| by J Doran
Psst! We are about to let you into a little secret…Everyone who lives in the beautiful Chamonix valley knows that the mountains are just as much fun in the summer as the winter! Which is why it's our favourite destination for activity holidays!
Summer Adventure Holidays in the Alps
Summertime in the Alps is a magical experience: the alpine meadows are lush and green, the sun is warm and welcoming and the mountains - abundant with wildlife and flowers, are crying out to be explored.
If you love water the Alps have beautiful crystal-clear lakes, the rivers are pristine and full of possibilities for adventure. Plus, there’s indoor and outdoor swimming pools and spas with activities exclusively for children or adults.
The air is mountain fresh and clear and the Chamonix valley is perfect for taking to the skies. You will never see another view quite like the birds eye view of the Aiguille du Midi or Mont Blanc.
Summer Activity Holidays
There are tons of adventures to choose from on our summer activity holidays in Chamonix. And it’s the combination of the 4 holiday activities that you choose that will make your Mountain Action Holiday unforgettable.
By combining the activities, you get to set the energy, pace and tone of your stay with us. If you are up for high octane adventure – let’s go! If you are here to relax, unwind and explore – we’ve got you. And (and this is where it gets really good!) if each of you have different expectations, wants and needs from your summer holiday, you combine the holiday activity style so that you all come away with what you need.
Chamonix Activity Map
Explore our map to find out what activities are available in the Chamonix valley during the summer and off peak months...
Heli Ride
There truly is no better way to see the Mont Blanc Massif. See the glaciers up close, marvel at the dramatic mountain peaks, reach 3000m in altitude, admire the Drus and return to the valley floor - all within half an hour!
Light Aircraft Flight
ULM is a type of small aircraft that helps your adventure really take off! See the sights of the beautiful Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc Massif from above. ULM's have only two seats; one for you and one for the pilot. If travelling in a group, we'll make sure everyone gets a turn. Every season offers a different view, so make sure to enquire today!
Aiguille du Midi
The Aguile Du Midi is a staggering 3842m (12,605 ft) tall mountain in the Mont Blanc Massif. Offering panoramic views, visitors can take a gondola up to a mid-station, the another up to a spectacular viewing area. Fitted with a cafe, gift shop, "le tube" (a walkway around the summit) and the ominously named "step into the void" (a glass-floored viewing platform that allows you to look 1000m directly below), Aguille du Midi makes for a popular tourist attraction.
Paragliding
Ever wondered what it feels like to fly? Well, get as close as you can to that feeling with paragliding!
Known as ‘parapenting’ in France, take a tandem flight this year with qualified pilot and see the Alps in a whole new way.
It’s possible to fly all year, so if you’re tempted to soar in the mountain winds on your next break, make sure to enquire now.
Montenvers Mountain Railway
Leaving from the centre of Chamonix, this red train takes you on a beautiful 20-minute journey up to France’s largest glacier, the famous Mer de Glace – “Sea of Ice. At the top, leave the station and the vista opens up to an extraordinary view of the glacier, frozen like a sea in motion. From the station, take the bubble lift down and enter the ice cave – carved into the glacier anew every year. You’ll be amazed to see the markers indicating how the glacier has retreated since the train line was completed in 1909.
Hiking around Grand Montets
Take the Plan Joran gondala up to Grand Montets and enjoy spectacular views over the Chamonix valley.
E-biking
One of the best ways to explore the valley is on an E-Bike. E-Biking is similar to mountain biking but not as physically demanding.
Depending on what you are looking for, our expert local guides can take you on scenic pedal or a thrilling mountain trail. All safety equipment is provided so you only need to turn up in something comfortable.
Hiking around Le Tour
Hike around the Balme area and see spectacular views looking down on the Chamonix valley.
Mountain Biking at Le Tour
Looking for a fun, fast paced way experience the mountains? Mountain Biking or - as the French call it - VTT could be for you!
Let gravity do some of the work as you descend high altitude tracks, biking through forests and alongside rivers. There are loads of bike trails across the valley, so getting out on your first day will leave you desperate for more.
Our expert local instructors can cater to all levels, so whether you are a beginner or ready for the reds and blacks, we’re sure to have a trail for you.
Canyoning
Make your way down water-filled gorges, swim through rock pools and slide down water-smoothed rocks on a canyoning experience this summer. A combination of scrambling, abseiling, cliff jumping and swimming, canyoning is like white water rafting without the raft.
Our local guides are experts in the area as well as all the rope rigging. This means you’ll be in safe hands as you make you way down the canyon.
Prepare to get wet and take the canyoning plunge this summer!
Road Biking
Road Biking is one of the most versatile ways to enjoy the great outdoors. From leisurely rides to pumped-up cardio workouts, you’re able to set the pace on smooth, consistent terrain.
Working with local experts, we have routes and bikes for beginners, intermediates and aspiring Tour de Francers. Enquire today to learn more about road biking on your next adventure.
Rafting & Kayaking
White water rafting is a great way to enjoy the scenery as well get the adrenaline going! Working as a team is crucial here, so get ready to share some laughs on this thrilling bonding experience.
Your boat will have one of our experienced local guides, who will navigate and tell the paddlers when they need to paddle. We welcome groups of all abilities, so don’t worry if you are new to all of this.
