Chamonix Summer Activities

Summer alpine holidays have seen a huge rise in popularity over the last decade. Appealing to families, groups and individuals its easy to see why. With a pleasant 20-30 degree temperature range and alpine lakes abundant in and around the area it really is the best of both worlds. In fact you will find that most of the permanent residents of the Chamonix valley prefer the summer seasons to winter.

Come and discover the beauty of the Chamonix Valley in summer. Be it down in the valley floor or up in the mountains, beginners, experts and families alike can enjoy a multitude of sports, including mountain biking, ice and rock climbing, paragliding, rafting and canyoning to name but a few! Chamonix also has endless activities for children & families such as pony riding, miniature golf, the multi-activity park at Loisir's.

The incredible diversity of summer activities on offer really sets Chamonix apart as one of the world’s premiere alpine destinations. Chalet Tissieres and Tiki lodge are the perfect Chamonix chalets in summer to base yourselves from to enjoy the best Chamonix has to offer.

Come and enjoy some of the following sports and activities in Chamonix this summer.
 

Walking & Hiking

Chamonix is simply legendary for walking and hiking holidays. There are over 350 km of footpaths in low and mid altitude representing the biggest and best kept network of footpaths in the Haute Savoie region. An ideal location for hiking and rambling clubs, you can enjoy some of the best and most spectacular walks in Europe.

Without a doubt the Chamonix valley and surrounding area has some of the most spectacular Alpine trails in the world/ The real beauty, in more than one sense, is that within minutes of our Chamonix Chalet there is a vast choice of itineraries from simple wooded walks through to mid altitude passes with glacial terrain and stunning lakes, wildlife and of course Mt Blanc as a back drop.

Mountaineering

Chamonix. The alpine capital of the world. Mountaineering was pioneered and sculpted in Chamonix.

From the early 1700’s. The Mt Blanc massif is ideal for the experienced alpinist with huge faces and ascents and high altitude exposure all served by the impressive aiguille du midi lift system. The aiguille rouge side of the valley offers lower altitude opportunities but with equally stunning views and some very technical areas.

Climbing / Via Ferrate

Chamonix is widely respected as the home of climbing and alpinism. Annually in July the world climbing championships are held in the centre of town.

The diversity of climbing available is staggering. Choose from high altitude ascents to first time experiences at the various indoor and outdoor facilities in the valley or the fun sport of bouldering.

Via Ferrate is new to the French Alps having been pioneered in the Dolomites of Italy. Essentially as safe version of free climbing and with the individual securely fastened to the mountain by either steel ropes or carabineer you can get the sensation of huge exposure with total security. Absolutely exhilarating.

Trail / Ultra Running

Trail Running has exploded onto the world stage in the last decade. Its all about leaving the noise and pollution that characterises road running far behind in preference for running in the refreshing environment of nature: in forests, through parklands, in valleys and on mountains, over creeks and meadows. But, essentially, trail running is all about running in beautiful and inspiring parts of the world that remain as Mother Nature intended: untouched and wild!

Chamonix is the perfect place for this. You'll find here numerous mountain trails to run. In this page we invite you to try some of the most beautiful trails in the Chamonix Valley and surrounding areas together with the contacts of the clubs in case you need to contact them for more information.

We have some of the worlds most prestigious ultra races like the North Face UTMB and CCC hosted annually in August

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking Holidays in Chamonix

Mountain biking holidays in Chamonix offer terrain to suit all levels and styles of riding. There are superb trails for first time riders, XC whippets or free-ride and downhill specialists. The ski lifts in summer transform the valley in all directions into a MTB haven. Ice and Orange can offer guided weekends or week long stays including all transportation, kit hire and guiding.

Family / Kids & first timers:

The trails lower in the valley, along the river Arve and in the Praz Bois, are the best place to enjoy safe and fun riding.

Free ride and Down hill:

With great uplift service available throughout the valley the terrain here is best described as raw technical free-ride. Massive descents littered with rocky, rooty switchbacks and open wide flowing forest runs the options are huge. The variety will keep even the hard core riders happy for weeks on end. Some of our favourite descents are...

