Chamonix Activity Report: 5th July 2010
We have been having what seems like an endless amount of hot sunny days here in Cham with temperatures in to the 30's for a good portion of the day followed by a storm which cools things down a little in the evening and when it clears up later on makes for some interesting views down the valley.
The Grand Montets lift is now open as well so that's it - summer in full swing and nothing left to wait to open so if you're sat at home waiting to book something, stop it and book something right now! We've had some awesome parties already and still more to come with the climbing world cup on next week, a party which closely resembles the same size if not bigger than the Fete de Musique! The world cup climbing wall is all set up in the centre of Chamonix in the Place du Mont Blanc where the best in the world will be competing for the chance at winning either the fastest or the most technical climb.
There are certainly a lot more people hanging around now and partaking in many different outdoor activities from the chilled to the crazy but all living their own little dreams in perfect conditions for any outdoor activity. A good thing to do around the valley is mountain bike touring. There are a number of independent mountain bike guides and companies that have guides that work for them like Evolution 2, if you book a guide you will be guaranteed to see the best of the valley depending on your ability and motivation levels!
The other day we decided to head on a bike tour, heading from Argentiere over to Vallorcine and back. There are number of routes you can take to get to this destination faring the road for the easier route or the trails for the steeper slightly more technical climbs and descents. We decided to head up the trails which are quite steep and narrow in places so care should be taken if heading in this direction, and you might find that pushing is necessary for some of the steepest sections. Once up at the Col Du Montets there is a really nice section of downhill all the way to Vallorcine which follows the stream and in some sections is fairly narrow and the possibility of falling in is something to watch out for!
Following the trail down by the river is slightly technical with a fair bit of rubble and tight turns to be completed but with some outstanding views along the way and lots of opportunities to stop for a photo. Once at Vallorcine we decided to ride back the way we came, which meant a longer climb back up to the Col and a more technical ride down the narrow switch backs to Argentiere, heading in the direction of the Office bar for a couple of well earned beers and one of their famous Aussie burgers!
For more information about lift price information and parking check out the Vallée Blanche skiing article on this website.
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!
