Mountaineering, Climbing, Hillwalking, Biking :
Chamonix is THE renowned Alpine capital for mountaineering, climbing and hillwalking, offering hot rock, high mountains, superb granite and miles of limestone cliffs in Summer. Most documented crags and many mountain routes are equipped or have abseil points in place. There is incredible quality and choice of mountain routes at all levels of difficulty, including Europe's highest peak, Mont Blanc (4810m). Winter climbers will also enjoy an exhilarating array of ice falls, ice routes, mixed and snow routes; and there are dozens of guide books and hundreds of local guides available to make your adventure safe, memorable and enjoyable. Indoor climbing is also available. Hillwalkers and Trekkers can enjoy dozens of day treks from Chamonix, making use of the extensive lift system should they choose, including legs from the Tour du Mont Blanc and walkers' Haute Route. A network of mountain bike trails has also been established in the valley; and downhillers can take on the pistes!
Kids' Activities:
Chamonix is ideally suited for families with children of all ages. The pedestrianised environment allows for pleasant stress-free strolling with children, and the area is generally very manageable for children's buggies. In summer, the Planards ski area in the centre of town plays host to a variety of children's outdoor activities, including the 'luge d'ete' - summer toboggan run - not to be missed! There are also a number of high-standard local playgrounds; a river-side beach area at 'Paradise des Praz'; Pony Club; Karting; Skate Park; Mini Golf; Tennis Club; Mini-Club Sportif (children's activity club); an Alpine Zoo; and don't miss the puppies at the St Bernard Breeding centre. The municipal 'Richard Bozon' sports centre in the town centre (site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924) boasts indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a water slide, and a lake with picnic/sunbathing area; the nearby valley-floor woods at Les Bois also offer gentle walks and plenty of picnic opportunities.
Ski Hire:
Winter visitors will enjoy a 20% discount on ski equipment hire - vouchers will be presented on arrival.
Other Activities:
ice rink, sledging, indoor climbing, spas massage and treatments, casino, squash, white-water rafting