Chamonix is probably best known for skiing, but you definitely don’t need to ski to have an amazing trip here. We visited in winter without setting foot on a pair of skis and still came away wishing we’d had much longer than one day.
Sitting at the foot of Mont Blanc in the French Alps, Chamonix has plenty to do throughout the year. You can take a cable car almost 4,000 metres into the mountains, step inside a glass box above the Alps, ride a bright red mountain train towards France’s largest glacier or simply spend some time exploring Chamonix itself.
On our trip we visited Aiguille du Midi, tried Step Into the Void, rode the Montenvers Railway and headed down to Mer de Glace, all during a day trip from Geneva. There were also plenty of things we didn’t have time to do and would love to go back for.
In this guide, I’ve put together 20 things to do in Chamonix, starting with the attractions we tried ourselves, followed by some of the places already on my list for our next visit. I’ve also included ideas for winter, summer, families and days when the weather makes heading into the mountains less appealing.
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Watch Our Chamonix and Geneva Itinerary
1. Take the Cable Car to Aiguille du Midi
If you only have time for one big attraction in Chamonix, I’d make it Aiguille du Midi. This was easily one of the highlights of our day.
From Chamonix, two cable cars take you high into the mountains to Aiguille du Midi at 3,842 metres. Even the journey up is incredible, with the views getting more dramatic the higher you climb.
Once you reach the top, there are several viewing terraces to explore with views across the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. We visited in February and had a beautifully clear day, with snowy mountain peaks in every direction.
One thing I wasn’t quite prepared for was how noticeable the altitude would be. We saw people struggling with dizziness and headaches, so this isn’t somewhere I’d rush around trying to see everything as quickly as possible.
We visited as part of our organised day trip from Geneva, which meant our cable car tickets had already been booked for us. That saved us having to sort them out at the ticket office when we arrived.
I’d allow at least two to three hours for the whole visit, with more time at busy periods. If you’re travelling independently, check the departure reservation requirements, operating dates and weather before booking. The operator doesn’t allow children under three and advises against visits for children under five, so it isn’t suitable for every family.
You can check the current arrangements on the official Aiguille du Midi website.
2. Step Into the Void
Once you’re at the top of Aiguille du Midi, you’ll also find one of its most famous attractions, Step Into the Void.
This glass box sticks out over the mountains, with clear glass beneath your feet and some pretty incredible views all around you. Looking down through the floor is another matter entirely once you’re actually standing inside it!
We had to put slippers over our shoes before stepping inside to protect the glass, and we only had a short amount of time in the box before it was the next person’s turn. There was someone there to take photos for us too, so we could get a decent picture together rather than trying to manage a selfie.
My son absolutely loved it and thought the whole thing was brilliant. I was very happy when my feet were back on solid ground, although it’s definitely an experience I’m glad I did and one we’ll always remember.
Step Into the Void is included with the Aiguille du Midi visit, subject to it being open. I’d treat it as part of that outing rather than something to book separately.
3. Ride the Montenvers Railway
Another one of my favourite things we did in Chamonix was taking the Montenvers Railway up towards Mer de Glace.
The bright red mountain train leaves from Chamonix and takes around 20 minutes to climb through the mountains. The journey itself is part of the experience, with some gorgeous views along the way.
A little tip from our trip is to try to sit on the left-hand side of the train on the way up for the views we enjoyed. On the journey back down, choose the right-hand side instead.
At the top you’ll arrive at Montenvers, where you can look out across Mer de Glace. From here, depending on what’s open and the ticket you’ve bought, you can continue towards the glacier and ice cave.
One thing worth knowing is that queues can take up more time than you expect. We found this out on the way back down, when the queue was huge and we ended up waiting around an hour before we could get on a train back to Chamonix.
If you’re visiting as part of a day trip or have something booked afterwards, I’d leave some extra time rather than rely on getting straight onto the next train.
Our return train tickets were included in our organised day trip. If you’re visiting independently, check exactly what your ticket includes, as you’ll want to distinguish between the train journey and any access to the gondola and ice cave.
4. Visit Mer de Glace and the Ice Cave
The main reason many people take the Montenvers Railway is to visit Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France.
From Montenvers, the gondola takes you down towards the glacier, with access onwards to the ice cave when it’s open. We visited in February and I loved this part of the day. Walking through tunnels carved into the ice was such an unusual experience, with sculptures and displays inside too.
On our visit, there were still steps to tackle after taking the gondola and, more importantly, we had to get back up them afterwards. Access arrangements can change as the glacier changes, so check the current route if steps or uneven ground could be an issue for your group.
