Raining? Can't head to one of Chamonix's great climbing spots or just want to get a bit of practice and work those muscles? Chamonix (Les Houches) is the home to one of the largest climbing walls in France.
There are three climbing walls in the valley as well as a nice one in Megeve.
Les Houches Climbing Wall
Mont Blanc Escalade opened in Nov 2000. This is the Chamonix Valley's premier public climbing wall. Located in Les Houches, Zone Artisanale de Trabets. Constructed and designed by "Atelier d'Architecture Martin and Associes Belgique". This Belgian company has built several quality walls in Europe. 1,000 sq m of climbing surface area, routes up to 16m high. 9m overhang, corners and slabs to suit everyones ability. Leading walls and top roping. Adjacent to the bouldering area is a specifically designed childrens' climbing wall. Every Tues & Thurs Courses for children. Contact the wall for details. There are changing room facilities, showers and a refreshment area. All the equipment required can be hired.
Opening times: Mon, Weds and Fri: 2.00pm to 10.00pm Weekends: 10:00 to 10:00pm Group sessions: 10:00 to 2:00pm Tuesdays & Thursdays: 12:00 to 10:00pm Bad weather days: 10:00 to 10:00pm Tel: 33 (0) 4 50 54 76 48 Fax: 33 (0) 4 50 54 76 49
Chamonix Climbing Walls
E.N.S.A. wall : Open three evenings a week during winter only (membership required with the local Club des Sports)
Chamonix Sports Centre (Bouldering Wall) Situated in the Centre Sportif Richard Bozon. Entry costs 4 euros to this small and well-designed room of 180m² with 800 holds. It's a good place to meet local climbers of all nationalities. A swim will cost you more. Showering facilities available. Opening times 2 - 8pm (6 days) and 2 - 9pm (fridays). but it closes 1st to 29th May and mid-September to mid-October.
Megeve Climbing Wall
Megeve Sports Centre Leading Wall: This nice wall is at one end of a typical sports and badminton hall. Just enter the "Palais des Sports", walk to the end, turn left across the bridge by the Ice-rink and then go downstairs and start climbing. Someone will come round and collect 4,60 euros every few hours. A 40 min drive from Chamonix.
Opening times: It's open every day from 2.30 - 6.30pm in season. Out of season it opens every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
