Looking for the best things to do in Chamonix in spring? Well, look no further. After visiting Chamonix in early June, I quickly realized that planning a spring trip with summer to do lists just doesn’t work too well. I created this complete guide to not only provide you with the best things to do in Chamonix specifically tailored to spring, but to help you get a clearer picture of what spring in Chamonix really looks like.
Nestled at the foot of the famous Mont Blanc, Chamonix, France offers boundless adventures year-round! While summer sees its largest crowds, spring brings unique conditions that are more than worthy of exploration.
After planning my early June trip to Chamonix using summer guides, I quickly realized upon arrival that the lingering winter conditions required me to pivot my itinerary completely. Luckily, there are just as many awesome and adventurous things to do in Chamonix in spring. You just need the right lists and expectations!
In this guide, you’ll find all the BEST things to do in Chamonix in spring, including a month-by-month breakdown and other useful tips to maximize your early season visit!
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Spring Weather in Chamonix
Spring in Chamonix brings changing weather conditions as the town transitions from winter sports to summer activities. The melting snow and varied terrain mean activities shift significantly from month to month.
Early in the season, you may be able to enjoy some skiing at the higher-elevation ski resorts. Meanwhile, hiking emerges as an option on the lower trails where the forests begin to awaken. Precipitation wanes through the progression of spring and by June, some of the summer activities start to come into fruition.
Chamonix in April:
April is a huge transitionary month in Chamonix. Above 1500 metres, winter remains, however, the valley starts to defrost with temperatures ranging between 1 – 10 degrees. April is a great time to visit Chamonix if you are looking for some end-of-season skiing, sunny breaks on the resort terraces, and ski touring off the beaten track.
Chamonix in May:
May in Chamonix becomes bright and colourful as the wildflowers start to bloom in the valley. Temperatures increase and start ranging up to 15 degrees Celcius. You’ll also find more and more hikes becoming available at lower elevations.
Chamonix in June:
June is an interesting month in Chamonix as summer starts to peak through. There are plenty of low-elevation hikes available and some of the higher-elevation hikes might start to open throughout the month. Temperature highs start to average about 18 degrees and can reach upwards of 20 if you’re lucky. Mid-June is when the summer lifts start to open to take you higher in the mountains, although this can vary sooner or later depending on the snow melt. This is the ideal spring month to visit in Chamonix, as a lot of the summer activities are in full swing, yet you’ll still benefit from the smaller crowds and pre-season discounts.
Reasons to Visit Chamonix in the Spring:
While summer sees Chamonix at its busiest, spring offers some compelling benefits for your visit:
- Less crowds: In spring, you’ll experience many of the town’s most epic things to do while avoiding the busy summer rush. Attractions such as Aguille Du Midi, Parc Merlot, and Mer de Glace can experience long wait times in the summer, so visiting during spring helps avoid this. When I visited in early June, we only had to wait about 20 minutes for the Aiguille du Midi cable car and experienced 0 wait times for the other two.
- Mild weather for valley hiking: Daytime temperatures reach between 0 – 20 degrees throughout the spring, making for great hiking temperatures in the valley.
- Pre-season discounts: Many of the accommodations in Chamonix will offer reduced prices in the spring to attract early-season guests.
- Amazing adventures still await: If spring is the only time you have to visit Chamonix, it is definitely still worth it. You can experience an epic trip in the spring with most of the best adventure activities open.
- There are still a lot of great hikes open: While the higher elevation hiking (above 1500 metres) remains closed into the spring, there are plenty of stunning hikes in the valley with fantastic mountain views.
Chamonix makes a splendid springtime destination with its own seasonal charms to discover.
The 21 Best Things to Do in Chamonix in Spring:
1. Walk Inside a Glacier at Mer de Glace
One of Chamonix’s most incredible attractions is the Mer de Glace glacier. The largest glacier in France and one of the largest glaciers in the Alps, Mer de Glace extends for 5.6 km on the Northern side of Mont Blanc.
