We at Chamonix Accommodation want you to have the best experience during your stay with us; and as many of our clients like to stay for the whole season, we decided to collaborate with activities specialists Evolution 2 and Chamonix 360. Choose between a wide array of activities at any time in the winter or summer season.
Chamonix360 is the ultimate resource for finding the best Hiking and Trail Running trails and points of interest around the Chamonix Valley. See link here.Â
Evolution 2 is no ordinary ski school, they are an outdoor adventure specialist who will have something for everyone to enjoy as a group, family or as an individual looking to create magical memories of their time in Chamonix.
We are the pioneers when it comes to accommodation, so it only seemed right to align with the professionals of the mountains! They have experienced ski Instructors, high mountain guides, accompanists, pilots of paragliding and much more… all ready to share their passion and help you discover the joys of the mountains.
You will be guided by an award winning ski school operating out of a high mountain guide house, for the winter snow based activities and an outdoor adventure/mountaineering company in the summer.
Let us give you some idea of what you might like to do.
Winter Activities
Ski groups – Their children’s ski school is famous with over 15 years of experience:  fun ski lessons in a natural and safe environment. For adults, beginners to more experienced levels you will learn or improve your skiing in small groups: 4 – 8 people, so there is something for everyone.
Snowboarding groups – Taking a personalised approach to snowboarding they offer beginner courses, ‘off-piste’ or freestyle sessions. Chamonix has a wide variety of suitable areas for snowboarding. Join their advanced courses off-piste and discover amazing freestyle techniques.
Private tailor-made lessons designed for you – Private ski lessons are available for up to 6 people per instructor and for the ‘off-piste’ skiing it’s up to 4 people.
Their instructors will offer you an individual approach and will adapt it to your needs. They will discuss and show you different techniques, the safety, carving, freestyle, check-up clinic, and the pleasure of ‘off-piste skiing’. When you book your lessons think about what your needs and goals are, so they can adapt your lessons and choose your instructor. Remember private lessons guarantee personalised supervision and progress!
Classes are for1- 6 people in the same level (they can’t mix skiing & snowboarding).
Fancy an off-piste adventure trip?
Go with professionals who master perfectly their discipline and ‘off-piste’ skiing. They know the valley, so you will experience safe ‘off-piste’ skiing along the best lines. The Chamonix Valley is known to be the “Capital of Skiing”, thanks to its ‘off-piste’ skiing with a lot of powder fields and forgotten valleys. You can also go from Chamonix by ski to discover the Aosta Valley in Italy.
Vallee Balance Descents – This is a must for many…The Vallee Blanche, 17-22km of ‘off- piste’ adventure under seracs and over crevasses – A unique must do activity! During the 22 kms (when the conditions allow us to descend all the way to Chamonix) you will be on the Mont Blanc Massif witnessing a breath-taking landscape – it’s a day that you’ll never forget.
Heliski Italy – Courmayeur – Thanks to the exceptional geography, between Italy and Switzerland, Chamonix is a real base camp for Heliskiing, which opens up to many dream destinations. Nothing is easier for a daytrip, than to go to Italy, or to Courmayeur by helicopter (it’s forbidden in France) to go skiing on the most beautiful slopes of Val Veny.
For magical sites and beautiful panoramas come and discover the virgin slopes of Val Veny in Italy.
Even if you are at an intermediate or an experienced ski level, you will have the choice of several routes, from an easy to a committed level. You can start your day, skiing on the spring snow on the southern slopes and continue on the powder snow on the north faces.
Wilderness Evening – If you are a group of a minimum 20 people why not spend a mythic and unforgettable evening in our Mongolian yurt and enjoy an authentic a savoyard meal? This magical forest adventure, with snow laden trees and a special hidden camp in the woods is an experience that is never forgotten. There will be a full itinerary organised for the group which also includes a Paret descent. The Paret is a descent on an old wooden sled with a single skate. Feel like a child again as you descend on a wooden sled after the slopes have closed – It’s such fun!
Other winter activities include: Husky dog rides, Speed riding tuition, Heli flights and Ice climbing, etc.
