Rain rain go away, but here’s what you can do all day!
When you’re feeling rained in, head out to one of our top picks for Chamonix bad weather activities.
Discounts apply to many of Chamonix bad weather activities below with your tourist guest cards, which the Resort Team will bring to you when they meet you at the accommodation. Or in winter, with your 3-21 day Mont Blanc Unlimited lift pass, entrance is free on all attractions marked with an asterisk*!
Museums & galleries
From the history of Alpinism to sparkling crystals, discover the unique culture and rare gems our beloved mountains have produced. There are more than half a dozen destinations to pick’n’mix from within the valley. We love Chamonix and we love our history too, so be sure to check out our favourites.
Alpine Museum*:
Through their collection of photographs, paintings, artefacts and maps, discover the story of Chamonix’s development from Alpine backwater to skiing and mountaineering Mecca. Guided visits (in French) are available on Wednesdays at 14:30.
89 ave Michel Croz, 74400 Chamonix | +33 (0) 4 50 53 25 93
Espace Alpanisme*:
This interactive exhibition features cutting edge displays and is great fun for all ages. Kids go free and you can try out the world-first climbing simulator too!
Espace Tairraz, 615 allée du Recteur Payot, 74400 Chamonix | +33 (0) 4 50 55 53 93
Crystal Museum*:
Discover the mineral treasures of the Mont-Blanc massif which have been sought out by crystal hunters since the middle ages. With a collection of 500 pieces you can also see beautiful examples of crystals from all around the world.
Espace Tairraz, 615 allée du Recteur Payot, 74400 Chamonix | +33 (0) 4 50 55 53 93
Musée Montagnard*:
In this house, dating from 1750, you can learn all about the traditional way of life in rural Haute-Savoie, and the history of Les Houches.
Rue de l’Eglise, 74310 Les Houches | +33 (0) 4 50 54 54 74
Maison de L’Alpage (Servoz)*:
One of our favourites, due in part to the lovely train ride to Servoz which is free with your tourist guest card. Enjoy learning about various aspects of Alpine life, particularly the agriculture of the Mont-Blanc region. The Maison hosts a varied programme of exhibitions throughout the year and admission is free!
Le Bouchet, 74310 Servoz | +33 (0) 7 78 24 96 77
*3-21 day MBU lift pass, part of Cham’Val offer
Indoor climbing
Once you’ve brushed up on your local history, or are ready to practice hunting crystals, why not head to one of Chamonix’s two indoor climbing locations? There are Chamonix bad weather activities for every level and every age range, from little monkey to beasting arm lizard.
Check out the Richard Bozon Sports Centre bouldering room, or head to Mont Blanc Escalade in Les Houches which has a beginners top-rope area and lead routes up to 9a.
Take note that climbing shoes are compulsory for the bouldering room in central Chamonix. The price was just over 5€ to climb your heart out at the time of publishing this blog. At Mont Blanc Escalade you can pay an entrance fee or book private/group lessons to your hearts content.
Mont Blanc Escalade, ZA des Trabets, 74310 Les Houches | +33 (0) 4 50 54 76 48
(See below for Richard Bozon centre details)
Cinema
Time may stop when you’re on vacation but the wheels of Hollywood are always turning, ready to take you even further from reality! Our local cinema – Cinema Vox – has a good selection of French and Hollywood releases. Films marked “VOST” indicate you’re in for the original soundtrack with French subtitles.
If it happens to be a wet Thursday, ask the staff if the special “5€ Thursday” discount applies to your desired screening. And remember, parking is free for everyone when your ticket is presented for validation (applies to underground parking at St Michel and Mont-Blanc).
22 cour du Bartavel, 74400 Chamonix | +33 (0) 4 50 53 03 39
Sports centre
Swimming*, ice skating* and bouldering all in one central location at the Richard Bozon leisure facility, making this one of the top destinations for Chamonix bad weather activities.
This is your sure fire winner for young families, best followed with a casual dining experience at one of our favourite bars: MBC is the best for a location close to the leisure centre.
The swimming facilities have an indoor pool, slides, waterfall, river rapids and water jets which are great for all the family. Serious swimmers will enjoy the Olympic-sized outdoor pool which opens in the summer.
