Mountain activities
Vallorcine has great access to a huge range of winter and summer sports including the following:
Skiing
We are situated in one of the worlds greatest ski areas and offers an unparalleled mix of snowriding terrain making it the perfect destination for any level skier or snowboarder. With 5 main areas to choose from and a selection of dedicated beginner's slopes, you are spoilt for choice and for those wanting a challenge, with the exceptional range of arduous piste to exploit and so much easily attainable off piste, you could not wish for more!
- Vallorcine/Le Tour/Tete de Balme
- Grand Montets
- Le Brévent/La Flégère
- Les Houches
- Aiguille de Midi
- Beginners / Nursery Slopes
Book yourself some skiing lessons, a ski guide will help you make the most of Chamonix's famous off piste skiing, or explore the vast snowriding areas yourself!
Snowboarding
The Chamonix and Vallorcine ski domain is known as the Hawaii of the Alps so it is no surprise that snowboarders love it here! As a home to pure powder days, the keen boarders exploit the massive off piste opportunities and see Chamonix and Vallorcine as a natural snow park with its immense bowls, natural half pipes and never ending runs. Beginners have the opportunity for a steep learning curve with access to plenty of snowriding terrain and the option to push yourself further.
Contact us to book your snowboard lessons, or a snowboarding guide to get the most out of your snowriding.
Vallée Blanche
A "must-do" while in Chamonix, the world's most famous off-piste run! The Vallée Blanche, offers 24km of off piste glacier skiing through utterly breathtaking scenery. Hiring a mountain guide is a must for anyone without in-depth knowledge and experience of this run as skiing here is unmarked, unpatrolled, off-piste terrain, with risks of crevasses, falling seracs and avalanches. There are a number of variants to the Vallée Blanche, the classic route is suited to confident intermediates and up with various flat sections and the others require a little more skill and involve steeper skiing over a more difficult terrain and are only recommended for advanced skiers or snowboarders. With the truly stunning glaciated scenery surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks you can guarantee that this will be one of the most amazing and unforgettable days skiing you'll ever have.
Guide prices
- Day trips - €75/person
- Full Moon trip (includes evening meal in a refuge) - €135/person
- Sunrise trip (includes a night stay in a hut with half board) - €180/person
Groups of maximum 8 people
Requirements: Confident intermediate standard, lift pass for Aguille du Midi lift, own ski/board equipment and clothing.
Contact us to book your guided Vallée Blanche experience, or for further details.
Glacier Walking
Although there are glaciers all over the Alps, none are more accessible than those around Mont Blanc where they cascade down into the Chamonix valley. As you drive into the valley the view is dominated first by Mont Blanc itself and then by the Bosson glacier which hangs over the town of Chamonix. A little further up is the famous Vallée Blanche, a long and spectacular glacier which starts high up on the flanks of Mont Blanc and then winds round the back of the jagged Aiguille du Midi, across the front of climbers' heaven, the Drus, and finally ends as the Mer du Glace. Using a guide is always advisable as there are plenty of avoidable dangers if you know where to look.
Glacier walk with guide
A glacial ice walk experience with spectacular views and a local mountain guide to help you discover secrets of the gargantuan ice flows and the Mont Blanc Massif. Accessible to everyone! Groups of 4 to 6 people.
- Half day - €49/person
- Full day - €99/person
Requirements: Lift passes, walking boots, warm clothes, hat, cream, sunglasses. Minimum 12yrs & strong.
Need to Rent: Crampons
Blanche Glacier Crossing @ 3600m
The most impressive walk in Chamonix, Possibly even Europe!! A one-off crossing the Vallée Blanche from the Aiguille du Midi to Helbronner, Italy. Groups of 3 - 5 people.
- Full Day - €99/person
Requirements: Lift passes, walking boots, warm clothes, hat, cream, sunglasses. Minimum 12yrs & strong.
Need to Rent: Crampons
Contact us with your requirements to book a glacier walk with a guide or for further information.
Ice Climbing
When winter arrives, waterfalls in the Alps freeze up and become the most spectacular ice-climbing venues. Here in the Chamonix valley we have around 20 sites of differing length and difficulty but all with stunning backdrops and guaranteed exhilaration! Ice-climbing is suitable for anyone from beginners to experienced climbers but good general fitness, stamina and lots of determination is required!
