Sports and outdoor

What sports activities are a must in Chamonix?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the birthplace of mountaineering and a mecca for mountain sports, is a legendary destination where effort rhymes with wonder. Surrounded by prestigious peaks, the valley offers a multitude of sporting activities for all ages and levels. Summer or winter, whether you're a thrill-seeker, a keen hiker or a snowboarder, Chamonix's sporting activities promise unique experiences in the heart of the Alps.

Winter sports at the foot of Mont Blanc

In winter, the Chamonix valley is transformed into a snow-covered playground. The ski resorts accessible from the villages of Les HouchesArgentière and Vallorcine offer a wide range of activities, perfect for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. At the foot of Mont-Blanc, downhill skiing is king: from the panoramic pistes of Le Brévent and La Flégère to the challenging descents of Les Grands Montets, skiers enjoy spectacular views of the glaciers and needles.

Les Houches boasts a family atmosphere and wooded slopes. The famous Kandahar men's downhill World Cup is held here. In Argentière, the Grands Montets ski area is a paradise for freeriders and powder snow enthusiasts. Vallorcine, linked to La Balme - Le Tour, offers a more peaceful area ideal for families and contemplative skiers. As for Servoz, a charming village at the entrance to the valley, it invites you to discover cross-country skiing and winter snowshoeing.

Winter sports don't stop there: snowboarding , ski touring, ice climbing and dog sledding complete the varied offering. The legendary Vallée Blanche remains a unique experience, combining sliding, altitude and emotion, supervised by Chamonix's mountain guides.

Summer outdoor activities in Chamonix

When the snow melts, the mountains take on a whole new look, ideal for summer sports. Chamonix becomes the ideal terrain for hikers, climbers, cyclists and trail runners. Trails, forests and alpine meadows open onto exceptional panoramas, with Mont Blanc as a backdrop.

Outdoor activities in Chamonix include hiking, trail running,climbing, via ferrata, mountain biking and paragliding. Les Houches offers magnificent family itineraries between forest and flowery meadows, while in Argentière, mountain enthusiasts can tackle the more technical trails leading to the high-altitude refuges. Vallorcine, nicknamed "the nature village", seduces visitors with its unspoilt landscapes and riverside hiking trails. Servoz, meanwhile, offers a bucolic setting ideal for outdoor activities accessible to all.

Where to do mountain sports in Chamonix?

Ski areas and resorts around Chamonix

The Chamonix-Mont-Blanc ski area includes several emblematic resorts: Les Houches, Brévent-Flégère, Grands Montets, Le Tour-Vallorcine. Each has its own identity and a varied range of activities. Les Houches is renowned for its friendly skiing and panoramic views over the massif. Le Brévent-Flégère attracts lovers of panoramic skiing, with direct access from the center of Chamonix. Les Grands Montets attracts experienced skiers looking for thrills and big vertical drops, while Vallorcine offers a more peaceful setting on the Swiss border.

But the mountains can also be discovered in other ways: in summer, these areas are transformed into downhill mountain biking, trail running and hiking trails. Lifts provide easy access to high-altitude itineraries such as Planpraz or Aiguille du Midi, offering spectacular starting points for your sporting adventures.

Hiking and trail routes

Chamonix is world-renowned for its hiking trails and trail races. trail races races. The famous Tour du Mont-Blanc crosses several countries and stops in the valley, offering a unique experience in the heart of the Alps. For runners, theUltra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is a legendary event that attracts athletes from all over the world every year. Its routes demand endurance and passion, but also allow you to discover landscapes of rare beauty.

Les Houches and Servoz offer family-friendly trails with panoramic views of the Mont-Blanc massif. Argentière is the ideal starting point for hikes to the Argentière glacier or the Lognan refuge. In Vallorcine, hikers appreciate the wilderness itineraries and high-altitude lakes, perfect for recharging their batteries in the heart of nature.

What adventure sports are available in Chamonix?

Paragliding over the valley

Flying over Chamonix paragliding is an unforgettable experience. Take-off from Planpraz, Plan de l'Aiguille or Les Houches offers breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, the glaciers and the valley. Accompanied by a qualified instructor, you'll discover the sensation of absolute freedom in a grandiose setting. Tandem flights are open to all, while more experienced pilots can learn to free-fly or perfect their technique with local schools.

Vallorcine and Servoz offer ideal aerological conditions for early-morning or late-day flights, away from the hustle and bustle of central Chamonix. These sites offer more confidential take-offs, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet.

Mountain biking and descents

Visit MOUNTAIN BIKING is another mainstay of adventure sports in Chamonix. Numerous signposted routes allow you to explore the valley in complete safety. Lifts such as those at Le Brévent, Les Houches or Le Tour provide easy access to downhill runs, offering impressive vertical drops and panoramic views. Experienced skiers will appreciate the technical descents of Argentière and Vallorcine, while families can enjoy the gentler runs around Servoz and Bois du Bouchet.

From electric mountain bike circuits also make exploring the valley effortless, linking the various villages while enjoying the Alpine scenery. In summer, dedicated mountain bike and trail events bring the valley to life, making Chamonix a mecca for mountain sports.

Which sporting activities are best for you in Chamonix?

Chamonix is a land of challenges, a place where every sportsman can surpass himself. Granite climbing, mountaineering, off-piste skiing, Mont-Blanc marathon, triathlon, trail running or paragliding: each discipline pushes you to give your best in the face of mountain immensity. Local guides and instructors accompany visitors as they progress, in safety and with passion.

For those looking for a gentler experience, the valley also offers a range of wellness activities: yoga facing Mont-Blanc, swimming pools, skating or even indoor climbing centers. From Servoz to Vallorcine, each village cultivates its own sporting identity: conviviality in Les Houches, technicality in Argentière, authenticity in Vallorcine, tranquillity in Servoz.

The Chamonix valley is a unique place where adrenalin, challenge and contemplation are all combined to create a unique experience of sport in a magnificent natural setting. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete, you'll find the perfect place to express yourself. Let yourself be carried away by the energy of the mountains and experience sport in a different way, in the heart of Mont Blanc.