While the viewing platform that provides panoramic views over the glacier and the surrounding mountains is an attraction in itself, you can actually take a walk inside (yes literally inside) the glacier. Through a man-made grotto, you can wander through enchantingly blue ice caves to see a display of ice sculptures.
The Details:
To access the grotto, you take a cable car down to a platform, where there are a series of metal stairs and walkways built into the side of the glacial valley. While making the 15 – 20 minute walk down to the ice cave, you will be walking right where the glacier once covered before receding over time. In fact, you’ll notice plaques along the way indicating where the ice levels were located throughout history. The valley is also incredibly scenic, with views of the glacier in the distance and jagged peaks towering above you.
To visit the Mer de Glace ice cave, take the Montenvers train to the station or hike there (more on this below)!
2. Go Glacier Trekking on One of the Alps’ Largest Glaciers
If you are looking for a bucket list-worthy, adrenaline-inducing, wonder-filled adventure in Chamonix, a trek on Mer de Glace glacier is a must! With a professional guide, this “Sea of Ice” becomes a playground of crevices and rivets to explore.
You can try snowshoeing over the ice in early spring or try a multi-day excursion and ice climbing as you get closer to summer. They’ll set you up with the required equipment and teach you the basics. There are activities on Mer de Glace to match every skill level (assuming decent physical fitness). You can choose to spend multiple days on the ice or just go for the day!
You can check out these excursions here:
3. Take a Ride on the Montenvers Scenic Train
Located a short walk from Chamonix’s town centre, the Montenvers train winds 5 km up the side of a mountain to the Mer de Glace viewing station at 1913 metres. This charming red cogwheel train was built back in 1908 and has become an iconic symbol of a visit to Chamonix. Along this single-track journey, you’ll pass through forests, tunnels, and have incredible views of the mountains. Upon arrival, you’ll be able to explore the train station that features a cafe, restaurant, viewing platform, and gift shop.
The Details:
You can purchase your round-trip ticket for the train at the kiosk outside of the train station in the centre of town. In April, the train departs from 10 am to 2 pm every hour. From 2:30 onwards, it departs every 30 mins with the last train returning from the summit at 5 pm. From May on, the train leaves at 8:30, 9:30, and then every 30 minutes between 10 am and 4:30 pm. The last train returns from the summit at 5 pm.
You May Also Like: The 11 Best Day Trips From Chamonix By Car
4. Learn More About Ancient Ice at the Glaciorium
While at the top of Mer De Glace, discover the fascinating glaciorium located a short walk from the station. Featuring an entire exhibit dedicated to glaciology, this is the perfect activity to do before or after hiking inside the ice grotto to really enhance your appreciation for the glacier. The exhibit is interactive, educational, and includes presentations about how glaciers form, their history, climate change, and more.
This spring activity is unfortunately only open starting early June and is completely free to visit!
5. Hike Valley Mountains To And/Or From the Mer De Glace Station
One of the best springtime activities in Chamonix is to hike the abundant lower-elevation hikes in the valley. One of these hikes connects with the Mer de Glace station. You have the option to hike both up and down from Chamonix’s town centre, making a nice loop, or to hike one way and take the Montenvers train the other.
On this hike, you’ll experience pleasant forest trails with views of the mountains as you go. The trail is quiet and springtime will bring lots of gorgeous wildflowers to look out for. There is a refuge on route partway to Mer de Glace that offers great views and the perfect spot to stop for a refreshing drink.
The Details:
The hike starts at the “Les Planards ski area” and offers two route options to make your way up the mountain. There is a less steep route on the left that takes you past the Rochers des Mottets refuge and a steeper trail to the right. For those hiking the entire route, the ideal is to hike the less steep trail up and the steeper trail down to make it a loop. If you want more information on this hike you can find it here. My best advice is to talk to the workers at the tourist information centre to get exact ideas on how to find and stick to the route.
