When skiing in Chamonix and Argentiere, there is a colour coded system to help people choose the best slope for their ability. The exact same system is used for the mountain biking trails – the easiest routes are labelled green for beginners, while red is for intermediate riders and black for advanced only.

Here are some of our favourite routes you should try out while you’re here in the valley.

Downhill Les Cerfs-Balme

For a thrilling downhill ride, look no further than this breezy route starting at 1850m. Take the Charamillion ski lift up to Le Tour, then freefall down to the bottom and enjoy the ride.

Level: Beginner

MTB Test Trail Les Planards

This challenging test trail starts at Les Planards and finishes at Les Mottets. The difficult uphill route is steep and takes over an hour to get up to Les Mottets. However, the scenery on the 35 minutes back to Les Planards is completely worth it.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Petit Balcon Nord ed Sud

These low altitude trails are perfect for the whole family to enjoy. There are many trails which loop together, so you can choose the length of your bike ride. These trails are well sign-posted and you don’t need to use any lifts to access them. Why not try the full loop of the north and south trails for a full morning or afternoon of riding?

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

MTB Red Trail Chamonix

This highly technical trail takes you from Chamonix to Tines in an exciting ride with tonnes of variation. Start at the Maison Nordique, bike through Les Tines and Les Praz through stunning scenery before returning to Chamonix via Bois du Bouchet.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

If you’re planning on a mountain biking activity during your stay in Chamonix, we can help you arrange bike hire – just let us know.

The post Top Mountain Biking Trails Around Chamonix and Argentiere appeared first on Marmotte Mountain.

Few options:

• Catch la Flegere gondola and go on main well maintained walking track to lac Blanc and then return on same track – (approx 2hrs each way – easiest route)
• Catch la Flegere gondola and then index chairlift and walk to lac blanc (a little scrambling involved) – then come back to la Flegere gondola on lower track (approx 2hrs each way)
• Catch la Flegere gondola and go on main track or Index chairlift track to lac Blanc and then continue straight ahead via lacs des Cheserys and down to col des Montets and onto le Buet train station (approx 3hrs) – then take train from le Buet train station back to les Praz / Flegere to pick up car.
• Catch la Flegere gondola and go on main track or Index chairlift track to lac Blanc and then continue to lacs des Cheserys and down to Argentiere (approx 3hrs) – this track requires a steady head as it involves downclimbing with ladders in parts.  Catch train/bus from Argentiere back to les Praz / Flegere to pick up car.

Note: continue 10 minutes from lac Blanc and you will find a quieter lake called lacs des Cheserys.  It is also very common to see many bouquetin on this hike.

Possible lunch spot:

*  Refuge du Lac Blanc

* Or better still, a picnic at lac Blanc or lacs des Cheserys

* Bottom of la Flegere cablecar at La Cabane

2. Aiguille du Midi mid station traverse to Montenvers Railway/Mer du Glace to Chamonix

• Catch cable car to top of Aiguille du Midi – check out amazing views / step into the void
• Download to mid station Plan de l’Aiguille and exit the cable car – do traverse walk to the top of the Montenvers Railway / Mer du Glace  – (approx 3hrs)
• Catch cable car down to Mer du Glace and visit the ice grotto thru and under la mer du glace.
• Catch Montenvers Railway train back to Chamonix

Full day – highly recommended that you leave early to miss the large queues at Aiguille du Midi (arrive 8am or earlier).

Possible lunch places:

* Refuge Plan de l’Aiguille – located just below mid station of Aiguille du Midi

* Or at top of Montenvers –  Grand Hotel Montenvers – Or Restaurant Panoramic

*Picnic on walking route or at lac Bleu

3. Le Buet -> refuge de la Pierre à Bérard (extension to summit Mont Buet)

• Drive / Train to hamlet of le Buet
• Park in train station of le Buet / opposite Hotel le Buet
• Cross road and pass Hotel le Buet and continue up into the canyon and Berard valley
• Pass Buvette de la Cascade de Berard – lovely spot for a refreshment
• Continue up to Refuge de la Pierre a Berard
• Approx 2hrs each way

*For those feeling strong and fit, there is the great possibility to continue the hike to the iconic peak of Mont Buet (3096m’s) – highest peak in the Aiguille Rouge – allow 8-12hrs round trip from le Buet train station to the summit of Mont Buet and back.

Lunch / Dinner spots

* Hotel le Buet – historical charming pub

* Buvette Cascade de Berard – lovely setting located at waterfalls

* Refuge de la Pierre à Bérard – beautiful mountain ambience

4. Le Brevent to lac Brevent and back to le Brevent via Refuge de Bellachat

• Catch the le Brevent gondola up to Plan Praz and then continue to the summit le Brevent on the cable car located at Plan Praz.  Great photo opportunities await.
• Walk down to lac Brevent – (approx 1hr15) – great spot to relax and refresh and picnic.
• Then loop back via Refuge de Bellachat – (approx 30 mins) – possibility for lunch / small refreshment
• Continue back along the ridge to the top of le Brevent (approx 45 mins) or make your way down to le Brevent parking (approx 3hrs).

Possible lunch spots;

* La Bergerie – Plan Praz

* Le Panoramique – Brevent

* Picnic at lac Brevent

* Refuge de Bellachat

5. Argentiere -> les Grand Montets -> Argentiere glacier -> Argentiere

• Catch les Grands Montets plan joran gondola up onto les Grands Montets domain.
• Traverse your way across the face of les Grands Montets in the direction of the Argentiere glacier (approx 1hr)
• Spectacular glacier views await your visit.
• Reverse your way back the same way that you came to the plan joran gonadola (approx 1hr) and download or take the walking path from mid staton of les Grands Montets back to Argentiere village (approx 2hr30).

