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Chamonix Activities - Indoor / Bad Weather
| Indoor / Bad Weather Activities in Chamonix |
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If you are unlucky enough to find yourself in Chamonix when the rain is pouring and the wind is howling, or if you simply want to have a day off all of those extreme sports you've put your body through, there's no shortage of things for you to do in Chamonix. Whether you fancy some pampering at a spa, want to catch a movie at the cinema, or take the kids to the indoor swimming pool; here's a few suggestions to keep you entertained during your stay. |
| 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.
There is another video/games arcade in Chamonix centre, on the Rue des Moulins (tucked behind Irish Coffee). |
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last updated 29-May-2008 |
| Beauty, Spa & Massage |
If you are not here for the outdoors ‘extreme’ lifestyle and would prefer a more relaxing break then how about a weekend hotel and Spa break? Le Bachal at the Albert Premiere Hotel has a top team of physiotherapists and beauticians offering massages, facials, manicures and body treatments designed to meet all your needs whether it be a hen weekend, or day of girlie pampering for you and your friends. Open all year round to hotel residents and non-residents, its health and beauty treatments offer a complete programme of health and fitness to suit all requirements.
With all the sporting activities in the Chamonix valley there are many qualified masseurs and beauticians in town to help take your daily stresses, aches and pains away. Alternatively, the Thermal Baths of St Gervais are only a short drive down the valley from Chamonix. Recommended by dermatologists, the purifying properties of the baths mean you can enjoy total relaxation whilst your skin benefits from the high mineral content. You will emerge scrubbed and refreshed with a glow that’s far more flattering than sunburn! In addition to a wide selection of beauty treatments, the on-site clinic also specialises in treatments for acne roseacea, eczema, psoriasis and treatments of burns.
Check out our Spas & Salons section for further information. (Gentlemen, this is not a ladies restricted activity though, it's just as applicable for all you 'real men' out there who are not afraid to indulge in a spot of off-piste pampering!) You will also find a number of masseurs, physiotherapists and holistic practicioners on our Health & Fitness page. |
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last updated 29-May-2008 |
| Cinema VOX Chamonix |
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Chamonix's own Cinema Vox is situated right in the centre of town, slightly tucked back on the Place Balmat (main square in the centre). There are 3 recently refurbished screens showing the latest French and International films, as well as a number of premieres and specialist mountain-sports films. Most English language films will be shown at least a few times throughout the week in their original version (V.O.), usually with French subtitles. Cinema listings are given in French and English on their website. |
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last updated 28-May-2008 |
| Ice Rink |
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 (cheaper with guest card).
Le Podium is the licensed bar, restaurant and lounge area with huge windows overlooking the rink, so you can watch the game in comfort - Chamonix's local team are Les Chamois. |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Indoor Climbing Walls |
Indoor Climbing, Chamonix ¦ Photo Credit - Mark Vader
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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 to 21 metres in height. There is a beginners 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. Open to adults and children 5 or over.
In Chamonix town, there is a good sized bouldering wall in the Sports Centre (Centre Sportif Richard Bozon). There is another climbing wall at the ENSA - you need to be a member of the local Club des Sports to gain access. |
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last updated 28-May-2008 |
| Language Courses in Chamonix |
Chamonix Insted Language School
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The INSTED school in Chamonix is an alpine branch of the Université Stendhal in Grenoble and offers high quality french language courses for all abilities. The school was established in the winter of 1999 with the aim of encouraging students to combine their academic studies with their passion for the mountains. This concept has proven to be a big success with the school now not only providing 2-15 week courses during the winter months; they have also launched a 2-6 week summer programme enabling students to improve their french skills whilst making the most of the plentiful hiking, mountain biking and more hardcore mountaineering opportunities that a summer in Chamonix offers.
I enrolled on a 3 week course in July having spent the last 3 years living and working in Chamonix for a UK based company. Although my level of french was not too shabby (having done GCSE many moons ago and subsequent dabblings at university and during seasons) I knew that grammatically I had a lot to re-learn and I was also guilty of making up words quite a lot of the time! This may seem fairly poor after such a time spent in France but with its enormous tourist influx and a large english speaking ex-pat community, Chamonix is not always the easiest place to learn french under your own steam. That’s why for me, undertaking a structured language course was the only way that I was ever going to blow the dust off my french books!
... see "Learning French In Chamonix" for more
Language Services Listings
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last updated 28-May-2008 |
| Museums & Galleries |
Chamonix Crystal Museum
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If you’re a bit of a culture vulture, you can drop in to one of the galleries or museums that are in town. The Espace Tairraz holds regular exhibitions - often focussing on exploration, the mountains, the environment and many other aspects of the natural world that are of great signifigance to the Alps.
There's also the Musée Alpin, which displays a permanent collection of historic maps of Chamonix and the Massif du Mont Blanc, as well as a tribute to many great mountain guides who risked (and often lost) their lives, in an effort to demonstrate the wonders of the Chamonix valley.
The Crystal Museum houses an impressive collection of sparkling tresures, many of which were found in the Mont Blanc region. You can learn about the people who make their living hunting down these valuable crystals, or just wander round and marvel at the pretty colours.
For those who enjoy contemporary art Chamonix's hidden gem is the Gallery Midnight. Tucked away down a side street near to the river it is easy to miss, but certainly worth a look should you stumble across it. Argentiere's latest addition to the art scene is Galerie du Globe. Housed in a beautiful period building right opposite the train station Galerie du Globe holds regularly changing exhibitions by international contemporary artists.
Please see our Museums & Galleries section for details of all the above places. |
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last updated 28-May-2008 |
| Richard Bozon Sports Centre |
The Richard Bozon Chamonix Sports Centre contains two large swimming pools; one indoor, one outdoor (summer only), a kids' pool, a water slide, a climbing wall, a sauna/hammam area and a gym. In the summer there is a large grassy area by the lake within the sport centre grounds, which is perfect for sun-bathing or running around (swimming not allowed in the lake). There is also plenty of lounging space beside the outdoor pool, but bring a towel or mat to lie on as it's a bit hard!
NB The outdoor pool is currently closed for refurbishment, watch this space for further details
Open Monday to Friday 12pm - 7.30pm and 2pm - 7.30pm at the weekend, entrance is €4.60 for adults and €3.50 for kids (guest card reductions available). Chaps of all ages have to wear Speedo style trunks which, rather disturbingly, can also be rented!
Chamonix Sports Centre website
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last updated 29-May-2008 |
| Shopping in Chamonix...an undiscovered shopping mecca? |
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Many people would not automatically think of Chamonix as a place to come shopping, however the town boasts a diverse range of stores that are guaranteed to suit all lifestyles. As you would expect from an outdoor sports Mecca, there's a plethora of sports stores and high fashion labels that offer a good range of clothing in all shapes and sizes for all tastes. ... see "Chamonix Shopping" for more
Shopping Listings
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last updated 5-Oct-2007 |
| 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 reach it by walking along the path that runs from beside the hotel Alpina alongside the river.
Argentiere has a number of indoor courts situated on the left hand side of the road just after the avalanche bridge as you are driving in from Chamonix.
These are both 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.
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last updated 29-May-2008 |
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