Our Favourite Things To Do In Chamonix
Take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Chamonix - perfect for non-skiers and bad weather days.
Where Chamonix certainly doesn't lack is for those wanting something more. As a year-round town, it’s plenty big and charming enough for a city break, regardless of the skiing. It’s fair to say that Chamonix is an adrenaline junkie’s playground with easy access to all things outdoors and the après to boot.
This is why we love it - streets lined with eateries, atmosphere and charm, slopes armed with steep chutes and varied terrain, abundant white stuff and slick grooming. But we also love it for the fantastic options it provides for non-skiers when it comes to activities. There are so many things to do in Chamonix, so we’ve rounded up some of our favourites to help you keep the whole group happy.
1. Indulge in a spa day
Chamonix’s QC Terme spa really is the stuff dreams are made of. If you’ve been hit with a bad weather day, head to QC Terme to enjoy 3,000 square metres of spa heaven. Entrance costs €44 so we’d recommend really making a day of it. Enjoy indoor and outdoor heated pools, whirlpools, waterfalls and hydrojets, biosaunas, sensory tubs, steam rooms, relaxation rooms… even a salt room. You’ll leave feeling totally blissed out, all the worries of the world lifted from your shoulders.
Alternatively, make the most of your accommodation’s own spa. The Deep Nature spas at Hotel Le Morgane and Le Refuge des Aiglons get a special mention here. You’ll also find spa facilities at the Alpina Eclectic, Chalets Elena, Le Cristal de Jade, and La Folie Douce Hotel.
2. Go horsing around
Ever heard of ski joering? Here, you’ll be pulled along on skis by a horse - a sport practised as far back as 2500 BC. Ride along scenic trails far away from the hustle and bustle of Chamonix town. A chance to really get back to nature and work out those arms whilst you’re at it!
QC Terme 📷: @qcterme
3. Visit the Aiguille du Midi
Known as the second most popular tourist attraction in France after the Eiffel Tower - yes, really - the Aiguille du Midi is located at 3842m, the closest you can get to the summit of Mont Blanc without hiking or climbing. Open year-round, this viewpoint provides stunning views from various observation decks and terraces. Off piste enthusiasts should come along for the journey and disembark the cable car up at the mid station for access to some of the best off piste skiing in the world at Plan de l'Aiguille (2,317m).
If you’re there during lunchtime, we’d strongly recommend getting a bite to eat at Le 3842. Alternatively, there’s a canteen with outdoor terrace if you’re after something a little more low-key.
4. Discover Montenvers
This activity, along with a trip to the Aiguille du Midi, makes a particularly good alternative activity for non-skiers. Departing for Chamonix’s central train station, you’ll take an old fashioned train up to Montenvers to take in the impressive view of the Mer de Glace glacier. Take a trip into the very heart of the glacier with a walk through the ice cave, which is miraculously resculpted every year.
5. Go for a skate
Whilst you’re out in colder climes it’s only right to take part in as many winter activities as possible. When in Rome, as they say. Chamonix’s Richard Bozon Sports Centre is within easy walking distance of the town centre, best located for those staying at the Alpina. Here, you’ll find both an indoor Olympic-sized hockey rink and an outdoor ice rink.
Opening hours are quite specific, so make sure you’ve checked out the website before you head off to have a skate. The sports centre also holds a swimming pool, climbing wall, squash courts, and a gym, so there’s plenty of other activities to take part in here if ice skating isn’t your cup of tea.
6. Ride an alpine coaster
Planards Park in the Planards ski area is home to Chamonix’s very own alpine coaster. The luge coaster sends two people on a 1.3km trail filled with twists and turns, an activity that children, in particular, will love. The coaster is open year-round to children 3 and up, though children aged 3 to 7 must ride with an adult.
7. Try heliskiing
Ok, this one’s definitely not for non-skiers and it certainly isn’t for bad weather days either, but we couldn’t help but include this incredible activity. Heliskiing isn’t just about getting access to untouched powder stashes, it’s also a once in a lifetime experience that you’re unlikely to forget in a hurry. It’s not actually legal to heliski within France, but the helicopter ride across the border to Italy or Switzerland is a particularly special part of the experience.
8. Go snoocing
Another slightly unusual alpine sport, mastering the snooc can be done in less than a day. A kind of sledge/ski hybrid, this unsual method of transport will have you zooming down the mountain in no time at all. Enjoy a backcountry hike uphill before heading back down into town on a snooc. Find out more about snoocing here.
9. Get horsing around
Ever heard of ski joering? Here, you’ll be pulled along on skis by a horse - a sport practised as far back as 2500 BC. Ride along scenic trails far away from the hustle and bustle of Chamonix town. A chance to really get back to nature and work out those arms whilst you’re at it!
Looking to plan a short ski break or ski weekend to Chamonix?
Our Ski Sales Specialists are on hand to help you organise every aspect of your trip. We specialise in tailor made packages and ski breaks outside of the usual Saturday - Saturday format and offer a selection of hotels and self-catering accommodation in Chamonix.
If you’d like to learn more or want some help putting together a package just give us a call on 01962587777.