Chamonix Activity Report: 2nd September 2005
Visiting the local swimming pool isn't usually first on the list of must do's when visiting a holiday resort, but if you come to Chamonix during the summer months you really should make the exception
During the months of June to beginning of September the sports centre opens the outdoor pool – a 50m pool with a couple of lanes down one side and the best view imaginable; Mont Blanc & the Aiguille du Midi
Although the experience of swimming with a backdrop of the Alps is the main attraction here, you can also use the indoor 25m pool, Jacuzzi and the slightly odd looking, spaceship inspired, spiral slide (the latter 3 being open all year round). Not bad for €4.10 (€3.40 with a Carte d'hote and less again for kids).
Here's the catch…swimming shorts are not allowed; you have to wear Speedos. I kid you not, and many an English friend has been caught out in France by this unexpected swimming pool rule (much to the amusement of wives & girlfriends!). It is possible to hire a pair from the sports centre (€3) but let's face it, who wants to pay good money to slip into some pre-worn, snug swimmers?
There are other activities such as sauna, gym, ice-skating, indoor climbing wall and tennis available at the sports centre, which is at 214 Avenue de la Plage in the town centre. Head down there or check the Richard Bozon sports centre website for prices and details of exercise classes.
Piste Maps for Chamonix (pdf format), Les Houches (jpg format), Cross-country skiing (pdf format), and Mountain-bike trails (pdf format)
Current status for opening of Pistes & Lifts
Chamonix Webcam Index
Useful Links
Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research
French Avalanche Research Institute
Meteo France - Mountain weather and avalanche conditions bulletins (in French)
Henry's Avalanche Talk - popular avalanche training sessions based in French Alps as well as translation of current avalanche conditions
PisteHors.com - Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding News in English for the French Alps. Excellent coverage of avalanche safety and advice
Additional snow and weather information provided, with thanks, by meteo.chamonix.com and the Tourist Office