Chamonix, France by Leo-setä

So what sports can you expect to find catered for in Chamonix? Here is a rundown of the most popular:

Skiing

Unsurprisingly, skiing is the most popular activity in Chamonix, attracting thousands of people every winter. Ski holidays in France are very popular, and Chamonix is one of the most visited areas. Due to the relatively high slopes, snow reliability is good, and the off-piste skiing is also a major draw.

One of the most popular off-piste runs is the Vallée Blanche. This famous run can be accessed by taking the cable car to the top of the Aiguille du Midi, and is certainly one for real enthusiasts. Built in 1955, the cable car was once the highest in France and it still provides a real thrill.

Mountaineering

Mountaineering in Chamonix is another of the major activities in the region and it is hardly surprising when you consider the dramatic options available here. Chamonix is located near to the Aiguilles Rouges massif and the Mont Blanc massif, both of which contain some seriously big mountains.

There are some very popular routes that attract mountaineers from far and wide, especially during the summer months. One of these is the route up the Aiguille du Dru, also known as the Dru, a mountain located near to the village of Les Praz. The highest summit is the Grande Aiguille du Dru at 3,754 metres.

Another popular mountain is the Grandes Jorasses, the peak of which stands at 4,208 metres. Then of course, there is Mont Blanc itself. The south-facing side is particularly popular, as are the various routes to the summit.

Trekking

The stunning views and mountainous peaks mean that it is hardly surprising that trekking is one of the major activities in Chamonix. There are a number of popular hikes that attract visitors to the region, all of which offer dramatic scenery and are suitable for a range of levels.

One popular hike involves taking the cable car up the Aiguille du Midi to the mid-station and walking down from here to Chamonix. The hike takes about three hours in total and is all downhill, making it a popular option for less-experienced trekkers.

There are also hikes that take in mountain lakes, such as those that go through the Aiguille Rouge nature reserve, and glaciers such as the Mer de Glace.

Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve, France by Guillaume Baviere

Other Popular Activities

As well as skiing, mountaineering and trekking, another popular summer activity is mountain biking. The tracks around the region are suitable for various levels of experience and they are all well maintained. Other activities that attract enthusiasts throughout the year include rock climbing, canyoning, ice climbing, rafting and even paragliding.

Get Active in Chamonix

If you want to visit one of the most exciting places in France for adventure sports, Chamonix is the place to go. With so many activities on offer throughout the year, there is something for everyone here. And with the stunning mountain scenery and first-class facilities on offer, it really is the ideal place to get active and enjoy an adventure.

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The problem is though that we can only get one holiday per year. Some of us might be lucky enough to get too, but for the most part our finances and our time off work are restrictive and we’re limited to just the one. When you’ve got so many places to choose from, and only two weeks to enjoy them, how do you decide where to go?

Well there are plenty of places to choose from indeed, but here for your consideration we shall be looking at Lanzarote and putting forward the case for making this beautiful island your next stop. Here are some of the top reasons you should choose Lanzarote…

El Golfo – One of the famous points on Lanzarote!, Canary Islands, Spain by Moni Sertel

The Weather: The weather in Lanzarote is what you would expect from one of the Canary islands – sunny and warm and actually ideal for lounging in the sun. However at the same time there is also a constant cool breeze which many people find highly relaxing and which prevents the heat from becoming overbearing and unpleasant. There are plenty of holiday resorts on the island too.

The Desert: Almost all of the holiday destinations most people consider have great weather though. They also have great beaches and lots more for the casual holidaymaker besides. One thing that you can get from Lanzarote that you wouldn’t get from just ‘any’ holiday destination though is a desert – and short of travelling to Egypt this is the best way to combine a little desert trekking with your other more standard holiday activities. El Jable is a small desert, but that’s part of the charm meaning you’re perfectly safe and unlikely to get badly lost – it’s just enough to try something different and get some great pictures (or a great day out riding camels).

Volcano: One of the big advantages of all of the Canary islands is the volcanic landscapes that they feature. It’s beautiful in a desolate kind of way, but it also makes for some interesting natural demonstrations and days out. Visit Timanfaya Volcano National Park for instance and sample meat cooked by volcano…

Lanzarote Coastline, Canary Islands, Spain by Luc Viatour

Surf: The beaches are ideal for relaxing and chilling out in the sun, but that’s not all they have to offer. If you really want to experience them in a more active way then this is also an ideal holiday destination for surfers. Head to Famara and you’ll have plenty of great surfing beaches and a vibrant community of enthusiasts.

Mountains: Okay so you’ve already got great beaches, a desert and a volcanic park. However what Lanzarote can also offer you – and what you won’t get to the same degree many other places – is a great mountain landscape which can make for scenic walks or just a fantastic backdrop while you’re swimming in the sea.

The Green Lagoon: For a stunning and unusual natural phenomenon, head over to El Golfo Beach to witness the green lagoon. Separated by red rock, this is generally a very colourful site and well worth seeing.

Vueva de los Verdes: And while you’re visiting wonderful natural formations, why not go to Cueva de los Verdes and explore beautiful caves formed by natural volcanic eruptions.

Variety: In short then you really can’t beat Lanzarote for its variety. It has all the shops and amenities you would expect of a holiday hotspot, and it has great weather and resorts. But at the same time this is also an island that can offer volcanoes, mountains, caves, lagoons and even desert…

James Ben is a renowned adventurer who started his own travel and adventure blog, featuring holidays tips and advice. He recommends Lanzarote as a top holiday destination.

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