February, 07 2019 ( Updated February, 02 2023)
If you’re looking to diversify your ski break with some fun off the slopes, we can recommend the best winter activities in Chamonix for you to try:
Whether you’re an expert, amateur or a complete beginner, Chamonix boasts a fantastic range of Paragliding and Speed-riding packages to suit all levels and abilities. With a lift system already in place, the resort is fully equipped with the perfect take-off points for tandem and solo flights. Enjoy the best flight of your life in Chamonix!
Are you looking for some thrills? Try paragliding in the mountains of Chamonix-Montblanc
Open year-round, the indoor Olympic rink in Chamonix measures 60m x 30m and has a seating capacity of 1,700. While the 26m x 56m outdoor rink is only open during the winter season depending on the weather conditions. The rink is also home to the 100-year-old Chamonix Ice Hockey Club. With friendly and competitive matches running throughout the season, why not enjoy watching an energizing game?
Ice-skating can be the perfect off the sky slopes family activity
For those looking for a smaller, ambient outdoor skating rink, the ice rink in Vallorcine is perfect! The artificial outdoor ice rink in Les Houches offers an idyllic setting in the heart of the village, with views of the Mont Blanc Massif to enjoy while skating.
With dedicated safe sledging areas to suit all ages, Chamonix valley is the place to come with your disc sledge, toboggan or traditional ‘paret’ sledge!
The sledging area of Bois du Bouchet is conveniently close to the Chamonix centre and the cross-country slopes. The secure, well-kept sledging area of Les Chavants in Les Houches offers a track for 2-6-year olds’ and a secondary track for older sledders aged 6+. The Prarion sledging area at the top of the cable car in Les Houches is also perfect for adults and kids alike, with a secure track to keep everyone safe.
Get your adrenalin pumping by sledding on dedicated trails
In Servoz, the well-maintained natural slopes of Le Tour offer a timeless atmosphere, whilst the safe and well-kept sledging slopes behind the tourist office in Vallorcine are a popular place to roll.
Tip: Coming with your little ones? Check out our guide to a family holiday in the Mont Blanc massif!
For something equally timeless, enjoy an enthralling husky sleigh ride through the snowy wilderness of Chamonix. Ideal for either 1 adult or 2 children, the husky sleigh usually rides from December- April, offering a liberating way to take in the magical scenery.
If you love animals and snow, the husky sled is for you
Looking for something a little different?
A traditional way to enjoy the winter season is to book a Ski joëring experience. The timeless sport sees a person standing on a pair of skis, whilst being drawn by a well-trained horse. Skis are provided, so all you need to do is bring your ski boots! The centre also offers the ideal opportunity for pony treks in the snow.
As well as going down a mountain, some prefer to go up it! With a host of ice/ski climbing tours on offer, you can enjoy the feel of a thrilling expedition to the summit. There is a climb to suit every intrepid explorer in Chamonix. Discover them here!
Snow shoeing tours also provide the perfect opportunity for adventure on two feet.
Snow shoeing is the perfect alternative to cross-country skiing
Feel like a human rocket, with an adrenaline-fueled ride on the Luge Alpine Coaster! Open year-round, this all-weather roller coaster in central Chamonix offers a 1300m rail track with twists, jumps and 540° spins. Lit for nighttime rides too, each sled luge can accommodate 2 adults/children, with seat belts of course!
As well as high-altitude climbing and skiing, Chamonix offers high-altitude sightseeing. With several scenic attractions to take advantage of, here are our top must-see high-altitude attractions!
The Step into the Void attraction, one of the most famous high-altitude sightseeing in Chamonix
The most famous high-altitude sightseeing spot in Chamonix is the Step into the Void attraction. Reached by the Aiguille du Midi cable car from Chamonix center, visitors will arrive at the gateway to the 3,842m summit. Spectacular panoramic terraces offer 360° views across the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. From here, a lift takes visitors to the ultimate summit terrace for pristine views of Mont Blanc. For a memorable photo opportunity, the ‘Step into the Void’ attraction lets visitors stand on the glass floor of a specially engineered glass cage, suspended over a 1,000m cliff drop.
