Article written by Elisa
This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.
Chamonix in Winter: Much More than Skiing!
If you love skiing, the Chamonix Valley is one of the best places to visit in France in winter! Boasting five ski resorts (Grands Montets, Le Brevent, La Flegere, Les Houches, and Le Tour/Balme), it is considered by many skiers to be one of the world’s premier freeride destinations, providing a fantastic experience for those who want to test themselves on some of the toughest runs in the French Alps.
But what if you don’t really like skiing or want to do more than race down the slopes of Chamonix Mont-Blanc? What options are available to you then?
Here is what to do in Chamonix in winter for non-skiers – an excellent selection of fun Chamonix winter activities for everybody.
Winter Activities in Chamonix for Non-Skiers
There is a whole lot more to Chamonix than skiing, so even if you aren’t a big fan of the pastime, there are many winter activities in Chamonix for non-skiers.
1. Buy a 100% Pedestrian Pass
Just because you don’t want to ski them doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the mountains. Purchasing a pedestrian lift pass gives you access to beautiful Chamonix winter hikes, and you can visit one of the many high-altitude restaurants in the area – several of which can be reached on foot from the ski lift.
Perhaps the best thing about getting a pedestrian lift pass is that it allows you to see Mont Blanc from a breathtaking perspective on the Aiguille du Midi. Get on France’s highest cable car for a memorable visit admiring the various points of interest of the site. One of the top attractions in Chamonix, the cable car takes you to a 3,482-metre elevation, which showcases outstanding views of the glaciers towards Mont Blanc. You’ll also be able to access several platforms that provide spectacular 360º panoramas. Just make sure you wrap up warmly!
The Chamonix 100% pedestrian stay pass 2024-2025 is available from 14 December to 30 March 2025, and prices start from 110 € for 2 days.
2. Snowmobile Excursion
One of the most thrilling Chamonix winter activities is to ride a snowmobile around the Grand Massif in the Alps.
Led by an experienced guide, you’ll get to control the vehicle en route to discovering the scintillating landscapes of Haute Savoie, which include Samoëns, Flaine, Les Carroz d’Arâches, and Morillon – Click here for more information and booking.
Don’t worry – there will be plenty of opportunities to capture that perfect Instagram-worthy photo and video along the way!
3. Tandem Paragliding Flight over Chamonix Mont Blanc
Fancy taking in Chamonix from a different perspective? Then paragliding over Mont Blanc might just be the perfect way for you to do it!
From an aerial vantage point, you’ll get to see sensational, birds-eye views of the vast expanse of an area often referred to as the “roof of Europe.”
Paragliding over Mont Blanc is something you can do all year round to gain superb views of both the summit and the wider Alpine mountain range. During your flight, you will be paired with a qualified instructor who will help you navigate your way over Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley – Click here for more information and booking.
However, you can also choose to go on an acrobatic flight if you fancy a more high-octane experience!
4. Snowshoeing Excursion in the Chamonix Valley
If you would prefer to keep your feet on the ground, then why not explore the valleys of Chamonix in winter on snowshoes?
Guided by a qualified mountain leader, you will be able to escape the crowds on the mountaintops by venturing into Mont Blanc Valley’s most beautiful routes. Along the way, you’ll take in breathtaking scenery and may even bump into local wildlife like deer, chamois, and ermines.
The route the guide will take you on will be based on your level of fitness, and they will even tell you fascinating stories and anecdotes about the history of the area as you make your way along it – Click here for more information and booking.
5. Dog Sledding Initiation in Avoriaz
Dog sledding is another of the best winter activities in Chamonix for those who don’t fancy skiing.
In this thrilling activity, you will join a professional musher who will teach you to drive a dogsled team through the middle of the Northern Alps.
The excursion typically lasts for two hours and involves you steering a team of two or three huskies around the wonderful snow-covered landscapes. It is a thrilling sensation, and you’ll quickly grow a strong bond with the dogs as they lead you on various descents and ascents around the Avoriaz area.
