·          Several kids and adventure clubs for 6 to 13 yrs old

·          Animal parks, husky breeding centre, pony rides

·          Miniature Golf, Skate park

·          Leisure park with summer toboggans, trampolines, electric motorbike track, playground

·          Climbing school

Cham’Aventure

Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 53 00 88 – Fax: +33 (0) 4 50 53 48 04

Cham’Kid (8-12 year olds) & Cham’Ado (13-17 year olds)

Daily & weekly programmes (rock climbing, hiking, orienteering, canyoning, mountain biking….) supervised by local professionals.

Cham’Kid – c €55 per day, c €230 for the week

Cham’ Ado – c €72 per day, c €140 for the week]

http://www.chamonix-guides.com/

Evolution 2 Adventure School

Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 55 93 03 – Fax: +33 (0) 4 50 55 91 33

Junior multi-activities: mountain bike outings, rock climbing, rafting, donkey hikes, adventure courses (transport included).

Golf de Chamonix

www.golfdechamonix.com

info@golfdechamonix.com

Group lessons for children, July and August, Monday to Friday. Courses led by Jean-Claude Bonnaz.

Canyoning

Oxo Mont-Blanc canyoning. From 10 years old: abseiling, jumps, natural

toboggan slides in mountain rivers. Half-day €58, day €92.

Miniclub

Open July – August for 6 – 12 year olds. Sports activities for the day or week from Monday to Friday (ice skating, tennis, mountain biking, street hockey, gym, etc).

Price €25 / day or €90 / week, meal included.

Information: Centre sportif Richard Bozon.

Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 53 00 88 – Fax: +33 (0) 4 50 53 48 04

Several hikes for children from 9 to 14 years old, including the Mont-Blanc Tour, the famous great loop around the roof of Europe, with a rafting descent. Duration 6 days: €400.

Other hikes: Tour of La Vanoise, Léman-Chamonix, Grand Paradis.

For 15 / 17 year-olds: Le Ruan and Le Mercantour.

Junior mountaineering course (12 – 17 years old): 5 days of mountain activities, for beginners to advanced mountaineers. Cliff, canyon, ice climbing initiation, application race. Courses start every Monday.

Aventure en tête )

www.aventureentete.com

12 years and above: ice climbing initiation, €150 / half-day (3 people). Glacier hikes with night in refuge: from €300 (2 / 3 people).

Ecole d’Escalade Summits

Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 54 05 11 – Fax: +33 (0) 4 50 54 00 81

For 7 – 12 years - €40

MJC

Tel: 0033 450 53 12 24

3 sites (Vallorcine, Argentière and Les Pèlerins) and 5 leisure centres:

Vallorcine, 3 – 11 years,

Argentière, 3 – 11 years,

Les Ptits Boutch in Les Pèlerins, 3 – 5 years,

Les Pèlerins Leisure Centre, 6 – 11 years,

Teenagers club, 12 – 14 years.

Activities include theme weeks, mini-camps, excursions, etc. Activities for young people (12 – 17 years): specific events and activities, camps, mini-camps.

Parc de Loisirs de Chamonix - +33 (0)4 50 53 08 97 www.planards.com – planards@wanadoo.fr

New in 2009: unlimited access to more than 18 activities! Summer luge, chair lift, electric motor-bike track, mechanical shovels, 40 m toboggan slides, trampolines, panoramic tower, splash boat, mechanical Tyrolean traverse, “loop the loop” roller coaster, water mazes, tree adventure trail for 3 – 7 year-olds, mechanical swing, play areas, indoor games, mini-farm, sand games, water games, etc.

On the spot: bar-restaurant, picnic area, souvenir shop.

Adult (1.40m tall and more) = €14. Child (under 1.40m) = €12. Free for children less than 1m tall. Reduced rates for groups and for pensioners. Park partly open (due to works) from April to end of June: reduced rates during this period. Park fully open from July, from 10am to 7pm.

Paradis des Praz

In the village of Les Praz (3 km from Chamonix). Open every day from 15th June to 1st September, from 10am to 6.30pm. Donkey rides, children’s games, mini-Tyrolean traverse and mini Himalayan bridge, beach and boat, drinks kiosk, food service and giant barbecue at lunchtime.

Multi-activity course

Cham Aventures

www.cham-aventures.com

Cham’Kid (8 – 12 years) or Cham’Ado (13 – 17 years): a weekly or daily programme.

Children will discover outdoor activities, supervised by local professionals (climbing, hiking, rafting and

adventure park, canyoning, mountain biking etc.)

Kaïlash adventure

info@kailashadventure.com

www.kailashadventure.com

For 8 – 12 year-olds and 13 – 17 year-olds: 5 days of activities and discoveries (according to age: hill walking, canyoning, tree adventure, climbing, rafting, canoe-raft, high abseiling and via ferrata, tandem paragliding, ice school, etc.).

