This list is not exhaustive, so please feel free to mail me with any recommendations so that they may be included.
Paragliding
Tandem paragliding with a qualified pilot is an exhilarating way to get a new perspective on the Chamonix valley. There are numerous places to launch from, the most popular being Planpraz, the mid station of the Brevent ski area but given suitable weather it is possible to fly from Aiguille du Midi or Grands Montets , Plan de l’Aiguille or Les Houches. Prices vary according to the launch point but the most popular is Planpraz (Brévent) at 110 €. Most launches are made on foot (without the use of skis) and all you have to do is to run !
I will happily arrange for an experienced instructor to take you flying. For more details see www.fly-chamonix.com
Vallée Blanche
This Aiguille du Midi lift accesses the amazing Vallée Blanche area which starts off with a walking descent of a knife edge ridge and follows up with some of the most amazing glacial scenery a skier can ski through. There are a variety of different descents that can be made but even the easiest requires a good skiing ability and a reasonable degree of fitness(reasonable parallel turns and the ability to stop instantly !), the most technical reserved for expert skiers only.
A mountain guide will whisk groups of up to eight down the Vallée Blanche with what seems like no worry of danger – do not be fooled, the guide will know the route intimately but will nevertheless be surveying the terrain with great attention. Apart from ensuring safety , a good guide will be a friendly and informative host; bringing the Vallée Blanche to life with his detailed knowledge of the run and its surrounding mountains. A descent usually takes most of the day and lunch can be taken at a mountain refuge or if the weather is good there are plenty of good picnic spots. Expert skiers can descend one of the more testing routes and combine this with another descent. If the weather is poor the guide will make the decision to cancel the trip as at best it spoils the fantastic scenery and at worst it can be dangerous in poor weather conditions.
Typical rates are from : 278 Euro / day. (up to 4 pers). Many guides will form up groups from individual skiers, cost ax 73 € / pers.
Mountain Guides
Most people take a mountain guide for the Vallée Blanche but this is just a small part of what a guide can offer. Guides can offer the benefit of their experience to tackle the many glacial descents as well as steeper terrain. Guides will often be able to provide avalanche beacons and climbing harnesses where necessary.
Ice climbing
An exciting sport that may be worth considering. Guides work on a daily basis and its important to book ahead so as to secure the best guides.
Typical rates are from : 350 Euro / day. (up to 4 pers)
Alternatively, as part of a group lesson, half day: ax 75 Euro incl equipment.
Carte d’Hote / Guest Card reductions
Please note that the cost of access or participation to many activities may be reduced if you show your guest card. This should be given to you by your hotelier once you have paid the tourist tax. Train travel between Servoz & Vallorcine is free with the card.
The costs shown below are for adults, children usually have a reduction.
Indoor Climbing
Mt Blanc Escalade (Les Houches) Tel: 04 50 54 76 48
Excellent wall . For beginners to experts. Possibility to rent equipment.Lessons. Bar. Can become very busy in bad weather.
www.montblancescalade.com
Sports Centre
Richard Bozon -214, avenue de la Plage-Chamonix. Tel 04 50 53 23 70
indoor swimming pools, Jacuzzi, sauna, haman, weights room, indoor bouldering climbing wall. Nb: Men must use “Speedo” type swimming trunks (rental possible).
Tennis/ squash : tel 04 50 53 28 40
www.chamonix.fr
Ice Skating
Chamonix Tel 04 50 53 12 36
Indoor & Outdoor (conditions permitting) , bar / restaurant.
All days : 14h – 17h (18h on holidays).
Night session on Wednesday 20h – 22h.
Snow Shoeing Compagnie des Guides: 04 50 53 00 88
(or contact me for recommended individual accompagnateurs)
There are numerous possibilities depending upon your desire – or fitness. Usually half day or day sessions under the supervision of an “accompagnateur de moyenne montagne” or ski instructor or mountain guide. Possibility to join formed up groups .
Dog Sledding
Huskydalen.Christophe and Elisabeth Guillaud.Tel/fax: +33 4 50 47 77 24;mobile:+33 6 84 99 34 67
mail: Eguillaud@aol.com
Become a musher ! Advance reservations obligatory.
Ski Joering
www.skijoeringmontblanc.com
christophe.and@hotmail.fr
Address: 504 chemin des Eaux Rousses- Les Houches.
Tel: 06 13 08 33 58 or 04 50 54 54 22.
45€/ pers./ hour
Aerial Ropes Courses
There are several ropes courses in the Chamonix Valley but winter opening times are variable – call first to make sure that they are open !
Parc Adventure – Coupeau / Les Houches: Tel 06 62 67 28 51. Min height requirement of 1.4m . Price : Ax 54 Euro.
Walking trails
There are numerous prepared trails on packed down snow (not to be confused with the cross country ski tracks !) Route details from the tourist offices. It is possible to walk up the valley & to return by bus or by train. Walking boots may be hired from the bigger ski hire shops.