I’d allow plenty of time for the whole experience. Between the railway, gondola, walking and queues, it can easily take up a good chunk of an afternoon. Our wait for the train back down meant we ended up with far less free time in Chamonix than we’d expected.
Despite that, I’m really glad we did it. Standing beside the glacier and then walking inside it made our day feel completely different from a normal city break.
5. Explore Chamonix Town
One thing I really wish we’d had more time for was simply exploring Chamonix itself.
We’d expected to have some free time during our day trip, but between Aiguille du Midi, the Montenvers Railway, Mer de Glace and the queues, most of our day disappeared. By the time we made it back down from the mountains, we didn’t have nearly as long in the town as we’d hoped.
Chamonix felt completely different from Geneva. In winter, you’ve got snowy mountains surrounding the town, Alpine-style buildings, cafés, restaurants and bars, and that proper ski resort atmosphere even if, like us, you haven’t come to ski.
I’d leave a few hours for wandering around, stopping for something to eat and enjoying being in Chamonix rather than racing between attractions.
This is one of the main reasons I’d stay here next time rather than visit for the day. We managed to see some of its biggest attractions, but I came away feeling we’d barely scratched the surface of the town itself.
6. Ride the Chamonix Alpine Coaster
One thing we really wanted to try but didn’t have enough time for was the Alpine Coaster at Chamonix’s Parc de Loisirs.
The coaster follows a track with twists and turns, and you control your own speed, so you can decide how brave you want to be. You can ride alone or share a sledge, subject to the age and height rules, which makes it worth looking at if you’re visiting with children or teenagers.
It operates in both winter and summer seasons, although I’d check the calendar rather than assume it will be running every day of the year.
This is definitely on our list for next time. My son would have loved it, and after seeing how much he enjoyed Step Into the Void, I suspect he’d be going around more than once.
7. Relax at QC Spa Chamonix
Now this is much more my kind of Chamonix activity. QC Spa Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has indoor and outdoor wellness areas, warm pools, whirlpools, saunas and places to relax with the mountains around you.
I think this would be particularly gorgeous in winter, when there’s snow on the ground and you’re sitting outside in a warm pool looking up at the Alps.
We didn’t have anywhere near enough time to fit a spa visit into our day trip, but it’s high on my list for when we return. It’s another reason I’d choose to stay in Chamonix rather than travel back to Geneva at the end of the day.
If you’re travelling as a family, children under 14 aren’t allowed into the spa and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Check the current spa admission information before booking.
8. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
Of course, we can’t have a list of things to do in Chamonix without mentioning skiing. The valley has several ski areas, so if that’s the main reason for your trip, it’s worth choosing your base around the slopes and lessons you plan to use.
We visited as non-skiers, so I can’t give you a first-hand review of the skiing. What surprised me was how much there was to do without it. Before our trip I’d mainly thought of Chamonix as a ski resort, whereas now I’d happily return for a few days in winter without planning to ski at all.
If skiing or snowboarding is your priority, I’d stay in the valley rather than use Geneva as a base. That would give you more time in the mountains without spending part of each day travelling backwards and forwards.
9. Go Paragliding over Chamonix
If Step Into the Void isn’t quite enough of a thrill, you can take things further and look at a tandem paragliding flight over Chamonix.
You fly with an instructor, with the route and experience depending on the weather and conditions. We didn’t try this on our trip, and I’m not entirely convinced you’d get me up there either. My son, on the other hand, would probably sign up without a second thought.
This is something I’d book with a reputable operator, checking the participation requirements and cancellation arrangements in case the weather isn’t suitable on the day.
10. Go Hiking in the Chamonix Valley
Chamonix isn’t just a winter destination. During the warmer months, there are walking and hiking routes ranging from gentler valley walks to much more demanding mountain trails.
This is another side of Chamonix we haven’t experienced yet, as we visited in February, but I’d love to return and see how different the valley feels without all the snow.
Some mountain lifts operate during the summer season too, making it possible to enjoy higher viewpoints without walking all the way up. That doesn’t mean every route from a lift station is an easy walk, so I’d choose the route carefully rather than assume the cable car has done all the hard work.
Check the trail, lift opening dates and mountain conditions before setting off. Our best time to visit Chamonix guide covers the seasons and the lift closure periods to consider before choosing your dates.
10 More Things to Do in Chamonix
These are further ideas to consider depending on the season and how long you have. We haven’t tried them ourselves, so I’d use them to build a shortlist and check the current local arrangements before making plans.
