Chamonix Things To Do
- Olivier GOUJON
- Mar 5
- 5 min read
When you arrive in Chamonix , you quickly understand why the valley attracts travelers from all over the world. Nestled at the foot of the Mont Blanc massif, Chamonix is a blend of several worlds: the world of international tourism, which merges with the world of Alpine culture, stemming from a heritage left by pastoralism and the pioneers of mountaineering. Today, everyone can enjoy outdoor activities, there's something for every level, or simply discover the culture and high mountain landscapes without engaging in sports.
Here is a complete guide to the best activities to discover Chamonix, summer and winter.
1. Ascend the Aiguille du Midi
It's impossible to talk about Chamonix without mentioning the Aiguille du Midi. It's often the first activity that's recommended... and for good reason.
In just a few minutes by cable car, you go from the city center to an altitude of 3,842 meters. Up there, the panorama of the Mont Blanc massif is breathtaking: You are in the high mountains, surrounded by glaciers, and Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, gives the (false) impression of being within reach.
Why is it essential?
For the view of Mont Blanc and some of the most famous peaks of the Alpine arc (Grandes Jorasses, Aiguille Verte, Mont Maudit...)
An immersion into the world of high mountains, provided you have some knowledge of mountaineering and glaciology to appreciate the scale of the site. For this, nothing beats a visit with a guide !
Access is extremely simple (thanks to the cable car, no need to be a mountaineer... But expect to pay €100 per person, 2026 price to go up there)
👉 The guide's tip: choose an early morning slot to avoid the crowds and enjoy softer light. And take your time!
2. Take the Montenvers - Mer de Glace train
Another iconic experience: the little red train of Montenvers. It climbs the mountainside to the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in the French Alps!
On site, you can:
Observe the glacier up close
Visit the ice cave... before it melts completely
Visit the glaciorium to better understand the issue behind the melting ice.
Sleep at the Montenvers refuge-hotel to contemplate a sunset over the Drus
3. Hiking to Lac Blanc, in summer only
If you're looking for a hike with a picture-perfect view, Lac Blanc is a sure bet. On a clear day, the reflection of the Mont Blanc massif in the water creates an almost surreal image. However, be prepared to find plenty of other hikers!
Level :
Intermediate. There is some elevation gain, but the trail remains well marked.
Why do we love it?
Clear view
Ibex are quite common.
A refuge for a well-deserved break
And if you want to discover more unusual hikes, the best thing to do is to hire a hiking guide!
4. Explore the Vallée Blanche (with a high-mountain guide)
The Vallée Blanche is a legendary glacial descent linking the Aiguille du Midi to Chamonix. It is traversed on skis in winter, accompanied by a high mountain guide.
Even if you don't ski, watching the rope teams prepare for the summit from the Aiguille du Midi gives a concrete glimpse into Chamonix mountaineering.
5. Walking on the Grand Balcon Nord (an activity in Chamonix that can only be done in summer)
For those who want a scenic hike without too much technical difficulty, the Grand Balcon Nord is an excellent option.
The trail crosses the alpine pastures above the valley with constant views of the Mont Blanc massif, dominated by the Aiguilles de Chamonix.
We can :
Connecting Plan de l'Aiguille to Montenvers
Adjust the distance according to your level: For the more athletic, the climb via Signal Forbes offers one of the most incredible views of the valley!
Combining walking and ski lifts
6. Discover the center of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Chamonix is not just a playground for sports enthusiasts. The town centre is also worth a stroll, and a coffee on a terrace to get a feel for the valley.
Don't miss it:
Belle Époque buildings
Paccard Street and the mountain equipment shops ("the Champs Elysées of the outdoors")
Terrace cafes with views of the mountain peaks
Here you can feel the history of mountaineering, from the first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786 to modern exploits.
7. Gaining altitude at Brévent
Located opposite Mont Blanc, Brévent probably offers one of the best views of the massif.
In summer:
Scenic hikes
Trail
In winter:
Skiing with breathtaking views
It is often less crowded than the Aiguille du Midi, and the atmosphere is more relaxed.
8. Observe the ibex in the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve
For nature lovers, the Aiguilles Rouges reserve is a privileged area.
You might encounter the following there:
Ibex
Chamois
Marmots
Respect local rules: stay on the trails, avoid excessive noise and take all your rubbish home with you.
9. Getting started with mountaineering
Chamonix is a world-renowned mountaineering destination. If you're curious, it's possible to learn with a guide.
On the agenda:
Glacier walking
Learning to use crampons
Basic ropework techniques
When properly supervised, it is an experience accessible even to motivated beginners, especially on the Mer de Glace or from Point Helbronner.
10. Try paragliding with a view of Mont Blanc
Paragliding is one of the most popular things to do in Chamonix. Taking off above the valley and gliding in front of the glaciers offers a completely different perspective.
No experience required: tandem flights are accessible to the majority of visitors.
11. Doing the Tour du Mont-Blanc (short version)
Although the full Tour takes about 10 days, it is possible to cover a section of it around Chamonix.
Some options:
Chamonix → Les Houches
Chamonix → Col de Balme
Crossing to Italy
It's a good way to get a taste of touring without committing to the entire route.
12. Enjoy the high-altitude lakes
Besides Lac Blanc, other lakes are worth a visit:
Lake Cheserys
Horned Lake
Blue Lake
But as access is facilitated by the ski lifts, it is often crowded.
13. Discover Chamonix in winter
In winter, the atmosphere changes completely.
Alpine skiing, obviously!
Ski touring
Snowshoeing to find tranquility.
The icefall
14. And don't forget to include this things to do in Chamonix: Relaxing while enjoying the mountains
After an active day, nothing beats a quieter moment:
Spa at QC Terme or in the many hotel complexes
Sunny terrace
A stroll along the banks of the Arve
Taking your time is also part of the Chamonix experience.
Why does Chamonix remain a unique destination?
What distinguishes Chamonix from other Alpine resorts is its constant proximity to the high mountains. You don't look at the peaks from afar: you live among them.
The city combines:
Accessibility
Historical Heritage
A variety of sporting activities
Natural environment
There isn't just one activity in Chamonix. It's a valley that reveals itself gradually, on foot, at altitude, or simply by taking the time to observe.
On chamonix-hiking.com , we share detailed guides, precise itineraries and local advice to help you plan your stay in the Mont Blanc valley.
See you soon on the trails.
Olivier, hiking guide
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