Throughout the session, your musher will even teach you a few phrases that will better enable you to communicate with the canines! – Click here for more information and booking.
Avoriaz is located 81km north of Chamonix, which is a 1.5-hour drive away. You could combine the dog-sledding session with other fun activities in Avoriaz, like ice skating, diving under ice, a snowmobile excursion, or a wellness session in one of the spas in town.
6. Downhill Yooner Session in La Clusaz
If you are not a strong skier, a good alternative you might want to try is the Yooner. This incredibly fun and easy-to-learn activity will allow you to take part in a 3.2 km descent in La Clusaz, an area about 62 km west of Chamonix, which is a 1-hour drive away.
Designed for beginners, the Yooner takes the form of gliding, providing a more straightforward way of safely sliding down the snow.
The equipment is lightweight and has a shock absorber that provides extra comfort. It also has a skate that is easy to maneuver and allows you to “cut curves,” just like in skiing!
During the ride, you’ll sit 20 cm from the ground, which provides quite the thrill! – Click here for more information and booking.
7. Rail Sledding at La Rosière
You might not have heard of rail sledding before, but once you do it, you will never forget the experience!
This thrilling activity takes place in the ski resort of La Rosière, 82 km south of Chamonix, which enjoys a spectacular location on the border of France and Italy that affords sensational views of snow-capped peaks, scenic Alpine villages, and lush green valleys.
During this experience, you will take the rails of your own sled before hurtling, at dizzying speeds, down the 700-meter course at speeds that max out at around 45km/h!
The experience is unforgettable and exhilarating, and you can choose to do it in a group or alone. It starts from the summit of La Rosière and is open to all ages, making it a family-friendly activity – Click here for more information and booking.
8. Pamper Yourself in a Spa
If you would prefer something a bit more relaxing during your time in Chamonix, then why not consider a pampering session at one of the many spas in the area?
Many hotels open theirs to non-guests, who can experience a range of rejuvenation treatments designed to help them relax and reinvigorate their minds and bodies. Some spa hotels to consider (also for your stay in Chamonix) include the Grand Hotel des Alpes Spa, the Hotel Montblanc Chamonix, and Les Balcons du Savoy Spa.
If you prefer a contemporary-style hotel, try the Chalet Hotel Le Prieuré & Spa. It has an indoor, heated swimming pool, sauna, hammams, all kinds of massages, and a relaxation room to help you fully relax.
9. Après Ski with Everybody Else
There is nothing in the rule book that says you have to ski to enjoy “après-ski.” So, take the opportunity to visit some of the various bars in Chamonix, where you can meet up with the rest of your group or other holidaymakers to enjoy a drink and a chat.
La Folie Douce (823 All Recteur Payot) is renowned for being one of the best of them, and while there, you can enjoy cabaret shows, table dancing, and live music from its location at the base of Savoy piste.
As La Folie Douce is quite an upscale establishment, you might prefer to go somewhere a bit more relaxed or low-key. If this is the case, I would recommend heading to either Le Bistrot des Sports, Elevation 1904 Bar, or Le Shack Restaurant and Bar.
Le Bistrot des Sports (182 Rue Joseph Vallot) is a popular spot in the city center for both locals and tourists. It has a lovely Gallic ambiance and offers a delicious lunch and dinner menu, which is very well-priced.
If you fancy a drink or meal while enjoying tremendous views of Mount Blanc, you should check out the Elevation 1904 Bar (259 Av. Michel Croz). It is located directly opposite the train station and has a terrace that showcases the piste in all its glory. You’ll find a nice mix of people in this bar and the DJ really knows how to get the party started.
Le Shack Restaurant and Bar (31 Rue Whymper) is another really good place you can go. It is the sister venue to the Mumma Restaurant right next door to it and has a lovely atmosphere based around its beer garden. They serve an excellent selection of Asian-inspired tapas, which you can enjoy with a terrific selection of inventive cocktails.