ChamServe - Summer Information and Activities

Chamonix in the Summer
Chamonix is one of the most well known ski resorts in the French Alps. However, a summer visit to this picturesque alpine retreat has equally as much to offer. Imagine hiking across the peaks of Chamonix close to the clouds, breathing the fresh mountain air, watching wildlife, enjoying the peace and quiet or perhaps getting involved in one or more of the many Summer Activities that Chamonix has to offer.
Hiking/WalkingMountain BikingClimbingSightseeingParagliding

The landscape around the French village of Chamonix is wonderful hiking territory. In the summer there are lush pastures, snow capped peaks and mountain flowers. There are a number of hiking trails but for some of the best views of Mont Blanc and Mer de Glace choose the route that takes you along the Grand Balcon Sud. This hike begins at Planpraz station, which is located on the Brevant Mountain. The hike usually takes around two hours and ends at Flegere station. It's easy to incorporate a few hikes into your Chamonix holiday.
There are over 350km of marked out hiking trails in the area. The hikes are suitable for various levels of experience and physical fitness. So if want something leisurely you will find it. A good suggestion for anyone that is new to mountain hiking is to take a guide with you. They will be familiar with the trails and local flora. They will also be fully aware of any safety issues necessary for a safe mountain hike.

The best riding is off the many téléphériques (gondolas) that ring the valley. Trails descend in all directions and offer a wide variety of riding. There are mellow jeep trails like the Grand Balcon Sud between Brévent and Flégère that are perfect for those looking for some excitement but who might not have as much experience behind the handlebars. Then, of course, there are miles and miles of steep, technical single track to satisfy the hungers of even the most hardcore downhillers. From the top of Brévent a steep descent punctuated with what seems like hundreds of tight switchbacks and plenty of air below just to keep things interesting. On the other hand, if you're the kind of rider with thighs the size of tree trunks bulging from your lycra shorts, there are certainly enough uphill grinds to keep your heart pounding until long after the teeth on your small ring have worn off. Riding through the streets of Chamonix pretty much sums up the scene here. You'll see it all from baggy shorted BMX grommies to super-light, lycra-encased, cross-country man-machines, to fully-armoured downhillers with bikes that look like motorcycles and weigh almost as much. ( Trey Cook)
Chamonix has been famous for mountaineering and rock climbing for much longer than it has been famous for skiing. It was the first ascent of Mont Blanc back in 1786 that put Chamonix firmly in the centre of the mountaineering map. The easy access to both high and low, hard and easy climbs make Chamonix an ideal destination for any type of mountaineer of any level of skill.

Thanks to the lift system, much of the high mountain climbing can be enjoyed within a day excursion. From muti-pitch traditional climbing on the granite spires to limestone sport climbing in the valley floor, its all here.

Guides are available for beginner courses or to assist you on the more difficult routes.
Chamonix is a French alpine village located at the base of the Mont Blanc massif. Visiting Chamonix in the summer is a trip that anyone can enjoy, you don't have to go hiking or be super fit to admire the surrounding peaks, lakes, glaciers and nature. There are cable cars and chair lifts that give easy access to the mountainscape. The peaks around Chamonix reach 3842 metres into the sky and you will get a spectacular view of the Alps from near the top. To reach the top you do not need to a an expert climber there is a much less physically exerting route, taking a cable car to the Aiguille du Midi to view Mont Blanc. Or take the montonvers train to view the Mer de Glace, its surrounding peaks and the ice caves.
Big thermals, eagles, glaciers and high peaks makes the Chamonix region the top choice of mountain flying and one of the best flying areas in the world. Paragliding offers a bird's eye view of some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps. Parapenting, as it is called in France, is a very popular sport in Chamonix due to the high mountains & easy cable car access to the designated launch sites for this sport - Le Brevent (Planpraz), Aiguille du Midi, Les Houches, Grands Montets, Aiguille du Plan and Plaine Joux . Chamonix is a wonderful place to learn how to free fly & with two designated landing sites almost in the town centre you'll not fail to be de drawn as a spectator if not an aspiring pilot.
GolfTennisRafting/HydroglisseCanyoningTyrolian Tree Trails

