Chamonix is known for its world renowned skiing options in the Mont Blanc mountains. The most popular time to visit this beautiful town is during the winter time as that’s when the skiing options are open for customers. Although, it is very possible to visit during other times of the years and do some other activities. It is possible that you may not be interested in skiing and might be thinking is Chamonix worth visiting if I’m not skiing? That’s a good question.
If you do not want to go to Chamonix during the winter time or perhaps you do not want to ski, then there are a few alternative things for you to do.
Aiguille du Midi Cable Car
It is still possible to go up and down the mountain using the cable cars. There are multiple cable cars to use throughout the village to get up the mountain. However, the main one I would recommend is Aiguille du Midi Cable Car. This cable car allows you to get to a main viewpoint with a glass box to look out into the mountains. Make sure you wrap up warm, especially if you visit in the winter time.
Hiking
There are quite a few hiking options in Chamonix which can be done all year round. You may want to see the glacier, or perhaps you want to join a snow trekking tour which will take you walking through the mountains. This may be a safer option if you are not overly confident with hiking without a tour guide (especially in intense weather conditions).
As mentioned previously, you do not have to visit Chamonix in the winter. I went at the beginning of October which is considered out of season. This meant that there were limited activities to do because lots of the cable cars were closed. However, there was one cable car open which allowed us to do some hiking through the mountains. This was a peaceful activity that required a bit of fitness. There are a few routes to follow based on your fitness levels.
Miscellaneous activities
If you happen to go in winter, there are a few activities you can do in the snow which will allow you to enjoy the winter season. For example, you can do things like dog sledding/husky rides, or just sledding without the dogs. If you’re feeling a up for a bit of a challenge, you could also try ice climbing. Of course this will depend on weather and you will need to ensure you read up on it so you know what it consists of.
If you decide to go when it is not snowing and you’re not afraid of heights, try paragliding. When I was hiking, I saw several people do this activity. As someone who is terrified of heights, it was not an activity for me, but it did look quite fun for the adventure lovers out there. The best part is that it is an activity available during off-peak season too. On the more expensive side, there is also a helicopter ride available which allows you to go over the mountains and see Mont Blanc and Chamonix from a different angle.
Non-active activities
Now, if you have read this blog and you still aren’t sure if Chamonix is worth visiting because you’re not keen on active activities, then there are a several more things you can do. Firstly, Chamonix is a small village with a range of shopping options. Although a few of these are more catered to sports wear, there are still a few other options available. That being said, there are a lotttt of restaurants and cafe’s to try. If you happen to be travelling with family or friends, you can keep yourself warm drinking hot chocolate or coffee. There are also things like a cinema, yoga, swimming pools and a casino located around the village.
So to answer your question, yes, Chamonix is worth visiting, even if you do not go skiing.
If you are looking to visit Chamonix at least once in your life, then there are a few things to know. Firstly, check out this website. It provides information and booking options on some of the activities mentioned here. It should also tell you which routes are available and which cable cars will be open when you plan on going.
Please make sure you check the weather before you do go in order to pack the right items. When visiting Chamonix, you should also know that there is an information centre. This is a good place to go if you’d like someone to recommend some hikes or activities based on your preferences.
Written by Hannah 🙂
