Top 8 summer activities in the Chamonix valley
The Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley is a must for nature and adventure lovers. Situated in the heart of Haute-Savoie, the small town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is world-renowned for its winter sports. However, its mountains and glaciers also provide an excellent playground for summer activities!
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc lies at the foot of Mont-Blanc, the highest peak in both the Alps and Europe. At an altitude of 4,805 metres, the "roof of Europe" is an icon, a must-see for mountaineers, visitors and locals alike. Although Chamonix is best known for its winter sports, this outdoor paradise remains popular in summer. In fact, you'll find plenty of summer activities in the Chamonix valley. Taking part in outdoor activities in Chamonix during this season is a great opportunity to see nature awake, greener and sunnier! What's more, many sporting and cultural events bring the Chamonix valley to life in summer.
1. Paragliding facing Mont Blanc
The first summer activity in Chamonix that we recommend is paragliding! Imagine paragliding over the Mont-Blanc massif with your skin exposed to the sun while the mountain air refreshes you! All around you, you can admire not only the majestic Mont-Blanc, but also the surrounding mountains: the Dôme du Goûter, Monte Bianco and the Aiguille de Bionnassay.
Thanks to tandem paragliding flights with qualified instructors, you don't need any previous experience to enjoy this experience! Paragliding in Chamonix is a summer activity that's accessible to everyone, including people with reduced mobility. Paragliding offers a unique opportunity to admire the Chamonix valley and the mountains of the Alps from the air in complete safety. To add a touch of romance to this activity, you can even choose to paraglide over the Mont-Blanc massif at sunset!
2. Ballooning over the Alps
A hot-air balloon flight near Chamonix this summer is another way to experience a magical moment in the air! Flying in a hot-air balloon is an unforgettable and poetic experience. For this activity, you need to get up at the crack of dawn to take advantage of the light winds. At this time of day, the mountains of the Alps are unrivalled in their calm. During your hot-air balloon flight over the Alps, you'll be able to admire the sunrise and Mont Blanc like you've never seen them before!
If hot-air ballooning is on your list of summer activities to do in Chamonix, you'll be able to help deploy the balloon. In fact, although this activity is mainly a flight, it also gives you the chance to play a part in preparing the flight. This is interesting if you want to learn more about hot-air ballooning and how it works.
3. Via ferrata in the Mont Blanc massif
Still high up, but this time perched on a mountain, try via ferrata in the Mont-Blanc massif! Via ferrata is a sport that combines climbing and hiking. It's an ideal summer activity for discovering unique viewpoints, accessible only via the via ferrata route. Attached to a lifeline and sometimes even accompanied by an instructor, you can enjoy the activity in complete safety. Going via ferrata in the Mont-Blanc massif near Chamonix will leave you with some great memories of your stay in Haute-Savoie!
It doesn't matter what level you are, as there are routes for all levels. If you're not afraid of heights, you'll love this summer activity near Chamonix. Whether you're looking for fun or a challenge, a via ferrata near Mont-Blanc is a great way to spend time with family and friends.
4. Climbing in the Mont Blanc massif
If you're looking for a more vertical experience, you need to addclimbing in the Mont-Blanc massif to your list of summer activities in Chamonix! While there are plenty of beginner climbing routes in Chamonix, there are also plenty of routes that will allow you to progress if you're a beginner. In any case, climbing is a sport that requires a certain level of physical fitness. If you're ready to push yourself physically, climbing in the Mont-Blanc massif is a challenge you could enjoy!
For those with indoor climbing experience, climbing in Chamonix is an opportunity to discover climbing in the high mountains. It's a totally different experience! During your climbing session, you'll be exposed to the elements and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. You may even be climbing for the first time on a protogine rock, a red granite with large crystals that is very popular with climbers.
5. Rafting on the Arve from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
It's impossible not to think of an aquatic activity for your summer activities in Chamonix! Rafting in Chamonix is a great way to cool off and have fun with family and friends. In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you can try this sensational activity on the Arve river! This Alpine river rises in the Mont Blanc massif and flows into the Rhône at Geneva. With its clear waters and strong flow, even in summer, the Arve is a must for water sports activities in Chamonix.
Rafting is a popular sport because it's a fun way to spend time in a group. Generally, around 8 people share the same boat. So you have to paddle together through the rapids. However, there are other boats that will take you through the tumultuous waters of the Arve: mini-raft, cano-raft andhydrospeed! If you can swim and are looking for a thrill on the water, you must try rafting on the Arve in Chamonix!
6. Canyoning near Chamonix
There are many sublime canyons around Chamonix and it would be a real shame not to discover at least one! Canyoning is a must-do outdoor activity in Haute-Savoie. With a qualified guide, try this summer activity near Chamonix and discover the unique atmosphere of the region's wild and unspoilt canyons.
The only prerequisite for canyoning is the ability to swim. Usually, canyons are isolated in nature, so it's common to have an approach walk to the canyon before heading in. Then, depending on your level and the canyon, you'll face waterfalls, jumps and abseils. Your guide will accompany you throughout the activity to ensure your safety and to help you get through these obstacles. So what are you waiting for? Try canyoning near Chamonix and experience a fun and challenging adventure!
7. Mountain biking in the Chamonix valley
Mountain biking is one of the many things to do in Chamonix in summer! Mountain biking in the Chamonix valley is an experience not to be missed. As you speed along the most beautiful trails in the Alps, you'll feel a sensation of unrivalled freedom! The Mont-Blanc massif has plenty of mountain bike trails, and there's something for everyone. If you're comfortable on a bike, mountain biking should definitely appeal to you. This summer activity in Chamonix is both accessible and enjoyable!
Of course, you can easily hire a mountain bike in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and set off on the trails on your own. However, going with a guide also has many organisational advantages. What's more, you'll get a local's point of view and advice! Guides can help you discover the most beautiful lakes in the Alps or the glaciers that surround Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: the Argentière glacier, the Mer de Glace glacier, the Leschaux glacier and the Taconnaz glacier.
8. Hiking near Chamonix
If you want to take time out to admire the scenery, the best summer activity near Chamonix is probably hiking! The mountains that dot the Haute-Savoie offer a huge playground for those who love walking. From Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, there are plenty of hiking trails to choose from, including the Rochers des Mottets, Lac Blanc and Paradis des Praz.
On a hike near Chamonix, you can also cross mountain pastures and forests in Morzine. You can conquer a mountain in the Aravis range to challenge yourself physically. Take a picnic with you and enjoy a well-deserved break in the heart of nature! In the unspoilt surroundings of the Alps, you'll enjoy a serene and rejuvenating moment. All around you, you'll hear only the sounds of nature and its wildlife... In the distance, you might even be able to admire Mont-Blanc!
If you were wondering what summer activities to do in the Chamonix valley this summer, now you've got some ideas! Whatever your level of experience, you'll probably have found what you're looking for in our list. Now all you have to do is book your activity and pack for your next getaway to the outdoor paradise that is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc!