Mont blanc activities
Activities for children
Chamonix is a great destination for families and offers a wide range of activities for children of all ages. Here are some of the activities available organized by age group:
For Infants/Toddlers (0-2 years):
- Childcare Services: For the youngest visitors, there are several nanny services and crèches available in Chamonix, such as Chamonix Nanny Services and Bébés Montagnards.
- Soft Play Areas: Some restaurants and cafes in the area have soft play areas suitable for toddlers.
For Children (3-6 years):
- Ski Lessons: Many ski schools, like ESF Chamonix, offer ski lessons for young children, starting around the age of three.
- Panda Club: Run by ESF ski school, this club offers a combination of ski lessons and child care.
- Ice Skating:The Chamonix Ice Rink offers sessions for young children, and some have equipment to help them stay balanced on the ice.
For Children (7-12 years):
- Junior Ski Lessons: Ski schools offer lessons for this age group that focus on improving skiing skills and having fun on the slopes.
- Husky Rides: Children can enjoy a dog-sledding experience with professional mushers in the Chamonix Valley.
- Snowshoeing: A fun way to explore the winter landscape, guided snowshoe tours are available for families.
- Paradis des Praz: In summer, this outdoor playground offers pony rides, paddling in the stream, and an adventure park among the trees.
For Teens (13-18 years):
- Teen Ski Lessons: Ski schools often offer teen-specific lessons that cater to all levels, from beginners to those wanting to learn freestyle or off-piste skiing.
- Mountaineering and Climbing: Chamonix is a world-renowned mountaineering hub, and older children can try mountaineering, rock climbing, or ice climbing courses.
- Paragliding: With a professional guide, teenagers can experience the thrill of paragliding over the valley.
- Adventure Parks: Parks like the Chamonix Adventure Park have a variety of high-rope courses, zip lines, and other challenges.
- Mountain Biking: In the summer, the ski lifts also transport mountain bikes, and there are a variety of trails to suit different abilities.
- Rafting and Canyoning: In the summer, older children can try white water rafting or canyoning.
Please note that age restrictions can vary, and children’s interests and abilities should also be considered. Always check with the activity provider for the most current information. It’s also important to keep in mind the potential risks and safety measures associated with each activity, especially those that are outdoors or involve physical exertion.
Summer Activities in Chamonix
1. Hiking:
There are hundreds of kilometers of well-maintained hiking trails in the Chamonix Valley for all levels. Guided hikes can also be arranged. A map of hiking trails costs about €5. A guided hike can range from €25 to €50 per person depending on the duration and group size.
2. Mountain Biking:
Mountain biking is very popular, with a range of trails for all levels. Bike hire costs start from around €30 per day for adults and €20 for children. Lift passes for bike transport start at around €20 for adults and €17 for children.
3. Paragliding:
Experience the thrill of flying with a tandem paragliding flight over the Chamonix Valley. Prices start from around €110 for adults and children.
4. Whitewater Sports:
Whitewater rafting, hydrospeed, and canoe rafting are available on the local rivers. Prices start at about €40 for adults and €30 for children.
5. Climbing and Via Ferrata:
Chamonix is a world-renowned climbing destination. There are climbing routes for all levels and several climbing schools. A half-day guided climb starts from about €80 for adults and €70 for children. The Via Ferrata in nearby Passy is a thrilling climbing route equipped with fixed cables, ladders, and bridges. Prices start from around €55 per person.
6. High Mountain Guiding:
Guided ascents of famous peaks such as Mont Blanc are available. Prices depend on the peak and the number of people in the group but expect to pay from €500 upwards.
7. Adventure Parks:
There are several adventure parks in the area with treetop courses, zip lines, and other activities. Prices start at about €25 for adults and €15 for children.
8. Summer Luge:
The Planards amusement park offers a fun luge ride, suitable for children and adults. Prices start from €7 per ride, with discounts available for multiple rides.
9. Golf:
The Golf Club de Chamonix in Les Praz is an 18-hole course with fantastic views. Green fees start at around €60 for adults and €30 for children.
10. Ice Skating and Swimming:
The Richard Bozon Sports Centre has indoor and outdoor pools, a fun water slide, and an ice rink. Entry is about €7 for adults and €5 for children.
Please note that these are approximate prices and actual prices may vary. It’s always recommended to check the current prices and availability with the service providers. Also, many providers offer family or group discounts, so be sure to ask about any special offers.
Cross country skiing and ski areas in and around Chamonix
1. Chamonix Valley:
The Chamonix Valley boasts several impressive cross-country ski areas, offering skiers of all levels the chance to enjoy this serene and challenging sport.
Argentière:
Argentière offers a 30 km network of cross-country trails winding through a beautiful, forested area. These trails are suitable for classic and skate skiing and cater to all levels. There are easy trails for beginners and more demanding loops for advanced skiers. The beautiful scenery of pine forests and the Argentière glacier make this a favorite spot for cross-country skiers.
Vallorcine:
This area is quieter and perfect for those who want to enjoy a peaceful ski in a charming alpine setting. The trails in Vallorcine are located near the Buet train station and run through a picturesque alpine landscape, offering 10km of scenic and serene cross-country skiing.
2. Les Houches:
In Les Houches, you can find the Chavants cross-country ski site. This area offers a 10km trail that goes around the Lake of Chavants, with views of the Mont Blanc massif. The trail is ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers.
3. Servoz:
In the village of Servoz, there is a 6km cross-country trail. It’s a wonderful area to enjoy the tranquility of nature while practicing your ski skills.
4. Chamonix Town:
Located at the Bois du Bouchet, the Parc Nordique offers a flat terrain suitable for beginners or for warming up before a day on the slopes. The loop is about 3km long and offers splendid views of the Mont Blanc range.
5. Plateau d’Assy:
Located about 25 minutes from Chamonix, the Plateau d’Assy offers an additional 30km of cross-country trails that cater to skiers of all levels.
Each of these areas offers something unique, from tranquil forested trails to impressive glacier views. They all have tracks for both classic and skate skiing, and trails are generally well maintained. However, the quality of the trails can depend on the snow conditions, so it’s always worth checking the current conditions and the weather forecast before heading out. Equipment rental is available in many places, and there are cross-country ski schools for those looking to improve their technique or for complete beginners.
The Chamonix Valley is a bustling hub of outdoor activities in the summer, from adrenaline-filled sports to more leisurely pursuits.