11. Go Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is worth looking at if you want to get out into the winter scenery without skiing. A guided outing can be a useful introduction, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with winter mountain conditions. I’d choose the route and guide around the group’s ability rather than head onto a summer walking trail in snow.
12. Look into Dog Sledding in the Wider Area
Dog sledding is another winter experience to investigate around the wider Chamonix area. Before booking, check the actual meeting point, how you’ll get there, snow conditions and how much time is spent on the sled. I wouldn’t assume an activity advertised for the region starts in Chamonix town.
13. Go Ice Skating
Chamonix’s indoor ice rink gives you something to do away from the mountain lifts and is worth keeping in mind if the weather changes your plans. Check the public skating sessions before turning up, as the rink’s opening hours aren’t necessarily the same as the times available for visitors to skate.
14. Visit the Mont-Blanc Museum
If you’ve seen older recommendations for the Alpine Museum, the attraction to look for now is the Mont-Blanc Museum. The former museum reopened under its new name in July 2026, with exhibitions exploring the area’s relationship with the mountains.
It would be a useful option for a day when you want a break from outdoor activities, although it also has seasonal closures. Check the official museum listing for the dates of your trip rather than rely on it as an always-open rainy-day backup.
15. Try Rock Climbing
Chamonix is closely associated with climbing and mountaineering, but you don’t need to plan a major Alpine expedition to try an introductory session. If this appeals, look for an experience with a qualified guide that specifically suits beginners and check the minimum age if you’re travelling with children.
16. Go Mountain Biking
During the warmer months, cycling is another way to explore the valley. I’d distinguish between a gentle ride and a mountain biking route before hiring anything, as the equipment, experience and terrain can be very different. E-bike hire may also be an option if you’d appreciate some help with the hills.
17. Take a Trip on the Mont Blanc Tramway
The Tramway du Mont-Blanc is another mountain railway in the wider Mont Blanc area and one I’d consider on a future trip. It’s separate from the Montenvers Railway and doesn’t start from the same station in Chamonix.
Check how you’ll reach its departure point and how far the train operates during your season. I’d treat this as a separate outing rather than squeeze it into the same day as all the central Chamonix attractions.
18. Go White Water Rafting
If you’re visiting during the warmer months, guided rafting on the River Arve is another activity to look at. The suitable age, conditions and level of difficulty depend on the trip, so compare the actual outing rather than choose purely on the price.
19. Try Canyoning
Canyoning is another option for the more adventurous, involving a mixture of moving through water, climbing, sliding and sometimes jumping or abseiling through a gorge. It wouldn’t be my first choice, but I can think of someone who’d volunteer immediately.
As with rafting, check the meeting point, experience requirements, minimum age and what equipment is included before booking.
20. Simply Enjoy the Mountains
You don’t have to spend money on an activity every hour you’re in Chamonix. Find somewhere for a drink, enjoy the mountain views and leave a bit of time without anything booked.
That’s probably the thing I’d change most about our visit. We had an amazing day, but I’d have liked time to sit down, take it all in and enjoy the town without thinking about the next departure.
How Many Days Do You Need in Chamonix?
You can visit Chamonix in one day, which is exactly what we did from Geneva. We fitted in Aiguille du Midi, Step Into the Void, the Montenvers Railway and Mer de Glace, but it was a very full day.
The biggest thing we missed was time to enjoy Chamonix itself. Queues at the mountain attractions took longer than we’d expected and left us with very little time to explore the town.
Next time, I’d stay for at least two or three nights. That would give us time for the main mountain attractions without rushing, an afternoon at the spa, the Alpine Coaster and plenty of time for food, drinks and wandering around.
If you’re visiting for skiing or planning several outdoor activities, you could easily stay longer. For a first sightseeing visit, one day can cover some of the highlights, but two or three days would give you more breathing room and some flexibility around the weather.
Best Things to Do in Chamonix in Winter
We visited in February and I loved seeing Chamonix in winter. Even as non-skiers, we had far more we wanted to do than we could fit into our day.
Aiguille du Midi, the Montenvers Railway and Mer de Glace were our main outings, with the snowy mountain scenery making the whole day feel special. Subject to opening dates and conditions, you could also look at snowshoeing, the Alpine Coaster or a few hours warming up at QC Spa Chamonix.
If I returned in winter, I’d leave room in the itinerary to move the mountain outings around. A clear day makes a difference to those views, and I’d rather have some flexibility than put everything on one date and hope for the best.
Our guide to when to visit Chamonix explains more about the seasons and why checking lift closures matters.
Best Things to Do in Chamonix in Summer
Although we visited in winter, I can see the appeal of returning in summer. You have a different range of activities to consider, including hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, rafting and canyoning.