6. Take the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car to 3,842 metres
The Aiguille Du Midi cable car is not only the highest point you can visit without literally climbing a mountain in Chamonix, but also probably the most popular attraction in town. More than just a cable car, Aiguille Du Midi consists of an entire complex of viewing platforms, museums, and the famous “Step into the Void” experience. There are panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and their jagged peaks, as well as the Chamonix valley far below. This incredible attraction is 100% worth the hype. Plus at 3,842 metres, you might be able to feel some of the effects of altitude!
The Details:
The Aiguille Du Midi cable car base is located right in the centre of town. You can purchase tickets from the kiosks outside. The cable cars run every 10 to 30 minutes depending on the traffic, between 8:10 am and 5 pm in April and May. From late May to mid-June, the hours extend to 5:30 pm. The ride takes about 20 minutes, with a stop at a middle platform, and gets you right up close to the mountain’s edge as you ascend. Even for those not afraid of heights, this can get the adrenaline pumping as you are pulled upwards thousands of feet in a swaying cable car.
Start your journey to Aiguille du Midi as early as you can. It is best to take one of the first handful of cable cars to the top, as the sky is often the most clear first thing in the morning.
Bonus Travel Tip: To make the most of this incredible experience, stop at the middle station on your way down for a drink at Refuge directly outside the station. Grab a hot chocolate and if there is no snow coverage, wander around the trails by the refuge to get pictures of the jagged peaks towering above. This was my favourite photo op spot of the whole experience.
7. Ride the Panoramic Mont-Blanc Cable Car to Pointe Helbronner in Italy
If you are left wanting more after exploring Aiguille du Midi, another incredible adventure is to take a cable car to Italy. Located at the top station of Aiguille du Midi, you can depart on another cable car adventure to the Point Helbronner station in the Italian Alps. The panoramic cable car takes you in a group of 3 cars about 5 km and 30 minutes over the crevices of glaciers to find even more stunning views of Mont Blanc massif. Once you reach Italy, there are indoor and outdoor viewing terraces, a restaurant, and a gift shop for you to explore.
The Panoramic Mont-Blanc cable car tickets can be purchased directly at the station atop Aiguille du Midi. From there, you simply join the cue for the next available cable car.
Bonus Travel Tip: Make sure you bring your passport for this excursion, as you are crossing the border into Italy. They are not always checked but it is essential to have them just in case.
8. Hike Through a Valley on Le Buet to Refuge de la Pierre a Berard Trail
One of the best things to do in Chamonix in Spring is enjoy the numerous low-elevation hiking trails. You don’t need to make your way high into the mountains to explore some stunning scenery!
One of the best of these trails is the hike from Le Buet to the Refuge de la Pierre a Berard. This incredible hike takes about 4 hours and brings you up through a valley with jagged peaks all around. You’ll pass rushing rivers, beautiful greenery, and may even catch sightings of wildlife. The trail ends at Pierre a Berard refuge, where you’ll have views back over the valley you ascended from.
The access point for the trail is at Le Buet, a short 15 minute drive out of Chamonix’s town centre. There are trail markers signaling the start of each of the hikes, making it a pretty easy trail to follow.
9. Hike Around the Gorgeous Lac Vert
The beautiful Lac Vert is another awesome hiking spot to enjoy in Chamonix in Spring. The trail starts in Plaine Joux and takes you a total of 3 km along roads and forest paths to circle the lake and return. The crystal clear waters combined with blue algae in the water cast an emerald glow from the lake and you might even get lucky to see Mont Blanc’s stunning reflection. The lake is located near the village of Servoz.
10. Go Tandem Paragliding Above Mountain Peaks
If you are looking for another adrenaline rush on your trip to Chamonix, you have to check out the tandem paragliding! This is one of the world’s best paragliding destinations, and for good reason. Taking off, you’ll run off the side of the mountain and soar high above the valley below. You’ll be surrounded by mountains with impressive views of the Mont Blanc massif on one side and the Aiguilles Rouges massif on the other. If you are lucky, you may be able to catch thermal currents, taking you high above the mountain peaks for views onto the other side. And if you’re up for it, you’ll even get to try some aerial tricks, whizzing in circles and doing flips in the sky.
