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Chamonix Activities - Families & Kids
| Families & Kids Activities in Chamonix |
Chamonix markets its image as an extreme sports destination, however, this doesn't make it unsuitable for families with children to visit. Obviously the main activity in winter is skiing and snowboarding and there are a number of ski schools who offer kids' lessons and may also arrange child-minding, pick-up services, and other activities.
There are a number of other activities geared towards kids and here are a few ideas: |
| 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 |
| Canyoning |
A not-so-gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day! You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the river bed as a natural obstacle course.
Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over the age of about 8 can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning. With the safety of a guide everyone can abseil down cascades, splash into pools and ride the river rapids. You can choose from short beginners’ routes or longer ones for the more adventurous.
Hydrospeed is an alternative to rafting where you shoot down the river on a kind of inflatable body-board. Half-in half-out of the water you are closer to the action and guaranteed a soaking!
Different companies will have their own policies on age limits but usually, unless they are booked onto a children's activity course, anyone under the age of about 14 years old will have to be accompanied by an adult. A basic level of swimming ability is required for safety reasons.
There are a number of local companies that offer guided descents down the many nearby canyons.
Chamonix Watersports Video
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last updated 28-Apr-2008 |
| Children's Entertainments |
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Chamonix offers a number of organised entertainments for children throughout the summer. Highlights include a changing programme of activities, events and festivals. Regular nature walks, craft classes and sports competitions take place throughout the summer for children of all ages. There is also a playground near to the sport centre and an outdoor play area with safe swimming lake and pony rides called 'Paradis des Praz' behind the golf course. The Les Planards ski area becomes a children's play park in the summer with numerous rides, trampolines and a summer toboggan run. Enquire at the Tourist Office for details or check our What’s On Calendar to see what is happening when. |
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last updated 26-Jun-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 |
| Horse Riding |
The Chamonix Valley has a multitude of trails that can be explored on horseback; you can cover more ground than on foot, get an elevated view of the scenery and hopefully get a closer peek at the wildlife! Evolution 2 organise a variety of treks for all ages and abilities.
The Paradis des Praz play area has a 'mini-ranch' where children can go on short accompanied treks through the woods on small ponies. |
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last updated 21-Apr-2008 |
| Husky sledding ('traineaux a chiens') |
Be in charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start (you shout "mush!"), and strict instructions not to let go of the sled if it turns over (the dogs would disappear for hours...), you set off following the guide’s team. Your huskies want to keep up with their doggy mates, so the next hour is a breathless scramble to keep the sled upright, trying to control the speed downhill, and hanging on for dear life when you tear around corners. Going uphill you have to help push the sled, so this is hard physical work.
If this all sounds a bit much you can opt for a less physical outing where you sit in the sled and the guide does all the hard work! Either way it is an exhilarating experience – you can find contact details on our Action, Fun & Sports page. You can also visit the kennels in Les Houches year round to learn about the dogs and see them at rest. |
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last updated 3-Jul-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 |
| Kid's Arbre Aventure (Tree Adventure) |
Let your kids (from 4-8 years old) enjoy climbing through the trees in a completely safe and enjoyable adventure. Your child’s harness and ropes are secured by an instructor at the outset to a permanent secured safety-line from start to finish - watch them cross bridges, slides, and beams like monkeys!
The circuit can be found at the far end of Les Houches and is best reached by car or bus. Prices are €9 for individuals or €11 for groups of more than four. In good weather, opening times are from 9.30am with the last departure allowed at 6pm, although you can book in advance when the weather is less favourable.
The circuit takes around 1h30 to complete although there is no time-limit. All necessary equipment is provided.
