Chamonix Classics

If you come to Chamonix in the summer (and between you and I, you really should) chances are you'll want to get your walking boots on and go on a ramble or two. There's so much to choose from the only difficulty comes in picking a route to do! Fortunately, the Chamonix Valley possess one of the most complete, well sign-posted and well maintained network of mountain footpaths in the Haute Savoie region. With over 600kms (400 miles) of marked trails in the valley, walking here can be as easy or as technical as you want it to be.

Below are some of our tried and tested suggestions for walks and hikes in the area. There are routes to suit those of you that would like a gentle promenade, suitable routes if walking with children and some longer day hikes for the relatively active walker. If you wish to venture into the high alpine environment and onto the glaciers, check out the mountain guides in town who will be able to advise you further. ... see "Hiking in the Chamonix Valley" for more

Chamonix needs no introduction as one of Europe’s best sporting playgrounds and as an area sportsmen and women can enjoy the outdoors with some of the world’s most fantastic scenery in the background. It is renowned for its extensive and busy outdoor and indoor sporting and mountaineering programme and over the past few years Chamonix has seen its popularity significantly increase within the mountain biking and general biking community. With Mont-Blanc as its impressive backdrop, the Chamonix valley is definitely a great place for mountain biking as the different and varied terrains suit bikers of all levels. whether you enjoy a leisurely cycle around some of the lower level trails encircling the valley floor, or a day's hardcore downhill mountain biking exhilarating extreme action is more your ‘thang’, Chamonix definitely has something to suit all tastes. (NB: In French, mountain biking is called VTT. (Vélo tout-terrain!)) ... see "Mountain Biking in Chamonix" for more

Chamonix is quite simply the Mecca of Alpine Climbing. Whether you are a rock climber, ice climber, ski tourer, or just enjoy being in the mountains, Chamonix really is the place to be. The glaciers and icy slopes of the Mont Blanc Massif offer a massive number of climbing routes for alpinists, while the world famous Chamonix Granite is extremely popular with rock climbers.

Not only does the Mont Blanc Massif offer outstanding climbing, but the area is well prepared for climbers. The network of telepheriques and trains give rapid access to the high mountains, where a plethora of refuges offer fully catered accommodation. Many Mountain Guides operate in the area and are available to look after you if you need them. The valley also has an abundance of excellent gear shops, hotels, restaurants and bars enabling you not only to climb your dreams, but to relax afterwards. ... see "Mountaineering in Chamonix & the Mont Blanc Massif" for more

If you’ve never tried paragliding before (…..or maybe you’re not entirely sure what it is!) then you would be hard pushed to find a more spectacular backdrop to launch yourself into it, than in Chamonix. A veritable paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts, Chamonix first began to feature on the paragliding map in the mid to late 80’s when flying clubs began to appear across the Mont Blanc region. Known as “parapenting” in France, today there are a great number of clubs and organisations in the area whose sole purpose is to get you flying. So, if it is something that you have always fancied trying, or if you would just like to know a bit more about what it involves and who can do it...

** Please note that the Brevent/Plan Praz take off area is not accessible during Summer 2008 as the Brevent Gondola is being replaced. However, it is still possible to fly from Flegere/Index instead, usually before 11am** ... see "Paragliding in the Chamonix Valley" for more