  • Top Brévent via combe de Brévent - Cham centre;
  • Balcons Sud & Nord (watch out for walkers in peak season);
  • Grand Montets - Praz Bois;
  • Flégère - Les Iles;
  • Merlet - Servoz;
  • The new DH course descending from Tête de Balme to Vallorcine is also excellent and serviced by one of the newest lifts in the valley.
XC cross country:

Loads on offer here with lung busting ascents and great enduro style circuits. The balcons sud and nord are great areas for diversity of terrain. There is a great circuit from the Bellevue lift in Les Houches round to the Forclaz area. The Balme area has more open and wide tracks but more rocky in places so make sure you bring some spares along with you!

Paragliding

This popular sport in the valley involves a mountainside launch whereupon you ride the thermals suspended under a large parachute style wing. There are lots of departure options, the most popular being Plan Praz below the Brévent. No prior experience required as tandem flights are available through our partners with experienced and qualified pilots. For the thrill seekers out there ask the instructor to perform some aerobatics. Great fun and not for the faint hearted!

Helicopter Rides

Helicopter Rides Chamonix:

By far the most spectacular and panoramic way to enjoy the superb high mountain terrain of the Mt Blanc massif. From the helipad base below the base of the Argentière glacier you will ascend the river bed ‘Top Gun’ style to then blast between jagged mountain peaks and skim over huge crevasses, truly a once in a life time experience. There are also trips available to hover over the summit of Mt Blanc. Additionally the prices are very reasonable with something to suit every budget. Highly recommended.

White Water Sports

Ice and Orange Chamonix can help you to enjoy all the fun filled and adrenaline package activities based in and around Chamonix. We work closely with the local specialist guiding companies to offer the best selection of water based sports.

The glacial rivers flowing from the Mt Blanc massif provide the venue for rafting, canyoning and a whole host of other activities. If you are looking for a family day adventure, team building or corporate incentives break, then take a look at some of the activities available.

Rafting:

White water, for all levels from beginner introduction trips to wave pounding white knuckle rides!

Canyoning:

The ultimate adrenaline rush! You will abseil down waterfalls, slide down water-smoothed rocks, scramble over boulders, jump into pools of white water as you work your way down the canyon.

Hydrospeeding:

Have you been rafting and are looking for the next challenge? Well you've found it!

Hydrospeeding is body rafting down the rapids.

Get kitted out with a hydrospeed, a helmet, some flippers and wetsuit you'll steer yourself down the course of the river!

River Kayak:

Navigate some of the most beautiful terrain in the Alps and all as your own skipper!

Golf

Chamonix Golf Course

Established in 1934 and designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr the golf course in Chamonix is set amongst truly spectacular scenery. This 18 hole course is situated beside the pretty hamlet of Les Praz, five minutes outside Chamonix town centre.

The course design and layout is in harmony with the local terrain utilising natural features and water hazards to create a challenging well balanced course, rewarding accuracy off the tee and sound course management. There is also a 300m long modern driving range with putting/chipping area to help hone your short game.

Green fees are very reasonable for the quality of course. The Cabin des Praz offers fantastic food throughout the day and the club house offers a pro shop, bar and entertainment facilities.

If you are looking for your next golfing venue, whether it be for a club competition, corporate hosting or just a weekend with friends, Chamonix offers a truly memorable experience. Contact Ice and Orange directly to help organise the perfect golf trip with airport transfers, accommodation at Chalet Tissières and all food.

For more information please see: golfdechamonix.com

Tennis

The Chamonix tennis club welcomes members and tourists alike. During spring and summer its friendly atmosphere and fantastic lunch restaurant enable the whole family to enjoy a days sporting fun.

The club has 19 courts in total, 4 indoor hard courts, and 15 exterior composed of clay, synthetic and hard surfaces. There are also 2 indoor squash courts. The children’s facilities are superb and the coaching team is excellent if you wish to brush up on your technique. All equipment can be hired on site.