Summer in Chamonix

During the summer season, Chamonix provides endless opportunities to indulge in your favorite outdoor activities and practice French at the same time. The ski lift system is open for summer from mid June to mid September with the Aiguille du Midi open all year round (check scheduled closure times around November). 

Chamonix is a hiker’s dream. Grab a trail guide and choose from 160 different hiking itineraries adapted to all levels. Choose lower valley trails for the wonderful forest scents or gain altitude and taste the blueberries, admire the fantastic panoramas and test your stamina. From quick hikes during lunch and after class to weekend-long backcountry camping adventures, the mountains surrounding Chamonix offer unlimited opportunities no matter what you’re up for.

The Haute Route and Mont Blanc are two of Chamonix's more challenging, summer classics for the more experienced hikers/climbers. The famous Haute Route (the high route) begins in Chamonix and finishes in Zermatt. It is a true challenge that takes four to five days to complete. During the hike you pass through many beautiful, unspoiled areas. Alternatively you can challenge yourself to reach the summit of Mont Blanc. There is a choice of two routes, one easier and less technical than the other. You will need to be in good physical condition to cope with the distance and altitude and also be competent in the use of crampons and ice-axes. Your reward is to stand on the highest point in Europe and be blown away by this incredible view of the Alps!

Whether you prefer rock, ice, indoor or boulders, Chamonix has a climbing experience for everyone. You will need different equipment depending on your skill level and the areas you intend to climb. There are plenty of places to hire equipment and many guide books to point you in the right direction. If you’re a beginner and need lessons, or more experienced and wish to tackle something particularly challenging, then hiring one of the many experienced high-mountain guides is recommended. 

Chamonix is fast becoming one of Europe’s hotspot for mountain biking, so once the snow is melted from april and onwards, you can either stick to the roads and challenge yourself to longer distances throughout the valley and beyond, or head onto the mountain trails. Suitable for all levels of riding, Chamonix more than caters to the experienced mountain-biker with steep and often technical descents. Bring your own bike or you can rent one in one of the many bike shops. 

Paragliding


If you’re interested in throwing yourself off a mountain and riding the air currents back down to earth, then paragliding is definitely for you. Start with a tandem jump or enroll in a course so you can progress to solo descents.

Canyoning


Explore the rivers, lakes and canyons in the Chamonix region. Several guided tours are available during summer.


Swimming


There is a newly refurbished aquatic centre at the Sports centre in the heart of Chamonix. It is equipped with indoor and outdoor pools of varying depths and lengths, has a water slide and jacuzzis and situated in an idyllic setting beside a beautiful lake with the Mt Blanc backdrop.