As you might expect, you’ll probably end up in the water at some point, but that’s part of the fun!
Rock Climbing
People of all ages have taken up rock climbing, with that in mind, our Rock-Climbing sessions are suitable for all abilities. From climbing routes for learning the basics, to routes that push your limits, we’ve got you good grip on what routes are best for you.
Accro Park
For the greatest tree adventure in Chamonix or the Lake District, look no further than Accro’ Parc. The park is composed of 7 courses, all of varying difficulty. With this level of choice, the Accro Park can offer the perfect challenge for a group with a variety of ability levels.
Paragliding
Ever wondered what it feels like to fly? Well, get as close as you can to that feeling with paragliding!
Known as ‘parapenting’ in France, take a tandem flight this year with qualified pilot and see the Alps in a whole new way.
It’s possible to fly all year, so if you’re tempted to soar in the mountain winds on your next break, make sure to enquire now.
Hiking around Les Houches
Take the Prarion lift up and hike around Les houches with spectacular views around the Chamonix Valley.
Mountain Biking at Les Houches
Looking for a fun, fast paced way experience the mountains? Mountain Biking or - as the French call it - VTT could be for you!
Let gravity do some of the work as you descend high altitude tracks, biking through forests and alongside rivers. There are loads of bike trails across the valley, so getting out on your first day will leave you desperate for more.
Our expert local instructors can cater to all levels, so whether you are a beginner or ready for the reds and blacks, we’re sure to have a trail for you.
Gorge Walking
The Gorge walk offers stunning scenery, with a beautiful - and only moderate - walk. With a handrail and designated path, anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can enjoy it.
With the walk taking no more than an hour and a half, you can take your time and enjoy the excellent historical signage along the way. With the gorge itself and the trees providing some relief from the sunshine, this walk is great on a hot day. It’s also great to do on a rainy day for the cover it provides, as well as the flow of the five waterfalls you’ll pass impressing further.
This spectacular walk is great for everyone, so put on some comfortable shoes and follow the flowing water.
Via Ferrata
Via Ferrata is a step beyond conventional hiking, but without the risks of unprotected scrambling and climbing. It uses very minimum kit compared to other forms of mountain climbing, making it a great way to explore the mountains.
Modern Via Ferrata, at its core, is a steel cable that runs along a climbing route fixed to a rock (in intervals of no more than 10 metres). Climbers are then equipped with a kit that allows them to secure themselves to this cable and enjoy the dramatic positions and breath-taking views.
Via Ferrata – Italian for “Iron Path” – is a term used to describe a protected climbing path in the Alps. Historically these paths would have aided villages to connect to higher pastures and then were used in early 20th Century wartime to navigate the difficult terrain of the area.
Mountain Adventure Holidays
Each summer holiday activity we organise for you on the mountains are both unique and memorable due to our fabulous location at the foothill on Mont Blanc in the French Alps. Chamonix is 30 minutes away from Swiss Alps AND the Italian Alps, so you really are spoilt for choice.
For high energy adventure enthusiasts, we arrange mountain biking, climbing (there’s lots of different types of climbing dependant on your ability), and even glacier walking.
For a mountain adventure that’s completely different you might like to try tackling the Via Ferrata (Italian for “Iron-Path”) where you strap on a harness to enjoy the thrill of traversing rock, steps, ladders, bridges and even zip wires on the mountain.
And if you’d like a less strenuous mountain holiday activity, go for hikes in the mountains (tailored to your level), e-biking, horse riding or gorge walking.
Make a splash with canyoning, hydro speeding and canoe rafting!
Water Activity Holidays
For a kick of adrenalin, you can choose to go white water rafting, canyoning or surf on a “hydro speed” adventure - a thrilling white-knuckle ride also known as river boarding or “white-water sledging”. Whilst you are here it’s great to experience the calmer beauty of the local crystal-clear water lakes and pools. There are remote lakes, high up the mountains or ones with beaches on the valley floor. Some of the pools are indoors and others outside, enjoying the weather. One thing they all have in common is breath-taking view of the mountains.
You can charter a boat, paddle board or canoe depending on which lake you choose. All the while enjoying the warmth of the sun compared to the coolness of the fresh mountain water.
And for a touch of luxuriant relaxation adults can choose a spa, to relax unwind – and get ready for the next adventure!
Try paragliding or a light aircraft flight and soar above the mountains!
Holiday Activities in the Air
If you’d like to get a birds-eye view of the beautiful Chamonix Mont Blanc valley, why not try paragliding, or even take to the skies in a helicopter or aeroplane. You will never see a view quite like the ones over the Alps, with pristine snow-capped mountains, rising from lush green valleys, pocketed with lakes and rivers…
Summer Activity Holidays YOUR WAY
You simply choose the activity combination that is right for your group. We take care of all of the details of each summer activity holiday for you, making sure you don’t lose precious time and that you cannot be disappointed.
Not only that - we take care of everything else too, from the gorgeous mountain-view accommodation, to the freshly prepared food from your personal chef in the chalet.
Allowing you to combine the right activities to ensure that everyone in your group walks away at the end of their summer holiday with memories that last a lifetime.
If you are not sure what combination will work well for you – don’t worry! We have done this before! And are here to help you all the way…