saturday evening. Skates can be hired for €3.50 and entrance costs €4.60 for adults and €3.50 for children.

Husky sledding

Be in charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start (you shout “mush!”) and strict instructions not to let go of the sled if it turns over (the dogs would disappear for hours…), you set off following the guide’s team. Your huskies want to keep up with their doggy mates, so the next hour is a breathless scramble to keep the sled upright, trying to control the speed downhill, and hanging on for dear life when you tear around corners. Prices from €70 per person.  

Helicopter Tours & Heli-Skiing

Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up! Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) which we can book on your behalf. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Haute Savoie. Prices from €80 per person.
Heli-Skiing is the ultimate day out for the accomplished skier who is looking for their next adventure. We can organise itineraries to suit you and specialise in working with accredited providers which are known to us professionally. Accompanying you would be a personally known qualified mountain guide which we organise on your behalf.

Indoor Climbing

Indoor Climbing Walls in Chamonix 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, with 1250m sq. of climbing surfaces, and more than 100 routes to the roof, ranging from 16-20m in height. There is a beginner’s wall, a kid’s wall, and even a cafeteria. All necessary equipment is available for hire. Complete beginners can make a first ascent of the indoor climbing wall with instruction from local guides from €35 – book in advance.

Snowshoe Walking (‘Raquette à Neige’) in Chamonix

Strap lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet, and walk effortlessly through deep snow. Either set out on your own, or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the valley. Prices from €40 per person.   Deep Nature Spa Deep Nature Spas offer pure relaxation in luxurious surroundings; soothing massage therapies and pampering beauty treatments to suit all needs. Located in the heart of the Les Aiglons Resort & Spa, at the foot of Mont Blanc.  Prices from €22 per person. ~  Tel: +33 (0) 450 55 90 93

Tennis & Squash  

The tennis and squash club in Chamonix is situated just beyond the sports centre and has both indoor and outdoor courts. You can book group or private lessons and hire rackets if necessary, or just pay for an hour on a court. Open all day every day, but if you are playing indoors you need a ‘light-token’ which can be purchased during office hours (9am -12.15 and 2pm -7.30pm in Chamonix; 3pm – 9.30pm in Argentiere). Prices are around €15 for 1hr/1 court for tennis, and €9 for 45min/1 court (including lights) for squash. ~  Tel: +33 (0)450 53 28 40

Arcades and 10 Pin Bowling  

The bowling alley can be found in Chamonix-Sud next to the bus station, it is easy to spot with it’s illuminated rooftop skittle! Inside there are eight bowling lanes as well as pool and snooker tables, air hockey and a games arcade. It is licensed with a large bar area where you can also fill up on a few bar snacks such as nachos and fries. ~  Tel: +33 (0) 450 53 74 37

Parc de Loisirs – Alpine Coaster  

The new attraction at the Chamonix Parc de Loisirs is a cross between a roller coaster and a sledge on a 1300m track featuring plenty of twists and turns. Unlike the luge, the Alpine Coaster can operate in all weather conditions. Prices from €5 per person. ~  Tel: +33 (0) 450 53 08 97

Horse Drawn Sleigh

A familiar sight in Chamonix is Dr Zhivago and his finely dressed horse – snuggle amongst the blankets in the back of his sleigh and see the sights of Chamonix on a horse-drawn tour. Dr Zhivago can be found most days by the clock tower in the centre of town.  

If you wish to know more about any of these activates then please feel free to contact a member of the UK based team who will be more than happy to advise you and book if required.