While Chamonix can be known for its peaceful and calm nature, it is also an exciting getaway for adventurous people and thrill seekers alike. The vast sea of peaks, plateaus and glaciers prove to be ideal for all sorts of incredible activities; whether your objective is to conquer the mountains, rush down them, participate in events or to attend them, Chamonix is the place for you.
Situated underneath the famous Mt Blanc, between Italy and Switzerland, Chamonix is a bustling and lively valley. At over 1000 meters in elevation at ground level, the valley is surrounded by awe inspiring peaks just waiting to be explored.
Let’s get right into the reasons why chamonix should be your next adventure destination:
If winter sports are your jam, then you’ve come to the right place, Chamonix is a world renowned ski resort, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. If you are a beginner, fear not! There are plenty of welcoming slopes just waiting for you to learn on, if you are an experienced shredder, then you’ve probably come to one of the best spots on the planet, Chamonix is best known for its incredible off piste and challenging couloirs.
Apart from the challenging off piste and cruisy beginner slopes, there are endless opportunities for intermediate skiers too, domaines like Le Tour, Le Brévent and Les Grands Montets provide incredible slopes and views (not to mention pretty good mountain restaurants too), for anyone looking to improve their technique or shred the mountains.
If you like mountain biking, then you are also in the right place, the same mountains used for skiing in the winter are also amazing for mountain biking, my personal favourite is Les Houches, known for its gnarly trails and loamy conditions
Le Tour is also a good spot for biking, with numerous blue and red trails on the front side and more challenging freeride and black trails on the Vallorcine side.
Chamonix is also close to the Portes du Soleil, one of the greatest biking hubs in the world and an incredible alpine getaway.
At only 45 minutes to an hour away, you can ride on some of the most well kept and expertly crafted trails in Europe or enjoy the incredible views and activities that its towns have to offer in places such as Morzine and Les Gets.
If you are an avid trail runner or hiker, then you probably know how great the valley is. Chamonix is crisscrossed with scenic hiking trails that cater to all levels of hikers. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging multi-day trek, there are paths that will take you through forests, along rivers, and up to high mountain plateaus.
There are few feelings like walking (or running ) up and down some of western Europe's greatest peaks, setting your gaze upon the valley below, the surrounding mountains and areas.
Being on the mountains is a truly magical experience.
For the more experienced adventurers, Chamonix is a world-renowned hub for mountaineering.
The region offers some of the most challenging climbs in the world, attracting climbers from across the globe. If you want to conquer the Mont Blanc or other challenging peaks, then you really must visit this iconic valley.
Chamonix is also a hub for festivities and competitions; the UTMB (trail running event), the Mont Blanc Marathon, the Kandahar Cup (slalom skiing) and more can be found every year in Chamonix Mont Blanc, so if you’re a skilled athlete you might be able to participate in some of these world renowned events.
To conclude, the mountainous valley of Chamonix is a hub for winter sports, mountaineering, festivities and more, it truly has something to offer for everyone, especially those seeking an adventure!