What to do in the summer?

Nice to see this forum is so active.

I was wondering if its possible to go skiing in Chamonix in the summer? Also what kind of things would you recommend me doing there doing that time? Climbing Mont Blanc is high on my list.

My plan is to stay with my relatives that live there. I plan on staying for about a month so I can work on my french language skills(none so far :p).

Is the area popular with english speaking touriists that time of year? and what kind of night life can i expect?

Peace,

Marco from Alberta, Canada

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No skiing.

But you can climb Mont Blanc - best with a guide unless you are very good.

There is loads of hiking , rafting, tennis, in fact you name the sport you can do it. Especially risky ones.

Loads of English speakers there

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Marcuzo, you should do a little research by yourself, before asking for futher help and recommendations.

Just google Chamonix and you find this on the website :

%26quot;Chamonix%26#39;s ski areas are open from December to May, subject to snow conditions. Chamonix does not offer summer skiing.%26quot;

chamonix.com/…en

You will also find a lot of infos about what you can do and see in summer.

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I value the facts and information on the websites but I believe forums like these are equally as important since you can pick up so much from other travelers.

Thanks for the speedy replies Red and only-lyon. I was really excited for this trip and missed that part of the website. Its a wonderful resource as i slow down and take it in.

Does anyone have an activitiy they would recommend from a previous experience?

Also, would anyone recommend a hot spring in the area? I remember going to one when i was there.

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What we most enjoyed was driving up into the mountains--beautiful scenery, cows with their bells, and one positively terrifying road straight down the side of the mountain into Switzerland.

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Paraponting !!!!!!!

Jump off a mountain with a cloth sheet to float down on. Absolutely insane.

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Parapenting is fab, there are dual flights or if you are here for a month you could sign up for a course.

Mountain biking is great, you can hire good bikes if necessary.

Lots of spas within an hours drive if you go over the border into Switzerland, or you can go half an hour to Pre St Didier just through the MT BLanc tunnel into Italy

Nightlife is low key but fun, plenty of bars and restaurants...clubs a bit dodgey, but you need to be here high season (July and Aug) to see much happening.

There is a language school INSTED that run summer courses if you really wanty to improve the french. Chamonix is very english speaking and if you don%26#39;t make a real effort you will find it hard to use your french.

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I didn%26#39;t know they had Paraponting, If i go that will be high on my list!

Moo963, thanks for telling me about INSTED. I%26#39;ve been reading a lot since i saw your post.

Thanks for the advice so far, this post far exceeded my expectations!

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