Snow... Skiing... Snowshoeing... Walking... Wellbeing...
ALPINE SKIING ON OR OFF PISTE, SNOWBOARDING
The Chamonix valley boasts several distinct ski areas:
Les Houches, naturally, which you can discover ski in/out directly from the chalet.
Chamonix - for the Brévent/Flégère ski area (you can access the Brévent lift from the Savoy button lift a couple of minutes work from the centre of town); also Planards ideal for those just starting out.
Argentière - for the renowned Grands Montets ski area.
Le Tour - for Le Tour, Balme and la Vormaine
Vallorcine - allowing access to Le Tour
Not forgetting the famous Vallée Blanche run down from the Aiguille du Midi
SKI TOURING
Increasingly popular this skiing activity benefits from dedicated marked trails offering a maximum of security (as walking up a ski slope is not permitted in France)
Les Houches: one marked route
Balme (le Tour): two marked routes
Grands Montets (Argentière): the Trapette trail
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Notwithstanding its reputation for alpine skiing the Chamonix valley has not neglected the popular sport of cross country skiing. You will find marked trails in Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentière and Vallorcine.
SNOWSHOEING
From the villages of Servoz to Vallorcine, passing through Coupeau or Vaudagne, you will find kilometres of well marked trails - take advantage of these on your own or with a guide. Full details are available at the different tourist offices.
ICE CLIMBING
For beginners and intermediate climbers Argentière has 3 climbing areas that are not too steep.
ESCALADE
A range of options to suit your skill level from Servoz to Vallorcine. Some superb mixed (rock and ice) routes such as the petite Aiguille Verte, l’Eperon Frendo or the superb ED corridor.
Do remember that in winter the days are shorter and climbers should be vigilant of avalanches and rock slides.
VIA FERRATA
Two routes are available in the valley - in Passy and on the mer de glace glacier area.
HELISKI
As part of the drive to protect the environment, since 1985 the sport of heliski has been prohibited. It is, however, still authorized in both Switzerland and Italy which can be reached by regular bus services from Chamonix.
SPEED RIDING
This somewhat dangerous blend of paragliding and skiing is possible at a number of locations in the valley. Beginners can go to Grands Montets and Balme; while experienced speed riders can practise the sport at Brévent or la Flégère.
PARAGLIDING
For complete beginners wishing to learn with a guide (duo) or experienced practitioners there are numerous possibilities in the valley: les Houches, la Flégère, Brévent, les Grands Montets...
ICE SKATING
Indoor and outdoor there are 4 ice rinks in the area: Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentière and Vallorcine.
APRES SKI
More or less(!) risk free sport...
Available widely in the valley - on sunny terraces with spectacular views.
LA MER DE GLACE – TRAIN DU MONTENVERS
Departing regularly from Chamonix, this rack and pinion train climbs to Montenvers where you have magnificent views of the mer de glace, Grandes Jorasses and Drus mountain ranges.
LUGE - SLEDGING
In les Houches, Servoz, Chamonix and Vallorcine for people of all ages, sledging is a fun activity for the whole family. The downhill Coaster run in Chamonix offers guaranteed thrills.
SKI JOËRING
In les Houches - one horse, a pair of parallel skis and you're off... at a trot or even a gallop.
HORSE RIDING
In les Houches there are numerous snow covered forest trails.
MERLET ANIMAL PARK
Much harder to reach during winter than summer, a 2 hour hike (200m elevation) can get you to the Merlet park where you will appreciate some terrific views of the valley.
HOT SPAS
A great way to relax after a hard day on the slopes - in les Houches, Chamonix or Vallorcine - not forgetting our very own sauna and hammam.
And also...
L’élevage de Saint-bernard aux Houches,
Huski sleigh dogs in Vallorcine,
Paintball - Chamonix,
Tennis - les Houches, Servoz, Chamonix,
Swimming pool - Chamonix,
Cinéma - Chamonix,
Casino - Chamonix
Further information :
Ski areas: www.montblancnaturalresort.com
Activities: www.chamonix.net et www.chamonix.com
