Summer in the Chamonix valley
Chamonix is as much a haven in the summer as it is in the Winter whether you just want to relax and admire the spectacular scenery, or take part in one the valley's numerous sporting activities, the Chamonix valley has something to offer all alpine enthusiasts.
Things to do
Just to give you an idea: Walking, trekking and climbing mountainbiking , golf, swimming, rafting, lakes, paragliding. Non energetic things include visiting the famous aiguille du midi - Europe's highest cable car, and pshopping. Italy is only 30 minutes away and Switzerland 20 minutes away. Activities for Children
Trekking and Mountaineering
The variety of walks, treks and climbs in the Chamonix valley make it a great place for all levels of mountaineers. For the first time alpinist there are numerous paths and treks providing daily walks from our chalet. For the more adventurous there are several well known and spectacular treks into Switzerland and Italy and for the mountaineer there is of course Mont Blanc amongst other peaks that are all within easy reach of Argentiere.
Advise on walking, trekking and mountaineering
We would be happy to advise you about where or what would be the most suitable trek, walk or climb.
Walks
The following two walks give you an example of walks that you can start from the chalet door.
The Petite Balcon sud The Petite Balcon sud, a path which starts right outside the chalet, takes you along the side of the valley providing you with spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif before finishing up in Chamonix - approximately two hours later.
Lac Blanc For a more demanding walk the Lac Blanc walk is a spectacular walk into the Aiguille Rouge - a nature reserve which starts just behind the chalet. The path starts in Argentiere and winds first through the tree and then through rockier but green terrain (marmot, chamois and ibex territory) before you reach the via ferrata and the rockier terrain and then Lac Blanc where there is a refuge for anybody wishing to spend the night and a restaurant. If you're in need of cooling down then there is also the option of swimming in the lakes icy waters!
Trekking and Mountaineering
For the more experienced trekker or mountaineer there are many great treks which start from the valley, these include the Haute Route Trek - below snow level, the Classic Haute Route Trek - above snow level and the Tour du Mont Blanc. For those with the desire to ascend something rather spectacular the ominous and awe insiring Mont Blanc sits challengingly every mountaineer who comes to Chamonix. For peaks further a field, Argentiere is also a great base for trips into Italy and Switzerland. For further information on treks and mountaineering please contact contact Shelagh who runs walks, treks and climbs for all level of alpinists, or have a look at our mountaineering website McNab Alpine Sports
Mountainbiking
The Chamonix valley is less well known for its mountainbiking than the near resort of Morzine. This is something local mountainbikers are very pleased about because the mountainbiking in the Chamonix is much better. Longer tracks, steeper ascents, higher climbs, more cable cars, greater diversity of terrain, and more spectacular scenery. I won't go on or I'll get in trouble for advertising it too much. Enthusiastic mountainbikers just need to ask Martin at the chalet.
Paragliding
I think this photograph says it all. From approx £45.00 you can strap yourself onto a parapont guide and throw yourself off either the Brevent or the Aiguille du Midi.
Golf
The local golf course is just 5 km from Argentiere and 3km from Chamonix. It is surrounded by mountains, has 18 holes and is very well maintained.
Water sports
The swimming pool has a water shute, a childrens pool and 25m indoor pool as well as a 50meter outdoor pool. There is also an outdoor area where you can picnic inbetween dipping in and out of the pool. 30 minutes away is Lac Passy which is a large lake, great for sunbathing, swimming, windsurfing and paddling - with sandy beaches on two sides. The river Arveyon runs through Chamonix and down the valley to Sallanches. The local Chamonix rafting company offer the choice of rafting or hydro speeding - swimming with crash hat, flippers and a buoyancy aid! They also offer rafting in all the major rivers in the area.
Activities for children
There are lots of things to do with children from nature reserves and animal parks to adventure parks, horse riding, climbing courses, summer luging and rafting. For more information on any of these just ask at the chalet.
Other things to do
There are lots of other things to do in the Summer in Chamonix if you fancy a break from the mountains for a day. In the town itself there's a swimming pool, ice rink, bowling alley and many shops, bars and restaurants.
If you'd like to do a bit of sight seeing then you could take Europes highest cable car, the Aiguille du Midi, (3842m) which has fantastic views of Mont Blanc and it's surrounding mountains. Or you could take the Montenvers train which takes you to the spectacular and famous glacier, the Mer de Glace.
If you've got transport then you could visit the lovely city of Annecy. Only an hour and 15 minutes and situated on the the lake, the town makes a very nice and enjoyable day out for both scenery lovers and shoppers. If you wanted to venture further a field you could head over the boarder to Switzerland and the spa baths at Saillon, or for more shops, Geneva, which is only an hour away. In the other direction you could pass through the Mont Blanc tunnel into Italy and visit the beautiful and interesting town of Courmeyeur.
Getting Around
The Chamonix valley has an excellent public transport system with buses (free with your lift pass) that run up and down the valley all day long. You can pick up a bus at the end of the road and head to Le Tour, or down to Flegere or Brevent. The Grand Montets is in walking distance from the chalet. The White Chalet also has a minibus which seats 8 people and we'd be happy to make pre-arranged pick up and drop offs at the start and end of the day.
Train
The Train station is only 3 minutes walk away and you can also use this to get to Chamonix or in the other direction to Switzerland.
Taxi
There a number of local taxi services which run all through the night at reasonable rates.