Action, Fun & Sports Listings
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last updated 5-Oct-2007 |
| Les Planards |
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Right opposite the Montenvers train station you will find Les Planards – an action packed fun area that is a magnet for children and families in the summer months. During the winter Les Planards is better known as being one of the smaller pistes in the Chamonix Valley with easy green, blue and red runs for learner skiers. In summer the gentle slopes of the winter are transformed into pretty green meadows perfect for picnicking and sunbathing. ... see "Les Planards Leisure Park" for more |
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last updated 26-Jun-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 |
| Paragliding ('Parapente') |
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From near the top of Le Brevent you can fly above the pistes for an alternative view of the valley. Glide back to the bottom on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor (a vertical distance of approximately 1000m). They manoeuvre the parachute while you, the passenger, enjoy the ride and fantastic views. Taking off is the only scary moment: once equipped with a helmet and an instructor strapped behind you, in a rather intimate way, both of you simply point your skis (or board, or run on foot) downhill, and carry on getting faster and faster until the wing lifts you into the air. Peacefully ride above the pistes for ten to twenty minutes, aiming to catch thermals to keep you up for longer. Landing is very gentle and no more of an impact than jumping off a step. ... see "Paragliding in the Chamonix Valley" for more
Flying/Parapenting Listings
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last updated 3-Jul-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 |
| Short Family Hikes |
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All of the hikes mentioned so far are also suitable for families with children of walking age. It is worth noting that it is not possible to take pushchairs on the Petit Balcons so for younger children, a child carrying back pack would be recommended and plenty refreshments as there are not too many snack stops en route. You can, however, take push chairs along the Promenade d’Arve if you have very young children. Some other suitable itineraries for families, which do include snack stops, are:Chalet du CerroChalet La Floria
Chalet du Cerro (1350m)
... see "Hiking in the Chamonix Valley" for more |
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last updated 5-Oct-2007 |
| Snowshoe Walking ('Raquette à Neige') |
Snowshoeing Vallée Blanche, Chamonix
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Strap lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet, and walk effortlessly through deep snow. Either set out on your own, or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the valley. On these half day group outings you will get off the beaten track to follow animal footprints, discover mountain flora and fauna and learn the history of the valley. Snowshoes and ski poles are provided. See Action, Fun & Sports for details of guiding companies.
You can also hire snowshoes from most Sports Shops, grab a trail map and head off on your own adventure. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.
This is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions, or for non-skiers; walkers and nature lovers will love these outings. Don't forget to take energy bars and wear comfortable boots.
Snowshow Website for France & Switzerland
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| 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 |
| Tourist Train |
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One way to find your way around town in the summer is to hop aboard the miniature tourist train that trundles daily through Chamonix. From 10am to 7pm it makes its way past the sights of Chamonix with a multi-lingual commentary telling you about the history and culture of the area. It leaves every 30 minutes from outside the Post Office, the Montenvers Train Station and the Aiguille du Midi lift station. It costs 5€ for adults and 3€ for children and operates throughout the summer months from 1st May to 12th October. |
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last updated 30-Apr-2008 |
| Via Ferrata |
If climbing up sheer rock on the end of a piece of rope sounds a bit scary then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain! This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly. These days it is a popular sport that makes the thrill of mountain climbing more accessible to children, beginners and those who want a bit more security when they climb.
Following marked routes through the mountains you are helped along by steps, bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety. Suitable for adults and children over the age of 8; guides
can be arranged on request.
The Mer de Glace is easily accessible from Chamonix town centre. Take the Montenvers train and, from the station, descend the ladders down on to the Mer de Glace, following the signs marked ‘Le Refuge’. Cross the glacier heading for the white square painted on the opposite rock face, from here you will find a well-marked route that consists of around 30 ladders and, if climbed to the end, finishes at the Refuge de Couvercle. One way should take around 4-5 hours, there is a shorter return route through les Egralets that takes a further 3 hours.
Further afield, there are also Via Ferrata routes on the Borderan cliffs above La Clusaz. |
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last updated 23-Apr-2008 |
| White Water Rafting |
White water rafting in Chamonix
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If you haven't experienced this before then this is a definite 'must try' on your list of activities to do! Chamonix has a number of trained guides who will let you experience some of the best white water rafting available in the Alps. From the middle of May until September, the river L'Arve flows furiously as it is fed from the melt waters running off the glaciers high above the town. There are various options available from a 3 hour adrenaline rush to a full days excursion - this activity is guaranteed not to disappoint.
Chamonix Watersports Video
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last updated 25-Apr-2008 |
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