Summer:
When there is no snow, the locals of Chamonix go hiking, mountain-biking, golfing, paragliding, white-water rafting, canyoning, horseback-riding or mountain-climbing. There are hundreds of well-maintained and well-marked hiking trails where you can cycle and hike surrounded by a variety of flowers, plants, plunging waterfalls and natural springs. If you¹re lucky, you¹ll even see a chamois (a mountain goat-like antelope) or a marmot. If you¹re not keen on the great outdoors, you can still work those muscles at the local sports center, situated at the base of the Mont Blanc by a beautiful lake. Here you can swim, waterslide, work out, play tennis or have a go at some indoor climbing. If climbing is your forte and the weather isn¹t ideal, there is an excellent climbing gym in Les Houches, where you can practice or simply be amazed by the professionals.
Sightseeing:
For those more interested in sight seeing, a visit to L¹Aguille du Midi is the perfect alternative. A breath-taking gondola ride (the highest in the world) will take you as close as possible to the Mont Blanc, then across a glacier to the Italian border (only in the summer can you cross to Italy) where you can descend to the ski town, Courmayeur. Savour a plate of pasta, do some sight-seeing, then leisurely make your way back. Or take a ride on the Montenvers train to see la Mer de Glace (the Sea of Ice), which is the largest glacier in France. You can marvel at the ice carvings inside the glacier, and then continue up above with a visit to the crystal cave and a stroll through the Alpine Museum.
Outside of Chamonix
If you would like to explore outside the valley, there is a wealth of inspiration within a two hour radius. Why not take a dip in the purest lake in France in the town of Annecy, or take a trip through the Mont Blanc tunnel for some pizza and shopping in Aosta or Milan.
Miscellaneous:
Carte d'hôtes - This card, which allows for discounted travel in the Chamonix valley is not provided during your stay.
The apartment is non smoking and pet free.
Cleaning is not included in the price. Upon your departure, it is expected that you clean the apartment as you originally found it. If during the inspection before you departure, the owner sees that little or no cleaning has been done, then a minimum of three hours will be charged at 30 euros per hour and further hours deducted if need be.
Ski:
Chamonix is renowned throughout the world for its skiing and mountaineering activities. There are five resorts and several beginner slopes in the valley (250 ski lifts and 750 kilometers / 466 miles of trails) , so whether you are a beginner or an extreme sports enthusiast, Chamonix has mountains to cater for any downhill, cross-country, ski-touring, snowshoeing or snowboarding needs. As well as amazing off-piste experiences, there is also the famous Vallée Blanche (3,842m. or 12,609ft.). It begins at L¹Aguille du Midi and ends at the Montenvers or in Chamonix depending on snow conditions.
Other Activities:
shopping, hiking
