The Best Hiking Routes Chamonix Has to Offer

Guest post by alps2alps!

Chamonix sits at the base of Mont Blanc, which itself is at the highest summit of the Alps. It’s known for many things – being one of the oldest ski resorts, hosting the first Winter Olympics (back in 1924) and being the apparent birthplace of skiing in 1893. As you can see, there’s a lot going for this particular resort.

While Chamonix may be well renowned for its history and its skiing, it’s also home to some amazing hiking routes, boasting varied terrain and incredible mountain views.

Just for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best hiking routes Chamonix has to offer:

Lac Blanc

We’ll start with one of the more popular trails on the list. The Lac Blanc area is known for its incredible scenic beauty, so it’s easy to see why people flock to it. Head to the top of the L’index chair lift, via the Flégère lift, and embark on your trip from there. The journey time will clock in at about 1 hour 15 minutes, and the trail itself isn’t overly difficult, making it a nice scenic hike.

La Jonction

In sharp contrast to the last entry, this hiking trail is a little bit more difficult, but extremely rewarding. The route involves a lot of steep terrain. At the same time, because it takes you through some varied terrain, you’re also treated to some amazing views along your way. We’d only recommend this hike to those who are either experienced, or are looking for a challenge.

Grand Balcon Nord

Another popular walk, this particular hiking route is great for families and casual walkers. Classified as a “balcony walk”, the trail offers panoramic views that are sure to make an imprint on your memory. The entire trip is around 5 hours, including the train and the cable car, as well as the actual walk itself.

Mer de Glace

The trail from Chamonix to Mer de Glace is a beauty to behold. Mer de Glace itself is the longest glacier in France. While being featured in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”, its main claim to fame lies in its beauty. The route itself isn’t overly difficult, and it can be done as a full loop or as a one way trek (just take the Montenvers train and then trek back in the other direction).  The full loop itself will take you around 4.5 hours, and there are plenty of places to rest and admire the Alpine scenery.

Aiguilette des Posettes

The Aiguilette de Posettes hike has a lot of varied terrain and sights – there are forests, ridges and breathtakingly beautiful views of the Mont Blanc. Alongside these views, the entire Chamonix valley will be in view for you as you descend the mountainside.Taking you 4-6 hours to complete, this hike is one of the more difficult yet interesting hikes on this list, with several summits boasting spectacular Alpine views, and a variety of terrain throughout.

Cascade du Dard

One of the shortest hikes on the list, the Cascade du Dard is perfect for families and casual walkers. Starting at the edge of the town centre, the trail reaches around 200m of altitude gain, and rewards you with a view of a remarkable waterfall. As an added bonus, there’s also a snack bar and terrace! The route is easy to take, and overall lasts approximatly 45 minutes, making it a great choice for casual walking trips.

Albert Premiere

The Albert Premiere is an incredible hike, full of steep slopes and an incredible atmosphere. Being at the altitude it is, the views are absolutely stunning.The overall trip will take you between 4-6 hours, and the finale at the Refuge Albert overlooks an impressive glacier, which is definitely worth the hike to see. Be wary, this isn’t a hike for first time visitors due to the higher altitude. Make sure you get acclimatised a bit more first.

Lac Cornu

For another high altitude hike, the Lac Cornu trail has you covered. With rougher terrain and a quieter atmosphere, this trail offers a beautifully unique perspective on the Mont Blanc.The beauty of this walk is it can be done in both directions, with clear signposting directing you on the way there and back.

Get Hiking!

So now you know why Chamonix is so highly revered, and what the best trails to hike are. So what now? Well, Alps2Alps offer private transfers from your airport to your chosen ski resort, making your journey run as smoothly as possible. Instead of waiting around, you can get straight into the action as quickly as possible! Book your transfer to Chamonix and embark on one of the many hiking adventures the resort has to offer.