Things to do around Chamonix

Chamonix boasts a huge variety of sporting activities for the active holidaymaker! In addition to the superb skiing and snowboarding, there are wonderful opportunities for golfing, hiking and mountain biking as well as some of Europe's finest peaks for the adventurous moutaineer.

The highest cable car in Europe, The Aiguille Du Midi is a heart-stopping ride to the pinnacle, 3842 metres above sea level. Once at the top, you're in another world of ice and snow. The views over the Alps are indescribably beautiful and you can often see the tiny dots of climbers ascending the summit of Mont Blanc. There's a cafe and shop, or you can have lunch at the restaurant. It's possible to cross to Italy from the top, on the Hellbronner lift, and have a day in the cheerful Italian town of Courmayeur.

The charming old cog railway on Montenvers winds up from a separate station just next to the main train station in Chamonix. You can see it sometimes from the balcony as it passes high above the chalet). At the top, there's an amazing panorama of the Mer De Glace glacier, a cafe, restaurant and shop. It's a lovely spot for lunch, and you can either walk or get the lift down to the ice cave carved out of the glacier.

A short walk up the river from the chalet is the heliport, from which you can arrange unforgettable panoramic flights over the glaciers and peaks with Chamonix Helico. Short flights start at 60 euros per person, or you can have a half hour tour of the Mont Blanc Massif for 190 euros.

Take advantage of a huge swimming pool complete with giant waterslide, sauna and steam rooms, gym, ice rink, indoor climbing and tennis are among the facilities available at the Chamonix leisure complex.

Great fun for all ages, the bowling features eight lanes, numerous pool tables and air hockey and an arcade. It's conveniently located in Chamonix Sud, and its huge neon bowling pin makes it easy to find!

Situated in a beautiful old building, the casino has tables for blackjack and roulette upstairs and arcade machines downstairs. It also has a café but is for over 18s only and you may need ID to play.

Chamonix has a huge variety of shops - from upmarket boutiques like Chanel to some of the best choice of climbing equipment around in Snell Sports. There are also chocolatiers, bookshops, galleries, local crafts, delicatessens and smart gift shops. Shops open from 9am to 12 noon and then 2pm until 7pm. Almost nothing opens 12-2, so you may as well settle in for a good lunch!

Don't miss the popular market held every Saturday in the centre of Chamonix. The food enthusiast will enjoy surveying the fantastic array of natural produce. From organic celery to Jerusalem artichokes, goats cheese to fresh fish, chanterels to Maron glace.....the market is an absolute must. You'll find it impossible not to buy something!

The walled city of Annecy is very picturesque in winter - it's an hour or so to drive, or the Chamonix Tourist Office arranges weekly coach trips - check the site for times. Geneva is also just an hour away by car or bus, and Lausanne is also close by You can also visit the lovely medieval village of Yvoire or the cosmopolitan and beautiful town of Evian on the banks of Lake Geneva. An hour's drive through the Mont Blanc Tunnel is Italy. Have a day in the cheerful traditional town of Courmayeur- great Italian food and friendly bars. For a cultural day out, there are several excellent galleries in Martigny (take the train directly from Les Praz towards Switzerland) including the Fondation Gianada. Martigny is also the home of the wonderfully eccentric St. Bernard Dog Museum. An unusual trip is to Passy, a pretty mountain village that has an incredible church decorated by some of the greatest modern artists - Notre Dame de Toute Grace incorporates work by Matisse, Chagalle and Braque amongst others