There is a refreshment and snack bar in the outdoor area. Please note that men must wear fitted trunks or speedos, baggy swimming shorts are not permitted. There’s even baby swim fun in an extra warm pool every Saturday!
Richard Bozon Sports Centre, 214 ave de la Plage, 74400 Chamonix | +33 (0) 4 50 53 23 70
Ice rink, 165 route de la Patinoire, 74400 Chamonix | +33 (0) 4 50 53 12 36
Casino
James Bond in Mont Blanc? Get dolled up and go Casino Royale at Chamonix’s very own casino in the centre of town. Try your hand at Black Jack, Stud Poker, English and French Roulette, or one of the fruit machines.
Everyone is welcome, from 18 years, just bring your passport or ID card along with you and entrance is free! There’s no obligatory dress code either, so you can even choose to come as you are.
There’s also a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy a drink or some of the traditional regional flavours – the lunch menu starts from 10€ and at weekends choose from the chef’s specials. Note that the bar is only accessible on the same conditions as the casino (bring your passport).
Then, complement the experience with some haute cuisine at one of our favourite fine dining spots.
Casino de Chamonix, 12 place Saussure, 74400 Chamonix | +33 (0)4 50 53 07 65
Spa day
Don’t soak in the rain, immerse yourself in pure luxury at one of our top picks for a Chamonix spa day.
Chamonix caters perfectly to holiday makers seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Extreme sports are a perfect distraction, or to truly mellow out, nothing beats a spa day in Chamonix’s many beautiful and luxurious wellness spas.
From ice grottos, to wood cabin saunas, Chamonix’s spas have it all. AND just across the border to Courmayeur in Italy, Pré Saint Didier spa is unbeatable value de luxe.
The price of entrance includes the use of bathrobe, towel, flip flops and a lovely buffet with healthy snacks of fruit and vegetables, bread, breadsticks, infusions and fruit juices – so all you need to bring is your swimsuit. In fact – you can even buy a swimming costume when you get there if you forget to bring it with you, so it really is a hassle-free spa day option.
Check out our full run-down of the best spa days in Chamonix for more details.
Shopping
Why not chase the wet weather blues away with everyone’s favourite Chamonix bad weather activities, retail therapy?
Chamonix’s high streets offer a wide range of shops with all the leading outdoor brands for sports and fashion. In addition you can treat yourself to some fine local specialities: cheese, ham, local spirits and of course delicious chocolate! Don’t miss out on the local market days too.
From high-end ski gear to some of the biggest fashion names, get your retail fix in Chamonix. Or, if you fancy taking back a souvenir? A tour of your nearest museum should inspire and inform about some of our favourite local specialities and icons.
Massage at home
Don’t want to leave the house at all? Literally REST assured with the healing hands of some our favourite masseurs. A massage at your accommodation is sure to float you all the way to cloud nine, far from the gushing rain. Sports massage and relaxation treatments in the comfort and privacy of your apartment, chalet, hotel or at home. Soothe aching limbs, replenish energy levels or simply de-stress and relax.
Chamonix Library
Located at 99 route de la Patinoire, the Chamonix Nord Library has close to 50,000 books in a modern and comfortable venue. From English literature, to sciences, and art, the Mediatheque has it all. There is even a children’s library, a games library and a music library.
Enquire about a “temporary card” (3 weeks) and enjoy your share of books, DVDs and more during your stay.
Kids’ library: And, don’t forget the children’s library at 1273 route des Pèlerins is definitely a must for the mini-est of moppets.
Outdoor Chamonix bad weather activities
If you’re determined to get out and about, we have some top tips for Chamonix bad weather acvtivities. Follow these to get you outside but avoid the worst of the rain.
- Water activities: why not get really wet and do some water rafting or canyoning in Chamonix? Warm up with a lovely warm shower back at the rafting base afterwards.
- Hiking: you can still get some small hikes in without getting TOO wet if you stay below the treeline. The petits balcons are perfect for this.
- Wine & cheese tours in Italy: head over to the other side of Mont Blanc to see if the weather’s any better. Even if it’s not, you’ll be too busy enjoying your delicious Italian wines and cheeses to care!
There’s plenty to do in Chamonix, even when the weather is not playing ball. Don’t forget to do your sun dance to get those rays shining again soon, before you run out of Chamonix bad weather activities!