During the shoulder season, paragliders take off from the middle station of the Aiguille du Midi cable car. You’ll need to pay for a ticket again, but the middle station ticket is heavily discounted from the full price. You’ll land on the valley floor, only a short walk from the centre of town.
Bonus Travel Tip: If you are prone to motion sickness, take something to help that beforehand, as you will be in for a bit of a bumpy ride from time to time.
Here Are Some Great Paragliding Tour Options in Chamonix:
- Tandem Paragliding Flight Over the Alps – This tour is a fantastic way to get above the mountains in Chamonix. The entire tour takes about 1 hour and you are flying in the air for roughly 20 minutes. You’ll glide above the valley with views of the mountain surrounding you. They also offer pictures and videos as an add-on.
- Paragliding Flight over Mont Blanc from the Aiguille du Midi – This upgraded version of the paragliding flight takes you over Mont Blanc for a flight time of 1 whole hour! The entire experience is estimated to take about 3 hours and you’ll receive a debrief before and after the flight. They also offer pictures and videos as an add-on.
11. Hit The Slopes For Some Spring Skiing
Ski season in Chamonix can last far into April, bringing the unique opportunity to enjoy the slopes in the spring sunshine. The higher-elevation ski resorts stay open until mid to late April and Easter Weekend is a popular time to visit. Skiers flock to the resort patios and terraces to enjoy an extended break in the sunshine. You’ll experience the perfect blend of snowy winter conditions in the mountains and full-blown spring down in the valley.
The ‘Les Grands Montets’ area is known to be the best for late-season skiing due to its higher elevation and north-facing slopes. The lifts in this area typically stay open into May, whereas the other areas like Les Houches and Brevent start to close in mid-April.
An added bonus to an early spring ski vacation in Chamonix, is the town shops often put on big sales to clear out their winter inventory.
12. Go Ski Touring in Vallee Blanche
Chamonix is famous amongst skiers for ski touring, or off-piste skiing, in Vallee Blanche. If you’re unfamiliar, ski touring refers to off-resort skiing that takes place on a completely ungroomed backcountry route. This 18 km journey with about 2700 metres of vertical descent takes you through an alpine paradise. You’ll cross over glaciers and descend amongst towering peaks.
The Valle Blanche route starts at the top of Aiguille du Midi and takes about 4 – 6 hours to complete. Experienced alpinists and skiers don’t need to hire a guide, however, due to varying conditions in the spring it is highly recommended.
The Valle Blanche route is typically available until the end of May, however can sometimes remain open into June depending on conditions. When I visited Aiguille du Midi in early June, there were large groups still departing on this skiing adventure.
If you are not experienced with ski touring, you absolutely should book a guide for this adventure in Chamonix. Here is an excellent tour to explore Valle Blanche and learn from the best. They offer tailored routes depending on your level of backcountry skiing experience.
13. Experience Majestic Wildlife and Mountain Views at Parc de Merlet
One of my favourite activities of our entire spring trip to Chamonix was visiting Parc de Merlet. Also known as “Animal Park,” this wonderful nature reserve is perched at 1,500 metres and provides an overwhelming view of the Mont Blanc mountain range. But the best part? You’ll be up close to multiple indigenous wildlife species roaming the forests and trails in their natural habitat. In fact, my sister got a funny surprise when she turned around to find a llama walking only a few inches directly behind her.
The park consists of a wonderful forest with leisurely paths and trails winding throughout it. Finish the visit with a drink or lunch at the beautiful restaurant terrace overlooking the mountains.
Parc de Merlet is open from 10 am – 6 pm every day except for Mondays in May and June. It only requires reservations if you are visiting on the weekends. If you want to visit the park before this point, you can book snowshoeing experiences with reservations on their website.
14. Go Mountainbiking in the Valley
Another fantastic adventure to do in Chamonix in spring is cross-country mountain biking. In fact, spring is arguably the best time to do it. The valley is filled with some excellent bike trails from pristine bike paths in the towns to dirt tracks to suit all levels. A lot of these trails become pedestrian only in the summer months, so spring is a great opportunity to get out and explore Chamonix by bike.