Summer Activities
Discovery Passy: For the families with kids from 8 years old, 8km navigation with 6 rapids with views of the Mont-Blanc, it’s ideal for a first approach of the white-water rafting.
Action in Chamonix – The 6km course in Chamonix is the sportiest, it’s the same river as the ‘Passy’, but being narrow, it is faster! Children have to be at least 10 years old.
Adrenaline in Italy – The ‘Dora Baltea’ – Is one of the sportiest rivers in Europe. You’ll find it a real adrenalin rush as several parts are of class III-IV. Children from 15 years old can participate, but must have experience in rafting as the river is too sporty for beginners.
Hydrospeed – Get equipped with a full suit, a pair of fins, your foam float and the river is yours! – For families with children from 11 years old, this river of 8 km with 6 rapids, with the view of the Mont Blanc Massif. It is ideal for a first hydrospeed experience with a fun course.
Action in Chamonix – The 6km course in Chamonix can be challenging! They ask that children are at least 14 years old and already have experience of this type of course.
Adrenaline in Italy – The ‘Dora Baltea’ – is one of the sportiest rivers in Europe. Take the challenge and you will find that the ‘Dora Baltea’ is adrenalin filled! (Several parts are classed III – IV). Children from 17 years old can come, but they will ask that everybody already had been with a guide from their team to confirm their ability.
MINI Raft – Cano Raft – Kayak Raft
With friends, family or in a group, it’s up to you! This is a playful and accessible activity on an easy river. You will learn the basics of navigation on your boat, 1 place Kayak-raft, 2 places in Cano-raft or 4 places in Mini-raft.
Discovery on the ‘Passy’- This activity is only done in Passy. The mini-raft is possible from 10 years old. The cano and kayak is possible from 12 years old.
Please Note: – For this activity, it is compulsory to know how to swim and be comfortable in the water. The given time of activity is approximate; it depends mainly on the water level of the river.
Canyoning
Canyoning is a wilderness sport related to caving, hiking, climbing and water sports. It consists of navigating the canyon and streams, where the water flow can vary according to the places. The course follows the bed of a stream and the direction of the water flow. It’s done on foot, but also by swimming or using rope techniques, especially abseiling. It’s ok if you do not know how as the guide will assist you in every aspect. You can find jumps of several meters with waterholes, but also natural slides.
Sporty or family canyon, just make your choice! It’s a secured canyon with plenty of alternatives. The whole thing makes it a real sporty experience. For a family trip, we can choose the parts that are suitable for children.
Sporty canyon: We’ll reach the most spectacular obstacles including jumps, zip line & slides for those who seek real action. (All obstacles can be bypassed!)
Family canyon: Depending of the participant’s age and capacities, we’ll adapt the jumping and abseiling heights. (All obstacles can be passed.)
Half Day – ‘La Belle Au Bois’ a Megeve
A sporty canyon that in 2 hours, you will find: jumps, abseils, and slides… a great escape! Amongst the green mountain pastures, you will jump into an impressive gorge. First, it’s a very aquatic part with some jumps (6m not compulsory) and slides that bring you up right into action. Then, the series of high waterfall abseils makes for a spectacular end. This canyon reacts to rain, but it offers several escapes or bypassing tracks.
Half Day – Balme in Magland
A varied and super fun canyon that provides a great experience that you will want to share with your friends or family. The first half is a succession of nice falls on which we take some time to learn the abseiling techniques. The gorge opens up into a dense and lush forest, and then come the ludic final with tens of natural slides. A genuine aquatic park means the water level can vary depending on the rain; one can easily walk around the big falls or escape the canyon.
Full Day – Chalamy Canyon in Italy
The Chalamy canyon is located in Italy, in the Val d’Aosta Valley, it’s very famous. You will swim in beautiful bassins, you will jump from a maximum height of 10m, you will see waterfalls of 30 m, and you will slide on slides of 10 m. After a departure that will start with a 20m of abseils. It’s a sporty but fun canyon!