Panda Base Camp Evolution 2

www.evolution2-chamonix.com

planning@evolution2.com

Panda Base Camp: an adventure centre for children in Argentière (behind the Grands Montets cable-car).

Chamonix sales outlet: Coquoz Sports, 306 Rue du Dr Paccard.

Discover a new activity every day... The adventure starts here! (for 6 – 15 year-olds). “A la carte” days or 5-day course: horse riding, climbing, adventure course, rafting, husky-hiking, mountain-biking, orientation course, etc. In Panda Base Camp: refreshment bar, trampoline, pony rides, bouncy castles. Open every day from 9am to 7pm.

Paragliding

Let your children discover the pleasure of flying (from 5 / 6 years old).

Tandem flight from €70, according to the site.

AD HAUT VOL PARAPENTE - +33 (0)4 50 53 98 01

hautvol@orange.fr – www.guides-du-montblanc.com

Mountaineering, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, and lots more. Chamonix’s reputation in terms of outdoor pursuits is far-reaching.

Chamonix is also an exceptional nature park to discover and enjoy: the summit of Mont-Blanc, the Aiguille du Midi, and the Mer de Glace glacier.

The chair lifts and footpaths take you to admire one of the most famous landscapes in the Alps. Discover, too, a rich and protected animal and plant wildlife. (Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve).

Montenvers-mer de Glace

The Montenvers rack railway climbing up the Mer de Glace (1913m) is one of the highest trains in the Alps, with a never ending view of the Mer de Glace, Les Drus, La Verte & Les Grands Jorasses. Discover the ice garden, ice grotto, crystal garden and alpine fauna museum

Tramway du Mont-Blanc

Here is where you find the higest rack and pinion train in France! Leaving from Le Fayet/Saint Gervais and terminating its voyage at Nid d’Aigle (2372m), the starting point for ascent of Mont-Blanc at the foot of the Bionnassay glacier under the Aigulle du Gouter.

Walking – Gradually make your way up the footpaths, from the valley floor to the higher altitudes. Explore a number of trails including the Chalet du Cerro, the Cascade du Dard, the Chalet de la Floria. For a full list of routes and maps please visit the tourist office. 

'Mont Blanc Walks' from Guide publisher Cicerone is worth acquiring 

visit www.cicerone.co.uk

Alternatively use the lift systems in the valley to take you to the doorway of the high altitude mountains, where a number of activities including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and paragliding are all at your disposal. 

The Chamonix valley offers endless hiking opportunities. Almost 350 kilometres of middle mountain paths (the largest network in the Haute Savoie) enable you to discover the mountain at all altitudes: from easy family walks to longer and more technical routes, through the forest, on small or large balconies, or glacier approaches. Some examples that lead to refreshment chalets are given on page 25, you can find some hiking itineraries that start from the chair lifts. You can also buy the route map (€ 4) or the guide + map (€ 12.50) from the tourist office.

Feel free to walk your dog along many of the paths throughout the valley (information at the Tourist Office), however, even on a lead, dogs are not permitted in the Nature Reserves. Dogs are accepted on the lifts and in the trains with the exception of the Aiguille du Midi cable car. For complete freedom, the Tourist Information Office offers a dog-guarding service (either “dog-sitters” or kennels): Further information and listings from

the reception in the Tourist Information Office.

The Aigulle du Midi – the highest and most impressible aigulle in Chamonix offers you an exceptional view of the entire Mont-Blanc massive and the Chamonix Valley.

Brevent – South facing and directly above Chamonix, this domain offers an exceptional view of Mont-Blanc and its chain of mountains. 

Flegere – South facing in full sun, the panorama embraces the Mont-Blanc massive with a beautiful view of the Mer de Glace & Aigulles de Chamonix. 

Grands Montets  - In Argentiere, 2 stages by cable-car serving Lognan (1900m) and the Grand Montets Aigulle (3300m)

Le Tour-Vallorcine – Situated at the far end of the valley on the Swiss border, with vast alpine meadows and a view of the whole of the Mont-Blanc chain, the Chamonix valley and the Swiss Alps.

Mountain biking - Either discover the trails for yourself or organise a guided trip through the tourist office.

Mountain bike school – tel: +33 (0) 6 19 75 69 16 

View here for Chamonix mountain biking trail map

Mountain climbing – Chose between a personal guide, or instruction courses for all ages and levels. 

Tel 0033 (0) 4 50 53 00 24

Association Internationale des Guides du Mont-Blanc

Open July-August from 10am-12pm and 2pm-7pm. Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 53 27 05 www.guides-du-montblanc.com

5 day mountaineering initiation course – Glacier hiking, Glacier trek or with an emphasis on rock climbing.