Aiguille du Midi and the Montenvers Railway aren’t exclusively winter attractions either. They can form part of a summer visit too, subject to their operating schedules and the conditions on the day.
I’d love to combine a few days in Chamonix with a longer trip through the French or Swiss Alps. It would give us time to see a different side of the valley without trying to squeeze everything into another day trip.
Planning Your Chamonix Trip
Geneva is a useful starting point for Chamonix, with direct airport buses and transfers generally taking around 90 minutes when road conditions are straightforward. Allow longer when traffic or weather affects the route.
Our Geneva to Chamonix transport guide covers the options in more detail. You can also compare bus journeys once you know your dates.
If you’re combining both destinations, our three-day Geneva and Chamonix itinerary shows the exact trip we did, including our day at Aiguille du Midi, Step Into the Void, Montenvers and Mer de Glace.
For a longer stay, you can compare accommodation in Chamonix. I’d look at the location as carefully as the room price, particularly if you aren’t bringing a car.
The Chamonix Tour We Booked
We booked an organised day trip from Geneva, which made fitting the main attractions into one day straightforward in terms of tickets and transport. It was still a busy day, and the queues meant we had less free time than we’d hoped.
Check the exact option before booking, as tours can offer different combinations of transport, cable car tickets and the mountain railway. I’d make sure the attractions you want are included rather than assume every Chamonix day trip covers the same things.
You can browse Chamonix tours and activities here. Our code BUILDABREAK5 gives 5% off eligible bookings through the GetYourGuide app, subject to the offer’s terms.
Compare more Chamonix activities and availability.
FAQs About Things to Do in Chamonix
Is Chamonix worth visiting if you don’t ski?
Absolutely. We visited in winter as non-skiers and still didn’t have enough time to do everything we wanted. Aiguille du Midi, Step Into the Void, the Montenvers Railway, Mer de Glace, the Alpine Coaster and the spa give you plenty to consider without skiing.
I’ve shared more about what we liked, what we’d change and whether we’d go back in our is Chamonix worth visiting guide.
What are the best free things to do in Chamonix?
Exploring the town and enjoying the surrounding mountain views would be my starting point. You don’t need a mountain lift ticket to appreciate the setting, and suitable valley walks can give you another way to enjoy it without paying for an organised activity.
The key is choosing a route that suits the season and conditions. I wouldn’t treat a snowy mountain path as an easy free alternative just because it appears on a walking map.
Is Chamonix good for families?
There are plenty of options for children and teenagers, including the Alpine Coaster, mountain railway and indoor skating sessions. My son particularly loved Step Into the Void.
Check each activity’s age and height restrictions before building your itinerary. Aiguille du Midi has specific restrictions for young children, while QC Spa doesn’t admit under-14s, so the same shortlist won’t suit every family.
What can you do in Chamonix when it rains?
The ice rink, museums and spa are options to investigate, depending on opening times and who you’re travelling with. The Mont-Blanc Museum has seasonal closures, and the spa has an age restriction, so I’d check your backup plan in advance.
Poor weather can also affect lift operations and mountain visibility. If you’re staying for several days, keeping the clearest day available for the main viewpoints would make sense.
Is Chamonix expensive?
Mountain lifts, activities and accommodation can add up, but we found food and drink noticeably cheaper than Geneva. During our trip, we paid around £22 in Chamonix for a panini, cake, coffee, wine and hot chocolate, while two basic meals and two bottles of water in Geneva cost us around £60.
Those are examples from our own trip rather than current menu prices, but the difference stood out. I’d choose the paid activities you most want to do, check what each ticket includes and leave time to enjoy the town without paying for something every hour.
Can you visit Aiguille du Midi and Mer de Glace in one day?
We did both during our day trip from Geneva, so it is possible when the attractions are operating and the timings work. It was a busy day, though, and our wait for the return Montenvers train reduced the time we had left in town.
If you’re travelling independently, check the reservations, last departures and current opening arrangements before trying to combine them. I’d avoid adding another timed activity immediately afterwards.
More Chamonix Travel Guides
Our three-day Geneva and Chamonix itinerary shows how we combined both destinations, including what we fitted into our Chamonix day trip.
For transport planning, read how to get from Geneva to Chamonix, covering buses, transfers and the different options to compare.
Before choosing your dates, check the best time to visit Chamonix for seasonal differences and lift closures.
If you’re still deciding whether it’s the right destination, our honest Chamonix review covers what we enjoyed as non-skiers and what we’d do differently next time.