Best lunch spot – Refuge de Lognan – spectacular views.

Or Cremerie du Glacier – best fondue in the Chamonix Valley.

Other topics of interest:

Click [here] for Four Easy Hiking Trails in Chamonix

Click [here] for The 5 Best Day Trips from Chamonix

Summer chalet accommodation options available here – Luxury Summer Chalets in Chamonix

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The Alpine region of Chamonix, nestled in the beautiful mountain scenery, offers something for everyone all year round. From adrenaline-fuelled water sports to relaxing with a spot of fishing or gentle hiking, there are plenty of activities to enjoy when staying in a Chamonix mountain chalet. Here are just a few to inspire you.

Cycling

Cycling in the Alps is pretty extreme, and Chamonix or surrounding areas are frequently a part of the Tour de France. If you’d like to give mountain biking a go, then you should be able to hire a suitable bike from a place in the town. Check out the difficulty of the route before you set off!

Water Sports

During the summer, Chamonix comes alive with exciting water sports which can be enjoyed in the fast running rivers and lakes in the area. Ride the rapids in canoes or on a special white water rafting float. Alternatively, find a canyoning guide and use the river as an obstacle course. You’ll have to plunge into deep waters, abseil down rocky descents and ride the river rapids – it’s great fun for all the family as long as you all have good swimming skills.

Bungee Jumping

Want to see the stunning scenery from another angle? Nearby in St Gervais, you can bungee jump off a very high bridge – if you dare! Not many people think of Chamonix as an adrenaline activity destination during the summer, but there is plenty to choose from.

Golf

If you’d prefer some relaxation on your holiday, then perhaps a round of golf would suit? The golf course here offers incredible views of Mont Blanc and other Alpine peaks, so let the scenery inspire you on the course.

Paragliding

Have you ever wanted to know how it feels to fly? Paragliding is very popular in Chamonix, and there are a number of companies which allow visitors to try a tandem paragliding experience. The instructor will steer the parachute as you glide from the mountaintops, so all you have to worry about is sitting back and enjoying the view!

Whatever you’d like to arrange for your mountain chalet holiday, we can help. We have plenty of local contacts and years of local knowledge to pass onto you!

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Are you ready to get wet and feel the rush of white water rafting this summer? Whether you’re a beginner and want to try a tame river or you’re craving an adrenaline packed experience, here are the options in the Mont Blanc mountain region.

Chamonix and Passy

If you’re not an experienced rafter or you have young children in your group, then you’ll want to try out the beginner rapids on the lower grade Dranse River. If you choose the Chamonix experience you should be able to walk to the starting point, and the excursion provider will drive you back in a minibus. Children 10 years and over can take part in the Chamonix rafting trip, but if you have younger children then you’ll have to book onto the Passy trip. This route is a little bit calmer and the gentle waters can be enjoyed by anyone aged seven or over.

Courmayeur

Rafting in Courmayeur is not for the faint hearted! You’ll ride the action packed waves on the Dora Baltea in Italy – one of the most powerful rivers in the Alps. Your guide will help you navigate the wild rapids of the river and enjoy the roller coaster, but you must be a good swimmer. Many white water rafting companies in Chamonix offer day trips to the Italian side of the Alps with transport included in the price. If you want to raft as a family, bear in mind that you must be at least 15 years old to raft the Dora Baltea.

Ready to ride the rapids? Book a luxury chalet with us and we’ll help you organise all your activities. In addition to white water rafting you can also try hydrospeed, canoe rafting and canyoning for an action-packed holiday!

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If you’re thinking of visiting this beautiful area of France this summer, then take a look at some of our favourite family pastimes.

Horse Riding

You can try horse riding all year round in Chamonix, but it’s truly special in the summertime when you can appreciate the green surroundings and sunny views. Trekking on horseback is extremely popular, or you can book a lesson for novice or confident riders. Let the children make a new friend!

Accro Park of Gaillands

The Accro Park is a family friendly adventure park which has exciting courses for all ages. The ticket includes a three hour stay, so you can try out all of the adventure courses until the kids are truly tired out! You don’t have to make a reservation but it is recommended for large groups and during the peak season.

Kayaking

During the summer, Chamonix comes alive with water sports. Why not try kayaking on one of the many lakes or rivers in the area, where the water is lovely and warm in August and September. You could also check out windsurfing on the lakes, or if your family craves an adrenaline rush then white water rafting is extremely popular.

Leisure Park Planards

Chamonix has a world class amusement park which is a must-visit for all families during the summer. It has plenty of activities and rides for all ages including a summer toboggan, chair lift, slides, trampolines and the exclusive Chamonix Luge – an alpine coaster which weaves through forests and meadows.

Aiguille du Midi

If the reason you’re visiting the French Alps is for the spectacular views, then you simply can’t miss the chance to ascend one of the highest mountain peaks by an aerial lift system. This mountain is part of the Mont Blanc massif and attracts half a million visitors every year. Board the Aiguille du Midi cable car in the centre of Chamonix and you’ll be transported to the top terrace at 3,842m. From here, you can also choose to ride the highest cable car in the world which connects France to Italy.

The view of the Alps is magnificent, and on a clear day you can see many mountains including the Matterhorn and the summit of Mont Blanc. There’s lots to explore up here, including a gourmet restaurant, the highest museum in the world and even a letterbox. Why not buy postcards from the souvenir shop and get the children to send it home to friends or grandparents?

If you’d like to arrange any of these activities just speak to our friendly team ahead of your holiday.

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