Paragliding
You will be facing Mont Blanc, therefore making your paragliding baptism in an exceptional two-seater flight with our qualified pilots. Go from Planpraz, Plan de l’Aiguille or the Aiguille du Midi. Please check departures as they may vary depending on the weather and the period of the year.
Helicopter Tour
Fly over and witness the most prestigious summits of the Alps from a breath-taking perspective. Memorise the magical vision of the Mont Blanc range as seen from the sky which will surely be an unforgettable experience!
Further information:
– This activity is possible for passengers from the age of 8 years old.
– For people with heart or respiratory problems it is advised that you please check with your doctor that you are able to do the flight (you will go up to 5000 meters altitude for about 20 and 30 minutes).
– The flights are dependent on weather conditions as they are usually done in the morning when conditions are better! The helicopter must be full in order for the flight to leave (6 people on board). If you are a small group they will find others to fly with to make 6 people.
– The Evolution2 team will contact you the night before to confirm the exact time for take-off!
Hot air balloon
Come and fly over the Mont Blanc range, in a hot air balloon, with an extraordinary view.
Departing from Praz-sur-Arly, leave for an unforgettable journey in the footsteps of Jules Verne, facing the highest Alpine peaks: Aravis, Beaufortain, Fizs, Bauges, Swiss and Italian Alps and the Mont Blanc massif.
This journey will allow you to discover the most beautiful facets of the mountains.
Itinerary includes:
– Preparation of the balloon and inflation : 30 minutes
– Time of the flight : 45 minutes to 1hour15 minutes depending on the day’s aerology
– Champagne on landing
– Return to take-off field by vehicle
– Timing of the total service: between 3-4hours.
These flights only take place in the morning and the flight will be confirmed 48 hours in advance depending on weather conditions.
Mountain Bike Discovery Session
Adventure along trails in the forest, mountains and rivers it’s a lot of fun! Suitable for beginners and families and each session last 2hours.
Mountain Bike Downhill Valley
Discover the heart of the valley on 16 km of pleasant descent with an amazing view of the Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges. Suitable for persons who have a low level in MTB, but who are comfortable and know the position for the downhill.
Session 1/2 day from 9am to 1pm or from 1:30pm to 5:30pm.
Mountain Bike – Enduro
On your Enduro mountain bike, you will discover the ski slopes, and an exceptional panorama that is so different from the winter scenery.
Suitable for persons who are comfortable on their MTB, but who want to learn and improve on the Enduro. There are different groups.
Session:Â 1/2 day from 9am to 1pm or from 1:30pm to 5:30pm or on full day from around 9am to 4pm.
E-Bike
The popular electric bicycle allows you to be driven by the motor of your electric bike. It will help you climb the mountains without much effort! Suitable for beginners to experienced.
Session 1/2 day from 9am to 1pm or from 1:30pm to 5:30pm or full day from 9am to 4pm.
E-Scooter
The electric scooter will allow you to discover the paths of “Bois du Bouchet” in a differently way than you would on your bike. Suitable for use from 12 years old and 150cm.
Session 2hours and 30 minutes.
Hikes
Evolution 2 hikes are in groups or with your family and are led by their experienced mountain guides. They will allow you to learn about the fauna and flora by walking the paths of the valley.
If you choose a private session, you’ll decide the itinerary with your guide according to your physical conditions and weather forecast.
Mountain bivouac
What’s more beautiful than waking up in the morning before the sunrise in the mountains? A mountain guide will take you to sleep in the mountains with a breath-taking panorama. In the evening, you will enjoy a Fondue Savoyard in the mountain atmosphere.
Mont Blanc tour
As it’s named, this circuit takes the paths around Mont Blanc and it is certainly the most famous hike of the Alps, the one that any hiker must accomplish one day! Discover trails that will take you through 3 countries: France – Italy – Switzerland and admire prestigious summits like the Mont Blanc with their expert guides.
Different tours of 6-8 days are possible. The ‘traditional’ tour is over 8 days.
Rock climbing
Discover new climbing techniques or improve your own on the most beautiful cliffs and climbing routes of Chamonix. The valley is the ideal ground for all level and ages.
