Summer in Chamonix is always buzzing thanks to the busy calendar of sports, music and cultural events that take place. Here is our team’s round-up of what’s on, to help you plan your summer holiday in Chamonix.

Jump to: Races, Mountaineering & sports, Music, Culture

Keep checking back as we update the events calendar with latest programmes and info.

Races

Chamonix hosts some of the biggest and most renowned trail races in the world:

  • 27th-29th June, Mont Blanc Marathon: the first big trail running event of the summer includes 5 long distance courses and a kids event
  • 24th August, Mont Blanc Triathlon: four triathlons for all ages are held near Lac de Passy
  • 25th-31st August, Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc: five ultra trail races are the highlight of the trail running season in Chamonix
  • 21st September, Annecy 10km: the picturesque setting of Annecy is perfect for this 10km race
  • 28th September, Trail des Aiguilles Rouges: the last big trail running event of the summer, from Chamonix to Vallorcine

Mountaineering & sports

As the birthplace of Alpinism, it only seems right that each summer Chamonix should celebrate mountaineering, as well as the other sports which are so popular in the Mont Blanc massif.

  • 13th-15th June, Arc’teryx Alpine Academy: a weekend of mountaineering clinics for all levels, as well as movie nights and seminars
  • 28th June-6th July, Chamonix Mountain Festival: ten days of climbing, plus a two day GearFest in Chamonix Sud square
  • 28th-29th June, Fête de la Montagne: this nationwide event is celebrated by many of the refuges in Chamonix; under 18’s stay for 1€ when accompanied by an adult
  • 4th-6th July, Chamonix Yoga Festival: 3 days of yoga at the Majestic building in Chamonix town centre
  • 11th-12th July, Chamonix Ultra Golf: a team golf competition at the spectacular Golf de Chamonix
  • 10th July, Climbing World Cup: a breathtaking competition held on Place du Mont Blanc
  • 7th-10th July, Chamonix Adventure Festival: this event specialises in film and photography for mountain enthusiasts
  • 23rd-30th August, Trans Savoie MTB: a 6-day endurance race for mountain bikers, from Val D’Isère to Chamonix

Music

There are a wealth of musical events in and around Chamonix during the summer – don’t miss out!

  • 21st June, Fête de la musique: 21st June is celebrated all over France with free music events, and Chamonix is no exception
  • 4th-19th July, Montreux Jazz festival: Montreux’s famous Jazz festival is only 90km from Chamonix and well-worth a trip
  • 27th July-4th August, Cosmo Jazz: Chamonix’s own André Manoukian organises jazz concerts with altitude
  • 22nd-27th July, Paléo Music festival: another Swiss music festival with an impressive line-up

Culture

There’s more to Chamonix than extreme sports in the summer. In addition to the music festivals, check out some of the cultural events which take place.

  • 9th-14th June, Annecy International Animation Festival: head down to the ‘Venice of the Alps’ for free screenings
  • 14th June, PGHM open day: find out more about the mountain rescue teams at their annual open day
  • July & August, Summer at Montenvers: enjoy the summer programme of music, literature and theatre at the top of the famous Montenvers train
  • 14th July, Bastille Day: celebrate French independence with events throughout the Chamonix valley
  • 3rd August, Fête du lac: Annecy’s annual firework display is the largest in Europe
  • 13th-15th August, Fête des guides: the Chamonix valley honours its mountain guides every year
  • 13th-14th September, Classic Cars Tour: a 400km tour of Mont Blanc which is open to classic and vintage cars
  • 22nd September, Combat des Reines: traditional ‘cow-fighting’ still takes place in Chamonix – a non-brutal and energetic display