You can rent mountain bikes from several local bike shops in Chamonix and they will provide you with safety equipment and some great recommendations for trails at your skill level. You can depart from the town centre and after only a short ride will be amongst the trees. This is an activity that can be done for beginners and experts alike. It is also a great activity if you are looking to fill just a couple hours.
If you are up for a more adventurous version of mountain biking, this tour offers you the opportunity to get on a bike in the mountains! This full-day trip takes you along single-track paths throughout the valley on all kinds of terrain. Check out the photos of the scenery you’ll get to witness on this tour on their website, my jaw dropped.
15. Road Bike the Winding Mountain Roads
If you are an experienced road biker, then Chamonix is an excellent spot to bust out this active hobby. The windy mountain roads in Chamonix provide their own thrill and you’ll have spectacular views as you go. If you’re up for a solid few hours of biking, you can even take a route that brings you into Switzerland! You can rent a road bike from the multiple local bike shops in town.
16. Go Rock Climbing
Looking for another adrenaline rush activity? Try rock climbing in Chamonix! With several crags throughout the valley and bouldering as well, there is rock climbing for every skill level.
If you are an experienced climber, you can rent gear to go sport climbing on your own. You’ll also know that the cooler spring weather can help you gain extra friction on those harder routes. This is a great resource for finding valley crags: https://www.mountainproject.com/area/113229071/valley-crags
If you are a beginner or someone who wants the experience to be a lot easier, then there are also guided climbing excursions that provide the gear and a guide for the day! Such as this one: https://highmountainguides.com/services/rock-climbing-in-chamonix/
Bonus Travel Tip: If you are rock climbing in early spring, bring hand warmers with you as the rock can get cold on the fingers.
If you are an experienced rock climber, check out this awesome multi-pitch tour that takes you into the Aosta Valley.
17. Try Some Via Ferrata
Similar to the adrenaline rush you get from rock climbing, Via Ferrata is a combination of hiking and climbing. It consists of metal rods, cables, and ladders built into the sides of cliffs and can feel like a jungle gym in the sky.
One of the best Via Ferrata routes in the Chamonix valley is the Via Ferrata des Evettes. Marketed as family-friendly, this route is a great option for beginners to the sport. It opens in mid-June.
A more intermediate option is the Via Ferrate de Curalla. Located about 30 minutes from the town centre, this route provides breathtaking views of the mountains and valley below. You’ll pass along suspension bridges, net ladders, and several vertical climbs. It takes about 1.5 hours to complete. This Via Ferrata route is open from April to November.
If you are travelling in June (or July), this is an awesome Via Ferrate des Evettes tour option! The tour lasts 3 – 4 hours, you’ll be with an experienced mountain guide, and the guides adapt the route according to your specific level of experience. I also love this tour booking company, their customer service is incredibly responsive if you have any changes or issues with your booking.
18. Wander Chamonix’s Beautiful Town Centre
An activity that can’t be missed any time of the year is taking a stroll through Chamonix’s picturesque town centre. The town of Chamonix is one of the most beautiful mountain towns I’ve ever visited, with charming chalets, open pedestrian streets, and snowy peaks towering above it all. There are a ton of shops to explore with products ranging from art, fashion, alpine equipment, and souvenirs. The town of Chamonix is also filled with delicious restaurants to eat at. Make sure to grab some fondue at Le Boccalatte or try a French crepe at Restaurant La Ferme.
19. Take a Helicopter Ride Over the Mont Blanc Massif
If you want to get up high into the mountains during the spring months, a great way to do this is to take a helicopter tour. This is a great way to get right up close and personal to some of the highest mountain peaks in the French Alps.
There are three different flight time options, from 15, 20, to 30 minutes in the sky. On the 20 to 30 minute flights, you can reach upwards of 5000 metres in altitude! Check out these tour companies for flight options:
Keep in mind that helicopter flights are heavily dependent on the weather conditions. Allow for a buffer day or two to ensure you get to take part in this incredible experience.
