Chamonix — Things to do

There is almost too much to do in Chamonix. If you want a day off the slopes or just want some variation from the ups and downs of mountain pastimes, then your days will be just as full as those of your skiing or boarding chums.

Explore the great outdoors

Take a paragliding trip through the mountains with Fly Chamonix, if you have the courage it could be one of the most exhilarating days of your life! If you're looking for something a little less scary (only a bit) take the Monetenvers train up to the Mer de Glace where you can look inside ice-tunnels.

Sit back, relax and get pampered

There are a few options for spas. The Bachal - Hameau Albert 1er  and Deep Nature Spa are both listed on the Chamonix website but don't forget the trusty Richard Bozon Sports Centre which also offers a spa.

Burn off some of that cheese

There are countless opportunities to get physical off the hill – covered tennis courts, squash courts, an indoor climbing wall, swimming pool and weights rooms are all to be found. The main stopping place is the Richard Bozon Sports Centre which offers almost all of the above and ice skating and spas and saunas!

Activities for all the family

Head to the bowling alley where, if you get bored of rolling big balls down an alley, you can pop upstairs and putt little ones with a stick – otherwise called golf (indoor and crazy in equal measure).

Find out about Chamonix's history

Chamonix is a mountain town steeped in popular culture and history. Not only were some of the very first Alpine mountaineering expeditions launched from here but the town hosted the entire film crew for one of the worst James Bond films ever made – The World Is Not Enough. So head to the Musée Alpin to stock on answers to any Chamonix pub quiz; to the Espace Tairraz – Musée des Cristaux to see the permanent Crystal exhibition and temporary exhibits.

Try your chances at the Casino

If you've still got money to burn, or you're feeling lucky, head to the Casino de Chamonix and take your chances on the roulette wheel, at Blackjack or at Poker and then drown your sorrows / buy everyone a drink at the Café Royal afterwards. Over 18s only.