Year-Round

Things To Do
in Chamonix

From the summit of the Alps to the valley floor — the experiences that define this extraordinary place.

Top Attractions

Must-Do Experiences
in Chamonix

Aiguille du Midi cable car Chamonix Mont Blanc

🚡 Aiguille du Midi

Year-round 3,842m altitude 20 min from town

The crown jewel of Chamonix. The Aiguille du Midi cable car is the world's highest vertical ascent cable car, rising from 1,035m to 3,842m in two stages taking just 20 minutes.

At the top, step onto the viewing platforms for 360° views of Mont Blanc, the Grandes Jorasses, the Matterhorn, and on a clear day, peaks as far as the Pyrenees. The "Step Into the Void" glass box experience lets you stand over a sheer 1,000m drop. Book tickets online — queues can be 2+ hours in peak season.

Mer de Glace glacier Montenvers railway Chamonix

🧊 Mer de Glace

Summer & Winter France's largest glacier Montenvers railway

France's largest glacier — 7km long and up to 200m deep. The Montenvers rack railway from Chamonix takes you up to the glacier viewpoint in 20 minutes, from where you can walk down to the glacier surface and enter an ice cave carved each year into the ice.

The cave reveals the vivid blue interior of the glacier and charts how far it has retreated each decade — both beautiful and sobering. Combined with the Aiguille du Midi, the Montenvers-Mer de Glace is Chamonix's other essential excursion.

Paragliding over Chamonix Valley

🪂 Paragliding

May – October No experience needed ~30 min flight

Tandem paragliding from Planpraz (1,999m) over the Chamonix Valley is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Alps. You'll fly with a qualified instructor, drifting silently over the town with the entire Mont Blanc massif spread before you.

Flights launch from the Brévent ski area and land in a field near Chamonix centre. The experience takes about 30 minutes in the air and around 2 hours total including the cable car and briefing. Multiple operators offer tandem flights — prices typically range from €120–180.

More to Explore

More Activities
in the Valley

🥾

Hiking

310km of marked trails from valley floor to alpine ridge. Lac Blanc and the Grand Balcon Nord are iconic. Open June–September.

⛷️

Skiing

170+ runs across 5 ski areas. Les Grands Montets for experts, Brévent–Flégère for intermediates, Les Houches for beginners.

🏃

Trail Running

Home of the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc) — the world's most prestigious mountain ultramarathon held every August.

🧗

Via Ferrata

Several routes of varying difficulty allow non-climbers to experience exposed ridgelines safely using fixed cables and ladders.

🚵

Mountain Biking

Dedicated MTB trails and a bike park at Les Houches. Cable car access means you can ride down without grinding up the climbs.

🏔️

Mountaineering

The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix offers courses from beginner glacier walks to full Mont Blanc summit ascents.

🛷

Dog Sledding

Winter only. Several operators offer dog sled experiences in the valley — from short introductory rides to half-day excursions.

🧖

Spas & Wellness

After a big day in the mountains, Chamonix's hotels and wellness centres offer world-class recovery — saunas, pools, and massage.

🍷

Restaurants & Après

Chamonix punches above its weight for food. From Savoyard fondues to Michelin-quality cuisine — and legendary après-ski in winter.

Common Questions

Things To Do —
FAQs

What is there to do in Chamonix in summer?
In summer, Chamonix offers hiking (Tour du Mont Blanc, Lac Blanc, Grand Balcon Nord), the Aiguille du Midi cable car, Mer de Glace glacier, paragliding, via ferrata, mountain biking, trail running, and excellent restaurants. The cable cars and mountain railways run all summer from mid-June to mid-September.
What is there to do in Chamonix in winter?
In winter, Chamonix offers skiing and snowboarding across 5 ski areas, the Vallée Blanche glacier run, ice climbing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and a lively après-ski scene. The Aiguille du Midi cable car runs year-round and is spectacular in winter snow conditions.
Is the Aiguille du Midi worth it?
Absolutely — it's consistently the highest-rated attraction in Chamonix. The views from 3,842m are extraordinary on a clear day. Book online in advance to avoid long queues in July and August. The first cable car of the morning offers the best chance of clear skies before afternoon clouds build over the massif.
How much does paragliding cost in Chamonix?
Tandem paragliding flights in Chamonix typically cost €120–180 per person for a 20–30 minute flight. The price usually includes the cable car up to Planpraz. Multiple operators are based in the town centre. Book in advance in summer as popular time slots fill quickly.