The Ultimate 5 Day Spring Itinerary in Chamonix

Looking for the PERFECT 5 day spring itinerary in Chamonix? Well, I recently completed a trip to Chamonix in early June and quickly realized that the summer guides weren’t fully applicable to what’s available in the spring. I had to redo my itinerary on the fly. But you don’t have to, here is a complete spring itinerary that you can count on!

A gateway to some of the most impressive scenery in the Alps, Chamonix is a small but mighty town in the Haute Savoie region of France. Home to the highest mountain in the French Alps, Mont Blanc, Chamonix is the perfect place to experience the region’s spectacular peaks, forests, and glaciers up close.

A spring visit to Chamonix looks a little bit different than what you can find in summer guides. During this transitional season, you may miss some summer activities but gain it back with some other amazing things to do and pre-season perks. With smaller crowds and early season discounts, it is also a great time to visit Chamonix’s most iconic spots like Mer de Glace and Aiguille du Midi.

In this epic 5 day spring itinerary in Chamonix, you’ll find the best things to do along with seasonal adventures specific to spring. From iconic mountain attractions and scenic hikes to adrenaline-inducing adventures, you’ll enjoy a well-rounded sampling of what makes this picturesque town such a great place to visit any time of year. 

If You’re Traveling to Chamonix in the Spring, Don’t Miss These 21 Awesome Things to Do in Chamonix in Spring

Chamonix Weather in Spring

Spring in Chamonix is a very transitional season with lots of changing weather. As the snow starts to melt from lower elevations, blossoming forests and picturesque hiking trails are revealed. Temperatures rise ranging from highs of 10 degrees in April to up to 20 degrees in June. Precipitation wanes, wildflowers bloom in the valley, and exciting activities become available.

What is Open in Chamonix in Spring 

Traveling to Chamonix in Spring presents some trip-planning challenges. Most of the guides you find online are for summer attractions that don’t fully open until July. Also, due to varying weather, some attractions may be open in the spring some years and others not. One thing is for sure though, there are still a multitude of adventurous activities to enjoy in Chamonix in spring.

As a quick overview, the majority of Chamonix’s most popular attractions like Aiguille du Midi, Mer de Glace, and Parc de Merlet are available to visit year-round. There are also several activities that open and close throughout the spring, such as late-season skiing in April, ski-touring in Valle Blanche in May, or some summer hikes beginning to open in June.

In this guide, I provide an itinerary that can be counted on to be available for your spring trip to Chamonix. If you are hoping to take part in activities that are available for parts of spring or are only available some years due to early snow melt, then your best bet is to use this itinerary as a base and shift things around when you arrive and find out the conditions.

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The Best 5 Day Spring Itinerary in Chamonix for Adventure Travelers

Day 1: Wildlife at Parc de Merlet, Scenic Trains, and a Walk Inside a Glacier

To start your 5 day spring trip to Chamonix off right, make a stop at the tourist information office. Located in the centre of town, this is a great place to get a conditions report and a full idea of what is currently available in the valley. With the combination of seasonal changes and random closures that can occur in mountain towns, it’s a good idea to understand the full picture before the trip truly begins. Plus they’ll send you off with a map and some helpful resources on getting around and things to do.

I visited Chamonix in early June, a time when popular summer hikes like Lac Blanche and Grand Balcon du Nord may or may not be open yet due to snow melt. The tourist office updated us on which trails were closed and provided us with alternative options.

Enjoy Indigenous Wildlife and Mountain Views at Parc de Merlet 

Starting this 5 day spring itinerary in Chamonix off strong, head to Parc de Merlet, also known as Animal Park. This unique destination features a variety of leisurely forest trails that bring you through a nature reserve filled with roaming indigenous wildlife and some of the best panoramic mountain views in Chamonix. 

The park consists of green and blue trails that take you on easy walking paths through the forest. The estimated hiking time for the longest blue trail that explores the entire reserve is 2 hours. However, as the guy at the entrance told us, and we quickly discovered, that is a HEAVY exaggeration. It only takes about an hour to hike the entire trail at a slow pace.

