The Chamonix valley and surrounding areas offer a wealth of summer activities.

There is a wide variety of sporting activities available in the local area, and both chalets are ideally placed for taking advantage of these. The following provides details of some of the sports and activities available but is by no means exhaustive!

Walking and Hiking

Chalet L'Avant Poste is situated at the start of the renowned "Tour de Mont Blanc", the hike that takes you right around Mont Blanc, leading you through France, Italy and Switzerland

Chalet des Islouts is a few minutes walk from the woods and Gaillands Lake and climbing area, and so is perfectly situated for gentle walks on level ground.

There are many shorter walks you can do in both local areas and in the summer the cable cars are open so you can avoid the steeper ascents and start your route at altitude!

Tennis and Squash

There are tennis clubs in both Les Houches and Chamonix, offering summer courses for adults and children, and courts may be hired by the hour. Squash courts are available in Chamonix

Swimming

Chamonix has a superb sports centre with a waterslide, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a pool for non swimmers.

There are several lakes in the area where you may swim or windsurf whilst enjoying the magnificent mountain views. These are only a short drive away at Passy.

Golf

Chamonix has a superb 18 hole golf course with both practice and putting area. Golfers can book tee times and during the golfing season (May to November) there are also several group courses for those wishing to improve their game. Individual private lessons can also be arranged.

Mountain Biking

Both chalets are in great locations for mountain biking. Equipment may be hired locally and there are many marked cycle tracks in the area. For those not keen on cycling uphill, bikes may be taken on many of the cable cars and you can enjoy the thrill of the descent!

Climbing

Chamonix and Les Houches both have indoor climbing walls but for those who prefer climbing outside, there are several climbing schools that are equipped for climbers of all levels. The Chamonix Valley and its mountains are well known around the world for their varied climbing routes and whether you enjoy the challenge of climbing a rock face, or of mountaineering, the choice of routes is enormous. Within driving distance there are several via Ferratas which may be tackled with very little previous experience, although we recommend that you enlist the services of a guide.

Parapenting

The Valley offers many take off points, most of them accessible by cable car, and there are several schools offering courses at beginner through to advanced level. The views are nothing short of breathtaking!

Canyoning

For the uninitiated, this involves walking, scrambling, jumping and abseiling down river beds, waterfalls and gorges, and is great fun. Equipment may be hired and we can organise the services of a local guide.

White Water Rafting

In Chamonix and nearby Passy there are organised rafting opportunities for all levels including beginner.

Other summer activities

In both Chamonix and Les Houches there are various other activities available. Facilities include pony trekking, summer sledging, tree adventure trails, skateparks and picnic areas to name but a few. Cable cars are open generally from May through to the end of September during which time you can use the lift systems to reach mountain restaurants and sites of natural beauty.

The Aiguille de Midi lift takes you to 3800m (13800 ft) where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain peaks. A funicular railway takes you from Chamonix to the "Mer de Glace" which is a huge glacier with an ice cave carved into the glacier for visitors to enjoy.