Chamonix Activity Report: 21st September 2010

If you're in to your downhill mountain biking, high mountain wandering, or climbing at altitude, then this is your last week of easy access to these enjoyable activities! During the inter season there will be at least one lift open in the valley with the Aiguille du Midi running through except for the month of November, and Montenvers running throughout the inter-season. There will also be a reduced capacity hiker's lift operating in the Brevent area, check out the lift times on the site for more details: Chamonix Lift Times

So, with plenty to do during the inter-season and some quieter routes for whatever activity you're partaking in during the Autumnal months, watching the change in to winter can be a good time to visit this wonderful valley! It really is a functioning town all year round and although some places will close down during this period there are always bars, restaurants and shops open to cater for those who remain or visit on holiday.

With winter just a few months away and the downhill biking opportunities beginning to diminish, it's time to get the legs fit and ready for snowboarding again. It's good to start the winter off riding hard and fast, so as much training as possible during the inter-season is always a good idea. I have been doing a few road bike tours in the area with some pretty big ascents and long round trips to get the leg muscles pumping and ready for riding!

If you have a road bike it will be substantially easier when riding up hill, although I have a front suspension mountain bike and I can still get up the same routes, it just takes a little longer than the guys in lycra and super lightweight road bikes but you get there in the end with a good workout and some outstanding views to help motivate the ride to the top of a col (mountain pass).

Zero G in town can rent road bikes out which will make your journey a lot easier, however if like me you're using a mountain bike then giving yourself a little extra time to get to where your going and getting back is a worthwhile idea. Unlike myself the other day I decided to head from Argentiere up to the Co de Forclaz at around 6pm thinking that I could probably make it back just before dark. I was quite wrong.

It did take a little longer than I had expected and although the climb up to the col was quite steady until the last steep section it became immediately necessary to eat and gain enough energy for the climb back to the Col des Montets and Argentiere. I sat down to grab a quick portion of chips from the restaurant at the col which is a lovely little place with some great views in the area, but the chips took quit a long time and before I knew it, it was already dark!

I quickly scoffed my chips and got riding, although I didn't bring my lights so it was fairly dangerous and I had to step off the road for every car that passed. More disturbingly was that on the way back up the last climb to Col des Montets it became apparent the stags in the area had gone in to mating season, and began performing their mating calls to me while I was all alone on a moonless night! I was quite scared but it definitely motivated me enough to push up to the col as fast as I could!

So, arriving in to Argentiere a little later than originally planned I headed straight to the welcome Office Bar who are open straight through the inter-season and serving fine food so I grabbed myself a bite to eat and a couple of beers before hitting the sack.

Check out our Mountain Guide Listings for contact details of local guiding and activity companies.

Check out what to do around town once the lifts have closed with our Apres Ski Report - a weekly round up of what's hot and where to party in Chamonix!