There are interactive displays spread amongst the trail to learn more about the incredible animals you’ll see along the way. After you’ve had your fill of walking the park, grab a drink and enjoy the views from the restaurant terrace.

How to Visit Parc de Merlet:

• Opening Hours: 10 am – 6 pm every day except for Mondays in May and June. If you want to visit before May, you can book snowshoeing experiences on their website. 
• Reservation: Reservations are only required on weekends or before the season opens.
• Tickets: Entry costs 8.50 euros for adults.
• Recommended Time to Spend There: 2 – 3 hours.

Accessing the Park:

You can access the park by driving about 20 minutes from Chamonix’s town centre. There are multiple tiered parking lots. If you can find parking in the closest lot to the top this will significantly reduce your walking time to the entrance. Otherwise, you’ll walk uphill for about 15 – 20 minutes.

Add-On Activity:

If you are looking to add more hiking to this epic activity, there is a great hike that leads from Chamonix to the park. The hike takes about 2 hours and is very scenic. You’ll also receive a small discount on your entrance ticket for making the hike in rather than driving! Ask the tourist information office for details on finding the trailhead.

The Scenic Montenvers Train and Mer de Glace

After enjoying the majestic views at Parc de Merlet, head back into town to catch a train. A short walk from the town’s centre, the Montenvers train station is the starting point for your next exciting adventure. The Montenvers train is a scenic cogwheel that takes you up into the mountains to the Mer de Glace station at 1913 metres. You’ll pass through forests, tunnels, and along mountain cliffs with views of snowcapped peaks as you go. 

Once you arrive at the top, enjoy the fantastic views of Mer de Glace Glacier from the viewing platform. The largest glacier in France, Mer de Glace extends for about 5.6 km on the northern side of Mont Blanc. You’ll have views high above this incredible sea of ice, with jagged peaks all around you.

Take a walk around to explore the station and grab a bite to eat at the scenic restaurant. If you are visiting in June, make sure to pop into the Glaciorium to learn more about the exciting glacier you’re about to explore more in-depth (literally).

How to Ride the Montenvers Train:

• Opening Hours: In April, trains depart between 10 am – 2 pm every hour. From 2:30 onwards, they depart every 30 minutes. From May on, the train leaves at 8:30, 9:30, and then every 30 minutes between 10 am and 4:30 pm. For the entire season, the last train returns from the summit at 5 pm.
• Reservation: Not required.
• Tickets: You can purchase tickets for the Montenvers train one way or return (some people choose to hike back down to Chamonix using a beautiful trail). Tickets cost 38.50 Euros per person round trip and can be purchased outside the station at the kiosk. You can book your time slot online to save up to 12 euros, however, this has to be done several days in advance and ticket times are not changeable or refundable

Walk Inside the Mer de Glace Ice Cave 

After enjoying the viewing platforms at the top station, take the gondola down to walk inside the famous ice cave. Considered to be one of Chamonix’s most incredible attractions, you’ll have the rare opportunity to walk literally INSIDE a glacier! Through a man-made grotto, you can wander the enchanting blue caves and witness a display of ice sculptures. 

The walk to get there isn’t so bad either. After the gondola ride, you’ll walk for about 15 – 20 minutes on metal platforms and stairs to reach the cave with amazing views along the way. As you go, you’ll notice plaques indicating where the ice levels were located throughout history.

How to Visit the Mer De Glace Ice Cave:

• Opening Hours: 10 am – 4 pm (with the last gondola returning to the top at 3:30).
• Tickets: The Mer de Glace ice cave is completely free to visit.
• Recommended Time to Spend: 3 – 5 hours between the Montenvers train and Mer de Glace Ice cave

After exploring the ice cave and enjoying your fill of the Montenvers Mer de Glace station, catch the next train back down into Chamonix. 