Prices
- Full day with an instructor/guide - €135/person
- 3 day Beginner Course - €505/person
- 5 days Advanced Course - €685/person
- 5 day Gullies Course - €780/person
All prices include any technical and safety equipment necessary and will be very small groups of 2, 3 or 4 people.
Contact us with your requirements to book an ice climbing instructor or guide and for further information.
Cross Country Skiing
Try a gentler way of enjoying the mountains - cross country skiing. The peaceful charm of gliding through a silent landscape away from the crowds and along beautifully groomed flat trails whilst affording stunning valley views is a draw for many. A surprisingly exhilarating activity that although gentle, is actually the world's best aerobic fitness activity due to the simultaneous use of the arms and legs.
Cross country skiing is part of winter life in Vallorcine. The Piste de fond starts in the heart of the village and climbs gently up to Le Buet where it crosses L'Eau Noir and heads back down to the centre, passing through woodland, and meadows. Several times during the winter the village organises evening ski de fond when the pistes are lit with lanterns and everyone from novice to expert is encouraged to take part.
Chamonix has 75kms of beautiful, tranquil and well groomed cross-country trails offering an excellent choice of varied and picturesque circuits for all levels. Trails that start in Les Houches, gentle trails which link Chamonix with the village of Les Bois, or further up the valley enjoy the quietude of Argentière whilst skiing through pine forests, snow conditions permitting, these two areas are linked via the village of Le Lavancher. The trails are groomed for both classic cross country skiing and skating techniques.
Contact us to book a cross country skiing guide, lessons, or for further information.
Speed Riding
Speed riding is a new generation snow riding sport which blends skiing, parachuting and paragliding, offering the ultimate method of flying down a mountain and guaranteed excitement for all thrill-seekers. Speed riding is forbidden on piste and is only accessible to skiers confident in off piste conditions. An instructor or guide is advised when speed riding for the first time or in a new area for local knowledge of the right places, the right times, the hows and for some safety rules.
Contact us with your requirements to book a speed riding instructor or guide, or for further information.
Heliskiing And Heliboarding
Heli skiing has been seen as an unattainable dream for so long, but dream no longer... Thanks to its exceptional geographical location between Italy and Switzerland, Chamonix is a major centre for heli skiing from where you can reach a host of exciting destinations indulging in fresh powder and untracked descents.
The anticipation of your first heli drop is unbelievable - when the helicopter comes in to land, pull down your goggles to protect yourself from the incredible kick up of wind and snow. Prepare yourself for your breath being taken away and a maximum adrenaline rush as you climb aboard for your awesome experience. Within minutes after an effortless climb you are on the top of a mountain and ready to go! At around 3000m, without a single lift in sight and a 360 degree panorama of outstanding mountain scenery, you start to make your descent with your mountain guide, indulging in the most amazing, fresh, pure powder skiing or boarding. Dreams come true and this is one of those lifetime experiences not to be forgotten.
For day heli trips you get dropped off by helicopter in Switzerland or Italy (its not permitted in France) to ski the finest transalpine slopes of Val Veny, Cervinia, La Thuile and Val Grisanche, explore the mountains of the Valais in the areas around Trient in Switzerland or even Zermatt. Strictly for the advanced skier or snowboarder and is essential to have a guide.
Heli skiing/Heli boarding prices
One of the trips is to Val Veny, for the most phenomenal slopes and fresh powder riding in Italy. That'll be one to tell the guys back home!!!
- Val Veny - €295/person
Price includes two drops, bus transfer, safety equipment and lunch.
Contact us with your requirements to book your heliskiing trip, for personalised quotes to other heliski locations and for any further information.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is an ideal way to discover the local fauna and flora, footsteps peacefully muffled in the white winter cloak. Strap the lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet and walk effortlessly through deep snow, either on your own or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide who will allow you to explore the hidden parts of the valley and will share their knowledge and love of this winter landscape. You will get to go off the beaten track to discover mountain flora and fauna and follow animal footprints on these ½ or full day group outings and get the chance to learn the history of the valley. This is an ideal activity for poor weather conditions or for non-skiers - walkers and nature lovers will love these outings. Be sure to take energy bars and wear comfortable and warm boots.
