Chamonix trekking

The Chamonix valley offers over 350km of well maintained diverse hiking trails that suit families and elite hikers of all ages. Forests encompass Chamonix’s lower valleys satisfying children’s hiking ability while the demanding high mountain trails can be accessed via the lift network which offer high altitude and fabulous panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Click here to view our Chamonix Holidays rental properties available.

If you don’t feel like beginning the trek on foot from your holiday accommodation you can always take the train or bus (link to local services within location) to the trail head. Chamonix Holidays recommends the following hiking trails:

Chamonix is the starting point for the famous Tour Du Mont-Blanc trail which climbs and crosses 3 countries: France, Italy and Switzerland and lasts between 7 and 10 days, averaging 5 hours walk daily, gaining altitudes between 800m and 1000m. You will find everything that you are looking for including tremendous mountain scenery, alpine pastures, glaciers, passes and elevated routes.

One of the most beautiful walks easily accessed by the Flegere cablecar is Le Lac Blanc. Start from the Flegere lift station in the town of Le Praz and ascend to the top of the Index. Follow marked trails for approximately 1hr15min covering unique panoramic facing Mont Blanc.

For a steady climb or descent over 1250m you can join the the Petit Balcon Sud walking trail from different towns in the Chamonix valley. The trail runs from Argentiere all the way to Servoz climbing and ascending gently along the river L’Arve, in and out of the forest.

The Grand Balcon Nord is a higher altitude walk offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. It is a superb Chamonix hike linking two of the most famous spots of the valley, Plan de l’Aigulle 2310m and Montenvers 1913m, whilst being dominated by Chamonix’s majestic “Aiguilles”.

The Vallon de Berard is a beautiful place to walk with the whole family. This is a gentle Chamonix hike follows the river up the valley and passes a waterfall right at the start. The hike is 1h45 to the Refuge Pierre a Berard. Trail heads can be found in the village of Le Buet. As part of the Aiguille Rouge reserve and it is not rare to see bouquetin, chamois and marmottes. If you are looking for a more challenging hike, continue on after the refuge up to Le Buet (3096m). The hike continues on for about 3h45 after the refuge. The views from the top are spectacular.

The historical Haute Route - Chamonix to Zermatt (the Matterhorn) is a spectacular and demanding summer hike in the French and Swiss Alps, walking from Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland in 10 to 12 days.
The route passes through the centre of both the French and Swiss Alps meandering through green alpine valleys with flower-covered meadows and picture-book villages as well as crossing glaciers and towering snow-capped peaks!

Chamonix and The Alps contain endless possibilities when it comes to hiking. Visit our Day Trips section to see a few options for those of you on holiday that have a bit more time to explore and are looking to do a tour out of the Chamonix valley. Each of the following areas is under an hour car ride from Chamonix and well worth the trip!

TIPS FOR HIKERS:

Remember to take lots of water and sunscreen with you when out hiking in the mountains. For high Chamonix alpine hikes; sunglasses and a hat really help to keep you cool when the sun is out, but it can cool down very quickly so take some extra layers. Please be considerate of the surrounding environment, picking up your rubbish after you and the quieter that you are the more wild animals you will see!
For other suggestions and ideas visit the ‘Summer hiking in Chamonix’ of the Chamonix Tourist Office.

Mont Blanc Wanderings by Natalie Jennings:
Spectacular hikes from the Chamonix valley

For a great trail guide to use on your holiday we recommend Natalie Jennings’ ‘Mont Blanc Wanderings’.