20. Go White Water Rafting
White water rafting is another exciting adventure to take part in when visiting Chamonix. And it can be done as early as May! In May and June, the water levels are higher due to the snow melt from the mountains so this can be a great time to take part in this extreme sport activity. The waters will be cold at this time of year, so you’ll be outfitted with the proper clothing and equipment.
Book a Rafting Tour: Raft Tour Down The Arve River From Chamonix Experience – one of the best rafting tours to experience the thrill and beauty of this exceptional route. The tour is on level 2 rapids making it beginner-friendly and will leave you in awe of this wonderful activity.
21. Ride the Alpine Coaster at Parc de Loisirs
Luge-style coaster rides have become more and more popular around the world. And Chamonix has a great one! Pay a visit to the amusement park in Chamonix called Parc de Loisirs where you can have a thrill riding the alpine coaster’s jumps and spins with impressive mountain views looming nearby. There are lots of other rides and games to be found in the park. The alpine coaster is open year-round.
Activities that *Might* Be Available in Chamonix in Spring
If you are visiting Chamonix at the tail end of Spring (early and mid-June), then there are a few activities that might be open for you to explore. Spring’s changing conditions and snowmelt happen at a different rate every year, so sometimes the higher elevation activities might become available sooner. It is incredibly difficult to find information about conditions for these activities online in advance of going. If you want to do the following activities, then your best bet it to be a little spontaneous with your itinerary and check out the tourist information office first thing upon arriving in Chamonix. My biggest piece of advice is to not count on any of these activities being available, but allow yourself the flexibility to be delightfully surprised if they are!
22. Hike to Lac Blanc
The hike to Lac Blanc is probably the most popular day hike to do in Chamonix. Depending on the year, the snow melt might allow for the hike to be accessed as early as late May but often it remains closed until mid to late June. The tourist information office will be able to tell you right away whether it is open or not when you’re visiting.
The hike to Lac Blanc begins in Les Praz with a ride on La Flégère gondola. From there, the hike is 6.1 km out and back and takes 2 – 4 hours to complete. Lac Blanc is considered one of the most stunning alpine lakes in the French Alps. Hiking in June, you may need to rent crampons to complete the hike.
23. Hike the Balcon Du Nord
An incredible hike high along the top of the valley, the Balcon du Nord (aka Grand Balcon Nord) trail is one of Chamonix’s classics. It takes you between the middle station of Aiguille du Midi to Mer de Glace with several variations available to alter the route. You’ll hike along mountain edges, pass through the stunning Plan de l’Aiguille Nature Reserve, and experience some of the best alpine hiking out there. Due to its slightly mid-range elevation, this hike may become available at some point in June if the snow melt occurs early enough.
24. Explore Atop Le Brevent
Another activity that often becomes available at the tail end of Spring is the Le Brevent cable car. Taking this cable car opens up a world of great hikes in the mountain peaks towering over town, such as the Grand Balcon Sud. If the trails are still too snow covered to explore at this point, then a stop at the middle station Plan Praz provides amazing views over the valley. Both Plan Praz and Le Brevent’s stations offer restaurants with great views as well.
Le Brevent cable car typically opens in mid-June depending on conditions. So if you are there right at the tail end of spring and the weather is in your favour, definitely check this place out!
25. Trek the Famous Tour Du Mont Blanc
The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the best multi-day treks in Western Europe. It takes you through the Swiss Alps, French Alps, and Italian Alps to circle around Mont Blanc. The trail is 170 km long and takes the average hiker about 8 – 10 days. This trek is often the sole reason for some visitors making the trip to Chamonix and it really is an incredible hike.
The peak season for hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc is in the summer months of July and August. However, there is the possibility of completing this trek at the tail end of spring from mid-June onwards. In fact, some people choose this time to hike because it will be a lot quieter on the typically busy trails. There will likely be snowy conditions remaining at the end of June so hikers attempting this late spring tour should be experienced and bring proper equipment.
