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As part of my trip skiing in Chamonix with the Ikon Pass, we spent as much non-skiing time outside as possible on Chamonix winter walks. That led us to several great Chamonix France winter hiking trails! Getting out for walks was a great way to see the town of Chamonix, explore the rest of the valley, get a break from skiing, and explore more nature in the Chamonix Valley.
If you’re looking for something to do in Chamonix in the winter for non-skiers, Chamonix winter hikes, or Chamonix winter walking trails, I think you’ll love exploring some of these Chamonix winter hikes.
What we loved The walks were gorgeous! All the trails are relatively easy hikes in Chamonix and easy walks in Chamonix. They didn’t require any specialized gear during our visit. Everything we’ll mention is accessible from town or on the bus!
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Resources for Chamonix France winter hiking
I’ll tell you about some of our favorite winter Chamonix trails. If you want to explore more check out the official map showing walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trails in the area. It will display many more options for you.
Here is a map of the places I’ll mention in this post
Our favorite walks and winter hikes from Chamonix
Here is a rundown of our favorite Chamonix hiking routes and walks around Chamonix!
Walk around the town of Chamonix
The town of Chamonix is reasonably large and great for pedestrians. So start out there! You can walk the streets while exploring the shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and bakeries!
Walk around the Chamonix Christmas Market
If you’re lucky to be in Chamonix around Christmas, check out the Christmas market. In 2023 it ran from December 15 – 31. The market wasn’t huge but was beautiful with good food.
Walk along the river from downtown Chamonix
From the town of Chamonix, walk west along the river to access a paved trail that runs for a good distance. This walk is flat and was clear of obstacles during our visit. You’ll get pretty views of the river and some of the valley near town.
This trail is popular. So expect to see others on foot, bikes, and scooters.
Argentière Woods (Bois d’Argentière)
To get a little more remote, ride the bus or train to Argentière and head to the Argentière Woods (Bois d’Argentière). This is the path on the top right of the walking map of Argentière.
We entered the path next to the hotel Residence ATC Routes du Monde Argentiere-Chamonix and walked into the woods. The trail and woods were snow-covered and beautiful. The path was well-packed and easy to walk on with just hiking boots.
You’ll see a short loop that goes next to a stream. A longer loop cuts into the woods and follows what appears to be a mountain biking trail.
Chavants lake (Secteur des Chavants)
In the town of Les Houches, you’ll find a small path near a pond near the base of the Les Houches ski area. There is a short path around the pond (Chavants Lake).
This made for a quick walk around the pond.
Going into the woods from the lake trail (northwest), you’ll find a pretty path that we really enjoyed. It took us through gorgeous snowy forests with pretty rock formations. The trail was quite lovely and had some other folks on it.
If you’re looking for longer Chamonix winter walks, this trail could be worth seeking out. The beginning part was reasonably flat. After some time, we hit a steeper section where you might want spikes or poles during icy times.
Overall, this was a lovely trail! Stop in the town of Les Houches for a pastry or lunch too!
Lac des Gaillands in Les Pèlerins
Closer to Chamonix in the neighborhood of Les Pèlerins is a large pond called Lac des Gaillands. There is a flat walking trail around it providing an easy walk near the pond with some pretty nature views. The pond is close to bus lines for transit.
The trail was flat and easy to navigate. Though it is a bit short (20-30 mins). You can access it via bus from Chamonix or by walking on the river trail from Chamonix to extend your walk considerably.
Forest path near Lac Sinclair/Lac à l’Anglais in Les Pèlerins
Across the street from the Lac Des Gaillands is Lac Sinclair (or Lac à l’Anglais). This trail complex goes through the woods. You’ll see a pond, the ruins of an old building, rock walls, and a pretty forest on this walk. The trail complex here is reasonably large and provides gorgeous settings! It was my favorite location that we walked!
During our visit, the trail was compacted and good for just hiking boots. During icy times I could see spikes or poles being useful. There were others out on Chamonix hike excursions during our visit including some runners with small studs on their shoes.
Chamonix trails map and other resources
The local tourism map for walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing is a great resource to find Chamonix winter walks. Also, consider stopping by the tourism office for more tips.
When looking at the map for Chamonix winter hikes and Chamonix winter walking trails, you want to look for
- Gratuit/free trails for pedestrians
- Piéton/pedestrian trails
- Nordic trails
- Tourism office
Other tips for Chamonix France winter walks
- You can access all of these from the bus w/ a short walk. The Chamonix guest card (carte d’hôte) benefits include reduced bus rates and free train access. Make sure to leverage that!
- Ride the train through the valley for awesome views!
- All of these Chamonix winter hiking trails were OK with just hiking boots during our visit. You may need other gear like poles, spikes, or snow shoes depending on the weather.
- Grab a premade sandwich from the grocery or make your own with delicious bread from bakeries in town like Le Fournil Chamoniard to take for lunch.
- Stop in the little towns along the valley as part of your trip. Meet up with your skiing friend(s) after your walk.
Wrapping up
There are some of the best Chamonix hikes and our favorite winter Chamonix France hiking trails from our visit. Are there any others that I missed? Are you ready to get out and explore? Tell us below!
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Google Maps and Docs – Trip planning, note taking, etc.
iOverlander – Invaluable info for road trips. Helps find the nearest campground, place to get drinking water, or place to park your rig.
Thank you for the article. “Walk along the river from downtown Chamonix” – I see there is a bike path. Is it the same trail you mentioned?
And another question, Is there any map of “Argentière Woods (Bois d’Argentière)”, I can’t find it
Thanks
Yep the bike path/trail is the one I had in mind to walk by the river in town in Chamonix. Have a look on the map I linked in the article. Look in the Argentière section of the map. The yellow dashed walking trail on the right hand side of the map shows the Argentière Woods.