Places to escape the heat in the valley when temperatures rise
When summer hits in Chamonix, temperatures can soar above 30ºC.
At an altitude of 1,035m, the resort is relatively low down for an Alpine ski town, which means that things tend to be a little warmer here than in some of the higher altitude resorts.
In the middle of a heatwave in the Chamonix Valley, you have two friends: water and altitude. With that in mind, here's a quick rundown of some of the more refreshing activities you can partake in on those stiflingly hot days.
If you're looking for a quick dip to cool off, the Centre Sportif Richard Bozon has a 50m outdoor swimming pool with slides, kiddy pool, and plenty of space to lie around and sunbathe. The outdoor pool was recently renovated and reopened, just in time for the hottest months of the year.
When the summer temperatures in the valley are on the rise, get up early and head into the mountains. Jump on the first lift or go under your own steam and enjoy the fresh (and much cooler) mountain air before the sun has had time to heat things up. Whilst you'll not escape the sun itself up on the numerous trails, you can find shade and lower temps, take a picnic and plenty of water and sunscreen.
With having spent a few years exploring the trails of this valley, I thought I knew all the accessible routes so when someone mentioned one I’d never heard of I was excited to check it out - even more so when I was promised a good lunch along the way.
Chamonix is unique with some of its trails, in particular the 'Balcon' walks; two 'petit' and two 'grand'. They are all beautiful panoramic promenades with an almost constant level of altitude and can be done partially or in their entirety. The 'Petit Balcons' run around the lower valley floor (approx altitude 1,200m) and are named "Nord" (north) and "Sud" (south) after their directional compass bearing.
This full day hike offers some stunning panoramas of the Chamonix Valley as well as some challenging descents and ascents, depending on which way you choose to do this walking loop from Vallorcine.
This hike is a pleasant stroll through the bucolic high alpine meadows of Les Houches, making life easy by using the lift system at either end.
The walking route up to the old La Para mid station of Les Glaciers cable car via La Cascade du Dard Refuge is a popular forest route with stunning valley views towards Les Houches through breaks in the tree line.
Getting around the Chamonix Valley and up into its high mountain terrain is made easy thanks to the extensive transportation network available. The local buses that take you to all the main gondola and cable car stations are free with a Carte d’Hôte (guest card). You can get your card on arrival at your rental accommodation or hotel.
Those struggling to cool down can take a dip in the icy glacial meltwaters of the Arve river flowing through Chamonix. This is a cold and violent river in summer, also prone to flash floods when hydro stations further up the valley release water. There are a number of white water rafting and hydrospeed options in town, you must use a professional rafting company when venturing into the local waters. Further out of town, you can experience canyoning with waterfall abseiling and water jumps. Certain to keep you cool on hot summer days.
If you're willing to travel a little further down the valley, Lac Passy is a fantastic place to swim, fish, or just hang out and cool off in the shade. The biggest lake in the Mont-Blanc valley, Lac Passy offers a wide array of water-based activities such as windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding and an inflatable water park for kids. When you've had enough of the water, there's mini golf, go-karting, bouncy castles and a go-ape through the trees, plus restaurants and 'buvettes' nearby.
Experience the perfect way to see areas of the valley that are otherwise inaccessible with Evolution 2. Are you looking for the ride of your life? Because these beautiful alpine rivers will turn into exhilarating playgrounds for fun!
Experience the most aquatic all out activities with Evolution 2. Are you looking for the ride of your life? Because these beautiful alpine rivers will turn into exhilarating playgrounds for fun!
Enjoy an exciting introduction to white water sports this summer with Mickaël and the passionate team. Whether you are looking for adrenaline or a fun outdoor experience with friends or family, several activities are available on some of the most beautiful rivers in the region.
To escape the heat, go high. There's no hiding from the sun up there but higher altitudes mean lower temperatures, and you could do worse than a trip to one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Alps.
Amongst the number of lifts open in the summer, the Aiguille du Midi is the highest point that can be accessed by cable car in the Chamonix Valley. The station stands at 3,842m and is situated directly across from Mont Blanc. This is the closest most non-climbers can get to Mont Blanc and offers unrivalled views of the massif, the glaciers and the Chamonix Valley, not to mention a large chunk of the Alps and surrounding countries. Temperatures up here rarely go over between 5ºC to 10ºC, even in the middle of a heatwave.
At the edge of the Franco-Swiss border lies the 'VerticAlp' experience, which is made up of a steep funicular, a panoramic train and a smaller funicular taking you up to the Emosson Dam.
In summer the cable car at Flégère and the Index chairlift operate, taking you up to an altitude of 1,894m and then on to 2,396m at the top of the Index.
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
This little museum is housed in the same building as the post office and library in the village centre of Servoz.
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
Parc de Merlet is a great place to spot some local animals in their natural environment. A nature reserve, rather than a zoo, the park is perched on a large plateau high above Les Houches.
For more things to do in Chamonix this summer, check out our activities guide. And don't forget to book your accommodation – a visit to Chamonix in the summer should be on your bucket list!
Find out all about what is happening in the Chamonix valley and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsChamonix hosts a wide range of sporting events throughout the year. The biggest ones include the Mont Blanc Marathon in June and the UTMB trail running race in August. In March, the Unlimited Festival brings ravers to the mountains while Musilac Mont Blanc takes place a month later. At the end of July, the Cosmo Jazz Festival hosts concerts all around the valley.
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