Guide prices
Group hikes:
- ½ days - €40/person
- Full days - €60/person
- Evening trek (dinner included) - €69/person
- Mer de Glace glacier hike (full day) - €99/person
Private guides for up to 8 people:
- ½ day - €120
- Full day - €200
In all cases equipment is supplied. Contact us with your requirements to book a snowshoe outing with a guide or for further information.
Snowshoes and poles can also be hired from most sports shops but make sure you take a trail map and check the weather forecast before setting off on your own adventure.
Husky Dog Sledding
There is something quite magical about travelling by dogsled and little compares to the thrill and excitement of driving your own dog team through a spectacular winter wonderland. The dogs have an innate drive to pull the sled and require little care once running, leaving you free to enjoy the scenery and silence. With the accompaniment of qualified mushers, share the sensations of the transport of Inuits with their faithful companions the Siberian Husky or the Greenland Eskimo. With many activities (discovery, initiation into driving the team and sled, day and half-day trips, trapper evenings or trapper trips, entertainment...) available from December to April for adults and children from 8 years up, children under 8 can take rides in the back.
Prices from €65/person for sledge drivers.
Contact us with your requirements to book a husky dog sledding trip or for further information.
Mountaineering
Extreme or novice there are routes for everyone even up to the ascent of Mont Blanc. Chamonix is an area of outstanding natural beauty with much to offer the daring. Known as the birthplace of mountaineering and situated at the foot of Mont Blanc, it is hard to find another resort to rival Chamonix's mountaineering opportunities both in the summer and winter. Mountaineering is a general term that can be used to describe the actions of climbing, hillwalking and scrambling, although it is mostly used to describe the ascent of mountains of different stature, using various types and amounts of mountaineering equipment and is also known as alpinism. Expect activities such as rock climbing, winter climbing, ice climbing, cragging and other mountain expeditions. Mountaineering is not an exclusive sport and there are high-mountain routes to suit all levels of fitness and ability. Let yourself be tempted by an adventure in one of the most beautiful mountain ranges on earth and let a mountain guide lead the way.
Contact us with your requirements to book a mountaineering guide/instructor or trip, or for further information.
Walking And Hiking
Vallorcine is the gateway to many of the areas 350km of superbly maintained and well signposted walking and hiking trails, with 160 different itineraries offering many trails that allow avid hikers as well as beginners and families to enjoy the alpine scenery at its best. Explore the lower valley trails or gain altitude and trek higher through alpine pastures or in the rocky mountains. Hiking in and around Chamonix will give you everything the Alps have to offer with stunning, spectacular views, a charming, vibrant mountain town and fast access to trails in Switzerland and Italy.
See also:
Guided Hikes
Take a local guide to discover the secrets of the Mont Blanc Massif, mellow or off the beaten track, the choice is yours. Prices based on 5 - 12 people. Private guides also available.
- Half day - €20/person
- Full day - €33/person
Requirements: Suitable shoes, water, sun cream, sun glasses, weather resistant clothes.
Contact us with your requirements if you wish to book a group or private mountain guide.
Climbing And Abseiling
Rock climbing has become a sport with a dedicated following and once you have tried it, it's easy to see why. The rock climbing in the Mont Blanc massif and the Chamonix valley attracts climbers from all over the world as the choice is immense, with prestigious north faces, first rate mountain routes and easily accessible rock faces for amateur climbers and beginners.
Vallorcine has two easily accessible climbing areas suited to a range of abilities. The Maison des Guides in Vallorcine have all the local knowledge and experience to help you.
Exhilarating ascents and breathtaking descents are the order of the day as you harness up, hook up and get climbing! Accessible to anyone with good general fitness, rock climbing offers the ultimate physical challenge and each day on the rock is an opportunity for you to go beyond the skills you already have. You should push yourself each time and explore new and more difficult routes. Climbing gives an amazing sense of adventure and freedom and offers a breath-taking view of the beautiful nature and sceneries from a viewpoint that only climbers can have.
Experienced climbers will need no introduction to the limitless possibilities of the Mont Blanc Massif. You'll find that crags are usually equipped and mountain routes may be partially equipped but will usually have at least abseil points in place. Always take a guide book, try to plan your climb in the shade as it can get very hot in the summer and remember to bring water.