Climbing session & rock climbing school
The climbing session generally takes place in Les Gaillands, a rock wall located in a pleasant surrounding between lakes and forest. The place offers various itineraries to suit all levels of climbers. Climbing is a complete sport on its own, with intense pleasure and satisfaction. For all those looking to surpass achievements’ and a taste for adventure!
Full day rock and ‘big wall’ climbs & mixed climbing
This will include Chamonix on the Mont Blanc side, with its granite slabs and fissures and on the opposite side of the valley ‘Les Aiguilles Rouges’ or the ‘Red Needles’, named after it’s coloration. The Pre-Alps have limestone rocks and the Italian granite which is preferred when the weather conditions are not so good, on the French side.
This is a day designed for a small group or just 2 people to perform a mixed climbing race, on rocks and ice.
Via ferrata:
With a length of 400m, via ferrata of Curalla in Passy offers a route consisting of various passages with bridges, monkey bridges and Nepali ladders, nets. This via ferrata is equipped and accessible from May to October. The entire route is a beautiful aerial balcony overlooking the arve valley with a spectacular backdrop: the Mont Blanc Massif.
Glacier hiking
Glacier hiking gives you the opportunity to discover the high mountains and alpinism. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will see the most beautiful glaciers of the Mont Blanc massif. This is available to all levels.
Glacier hikes – Mer de Glace
The ‘Mer de Glace’ or ‘Sea of Ice’ is one of the most well-known glaciers in the Alps. The source begins at around 3700m, and it flows down, to around 1500m.
Glacier hikes – Vallee Blanche by the Aiguille du midi
This is the ‘most mythical and majestic’ glacier hike of Chamonix, were you cross the glacier of the Vallée Blanche and the Aiguille du Midi to the Pointe Helbronner to reach Italy. A hike at 3400m has an exceptional panorama of the most beautiful Italian and French peaks.
With the altitude you can feel a shortness of breath, heavy legs, it’s quite normal as your body will have less oxygen.
Glacier hikes – Vallee Blanche to the Helbronner / Italy
You will take the ‘Skyway’ Monte Bianco after the Mont Blanc Tunnel, to climb to the summit of Pointe Helbronner at 3500m.
The Mont Blanc and other summits over 4000m are visible all around, they will hike with you from Italy to France.  With slender summits and gigantic glaciers, it’s here that they will guide you to a breathtaking view of the Italian side of the Mont Blanc.
Mont Blanc
Le Mont-Blanc: A dream and mythical summit…4810m! Reaching the top of Mont-Blanc requires highly technical preparation but also a very good acclimatisation to altitudes, otherwise the summit could remain only a dream! Choose the formula that suits you best.
Mont Blanc – 5 days
This course is for people in excellent physical condition and who regularly practice sport due to being at altitude and on glacial terrain. It is also, strongly recommended you have prior alpine experience, even if this is not an obligation.
Preparation and adaptation to the altitude, will allow the acclimatisation needed to reach essential bases to be able to climb above 4000m altitude.
In an appropriate educational programme, advised, motivated and encouraged, you will find the necessary energy to reach the coveted summit.
Mont Blanc ascent by the normal route – 3 days!
For people experienced in mountaineering, cramponing and in good physical condition, but wish to take their time on the climb by doing it in 3 stages with 2 nights in refuge.
Mont Blanc ascent by the normal route – 2 days!
For people who already have a good experience in mountaineering, cramponing, and a good physical condition.
Mont Blanc ascent by the 3 Mont’s
The ascent of Mont Blanc can be done from the Aiguille du Midi through the 3 Mont’s: Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit and Mont Blanc.
For people who already have a good experience in mountaineering, cramponing, and are in good physical condition. The guides will have to know your experience and physical conditions, before embarking on this way of the 3 mountains.
Chamonix Accommodation clients get a 5% discount on most products so be sure to quote ‘query from Chamonix Accommodation’ when enquiring. (* no discount on Heli-Ski, insurance, Heli-Flights) Email: planning@evolution2.com with member in subject line or call: 00 33 450 55 90 22 and mention Chamonix Accommodation when making your booking for a discount.