Chamonix Based Day Hikes
With 375 hiking routes there are plenty of options! In total 344 hikes and 31 long-distance hikes are waiting to be explored. We we will listen to your needs and make the right choices for you!...We often get asked which are the “best” but it’s impossible to say because it completely depends on your criteria. However, here is a sample of 5 that are worth an explore and accessible.
Lac Blanc from Flegere
This day-trek is non-technical but with plenty of elevation gain taking one of the less travelled routes. In all it’s a 10km hike with 500 metres of elevation gain and descent.
Starting in Les Praz you climb steadily on our chosen path until you reach the breathtaking mountain panorama - stunningly reflected on a turquoise lake. The lake is called "Lac Blanc" because its surrounded by snow for much of the year.) And since the lake sits on the opposite side of the valley from the Mont Blanc massif, you have unrivalled views of Mont Blanc.
There is a refuge for those of you that prefer to enjoy a local lunch on the mountain and stunning picnic spots allowing you time to take in the views. In the surrounding nature reserve there are plenty of Ibex and Marmottes so you may be lucky enough to catch a sight of the mascots of the Chamonix Mont Blanc Valley.
Aiguilette des Posettes
The Aiguilette de Posettes hike has shady larch forests, exhilarating ridges and breathtakingly beautiful views of the Mont Blanc Massif - you will also see the entire Chamonix valley as you descend the mountainside. Taking 4-6 hours to complete, this hiking trail has several summits including one true summit of the Aiguillette de Posettes and boasts spectacular Alpine views with a variety of terrain throughout.
The summit of Aiguillettes des Posettes is a great place for a pause to enjoy the 360 degrees of magnificence in every direction. The Emosson Dam makes a clear landmark to view Switzerland and it’s a clear view of Mont Buet and the fantastic glaciers in both Le Tour and Trient.
Les Houches to Le Prarion
From the get-go on this day-trek, you enjoy the exceptional views over the Chamonix Valley, the north-west aspect of Mont Blanc and the imposing limestone cliffs Rochers des Fiz and the Desert de Platé. With a good amount of elevation gain, the ascent involves limited simple scrambling as you approach the summit and the view is even better than the initial panorama enjoyed at Bellevue.
You return through glorious pasture land and can take in the “Alpage de la Charme” a traditional alpine goat farm which has wonderful views over Saint-Gervais. Then you return via the Col de Voza at 1657m before making your way back down to little village of Les Houches.
Starting at the tiny hamlet of Le Buet near the Swiss border, you ascend steadily up the Bérard Valley through forest and wild-flower meadows, towards the Col de Bérard at 2460m enjoying fabulous views of the Aiguille Rouge.
The cascade de Bérard is a stunning place to stop and admire close up this tumultuous waterfall that descends the slopes of the Aiguilles Rouges: nature at her best.
Emosson Dam via the Refuge de Loriaz
This is one of the best hikes in Chamonix for variety. This full day hike offers some stunning panoramas of the Chamonix Valley as well as some challenging descents and ascents. It also has the excitement of scrambling up and down some steep terrain, as well as via ferrata. (Via ferrata is a technique used for crossing high mountains using fixed chains, rails, steps and ladders - you don't need any experience but you do need a good head for heights!)
The sights you encounter on this hiking trail are varied too. Beginning with the pastoral sleepy Alpine village of Vallorcine and passing a gorgeous high-mountain stone refuge before arriving at an enormous dam high on the Swiss side of the Alps – a spectacular place to visit in its own right. You then pass the beautiful Cascade de Barberine on the loop back down to the French side of the Alps.
