Chamonix - Relax or indulge in nature

Chamonix Mont Blanc is seen as the spiritual home of Alpine climbing by people around the world. When visiting Chamonix you can either take part in 1 of the many activities on offer or your can use the time, in this scenic valley to recharge your batteries whilst taking in the amazing views.
Here are just a few activities you can take part in whilst here in Chamonix

Hiking in Chamonixr
One main attraction here in Chamonix for the summer months is the hiking. There is so much of it that it is hard to even know where to begin, and it caters for all levels.

There are many different day hikes in Chamonix giving you the options of taking a cable car up into the mountains or starting from the valley floor and making your own way into the mountains to take in the amazing views the valley has to offer.

Some of the more popular hikes in the Chamonix valley include taking the Montenvers train, then walking at altitude (approximately 2300 meters) to the Plan de l'Aiguille mid station. The whole hike has breathtaking views and gives you a whole different side to Chamonix that you don't appreciate from the valley floor.

Another great walk is from the Flegere cable car in Le Praz, to Lac Blanc which is situated in a nature reserve of the Aiguille Rouge, and if your lucky, you see some of the beautiful wildlife that lives in this amazing valley, including marmots, chamois and Ibex. Other great routes include the Tour of the Aiguilles Rouges and the Aiguillette des Posettes at 2201m.

Climbing in Chamonixr
Climbing is another popular sport here in Chamonix during the summer months and again it manages to cater for all levels.
Working you way up the valley, you firstly have the crag in Sevoz. This one is situated on the roadside and is south facing. Here there are mainly 2-3 pitch routes of 3 to 6b.

The most popular climbing area in Chamonix is the Gaillands. This has a large area of climbing situated on a large green next to a crystal clear lake. This area is great for families and the non experienced and experienced climber alike with some routes up to a 7b.

La Joux is further up the valley just before Grand Montet. The area here is smaller and is situated in a wooded area. While not great for beginners it has some challenging climbing for intermediates and experts.

The Vallocine climbing wall is located on the road heading down the Col de Montet towards Vallorcine. Here they have climbs between 4 and 6b. Again this area is suited more toward intermediates and experts.

Finally you have Barberine. To get to it you enter Switzerland by footbridge. This is a sunny granite climbing wall and whilst small has stunning views all around and with climbs from 3 to 6b its an area which can be used by everyone.

For the more seasoned climber, high in the mountains offers even the most experienced people some great challenges. For starters you have the Aiguille Rouge which you get access to from the Flegere cable car. You can also take the Midi lift up to the glaciers and high mountain granite for a huge amount of routes.

hamonix Mountain bikingr
Mountain biking is a popular sport in the Chamonix valley, from cross country to downhill. There are many different routes in the valley and hiring a bike here is simple. The popular areas for downhill mountain biking is Le tour, Flegere and Les Houches. The cross country tracks are also very well signposted here in the valley meaning you can cycle the length of the valley without hitting any major roads, so cycling with young ones is relatively safe.

White water rafting is a unique way to pass through the town of Chamonix and is available here during the summer months. It is not too extreme so is suitable for the less experienced or first timers. If you are looking for something more thrilling, then a short drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel into Italy provides you with the more extreme environment for white water rafting.

Other popular actives in the valley during the summer months including the generous outdoor swimming pool with Mont Blanc as an impressive backdrop. The wonderful Golf course in les Praz, and the many fantastic routes for road biking.