Chamonix is definitely among one of the most popular destinations for skiing, mountaineering and alpine climbing in Europe. The majestic Mont Blanc, Aiguille du Midi, Grand Capucin, Vallée Blanche… every mountain sport enthusiast has their reason to travel to Chamonix. But can you still enjoy clean nature without crowds in Chamonix?
It’s a rather difficult question, that cetrainly devides opinions. To discover the true colors of Chamonix, Gaissa Media crew spent over six months exploring Chamonix and the surrounding mountains.
So, is Chamonix still worth visiting? Short answer: yes. Keep on reading to find out why!
While some consider Chamonix to be a proper tourist trap (and for sure there are masses of mountain sport tourists), it’s still possible to enjoy the mountains almost by yourself. You just have to know when and where to go.
During the high season in summer and winter there’s so many tourists, that it’s nearly impossible to find peace and quiet. On the other hand, off seasons offer great opportunities to explore Chamonix area and to get a taste of the authentic Cham life.
Mind you, that the lifts may not be open off season. However, if you choose your line well, it’s possible to approach traditionally by foot, climb and get back home before bedtime. There’s also many opportunities for ski de rando or ski touring, in which case you’d be muscling your way up anyway. Good for you – and the nature.
If you have the time, it’s also an option to hike up the day before and spend a night at higher altitudes. Some huts are open even during off season and in worst (or best?) case scenario you can sleep in a tent – just make sure to set up the tent after sunset and pack up your things by sunrise and leave no trace in the nature.
Let’s repeat that: leave no trace in the nature! Take trash back to the valley with you to prevent the mountains becoming one massive junkyard. This way we can coexist with the local flora and fauna and make sure also the next generation will be able to enjoy the mountains like we do.
There is one big but, though…
To get most out of your climbing, hiking, skiing or mountaineering holiday in Chamonix, it’s essential to have a guide. It can be a local friend or a paid mountain guide, but without a guide you’ll probably end up on the same slopes, trails and climbs as everyone else. Or even worse – waste your holiday by spending all the time to approaches and climbing or skiing in bad conditions.
Fortunately there are dozens of skilled and certified guides at your service in Chamonix area. Guides like Tim Olivier, Ode Siivonen, Gaëtan Navarrete and Rhys McAllister know the mountains back and forth, taking you to the most memorable Alpine adventures in your life. With any luck you’ll get to enjoy the mountains in solitude off the beaten tracks!
P.S. Glaciers and high mountain ecosystems are already on the verge of destruction, so please take care of the mountains while you’re visiting French Alps. We at Gaissa Media do our part in protecting the mountains by donating 3% of our profits for the good of the mountains. We ask you to pitch in! More info at bepartofthemountain.org.
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