DIFFERENT SEASONS IN CHAMONIX
To most people Chamonix Mont-Blanc is known as a famous winter sport paradise for skiers and snowboarders. However, the town is also very popular during summer when hikers, climbers and tourists come here to walk in the mountains, rock climb or simply to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views and the beautiful scenery.

Chamonix shows completely different sides depending on the season and here is a brief description of what to expect if you come here during a specific period.

WINTER - BUZZING TOWN AND COLD POWDER SNOW In January most people start our classic winter semester program, which is running for the eighth time in Chamonix this year. The course is given at all levels - also for those who have never studied French before. Chamonix is full of energy and the powder snow is at its coldest during this period. The town is buzzing with people with skis on their shoulders and climbing equipment attached to their backpacks. Many of the world's best skiers and snowboarders use Chamonix as their base in the winter, and film teams and ski photographers share the mountains together with climbers and tourists from all over the world.

SPRING IN CHAMONIX! The cold winter has passed and it's time for spring skiing with long sunny afternoon runs. It is not uncommon that the temperature rises up towards 20º C and you can often relax at the restaurants on the pistes while only wearing a t-shirt. There are also less people on the slopes than in January and February, which means that you get more powder snow to yourself. In April you can start to climb on the spectacular granite walls, which are rising off the Mer de glace glacier, and go mountainbiking on the lower slopes down in the valley. You should however be prepared for the classic "April dump" - a heavy snowfall which usually comes this late in the ski season and enables amazing skiing without too much fighting over the powder snow. The accommodation is cheaper now than during the high season in January and February. We give weekly courses during all spring and the shortest possible course length is two weeks.

EARLY SUMMER - RELAXING AND CALM This is the period that les chamoniards, the locals in Chamonix, consider the best of the year. The snow has melted in the valley, the town gets much calmer and you can hike and climb without being disturbed by others. The days are longer which makes it possible to stay outdoors later. This time of year is according to the local mountain guides the best to challenge Le sommet du Mont-Blanc. For those who aren't that adventurous there are lots of easy trails and paths that start out in Chamonix too. The town has a reputation for being extreme but here are also many easy and comfortable excursions to try. The language courses are given in smaller groups than during the winter, which gives a closer contact and increased exchange between you and your teacher.

SUMMER In the month of July Chamonix slowly fills up with people again. Most people probably don't know that the town attracts more tourists in summer than during the winter. In the day the streets are bustling with people on their way to the lifts or the hiking paths that start out in the valley. At night it is the restaurants and bars that attract people with the French and international specialities. We provide courses during the whole summer for you who want to maximize your time by combining French language studies with outdoor activities. The schedule is flexible and often the students decide the exact course hours together with their teacher.

LATE SUMMER / FALL WITH CLIMBING AND HIKING Chamonix is getting calmer again and the local population relaxes during their so called "intersaison" - the period between the seasons. September is a bit cooler than the summer high season and offers perfect conditions for walks, mountain biking and rock climbing. We give weekly courses until mid-October and the lessons are held in the mornings, so every day you have time for an afternoon walk along Grand Balcon Nord, rock climbing down by lac Gailland or any of the hundreds of other excursions and activities that you can try here in the Chamonix valley.

EARLY WINTER During the month before Christmas we give a course aimed at those who wish to brush up their French before starting to work during the ski season in the Alps. If you speak and understand the language your chances to get a job in France increase a great deal. The pistes in Chamonix open in the beginning of December, so if you who choose to join this course you will be among the first people on the slopes before all tourists arrive around Christmas and New Year's.