There is also a climbing wall in Chamonix sports centre, which boasts more than 800 grips. Over 14s only £2 entry.

Canyoning Yannick Seigneur – Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 53 05 16 www.canyoning.fr

Chamonix Hydroglisse  - initiation in rafting, canyoning, hydro or Arveyron – Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 53 55 70 www.hydroglisse.com

GOLF CLUB DE CHAMONIX - +33 (0)4 50 53 06 28 – 2 +33 (0)4 50 53 38 69

info@golfdechamonix.com – www.golfdechamonix.com

Les Praz de Chamonix.

Open every day from May to November (depending on snow conditions).

18 hole Trent Jones Senior. Length 6,076m. Par 72.

Open-air practice green with roof. Individual and group lessons. Courses. Numerous competitions – open to visitors (handicap and green card required). Handicap lower than 36 required during “peak season”.

www.golfdechamonix.com

Richard Bozon Sports Centre  - Swimming pool and health centre, Tennins and squash, Ice skating

Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 53 09 07 – Fax: +33 (0) 4 50 53 71 70 http://sports.chamonix.com

Fishing – Monthly, weekly or daily permits. Fishing in the torrents and 5 stocked lakes in the valley or in the mountains tel: +33 (0) 4 50 53 42 13 lessportsverts@wanadoo.fr

Benji Trampoline – For children from 3 years to adults. Open everyday (only in good weather)

The Leisure Park Les Planards - Summer toboggan (2 runs of 910m in length). Nocturnal in July & August, Mondays & Thursdays from 8.30pm to 10.30pm. 50 tree top activities (Tyroliennes, rope swings….) 4 ‘mega-jump’ trampolines, a mechanical digger and electric motorbike track for the 3-12 year olds, playground. Free entry. Activities payable.

Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 53 08 97 www.planards.com - planards@wanadoo.fr

Parc animalier de Merlet (Wildlife park)

An outstanding park, facing Mont-Blanc, for discovering mountain wildlife in its natural habitat. Accessible by car or using footpaths. Opening times:

July / August 9.30am to 7.30pm. May / June /

September 10 am to 6pm, closed on Mondays.

Rates: child (under 12) €3.50, adult €5.50.

The Aiguille Rouges nature reserve

Free admission. Open from 10:00am to 5:30pm.

Adapted services for children.

Trainee facilitators provide tours of the reception chalet and the discovery trail. Microscopes and videodisks provide in-depth knowledge of discoveries

made on the trail. Theme walks (registration necessary).

Huskydalen – Greenland Husky breeding kennels. Guided visits & explications of their way of life. 

Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 47 77 24 www.huskydalen.com 

AD HAUT VOL PARAPENTE - +33 (0)4 50 53 98 01

hautvol@orange.fr – www.guides-du-montblanc.com

Open every day, year-round.

Ski Set (at the base of the Aiguille du Midi cable car)

Tandem paragliding flights with a government-certified instructor. Accessible to all (certificate included). Tandem paragliding flights: from € 60

High mountain private guide: ask for details.

Fitness Trail

Located at the Les Gaillands climbing rock (1.5 km from Chamonix).

Free access.

Bowling

www.bowling-chamonix.com

Avenue de Courmayeur (Chamonix-Sud). Open every day from 5pm to 2am (open at 2pm if weather is poor). 8 bowling lanes, video games, 18 billiard tables and 1 mini-golf.

Paint ball

www.paintballcham.com

Reservation necessary. From 12 years.

Equipment provided (mask, overalls, protective vest, neck protector, gloves, semi-automatic thrower, 100 cartridges, compressed air). Around 2 hours of play. Price €16 / pers (18 people maximum).

Centre Sportif Richard Bozon

214, av. de la Plage

sports@chamonix-mont-blanc.fr

Prices and timetables subject to change.

Swimming-Pool, Sauna, Steam Room

Every day, July / August: 10am to 7pm: indoor swimming pool and park. External pools to re-open in August.

Rates: child €3.65, adult €4.80.

Tennis and squash

19 courts (hard or clay) including 4 indoor, 3 squash courts.

Tennis prices (2 people): €16 / h (hard and indoor), €21,60 / h (clay).

Squash prices (2 people): €8,30 / 45 min.

Chamonix, open every day July / August: 8am to 8pm (June 9 am to 8pm; September 9 am to 12.15 then 2pm to 7.15pm).

Argentière

Opened at specific times in summer (information: Chamonix Tennis Club 04 50 53 28 40)

Skating rink

Open every day from 2pm to 5pm, Night sessions every Wednesday from 9pm to 11pm. Skates hire: €3.55. Child entrance: €3.75, adult: €4.95.