Day 2: Experience the Famous Aiguille Du Midi and Explore by Mountain Bike

Take the Aiguille Du Midi Cable Car

Start your second day in Chamonix bright and early at the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Arguably the most popular attraction in town, Aiguille du Midi takes you 3,842 metres high into the mountains of the Mont Blanc Massif to an entire complex of viewing platforms. 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. Once at the top, you’ll experience some of the most incredible views you can get without physically climbing a mountain yourself.

Wander the platforms, bridges, and museums, and people-watch the mountaineers as they impressively maneuver their way towards the summit of Mont Blanc. You can also take part in the famous “Step into the Void” experience, where you walk into a glass box suspended high above the mountains and valley floor below. This incredible attraction is 100% worth the hype. 

How to Visit Aiguille du Midi:

• Opening Hours: 8:10 am – 5 pm in April and May. From late-May to mid-June these hours extend to 5:30 pm. Cable cars run every 10 – 30 minutes depending on the traffic of people getting on and off.
• Tickets: Tickets cost 75 Euros round trip. They can be purchased at the kiosks outside or from the ticket office on-site. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets several days in advance to save money with their dynamic pricing, however, they are non-refundable and unchangeable. A local recommended against this option to us, because with the unpredictable weather, you could end up with a cloudy day and no views.
• Recommended Time to Spend: 3 – 4 hours
• Important Tip: As the most popular attraction in Chamonix, it is best to arrive right for open at 8 am. This allows you to skip some of the crowds (even in the spring months) and provides the best chance for clear skies to enjoy the views.

Bonus Add-On: Take a Cable Car to Italy! 

If you’re visiting in June and can’t get enough of the mountains, take the Panoramic Mont-Blanc cable car across the Italian border to Pointe Brenner. Located at the top station of Aiguille du Midi, the panoramic cable car takes you in a group of 3 cars about 5 km and 30 minutes over the crevices and glaciers to find even more stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif. Once you reach Italy, there are indoor and outdoor viewing terraces, a restaurant, and a gift shop for you to explore. This is a great option if you want to gain more incredible views and witness the Italian Alps.

• Opening Hours: 9 am- 3:30 pm from late May – September
• Tickets: Tickets cost 38 Euros (for a grand total of 113 Euros including Aiguille du Midi). They can only be purchased directly at the station atop Aiguille du Midi.
• Recommended Time to Spend: Adds 2 – 3 hours to Aiguille du Midi experience

Mountain Bike Around Chamonix Valley 

After exploring high in the sky, finish the day off by exploring the valley floor by bike. Mountain biking is an awesome adventure to do in Chamonix and spring is arguably the best time to do it. The valley is filled with excellent bike trails, from pristine bike paths in the towns to forested 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 bike shops in Chamonix. They’ll provide you with some great recommendations for trails at your skill level. You can depart right from the centre of town and be amongst the trees in no time.  

Day 3: Tandem Paragliding, Wandering the Town Centre and Enjoying Fondue 

For day 3 of your 5 day spring itinerary in Chamonix, fly above the French Alps on a tandem paragliding adventure. There is a huge paragliding scene in Chamonix. Upon arrival, one of the first things you’ll notice are the colourful parachutes dotting the sky.

Meet your pilot at an agreed upon meeting point (likely Aiguille du Midi in the spring). From there, the experience is pretty casual. They’ll gage your experience, explain how things work, and you’ll be off. For take off, you’ll run off the side of the mountain, soaring high above the valley below. With impressive views of the Mont Blanc Massif on one side and the Aiguilles Rouges Massif on the other, you’ll be in adrenaline-filled awe. If you are lucky, you may be able to catch thermal currents that will take you even higher until you are literally looking down on the mountains below you.

How to Go Paragliding in Chamonix:

• Reservations: You’ll need to book online with a company in advance. There are several companies offering tandem paragliding such as Fly Chamonix and Wing Over Chamonix. The experience can also be booked on Get Your Guide.
• Cost: Prices start at between 120 – 140 Euros with varying flight times (starting at 20 minutes). In the spring, paragliders take off from the middle station of the Aiguille du Midi cable car. The cable car ticket is not included in the excursion, however, it is heavily discounted to about 20 Euros.