Golf in the Alps is popular with many people wanting to take in the alpine scenery while enjoying a leisurely round of 18 holes. Many resorts in the Alps, such as Chamonix, Evian, Verbier and Crans Montana have excellent courses. Chamonix is a great place to base yourself for a golfing holiday in the alps.
The golf course in the Chamonix valley is of very high standard with excellent facilities. It is situated next to the village of Les Praz. Constructed in 1934, originally with 4 holes, the course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior.
Nearby, the Evian course is situated on the south side of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) with beautiful views. Evian is known all over the world thanks to the popularity of the Natural Mineral Water "Evian". Incidentally the mountains on the "Evian Mineral Water" logo can be seen from Lake Geneva. The town has an 18 hole course (72 par, 6006m long) which hosts the "Evian Golf Cup" and the world's largest women's open.

Chamonix prices per day: Green Fees from £25 (low season) to £50 (high season)

image: chamonix.net

Chamonix Tennis Club at The Richard Boson Sports Centre in Chamonix is open to visitors. They have 19 tennis courts including covered, clay, hard and real tennis, as well as two squash courts. During spring and summer its friendly atmosphere and fantastic lunch restaurant enable the whole family to enjoy a days sporting fun. Rackets and balls are both available for hire. The children’s facilities are superb and the coaching team is excellent if you wish to brush up on your technique.

The rapids in Chamonix and the surrounding area can suit all levels. There are various white water sports on offer including rafting, hydrospeed, kayaking, canoeing, all of which provide a good "white knuckle ride". The Arve in Chamonix and the Valley below are a good place to start and the Giffre at nearby Samoens is the next step up. These are fun gentle rides, with small rapids for those with no previous experience. Further afield are the excellent Dranse, between Morzine and Lake Leman, and in Italy the terrifying Dora Baltea for the ultimate high grade white water experience. Be aware, this is not for the faint hearted and be ready to do some paddling and swimming.

Canyoning is best described as a combination of activities involving cliffs, gorges, rivers and waterfalls. Canyoning in the Alps will involve swimming through rapids, jumping from cliffs, scrambling up rocks, abseiling and negotiating huge waterfalls. A professional mountain guide, authorised to lead canyoning groups, will lead you through the stunning scenery in and around Chamonix and whilst ensuring your safety. Canyoning, whilst a relatively new sport, is increasingly popular and has been described as an incredible experience.

These tree adventures comprise of a series of courses with fun and challenging activities. Navigate the courses moving from tree to tree through the forest across ladders, rope bridges, gangways and tyrolians (harnessed rope slides). You will first be introduced to the activities by a professional before being allowed to negotiate the remainder of the course by yourself. Tree trails are not only an exhilarating way to explore Chamonix’s surrounding forests, but also provide a fun outdoor experience for families and friends as well as groups.
PaintballQuad BikingKartingSummer LugeHorse Riding

Paintball is a sport in which participants try to eliminate people from an opposing team by hitting them with paintballs from a gas-powered gun. Feel the adrenaline taking part in a game in the Bois du Bouchet forest in Chamonix. It’s terrain also incorporates lots of natural obstacles to make the game that bit more interesting. Paintball is ideal for groups, and is an exciting and fun outdoor activity for both casual and serious players.

Quad biking around Chamonix is a great outdoor activity as part of an activities holiday or just a weekend break. Try quad biking on secure closed circuits to build up to a race, or for the adventurers, try quad trekking, heading off-road on a bike to enjoy some of the most stunning scenery and panoramas of the Chamonix Valley. With bikes to suit all ages, quad biking is great fun for all the family as well as groups of friends.

There is a Go Karting circuit just outside the Chamonix Valley. We currently have no further information.

The summer luge at Les Planards adventure park in Chamonix cannot fail to entertain visitors of all ages. Offering 1820 metres of slopes, it is one of the longest French summer luges and can provide fun for all the family as you run through forests and meadows whilst sliding, accelerating and braking as you wish. In addition to the luge, the park holds many other activities to keep children and adults alike busy, including tree courses, trampolines and electric bikes.

Horse riding is one of the best ways to explore the hundreds of kilometres of trails in the Chamonix Valley. Whether you’re a novice or a more experienced rider, there is plenty to keep everyone occupied. You will be trekking through forests and across meadows discovering the natural beauty of the alpine countryside, a great activity to incorporate into your holiday or weekend activities break.

Chamonix in the Summer