Weight training room and keep-fit

Self or supervised training. Weekly fitness lessons.

Climbing hall

Open every day July / August from 10am to 7pm. 180 Sq. m and 800 holds. Entry: €4.

All the above information is for information only. For up-to-date info please visit the resort tourist office website

Chamonix Tourist Office

Tel: +33 4 50 53 00 24 - Opening times:

• From June 28 to September 13 – 8.30am to 7pm every day.

• Up to and including June 27 and from September 14 – 9am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6.30.

www.chamonix.com

Office de haute montagne – 00 33 450 53 22 08

Compagnie du Mont Blanc www.compagniedumontblanc.fr

Chamonix hosts a wide selection of typical cafes and tempting pastry shops along with 18 bars, 80 restaurants, 100 shops and 7 discotheques. The world famous casino in the centre of town will tempt the gambler in you with black jack, roulette and slot machines of the purest tradition. The Vox cinema delights moviegoers with all the latest films.

Markets - Place du Mont-Blanc: Saturday morning.

Argentière (July / August only): Sunday morning.

Casino

Open every day from 11am (free coffee & croissants).

64 slot machines, from 1 cent to €5

Table games (English roulette, French roulette and black jack) from 8pm (from 5pm on Sunday). Restaurant open in evening only from Friday to

Sunday (à la carte) and at lunchtime every day with €9.90.

Entertainment and shows all year. ID required for entry to the casino.

By Road: Driving distance from Calais to Chamonix 518 miles (8hrs)

From Calais, take A26 Motorway towards Reims and Troyes, then Dijon, Mâcon then ‘Autoroute Blanche’ Motorway (A40 Mâcon – Cluses) exit Chamonix.

By Rail: TGV to Saint-Gervais (35km transfer or regional train).

The Mont Blanc Express train line makes travelling between Saint-Gervais les Bains le Fayet and Vallorcine very easy, via the villages of Les Houches, Chamonix and Argentière. It extends into Switzerland to the city of Martigny.
With an average of a train per hour and 18 stops, take a nice and easy ride along this beautiful valley. (Journeys between Servoz and Vallorcine are free with the guest card).

Connecting TGV trains to Annecy and Geneva.
More information at any train station in France, by phone (from France): 0891 67 68 00 or Internet

Airports:

Geneva Airport is 82km from Chamonix (1 hour)

www.gva.ch/en  

Chambery Airport is 132km from Chamonix (1 ½ hours)

www.chambery-airport.com

Grenoble Airport is 219km from Chamonix (2 hours)

www.grenoble-airport.com

Lyon Saint-Exupery is 220km from Chamonix (2 ½ hours)

www.lyonairport.com

Regular bus transfers from GVA to Chamonix via SAT bus,

40, place de la gare
74400 Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Tel : +33(0)450530115
http://www.sat-montblanc.com

Getting around Chamonix

Parking - Chamonix Parc Auto +33 (0)4 50 53 65 71. Cars. 4,000 parking spaces. 3 covered car parks: Chamonix-Sud, Saint-Michel (behind the church, Tourist Office access) and place du Mont-Blanc. Parking up to 1 hour free of charge. Reduced weekly rates for guest card holders. Transport in the town centre provided by free shuttles The “Mulet”.

Free parking areas - Le Corzolet, Parking near the train station, Les Planards, l'Allée Recteur ,Payot, Rue Helbronner.

The “Mulet*” enables you to get around the town centre free of charge. Wait at the easily recognisable stops and let yourself be taken care of!

Service available all year round. Times: Every 10 minutes in July & August from 8:30am to 6:30pm and every 20 minutes during other periods.

Circuit: leaflet available from the Tourist Office. Link with the main Chamonix-Bus network.

* Shuttles fitted with an anti-pollution regulated engine

and a particle filter.

The local Chamonix bus network services the entire Chamonix Valley from the village of Servoz to the village of Le Tour. It also provides access to all the different lift areas.

The Mont Blanc Express train line makes travelling between Saint-Gervais les Bains le Fayet and Vallorcine very easy, via the villages of Les Houches, Chamonix and Argentière. It extends into Switzerland to the city of Martigny.
With an average of a train per hour and 18 stops, take a nice and easy ride along this beautiful valley. (Journeys between Servoz and Vallorcine are free with the guest card).

Need an Airport Transfer? Prices from £86 per person based on 4 sharing a private return taxi from Geneva Airport to Chamonix. Call our reservations team for details on 0844 576 0170 or email reservations@peakretreats.co.uk

Taxis, doctors, pharmacy, dentist, bank, alpine museum, library, ice garden, ice grotto, bowling