Shopping and Exploring the Town

After such an incredible adventure, take the afternoon to slow down and explore a little deeper into Chamonix’s charming town centre. Take a walk around looking for nice photo spots to capture the impressive town and do a little window shopping (or real shopping!). With adorable chalets, open pedestrian streets, and snowy mountain peaks towering above it all, the town of Chamonix itself deserves a little attention. 

Try Authentic French Fondue 

Finish your evening with a night of enjoying delicious fondue at one of the many great restaurants in Chamonix. Eating fondue has become an emblematic part of any trip to the Alps. Chamonix offers cozy spots and lively areas like the town centre to savor this cheesy specialty. 

Some of the best places to eat Fondue include: 

• Le Boccalatte – A little outside of the bustle of the main street, this restaurant is known for its simple yet cozy atmosphere and a delicious range of fondue options. They also offer fondue portions for one, which is not found elsewhere. 
• Le Monchu – Filled with quirky knick-knacks, this is a great place for enjoying tasty fondue in a rustic setting. Le Monchu is situated right by the river and is another crowd favorite. 
• La Calèche – Another rustic setting to enjoy your fondue, La Calèche is one of the few restaurants in Chamonix that receives claims to have the best fondue in town. With antiques and artifacts covering the walls, you’ll enjoy good food in a charming atmosphere. 

Day 4: Hike Le Buet to Refuge de la Pierre a Berard

On day 4 of your 5 day spring itinerary in Chamonix, it’s time to get your hike on. The hiking available in Chamonix in the spring can vary heavily by month. In general, the lower elevation hikes under 1500 metres can be counted on to be open. One of the best trails under 1500 metres is the hike from Le Buet to the Refuge de la Pierre a Berard. This incredible hike takes you through a valley with jagged peaks, rushing rivers, and beautiful forest paths to a quaint mountain hut sitting elevated above it all. You may even catch sightings of wildlife as I did twice!

How to Hike to Refuge de la Pierre a Berard:

• Access Point: The trail starts at Le Buet, a short drive 15 minutes from Chamonix. There are trail markers signaling the start of each of the hikes, making it a pretty easy trail to follow. 
• Recommended Time: About 4 hours.

Bar Hop Patios in the Valley 

After working up a sweat on the hike, slowly make your way back into Chamonix by stopping at a patio or two along the way. There are a few little restaurants along the drive back and of course lots of great options in town to grab a drink or two! 

Day 5: Skiing in the Alps or a Picnic With a View

If You Are Traveling to Chamonix in April:

Try some late-season skiing! The ski season in Chamonix can last far into April, bringing the unique opportunity to enjoy the slopes in the spring sunshine. 

Drive 15 minutes from Chamonix’s centre to reach the lifts of Les Grands Montets. This ski resort is known to have the best late-season skiing due to its higher elevation and north-facing slopes. While Les Grands Montets stays open into May, the other ski areas like Brevent, Domaine de Balme, Flegere, and Les Houches close in mid-April. Spend the day enjoying why Chamonix attracts millions of people to its snowy slopes every winter. 

You can rent some gear if you’re an experienced skier or snowboarder directly from Les Grands Montets or the countless ski shops in town. If you are new to the sport, you can book a lesson and enjoy trying something new surrounded by beautiful scenery. 

If You Are Traveling to Chamonix in May or June:

Start your day off with a short hike to picnic at the beautiful Lac Vert. The crystal clear waters of the lake combined with blue algae cast an enchanting emerald glow. On a clear day, you’re often able to see Mont Blanc reflecting back at you. 

Grab some fresh cheese and meat for your picnic in town and then drive to Plaine Joux in Passy, about 35 minutes from Chamonix. Before June 1, you’ll park in the Plaine Joux parking lot and then walk along the road for about 20 minutes before reaching the trailhead. From there, it’s another 15 minutes to reach the lake. If you are visiting after June 1, there is a shuttle that takes you to and from the start of the trail or you can choose to still walk it. Once at the lake, enjoy your picnic and explore the trail that circles the lake. 

