Hiking, Walking and Trekking from Chamonix-Mt Blanc
The all Chamonix Valley is beautiful walking country with clear, clean air, dark pine forests, gleaming glaciers and soaring rocky peaks.
Lightweight boots and shorts are sufficient. Waterproofs are essential and trekking poles useful. Don't forget sunglasses and skin and lip protection. Always carry drinking water and make sure to check chamonix.net for the weather forecast.
If you're looking for a guide or for someone that could show you the Chamonix Valley in all detail, you should contact one of the International Mountain Leaders. They are fully qualified to take you wherever you want.
Walks are well signposted and accessible either from the valley floor or by cable car (open usually from 15th June to September). Click here for lift information.
Beware of patches of old snow, especially early in the season. In some instances an ice-axe and crampons may be useful; take local advice or check with chamonix.net.
Flip through the following sections to learn about the famous Tour of Mont Blanc and the equally famous Haute Route trek all the way to Zermatt.
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Valley WalksTour of Mont BlancHike the Haute RouteFurther a fieldAiguilles Rouges
Experience wonderful one-day walks.
Use the cable cars to start your hike in the Aiguilles Rouges, around Le Tour or under the Chamonix Aiguilles.
Explore the forests in the valleys or trek higher through alpine pastures or in the rocky mountains.
The famous circumnavigation of the Mont Blanc massif: hiking through Italy, Switzerland and France - 3 different countries, cultures and food! - 8 to 10 days.
Haute Route - Chamonix to Zermatt via mountain huts and valley hotels.
Follow the historical Haute Route from Mt Blanc to the Matterhorn.
If you are a hiker, this a really interesting route. Be sure to take a guide to be safe on the glacier crossings. Although called the "Hikers' Haute Route" or the "Walkers' Haute Route," hiking the Haute Route is just one step below climbing. You will traverse many beautiful mountain passes still covered in snow, even during the summer.
The Alps contain endless possibilities when it comes to hiking. Here are a few options for those of you that have a bit more time to explore and are looking to do a tour out of the valley for a day. Each of the following areas is under an hour car ride from Chamonix and well worth the trip!
St. Gervais - Great lakes and a breathtaking gorge.
Les Contamines - 360 views of the Alps, stunning hamlets.
Take the Mt Blanc Express (direction Martigny) and get off at Les Marecottes in Switzerland.
Have a look round the zoo and take a walk. In the Swiss railway
stations there are free copies of a booklet of suggested walks "Les
Sentiers de l'Evasion". Remember to take your passport!
Another beautiful trek that you can do in the Chamonix area is the Tour des Aiguilles Rouges.
This trekking offers you amazing views of the Mont Blanc. It's a wonderful place that can be enjoyed by trekkers of all ages.
The Aiguilles Rouges natural reserve is a sanctuary close to the Mont Blanc.
