Summer Activities

The Chamonix Valley and surrounding area offers a wealth of Summer activities.

There are a wide variety of sporting activites available in the local area, and both chalets are ideally placed for taking advantage of these. The following provides details of some of the sports available, but this list is by no means endless.

Walks and hikes

Chalet L'Avant Poste is situated at the start of the renowned "Tour de Mont Blanc", the hike which takes you right round Mont Blanc, leading through France, Italy and Switzerland.
Chalet Les Islouts is a few minutes' walk from the woods and Gaillands lake and climbing area, so perfectly situated for gentle walks on level ground.

There are many shorter walks you can do in both local areas, and in the Summer the cable cars are open, so you can avoid the steeper ascents, and start your route at altitude!

Tennis, squash

There are tennis clubs at both Les Houches and Chamonix, offering Summer courses for adults and children, and courts may be hired by the hour. Squash courts are available at Chamonix.

Swimming

Chamonix has a superb sports centre with a waterslide, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a pool for non swimmers.
There are several lakes where you may swim or windsurf, whilst enjoying the magnificent mountain views. These are only a short drive away, at Passy, a few kilometres from Chamonix.

Golf

Chamonix has a superb 18 hole golf course, with both practise and putting areas. Golfers can book tee times, and during the golfing season (May to November) there are also several group courses for those wishing to improve their game. Individual private lessons can also be arranged.

Mountain Biking

Both chalets are in great locations for mountain biking. Equipment may be hired locally, and there are many marked cycle tracks in the area. For those not keen on cycling uphill, bikes may be taken on many of the cable cars and you can enjoy the thrill of the descent!

Climbing

Chamonix and Les Houches both have indoor climbing walls, but for those who prefer climbing outside, there are several "climbing schools" which are equipped for climbers of all levels.

The Chamonix valley and its mountains are well known around the world for their varied climbing routes, and whether you enjoy the challenge of a climbing a rock face, or mountaineering, the choice of routes is enormous.

Within driving distance, there are several via Ferratas, which may be tackled with the right equipment with very little previous experience, although we recommend you to enlist the services of a guide.

Parapenting

The valley offers many take off points, most accessible by cable car, and there are several schools offering courses at beginner through to advanced level. The views are nothing short of breathtaking!

Canyoning

For the uninitiated, this involves walking, scrambling, jumping and abseiling down river beds, waterfalls and gorges and is tremendous fun. Equipment may be hired and we can organise the services of a local guide.

White Water Rafting

In Chamonix and nearby Passy there are organised rafting opportunities for all levels including beginners.
Other summer activities

In both Chamonix and Les Houches there are various other activities available.  Facilities include summer sledging, tree adventure trails, pony trekking, skateparks, picnic areas etc etc. Cable cars are open generally from May through to the end of September, during which time you can use the lift systems to reach mountain restaurants, and sites of natural beauty.

The Aiguille de Midi lift takes you to 3,800 metres (13,800 feet) where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain peaks. A funicular railway takes you from Chamonix to the "Mer de Glace" , (Sea of Ice) which is a huge glacier, complete with an ice cave carved into the glacier.