Things to do in Chamonix |
You
have come to Chamonix to mountain bike so why would you want to know about
the other things that there are to do in Chamonix and the surrounding
area? Well we have put this section in for two reasons; many of you travel
with that significant other who doesn't mountain bike, or certainly not
up to the standard for a full 10fifty guided mountain bike holiday. The
other reason is that there is still time to do other things whilst in
Chamonix even with a full mountain biking schedule. We have one day off
from guiding every week to give you and your body a rest, and often people
make use of the light evenings or late transfers to get out and do some
other activities.
Well there is a lot to offer in Chamonix, starting with its biggest attraction, at 4803m altitude, Mont Blanc. Climbing the mountain isn't something for the odd day-off but you can take the Aguille du Midi cable car to within 1000m of the summit. The views from the platforms precariously balanced on the ice and rock are outstanding. Over a vertical mile above the town, its not for those scared of heights.
If
you don't fancy being suspended so high on such small looking cables you
can still see and experience Chamonix's glaciers by going to the Mer du
Glace (Sea of Ice). The easy way is to take the cog railway to the glaciers
snout. Here you can actually walk inside the glacier as every year they
carve out a cave complete with ice sculptures. Its a bit kitch and not
every ones cup of tea, but thousands love it!
Walking is a major reason for many people come on holiday to Chamonix. As already mentioned many of the trails are impassable to bikes so why not take a hike to places like Lac Blanc or Col du Brevent.
Walking and sightseeing are OK, but we realise that the people who love 10fifty holidays prefer their recreation a bit more exciting. Many of you have tried tandem paragliding off either the Brevent ski area, or for the really adventurous off the Aiguille du Midi snow field above the Valley Blanche. It is quite an amazing experience, but not for the faint hearted or fat.
Other thrills can be found at the bottom of the valley; the recently opened Parc du Adventure is a short walk from the 10fifty chalet. Suspended walkways, huge cargo nets, ziplines and tight-ropes have made this a firm favourite for a group outtings on the day off.
And don't forget the water, there is plenty in the rivers in Chamonix so you can go rafting, or hydroglissing (lying in the water holding on to a modified surfboard thing and then going through the rapids).
For
easier water you can visit the leisure centre, there are three pools,
including an olympic sided outdoor pool, and a seperate diving pool, a
water slide and huge sunbathing area around the lake. They also provide
the usual sauna, gym stuff and there a large number of tennis courts.
Oh and did we mention golf? Probably no need is there!
For more on the other non-mountain biking activities have a look at our sample non-riders itinery, it should help you persuade your significant other that they will have plenty to do while you are off enjoying yourself on the mountain bike.
Request a 10fifty holiday brochure ::: See the Chamonix webcam
More information on activities in Chamonix can be found at www.chamonix.com
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