Children's Activities in Chamonix
Chamonix is the ultimate playground for grown-ups but also for the little ones as well.
There are so many activities at hand to stimulate their senses and challenge the body in a fun and stunning environment. The glorious alpine sunshine and summer months are the best time to enjoy the full suite of fun activities.
Here are a few of the activities you can enjoy throughout the year in the Chamonix valley with the kids.
First time skiing
The Chamonix valley offers a wealth of excellent beginner areas both suitable for adults and children
La Vormaine (1462 m) - Le Tour (La Balme)
Situated at the foot of the ‘Balme’ (le Tour) ski area, this is a very large sunny beginners area ideally suited for skiers, snowboarders and even the very little ones (children garden). It offers 2 green and 1 blue run and at altitude it offers many more mild blue runs.
Le Savoy (1049 m ) - Le Brévent & Flégère (1894 - 2000m)
Located in the centre of Chamonix, at the foot of the Brévent ski lift. Le Savoy has two drag lifts, a magic carpet and a snow garden, welcoming beginners and children starting out on their first ski adventures. Artificial snow cannons ensure consistent snow coverage. At higher altitudes le Brévent offers another green slope and a further two greens can be found on the Flégère side.
Les Chosalets (1252 m) - Grands Montets
Situated at the foot of the Grands Montets, in the middle of the forest, this beginners’ area offers two drag lifts and a wide green run. It is also the location of the Panda Club and is ideally located near plenty of snack bar-restaurants where the whole family can gather and have lunch together!
Les Planards (1062 m - 1242 m) - Chamonix Town Centre
Located only two minutes from Chamonix town centre. Les Planards offers 4 pistes in total (one red, one blue and two green pistes), making it the biggest ski area in the valley for beginners of all ages. There are 41 snow cannons ensuring consistent snow coverage. Additionally this area offers one of the best bar-restaurants and free parking.
Les Chavants & Les Houches
In the town valley at Les Houches, there is a brilliant snow garden for children aged 3 to 10 years. Higher up on the slopes, there are a further 2 green slopes.
Park des Loisirs
This purpose built children’s play park is conveniently located near the centre of Chamonix and with lots of free parking available on site. The focus of the area is the new luge park which is ideal for kids but built with entertaining dads as well. There are trampolines, sanded areas and rides of all types for toddlers through to teenagers. A snack bar and resto complete the outfit.
Merlet Animal Park
This open and natural area above Les Houches is ideal for kids to interact with nature and the animals that inhabit the alpine environment. A beautifully designed trail walk that takes you past Marmottes, Roe deer, ibex and Chamois means you can enjoy nature whilst basking in glorious views of the Mt Blanc massif. Take a pic nic and find a shady spot for lunch and let the animals come as close as you like.
Montonvers / Mer du Glace
The Mer du Glace or sea of ice is one of the most famous of all visitor attractions in Chamonix and has been since Victorian times. The beautiful and charming Montonvers rack and pinion red train departs form Chamonix regularly during the day time both winter and summer and is a fabulous and enchanting ride up the mountain and ideal for kids.
At the top you can take in the spectacular views, see the animal and crystal museums and then descend to the ice caves that have been hollowed out beneath the glacier itself.
Outdoor Pool & Sports Centre
The outdoor pool and leisure facility of the Charles Bozon sports complex was renovated to a very high standard in the 2011 season. At its centre lies the 50 meter outdoor pool and children’s splash pool areas. With water slides and sun decks it’s a brilliant way to spend an afternoon with the family at the foot of Mont Blanc.
Lac Passy
Lac Passy is a slice of the Med in the alps. A pristine fresh water lake with stunning views of the Mt Blanc massif it has 4 main beach areas with sand for kids to play in and the water temperature is perfect for swimming and jumping. There are restuaramts and snack bars dotted about the shore and in the peak periods you can hire little electric boats to cruise about one area of the lake. Only 15 km drive from the chalets.
Accro Park / Lac Galliands
Harness, hard hat and climbing skill at the ready, leave the vertigo behind. This wire rope and skills course, set high in the pine trees of Galliands park just outside Chamonix, is a fun and energetic way to spend the day. Traversing between the obstacles with zip wires and matching your skills to the different difficulties of course. A beginner kiddies course is the perfect way to introduce kids to the vertical sports world.
Childcare Options
Winter or summer Chamonix is set up to help with your child care needs whilst on holiday. Some of the options are listed here.
MJC Chamonix is a French organisation and offers day care for 3 to 5 year olds; Originally set up for locals who need to work during the holidays, but then it gets extended to tourists if places remain available.
Le Petit VIP provides fun arts and crafts for little ones and run by English lady called Heather.
The following agents provide qualified babysitters to the chalet; a contract between you and the babysitter and baby-cham acts as an in-between quality control agent (Personally to date we have not used them).