Alternative Hike Option:

There is a second option to lengthen the hike to Lac Vert by starting in La Côte, Servoz. The hike takes about 2 hours, bringing you up to Lac Vert, around it, and back down with stunning views of the mountains as you go. You simply follow the path marked in pink with a snowshoe on it from La Côte. 

Ride the Alpine Coaster

In the afternoon, head to Chamonix’s very own amusement park (bear with me here) to ride the famous Alpine Coaster. Get one last thrill with this 1300 metre long track that includes jumps and 540 degree twists. You can ride the track alone or with one other person on their two-person sleds. Did I mention you’ll also have great views of the mountains at the same time? There are also tons of other standard theme park attractions if you want to explore and bring out your inner child.

• Cost: 8.50 Euros for a single ride, 42.50 Euros for 6 rides, or 68 Euros for 10 rides.

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Optional Day Trips

If you want to branch out a little on your 5 day spring trip to Chamonix, you can replace any of the above days for one of these awesome day trips instead: 

• Annecy, aka “Venice of the French Alps” – Located about 1.5 hours from Chamonix in the Haut-Savoie region, Annecy is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in France. Featuring a gorgeous lake with rolling foothills all around it, charming farmers markets, old stone buildings with turrets, and gorgeous flowers blooming along the canals, this makes for a wonderfully close day trip to explore more of the Haut-Savoie area. 
• Geneva, Switzerland – If you didn’t fly in from here, then Geneva is another great day trip to make from Chamonix. Only 1 hour and 15 minutes from Chamonix, Geneva is the spot to be for culture and history fans. Plus on a clear day, you’ll be able to say you’ve seen the Swiss Alps!
• Courmayeur, Italy – Despite being only 40 minutes from Chamonix, this gorgeous Italian town offers a completely different view of the Alps and its own distinct charm. Courmayeur trades delicious Italian dishes for French cuisine and has lots of great hiking and things to do. Add on a visit to the picturesque town of Aosta to visit castle ruins backdropped by snow-capped peaks.

Getting Around Chamonix

This 5 day spring itinerary in Chamonix is based on the assumption that you have a rental car to get around. Alternatively, Chamonix does offer pretty thorough public transportation through their local city buses and the Mont-Blanc express train. The buses run through the valley between Les Houches and Le Tour, making regular stops along the way. The train runs from Chamonix’s centre with its last stop in France in Vallorcine. The train provides access to popular areas like Chamonix’s town centre, Le Buet, and the Aiguille Rouges Nature Reserve. If you are staying at a hotel or chalet in town, make sure to ask for a guest card that provides free access to Chamonix’s public transportation. 

Chamonix is also an incredibly walkable town, with many of the main attractions directly in the centre. If the snow is fully melted when you are there in the spring, you can also rent road bikes to get around if you are confident on a bike. 

Getting to Chamonix 

The most direct way to get to Chamonix is to fly into the Geneva airport and hire a rental car to drive the 1 hour and 15 minutes to Chamonix. There are also direct transfers and shuttles running from Geneva airport into Chamonix if you’d prefer to rent a car once you are in France or don’t want to rent one at all. 

If you are traveling to Chamonix from Italy, then you can cross through the Mont Blanc tunnel from Courmayeur. 

Final Thoughts on the Ultimate 5 Day Spring Itinerary in Chamonix

This 5 day spring itinerary in Chamonix provides the perfect blend of iconic sites, outdoor exploration, and adrenaline-pumping adventures to fully capture the essence of this epic destination! From iconic mountain spectacles to scenic valley hikes and charming mountain villages, you can feel completely satisfied knowing you made the most of your trip to Chamonix. Following this itinerary ensures memorable glimpses into what has enthralled generations of adventure travelers in this unparalleled pocket of the French Alps. 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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