Chamonix

This classic cycling destination out of Chamonix Valley is perfect for reasonably fit people looking to summit a mountain pass on wheels. Col des Montets (1,462 m) is on County Road D1506 that connects France to Switzerland, and it was even included in the Tour de France in the 50s through the 70s. Check road conditions on the Chamonix tourism site before setting off. You can begin this trip a...

Begin this hike by either making the 3.5 hour hike from the town of Chamonix to the top of Le Brévent (roughly 4,900 ft gain), or take the Brévent cable car to the top.(31€ roundtrip). Once at the summit take a moment to enjoy the 360° view, the fun is only getting started. After getting your fill at the summit follow the trail leading southwest from the summit towards the big green alpine area...

The valley of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is most well known for the mountain it’s named after, Western Europe’s highest peak. Yet just right across the valley on its north side lies a dramatic and beautiful range that cuts the horizon with tall rock spires: The Aiguilles Rouges.Part of the Rouges range, the Aiguilles Crochues Traverse offers incredible views and breathtaking heights for new climbers r...

This adventure begins at the Flégère gondola in Les Praz (a village in the NorthEast section of Chamonix), which is easy to get to with the free Chamonix bus. Take the Flégère gondola to La Flégère, situated at 1894 meters (6,213 feet). The ride up itself shouldn't take more than ten minutes, but standing in line may take up to 40 minutes if it's very crowded during the summer, so I suggest goi...

Whether you choose to move together or pitch the route, this is incredibly fun and a spectacular journey. It is normally quiet as most climbers who come to Chamonix are focused on slightly more hardcore objectives.From the parking area, cross the river, turn left, and follow the trail to its natural conclusion. After about 15 minutes you will see a wooden signpost 'La Norvege'. Via Corda Alpina...

The Aiguille du Midi Cable Car is the #1 tourist destination in the world’s capital for extreme sports, Chamonix. For regular tourists, a trip to the top of the 3842 m-high cable car museum provides plenty of excitement for one day. But for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, it’s just the starting point for countless high-altitude climbing routes.This route describes one of the most pop...

Getting There From Chamonix, it is very easy to get to Le Tour. You can either drive up the valley, bike up the valley or take a cheap shuttle that runs every 15 minutes up and down from Chamonix to Le Tour, and everywhere in between. I took a shuttle up the valley to Argenterie where I rented a bike from the shop, Namaste, and biked myself the rest of the way (1.5 miles or so). If you are conf...

Starting in the Martigny town center, the trailhead is easy to find. Follow Rue de la Bâtiaz across La Dranse Rive and after about two blocks you will see signs to Chemin du Château, the "path to the castle."A relatively easy hike, switchbacks wind through vineyards on the mountainside for 1.8 miles before reaching La Bâtiaz at the summit. La Bâtiaz offers stunning vantage points of the Martign...

The Roselend mountain pass is known in the cycling world for being part of the Tour de France, but in the winter it is essentially deserted. There are a few old buildings, a small electrical station and you'll perhaps see some locals out for a ski, but my bet is you'll feel magnificently alone in the alpine countryside.You will be snowshoeing on the road itself, which is closed and unmaintained...