New climbers should start at Les Gaillands rock which offers a wide variety of easy to more difficult routes and is the site for most beginner and intermediate courses and instruction. Les Gaillands rock sits in a beautiful, green, wide open park area with nearby woods and is located opposite the Gaillands Lake, 2km away from Chamonix centre. There is also bouldering at the Col des Montets which is 10km from Chamonix, just before Vallorcine. The Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve offers ideal bouldering terrain with different sized granite blocks for climbing with and without ropes.
Whilst not a sport in its own right, Abseiling is a useful skill for climbers, as 'what goes up must come down', and descending a vertical sheer rock-face is always an exciting challenge for everyone!
Climbing guide
Rock climbing with an experienced, qualified guide. First time or a new challenge. All abilities welcome. Groups of 4 - 6 people.
- Half day - €49/person AM/PM
Requirements: Comfortable but not too loose clothes. Climbing shoes can be rented. Safety equipment supplied.
Courses and Children's lessons (5 yrs+) also available.
Contact us to book a climbing lesson, course or guide, or for further information.
Mountain Biking
Take your bike on the Vallorcine telecabine to La Tete de Balme to enjoy the many paths between Vallorcine village and Le Tour. There is also a fantastic 'black run' for the experts. The rest of the valley is laced with great, well maintained tracks.
The rest of the valley is laced with great, well maintained tracks with some amazing long descents and ascents. The summer lift system is perfect for gaining altitude, particularly if it's the downhill thrill you're after. The options are there for those who wish to enjoy a leisurely ride but the more experienced riders will, without doubt, get more out of the Chamonix valley as the riding is often technical and steep.
If you can't squeeze your bike into your luggage don't worry, they are available to hire in plenty of sports shops. Make sure you pick up a guide of the current seasons trails or book yourself a VTT guide who will take you to the best places for your ability and make sure you get the most out of your days riding.
Guided Mountain Bike Rides
Join a local guide for an introductory bike ride or a challenge in Chamonix valley.
Private guide:
- ½ day - €145
- Full day - €220
Groups (of 4 - 8):
- ½ day - €54/person
- Full day - €75/person
Requirements: Sports attire for the weather, water, etc. Bikes and helmets (included in group prices only)
Contact us to book a VTT guide or for more details.
White Water Rafting
Want to experience a wet and wild white water adventure? Then rafting is for you! Rafting is a team sport that can be enjoyed by all. In Chamonix, the large inflatable dinghy is guided down the River Arve by an experienced water sports professional with you as his crew. The Arve is a superb river for first timers and families wishing to experience the joys of rafting. The Giffre at Samoens is another local river, or further afield is the excellent River Dranse (between Morzine and Lake Leman) and in Italy, the terrifying Dora Baltea.
If you can swim - give it a go. It's a great, exciting and memorable experience!
Family Rafting
First time and family rafting in Passy on the River Arve, Class 2.
Half day - AM/PM/Early evening:
- Adults - €35/person
- Children - €25/person
Requirements: Swimmers, towel. Minimum 6yrs. 12 yrs = adult.
White Water Rafting
One of the best white water adventures in Europe!! Bring some energy for a great ride on the Dora Baltea River in Italy (Grade 4).
- Full day - €115/person
Requirements: Swimmers, towel and lunch. Motivation. Minimum 15yrs. Wet suit sizes!!
Contact us to book a rafting trip or for further information.
Hydroglisse/Hydrospeed
Body board the waves and eddies of the river Arve on this unforgettable trip down the Chamonix valley. Adorned in reinforced wetsuits, helmets and flippers and using a plastic float - be prepared for maximum fun and adrenalin whilst you white water sledge down the river.
Hydrospeed
Body rafting the rapids in Passy (Class 2). Superb fun!
- Half day - €45/person Best late afternoon
Requirements: Swimmers, towel, warm clothes. All other equipment provided. Minimum 12yrs and strong.
Contact us to book a hydrospeed trip or for further information.
Canyoning
This unique rock and water adventure takes place right here in Vallorcine. You will find yourself plunging down water-polished chutes and abseiling waterfalls - be prepared to get very, very wet as you climb, swim, slide and float through the spectacular and mysterious green worlds of sculptured rock and sparkling, crashing cascades.
If you haven't ever tried it before, you're in for a wild time. Let nature sweep you off your feet!
