As a gateway to Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, Chamonix attracts outdoorsy people from around the world in search of new epic adventures. The whole area is one massive playground with world-class facilities, experienced guides, and numerous opportunities for both recreational and extreme activities, all encompassed by stunning alpine vistas.
Extensive trail network
22 peaks ready to be summited
Off-piste terrain
Mountaineering heritage
Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc
Circumnavigating the tallest peak in Western Europe, the Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the greatest hikes in the world, packed with good food, unique culture & spectacular Alpine vistas.
Skiing Valle Blanche
This classic off-piste trip is a must-do for seasoned backcountry skiers. The descent starts from the Aiguille du Midi gondola and winds its way down a spectacular glacier valley to Chamonix.
Biking the Grand Montets
This famous downhill trail offers a thrilling descent from the top of the Grand Montets gondola to Argentière. The trail is challenging and technical, but the views are worth the sweat.
Summiting Mont Blanc
A challenging, but rewarding climb for experienced mountaineers. The ascent typically takes several days and requires good fitness, technical skills, and glacier travel experience.
We had a wonderful time on the TMB. Cloud 9 was very well organized and communicative throughout the process, from preparation through the actual tour. Our guide, Gary Daines, was superb. He is extremely knowledgeable and made each day of the tour a pleasure. In addition to his guiding expertise, Gary is a great photographer and provided a wonderful record of our group experience.
My daughter and I were so impressed with the guides from Nuyama. The routes they designed were absolutely fantastic. We easily navigated the gaia mapa and were able to add on additional hikes. They were very easy to reach via What’s App and extremely helpful. This was an incredible hiking experience. We would highly recommend using Nuyama again. Thank you!! Monica Zack
Great communication, professional advice, above and beyond service, exceeded expectations.
Depends on what you want to do there! Here’s a quick breakdown:
Summer (June to August): The most popular time to visit Chamonix, especially for outdoor lovers. The weather is mild and the days are long, allowing for activities like hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and paragliding. Many trails and lifts are open during this time, offering access to stunning alpine vistas. However, it can be crowded, especially in July and August.
Fall (September to November): Fall in Chamonix offers beautiful foliage as the leaves change colors, creating a picturesque backdrop for hiking and other outdoor activities. The weather starts to cool down, and crowds thin out compared to the summer months. It’s an excellent time for those seeking quieter trails and more relaxed atmospheres.
Winter (December to February): Chamonix is a well-known winter sports destination, attracting skiers from around the world. With its extensive ski areas and access to off-piste and backcountry terrain, winter is perfect for snow sports enthusiasts. The town comes alive with a festive atmosphere during this time.
Spring (March to May): As winter transitions to spring, “Cham” experiences longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. March and April are great months for skiing, with the potential for fresh powder. May marks the start of the hiking season as the snow melts and the trails become more accessible. It’s also a quieter time to visit before the summer crowds arrive.
If you’re primarily interested in exploring the town itself and perhaps taking a day trip or two to nearby attractions like the Aiguille du Midi or Mer de Glace, you could comfortably spend 2-3 days in Chamonix.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast (and you probably are since you’re here) and plan to indulge in activities like hiking, skiing, mountaineering, or paragliding, you might want to allocate more time. A week or more could be ideal to fully experience the range of outdoor adventures Chamonix has to offer.
Chamonix offers a mix of adrenaline-pumping adventures and laid-back charm, so tailor your stay accordingly.
Walking the entire Tour du Mont Blanc trail will take you from 7 to 12 days, depending on various factors such as your pace, fitness level, weather conditions, and the specific route taken.
The complete loop is approximately 170 kilometers (106 miles) long, with significant elevation changes and challenging terrain, so you should be prepared for a demanding journey. Some people opt for shorter sections or variations of the route, which can be completed in fewer days.
Climbing Mont Blanc is considered a serious endeavor that requires careful planning, appropriate gear, physical conditioning, and ideally, some prior mountaineering experience.
You need to be able to acclimatize to the altitude, manage intense weather conditions, and have some familiarity with glacier travel, crevasse navigation, and possibly rock climbing. Climbing Mont Blanc demands a good level of physical fitness, including endurance and strength, to endure long days of climbing and carry heavy packs at high altitudes.
If you want to increase safety and chances of success, we recommend hiring a private guide or joining a guided expedition.
Chamonix offers numerous exceptional backcountry skiing & ski touring. Some of the best ones include:
Vallée Blanche: Renowned for its stunning glacial scenery, Vallée Blanche offers a variety of tracks for intermediate to advanced skiers. It starts from the Aiguille du Midi and descends into the glacier, providing breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif.
Col du Passon: Accessed from the Grands Montets ski area, Col du Passon provides challenging off-piste skiing with soaring views of the Aiguille Verte and the surrounding peaks. It’s recommended for experienced skiers due to its steep terrain and potential avalanche risks.
Glacier du Tour: Located in the Balme ski area, Glacier du Tour offers excellent backcountry skiing opportunities with a variety of slopes suitable for different skill levels. Skiers can enjoy stunning views of the Glacier du Trient and the Swiss Alps.
Aiguillette des Houches: Situated right above Chamonix, Aiguillette des Houches offers accessible backcountry skiing terrain with breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif. It’s suitable for intermediate skiers and provides a memorable skiing experience close to town.
You’ll find a variety of MTB areas for all skill levels in Chamonix. Here are some to look out for:
Les Houches Bike Park: Located in the Les Houches ski area, this bike park offers downhill trails suitable for all skill levels. From gentle green trails to more challenging black runs, riders can enjoy stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif while descending through forests and alpine terrain.
Le Tour Bike Park: This bike park features a variety of downhill trails with jumps, berms, and technical features. Situated in the Le Tour ski area, riders can take in panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley while enjoying adrenaline-pumping descents.
Balcon Nord: This cross-country trail runs along the northern side of the Chamonix Valley, offering stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif. Riders can enjoy a relatively gentle ascent followed by a flowing descent through picturesque landscapes.