The Aiguille du Midi cable car that you can take directly from Chamonix center
Also, The Pipe is a long 32m steep gallery that runs a full circuit around the central peak and offers 360° views to remember.
Tip: The panoramic Mont Blanc Gondola ride (open from June-September) lets visitors glide over the Glacier du Géant, to the Pointe Helbronner in Italy.
For those looking to enjoy a day of high-altitude hiking, the Plan de l’Aiguille cable station at 2,310m (which is the halfway point between Chamonix and Aiguille du Midi) serves as the departure point for the Balcon Nord hike to Montenvers. Refreshments and food are available at the ‘Refuge du Plan’, 5 minutes’ walk away.
Another fun outing is to the Mer de Glace. From Chamonix, hop on the famous rack and pinion railway to Montenvers (1,913m). The day trip promises a dramatic view of the Mer de Glace glacier, the Drus and the Grands Jorasses. Popular sightseeing points are the ‘Ice Cave’ (Grotte de Glace), which is reached on foot in 20 minutes or by gondola lift and once there, enables visitors to walk to the centre of a glacier.
Don’t miss the experience of walking in the centre of Mer de Glace
Hikers can enjoy a hill walk from Montenvers to Plan de l’Aiguille, as well as the return descent to Chamonix, via Les Planards or the village of Le Bois. The attraction offers a range of eateries, from snacks at the ‘Glacier Bar’ and authentic Savoyard cuisine at the Restaurant du Refuge du Montenvers to a fantastic scenic bistro lunch at the Panoramique Mer de Glace.
Tip: If you are into the Haute-Savoie cuisine, read our blog to know everything about autentic Haute-Savoie dishes and recipes.
Another popular attraction is ‘The Glaciorium’ exhibition centre at the Mer de Glace. Visitors can learn about the life cycle of the glaciers over the centuries. ‘The Tample of Nature’ also offers an engaging educational experience, with a high-tech optical theatre enabling visitors to ‘meet’ the eminent Scottish geologist Forbes, as well as Chateaubriand, Louis Pasteur and the artist Agutte.
A trip to The Bossons Glacier includes a scenic chair lift ride from the top of Bossons village to an altitude of 1,425m, passing typical alpine chalets as you go. Having gotten off the lift, the viewing point at the Glacier des Bossons chalet is 5 minutes’ walk away.
Enjoy the view at the Bossons Glacier, easy to reach for all the family members
Food and refreshments are also available, and visitors can learn more about the glacier as well as climb up to the Les Pyramides chalet, for more refreshments and for closer views of the glacier’s ice cascade, ice pinnacles and ice pyramids. This scenic location is the starting point for the high-altitude hike to the 2,589m rocky arm of La Jonction (the route for the first ever ascent to Mont Blanc in 1786).
Synonymous the world over for its Après Ski bars, Chamonix is also home to fantastic resort restaurants, a wide array of outdoor sport shops, authentic cafes, an iconic casino, a cinema with the latest French and English screenings and a fascinating array of heritage sites.
The buzzing resort is perfect for keeping fit whilst away; with leisure centers, spas and indoor swimming all on offer. One of the highlights is the new exclusive Spa and Wellness center QC Terme Spas and Resorts. Visitors can unwind in a steaming outdoor bath overlooking the best views in town: the majestic Mont Blanc.
Tip: Do you feel like you need more privacy? Book one of our holiday homes with Jacuzzi or sauna!
After all these amazing activities take some time for yourself and relax in a spa
After enjoying all of these off the slope activities, you’ll certainly be ready to relax and recount the special memories of the day.
Looking for holiday traditional Savoyard chalets or cozy alpine retreats for your stay in Chamonix? Check out our latest selection of holiday homes in Chamonix-Mont Blanc area!
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