Tips for Visiting Chamonix in the Spring
1. Visit the Tourist Information Centre First Thing Upon Arrival
Due to the changing conditions in spring, the first thing you should do upon arriving in Chamonix is visit the tourist information centre. The people there will be able to tell you what is open vs not and give you a map of things to do while you are there. They’ll also have brochures tailored to spring for you to find specific hikes you’d like to do.
2. Double Check Time Tables
While a lot of the best activities in Chamonix are open all year round, the timetables change slightly depending on the season. A lot of the guides you read online are based on the summer time tables so if you are ever unsure or it doesn’t specify, check on the attraction’s website to find the proper timetable for the season you are visiting.
3. Pack Layers
When we visited Chamonix in early June, we had read that the average highs would be up to 18 degrees. However, we were delightfully rewarded with a few 20+ degree days that had us breaking out the t-shirts. Spring mornings can remain quite cold, so pack according to a variety of temperatures
In addition to this, the temperatures will vary drastically based on the elevation you are at. When visiting attractions like Mer de Glace and especially Aiguille du Midi, the temperatures will drastically change from those in the valley. Packing layers is the best way to combat this.
4. Be Aware of Potential Shop Closures
If you are visiting in that sweet spot between the spring skiing being open in April and the start of June, then there are likely to be some shop closures in Chamonix’s town centre. There are still restaurants and some shops open, but more of them might be closed than in peak season. When I visited at the very start of June, everything was open business as usual.
5. Keep an Open Mind if You Want to Do Lots of Hiking
There are plenty of Chamonix’s best activities that are open in spring and you can easily fill an itinerary with these. However, if you’re an avid hiker and want to get more into the mountains, I’d say keep an open mind and flexible schedule. I scoured the internet before departing to Chamonix and was unable to find any condition reports on what the trails were like until after I arrived. Have a rough itinerary planned but be open to finding out whether some of the higher altitude hikes are open and adapt to the lower elevation ones if not.
Getting to Chamonix:
The three routes to take into Chamonix are from Paris, Geneva in Switzerland, and Courmayeur in Italy.
If you want to take the most direct route to Chamonix, it is easiest to fly into Geneva and take a train, bus, or rental car into town. If you are already traveling in the Italian Alps, Chamonix is connected with Courmayeur through the Mont Blanc tunnel. And finally, if you are traveling around more of France, then taking a train, bus, or rental car from Paris works well too.
Plan Your Trip to Chamonix – Logistical Tips:
📱 Stay Connected Without Expensive Roaming Fees
I never travel without an E-Sim now. Stay connected at a fraction of the price of roaming fees, and my favourite part, you can simply download the E-Sim to your phone and don’t have to switch SIM cards around. The service I always use is Airola. You can also get plans that cover multiple countries in Europe if you are travelling beyond France.
🚍 Book Your Transportation in France
AutoEurope is the best for finding the cheapest car rentals available. They offer a comparison of all the popular rentals in Europe to find the best deal. Plus they receive great reviews!
🏠 Book Your Accommodation
I always use Booking.com to find and book the best hotels at the cheapest rate. If you are interested in staying in a hostel to meet people and take advantage of their activities, you can book private rooms and dorms through Hostelworld.
🏄♀️ Book Your Tours and Excursions
The best search tool I use to book tours in France and the rest of Europe is Viator. It has the largest selection of tours with local operators and offers flexible cancellation. I’m also a big fan of Manawa, a small tour company that offers adventure travel tours and great personalized customer service. You can find a curated list of Chamonix tours by Manawa here.
Final Thoughts on the 21 Best Things To Do in Chamonix in Spring
Chamonix offers visitors a multitude of exciting activities to explore during the vibrant spring season. While some higher-elevation hiking trails may be closed due to lingering snow, there is still an abundance of other options to immerse yourself in the region’s dramatic scenery.
With so much to discover and the pre-season perks, a spring visit to Chamonix proves that this incredible destination has a unique appeal in every season. By following this guide and keeping an open mind, adventure travelers can experience an epic mountain getaway in Chamonix in the spring. Happy adventuring!
* Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products and companies that I use. Thanks for the support!
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