Canyoning Trip
Sliding, swimming, jumping and abseiling the course of a mountain river. Part and parcel for the most exciting summer water sport. Groups of 4 to 8 people:
- Half day - €65/person AM/PM
- Full day - €99/person
- Full day in Italy - €125/person
Requirements: Swimmers, towel and grippy wet shoes. Lunch for full day. Wet suit sizes! All other equipment provided. Minimum 8yrs.
Contact us to book a canyoning trip or for further information.
Canoe Rafting
Why not try riding the River Arve in a Canoe raft. Another river experience with guaranteed enjoyment and with the most spectacular mountain range back drop.
Canoe-Raft Trip
Experience the excitement of 2 man "Canoe-rafts" in Passy. You control your craft! Guided on a class 2 river.
- Half day - €35/person AM/PM/Early evening
Requirements: Swimmers and towel. Minimum 12yrs.
Contact us to book a canoe rafting trip or for further information.
Paragliding/Parapenting
The Chamonix region is the "mecca" of mountain flying, with its big thermals, eagles and spectacular glaciers and high peaks. Alongside cool nights and hot days, which results in powerful thermals and strong valley winds, all ensure the Chamonix valley's spot as one of the best flying areas in the world. The flying season generally starts in March and ends in October, peaking in May and June - but it is possible to fly all year long.
Paragliding, parapenting in French, is not hang-gliding and it's not parachuting although certain principles from each discipline are the same. A paraglider is an intricately stitched wing made from non-porous ripstop material. When inflated it forms a rigid structure with an aerofoil section which allows it to develop lift in the same way as any other wing. With a comfortable harness hanging below it and a pilot - hey-presto, the most portable flying machine ever invented. You can back-pack a paraglider, weighing only a few kilos, to a suitable mountain or ridge and experience the exhilaration of walking on air. Advances in design and modern materials make flights of many hours, covering considerable distances, a reality.
Why not discovered the freedom, exhilaration and sheer fun of these simplest of flying machines in this most spectacular location. Book a tandem flight with a qualified pilot or a course of lessons so you yourself can try flying solo!
If you're already an experienced paraglider pilot, you will appreciate the valley's lift system which provides easy access to the various take off points. Flying in the Chamonix valley necessitates a good knowledge of the environment, aerologic conditions and safe flying in thermic conditions.
Tandem Paragliding
Take a flight with our expert pilots. See the valley from the best vantage point. Exceptionally scenic or adrenaline fuelled, the choice is yours!
Launch from:
- Brevent(PlanPraz)/Plan d'Aiguille - €99
- Prarion/Flegere - €109
- Grands Montets - €169
- Aiguille du Midi Summit - €239
Requirements - Lift pass. Meet at the bottom of the agreed lift. Minimum weight requirement 30kg.
Contact us to book a tandem paragliding flight, a course of lessons, or for further information.
Hot Air Ballooning
There has never been a more stunning place to discover the joy of the oldest and most romantic form of aviation in the world than in the Mont Blanc mountain range drifting over France, Italy & Switzerland! The incredible feeling of time suspended whilst gently floating among some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in the world is a magical experience you will never forget.
Panoramic Balloon Flight
As you follow your shadow, the silence and beauty is overwhelming
- Half day activity including balloon preparation and inflation, 1h30 flight - €249/person
Requirements: Warm clothing, sunglasses.
Contact us to book a panoramic balloon flight, or for further information.
Helicopter Flights
Take to the air to experience the thrill of a helicopter flight and enjoy wonderful birds-eye views of the breathtaking peaks of the Alps, skimming over jagged ridges and hovering beside sheer granite cliffs. A real mystical once in a lifetime experience! Relax and cruise the sky getting unique views of the glaciers, ski slopes and some of the most prestigious peaks in the Alps, with a 10 minute discovery flights over the glacier, to 35 minute flights over the massif and of course the famous Mont Blanc. An experience never to be forgotten!
Helicopter Flights
A luxurious tour of the mountains for the best views of Europe. Flying from Argentière, enjoy views never experienced before. Minimum of 5 people required.
Tours:
- Les Drus, 10 mins - €69/person
- G.Jorasses, 15 mins - €99/person
- 3 Mt Blanc, 20 mins - €139/person
- MB Massif, 35 mins - €239/person
Prices based on 5 people in the helicopter.
Requirements: Normal clothes, sunglasses.
Contact us to book a helicopter flight, or for further information.