Skiing on and off the slopes
Chamonix is one of the largest ski areas in France: skiers of all levels will find happiness there with green to black slopes. At the departure of the cable car fromAiguille du Midi (over 3,800 meters above sea level), also do the downhill skiing ofthe Vallée Blanche with more than 20 km of slopes with 2,000 meters of altitude difference: it is a mythical off-road itinerary for all experienced skiers staying in the Chamonix Valley. Discover the glacial universe of high mountains, and evolve with high mountain guides on glaciers at the foot of the Mont Blanc Massif. Slide on the Mer de Glace with a panoramic view of Aiguilles de Chamonix To theAiguille Verte.
The environment of the Chamonix Valley
An exceptional natural setting, the Chamonix Valley includes a multitude of varied and breathtaking landscapes: eternal snow, glaciers, mountain pastures, forests, high-altitude lakes, wetlands, etc. All the Communes of the Valley are surrounded by greenery and vegetation. This is why these communities very quickly became aware of the particular nature of their environment, but also of its fragility and of the need to protect it in order to preserve it. La Community of Municipalities is therefore implementing numerous actions aimed at reconciling environmental protection, human activities and tourism, and public awareness.
This includes the protection, management and enhancement of the natural areas of Chamonix Valley with its partners: more than 90% of the territory is affected by these measures. La Chamonix Valley has 3 nature reserves: the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve (3,279 hectares), the Vallon de Bérard Nature Reserve (540 hectares) and the Carlaveyron Nature Reserve (598 hectares).
The Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley summer and winter
The valley in winter
La Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley is an area that shines globally in the imagination of skiers, snowboarders and winter hikers. Thanks to the magical atmosphere of snowy villages, it is possible to take a contemplative stroll to reconnect with nature or even do a sporty glide to let off steam in the fresh air. The Domaine des Grand-Montets offers steep slopes while the areas of Brévent and Flegère are bathed in sunlight. All with a view of the roof of Europe to achieve a Paragliding flight Tandem from Planpraz!
Fan of speed? Get timed on the Chavanne track and compare your result to the slalom area at Domaine Balme-Vallorcine. This area has gentler slopes, perfect for all levels. In Les Houches, families of skiers and hikers will easily find what they are looking for.
The valley in summer
It is also quite possible to spend your summer in the Chamonix Valley with numerous sporting and cultural activities at the end of the day. Hiking, trail running, paragliding, climbing, climbing, mountaineering, mountaineering, mountain biking, water sports, golf or tennis: stimulate your body in an exceptional setting and discover the unique heritage of the valley thanks to exhibitions and concerts. Les Communes of the Valley are animated by multiple events in spring and summer to bring the territory to life. Whether you are looking for rejuvenation or physical challenge, it will be an unforgettable vacation.
Mont-Blanc on the French side
Impossible to get to the Chamonix Valley without taking the time to visit the surroundings of Mont-Blanc on the French side! This geographical area includes some of the most beautiful natural sites in France, including:
- Annecy, the little Venice of the Alps : admire this magnificent lake with blue-green waters and the canals of the old town, all in charm and authenticity. Annecy Castle overlooks the city and houses a Museum of Contemporary and Regional Art. Around the lake, stroll around the marina and don't forget to cross the Pont des Amours.
- The Mont-Blanc country : between the Aravis massif and the Fiz chain, discover small authentic villages with breathtaking panoramas in the background. Plaine-Joux offers you a panoramic view, with the famous “Baroque Trail”.
- Lake Geneva : Thonon-les-Bains is a must in the Chamonix Valley, with multiple tourist monuments including the Castle of Ripailles and the Castle of Sonnaz. The spa town of Evian-les-Bains also allows you to discover the Villa Lumière (former property of the Lumière Brothers) and the Palais Lumière. Finally, the fortified village of Yvoires is ranked among the most beautiful villages in France.
- The waterfalls of the Haut-Griffe Valley : near the Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve in Haute-Savoie, discover the Haut-Gioffre Valley with renowned natural sites. The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval is a trail with around thirty waterfalls, including the majestic Cascade du Rouget.
