My family and I loved spending a few winter days in Chamonix. There are so many activities to do when visiting whether you’re an avid outdoorsy person or looking for fresh air with beautiful sights. I highly recommend the Planpraz Gondola and Brévent Cable Car. For a decent price, it’s an amazing view of the valley. If you want a spectacular view at 3842 metres over the mountain range, head up the Aiguille du Midi. You won’t regret it! This region offers lots of downhill skiing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing if you want to exercise in this beautiful landscape. Enjoy walking in the snowy streets while eating pastries. You’ll be in France after all! Markets have various foods to eat and gifts to bring back with you. Have an awesome time exploring this charming town!
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Planpraz Gondola and Brévent Cable Car
Photo credit: Carole Ross
To see beautiful views of Chamonix and the valley, head up the gondola to Planpraz at 2000 metres followed by the Brévent cable car reaching 2525 metres. Access the Brévent cable car at 29 rue Henriette d’Angeville 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.
You’ll find the viewing platform showcasing the towering mountains and breathtaking views. It was a stunning spot to take pictures and spend time with family. I would have loved to bring Kris here but it was before I met him.
Round-trip ticket for adults is 39.50 Euros. It will take you approximately one hour and a half to have this experience from start to finish.
Photo credit: Carole Ross
Panoramic views can be seen at the restaurant’s summit if you want to sit down and eat a meal.
Tip: Try to go on a blue sky and sunny day to maximize your experience to see as much of the valley as possible. When it’s cloudy, your view might not be as magnificent. If it’s too windy the gondola and cable car don’t run.
If you want to go higher and reach 3842 metres, Aiguille du Midi is right across the valley from this location.
Argentinière Downhill Skiing
Photo credit: James Ross
When heading to Argentinière downhill skiing, you’ll be offered a nice variety of runs making it a fun day of skiing. Rent your skis from Intersport in Chamonix. They offer a variety of prices based on the number of days you need the equipment. It will cost you 71 Euros per adult for one day of skiing for the 2024/2025 season. A six-day pass is available if you want to ski all week. Here is more ski pass information to check out.
Get in shape by going downhill skiing at Lake Louise. This is a wonderful ski hill in Alberta to practice a variety of runs throughout the day and build your stamina for your trip to France.
Aiguille du Midi
Do you dare take a cable car to 3842 metres? The views are spectacular!
Tip: The gondola is high up. If you’re scared of heights, don’t look down or outside the gondola as this could weaken your knees. Distract yourself by talking to someone as I did. It helps pass the time and gets your focus off the steepness and height of the ride.
Photo credit: Carole Ross
After getting off the cable car, a bridge connects the initial outdoor viewing platform with a secondary viewing space. This site provides more info about Aiguille du Midi including day shutdown notices due to high winds. A reservation is necessary to head up the mountain. There are many viewing points including a glass platform to look down, if you dare! I wasn’t brave enough to try.
Explore Aiguille du Midi with a guide to get in-depth knowledge and stories about the glaciers. This will help you better understand what mountains you’re looking at and ensure you see all the different viewing platforms.
Many tunnels through the snow and ice can be explored. Skiers can be watched taking flight from the top of Aiguille du Midi for backcountry skiing.
Tip: You need to be an expert skier if you want to ski there.
Breathtaking Cross-Country Skiing
If you love cross-country skiing and it’s a favourite pastime like me, you’re in luck! Why not try it while exploring winter in Chamonix? They have sixty kilometres of Nordic skiing offered in Chamonix and the neighbouring mountains. The one-way trails are track set for skate and classic skiing. You can see beautiful views of the snowy mountains and scenery providing awesome conditions. The passes can be purchased at one of the lodges. They are open from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Depending on where you start, you might be required to take a gondola to the higher skiing region.
Rentals are available at Intersport. The price starts at $33 for a two-day rental and goes up to $88 for seven days if you want to rent them for the week.
Snowshoeing in the Chamonix Valley
Have you ever thought of snowshoeing in Chamonix? There’s a three-hour mountain excursion with a guide to view snowy peaks. They have a morning option that leaves at 9 A.M. or an afternoon trip that departs at 1 P.M. for $85. You’ll be in a small group of eight people. You’ll be transported to your snowshoeing location for an enjoyable outing to explore the area. If you’re crunched on time, it’s the perfect trip to discover a new place outdoors and meet other travellers.
Magical Winter Walks in the Snowy Streets of Chamonix
Photo credit: Carole Ross
This town has so much character making it peaceful to walk in the snowy winter streets of Chamonix. The architecture of different buildings will keep you mesmerized on your wonderful stroll. The river runs through the town allowing you to capture picturesque landscapes. It’s a very quaint place to explore.
Check out Romantic Winter Jasper Hikes for more time in the snow.
Delicious Pastries
When in France, buying pastries is a must! You can’t go wrong with picking any of them. They are all so delicious! Some have cream, while others have chocolate or berries. Sometimes, there’s a mix of everything, which makes it even better! You might need to save and allocate money to pastries beforehand to allow yourself to indulge in a few treats throughout your trip. Enjoy the scrumptious pastries while walking in the winter wonderland in Chamonix!
Outdoor Market
The market offers a variety of items such as loaves of bread, fruits and veggies. You can make the traditional charcuterie board with cheese, meets and wine or pick up food for your home-cooked meals. Clothes, souvenirs and gifts can be purchased to bring home with you. It’s a pretty walk in the middle of the mountains exploring different booths while getting a bit of exercise and fresh air. Bring a bit of cash to spoil yourself with dessert or a present.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready for your epic winter trip to Chamonix? How many pastries are you planning on eating? Can’t wait to eat fresh bread, cheese and meat paired with wine? Don’t forget Chamonix also has amazing adventures for you to embark on. Test your fear of heights and go on the clear viewing platform at Aiguille du Midi! Ride on the Brévent Cable Car for a close-up view of the valley. Experience the vast mountains for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Walk along the river and explore the scenic town for a breath of fresh air and tranquillity. Plan an unforgettable holiday for you and your partner!
Additional Links
- Guide to Downhill Skiing in Avoriaz, France
- Cross-Country Skiing La Féclaz
- 11 Best Outdoor Adventures in France This Summer
- Unexpected Hike to Nocelle: Wonderful Outcome
- Unforgettable Hiking Holiday in Bolzano
Chamonix Trip Resources
- Book flights with Expedia
- Book your hostel with Hostelworld.com
- Book your hotel with Booking.com or Hotels.com
- Book your vacation rental with Vrbo
- Book your Accompanied half-day tour at Aiguille du Midi with Manawa
- Book your Self-Guided Chamonix with Aiguille du Midi with Tripadvisor
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