With the majestic Mont Blanc peaks and alpine forests ablaze with autumnal colours, the fabulous ski resort of Chamonix calls everyone to take in its natural splendour. Be it walkers, climbers, mountain bikers, nature fans, explorers, families, or adventure sports enthusiasts, everyone is bound to find their favourite thing to do in Chamonix in October, or rather, throughout the season.
So, before winter hits, why not savour the captivating beauty of the Chamonix valley in autumn? Below, we have rounded up the best experience and activities in Chamonix to enjoy at this time of the year!
Extreme sports in Chamonix’s stunning locales
From skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports to high-altitude climbing and downhill cycling, Chamonix is the home of extreme adventure tours and experiences; the original playground for air, water, and ground-based extreme sports, especially in autumn!
Fly over the magnificent Mont Blanc in a thrilling paragliding session
Paragliding and Free falling
Daredevil holidaymakers will enjoy soaring like a bird-of-prey high above the Chamonix alps, with an unforgettable paragliding tandem flight: taking off from Plan Praz with a certified instructor, this is the perfect introduction to air-borne extreme sports. For those with nothing to lose or those hungry for a James Bond opportunity, free falling 200kmph from a helicopter 5,000m above the Chamonix valley may also float the boat. Bungee Jumping
Nearby Chamonix, a spot of all-seasons bungee jumping awaits thrill-seekers’ at St-Gervais (May-December). Leaping off a 65-metre-high bridge may not be everyone’s idea of fun but it’s a must for those with a particular thrill for heights. Alternatively, those looking to savour some adventure on ‘terra firma’ have a tempting array of activities to choose from in Chamonix, made especially unforgettable against an autumnal backdrop.
![A couple cycling through a forest in the season of autumn, with beautiful leaf-laden paths and trees displaying multiple shades of orange]( "A couple cycling through a forest in the season of autumn")
Cycle through autumnal paths carpeted with colorful leaves
Trail Running and Mountain Biking
The resort’s high-altitude paths and breathtaking ridges make it one of the best destinations for scenic trail running. The steep terrain in the Chamonix valley also offers a superb destination for downhill mountain biking. With the bike parks of Les Houches and Le Tour, plenty of natural trails for endurance riders, dedicated mountain bike guided tours and a vast range of mountain bike hire and equipment shops, the best move forward whilst in Chamonix is often on two wheels! Rock Climbing
Climbers can also make the most of the endless rock-climbing opportunities. From scaling the granite walls of Pointe Lachenal, Eperon des Cosmiques and Aiguille de la Blaitière with an experienced mountain guide, to conquering the mixed terrain ice and snow terrain of the high-altitude glacial climbs above Chamonix, there is a route to suit every brave explorer! The most fearless can try ‘Via Ferrata’ rope and cable walking experience in Flègere and Passy. Save your breath till the last to walk over the breathtaking Mont Blanc Massif
Canyoning
Those looking to soak up some action amongst the rapids will enjoy canyoning in the waterways of Barberine and Vallorcine in the northern end of the Chamonix valley. With the experience involving fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls and high ledge jumps into deep plunge pools, this is a refreshing activity like no other!
Walks and hikes in Chamonix Valley to take your breath away
With no less than 196 hiking routes to explore, Chamonix is a world-class hiking destination. While most of the cable cars to the high-altitude walking and mountain bike trails remain open until the end of September, the Flégère lift is open over the October half-term holiday and from late October to late November. So, there’s every opportunity to head out into the wilderness this autumn and admire those views!
![Hiker on top of a mountain in Chamonix Mont Blanc on an Autumn day]( "Hiker on top of a mountain in Chamonix Mont Blanc on an Autumn day")
Hiking, an unmissable all-season activity to do in Chamonix Mont Blanc
Visitors searching for a gorgeous glacial trek can pick the 15.03km route to Le Signal; a beautiful viewpoint above the popular Montenvers train station (1,200m altitude), or the slightly shorter 10.6km route to the Glacier des Bossons and Glacier de Taconnaz. Both 5-hr hikes are dog-friendly, and no previous climbing experience is necessary. If you are bringing your dogs along, then booking pet-friendly rentals in Chamonix will make your trip much easier. Photography Walk with professionals
For a Chamonix valley walk with a difference, this September-November why not relish the unique 3-hour photography walks with local photographer Teresa Kaufman? The unique guided tour promises a chance to uncover (and capture) the hidden gems of the Chamonix valley. ![The Alps with evergreen spruce forests crowned by snowcapped mountains reflecting in a placid alpine lake]( "The Alps with evergreen spruce forests crowned by snowcapped mountains")
The Alps with evergreen spruce forests autumn Must-see sights in Chamonix in autumn
For those new to Chamonix, there are some top tourist sites to kick-start those wow-factor holiday moments.
Enchanting train ride experiences
The Mer de Glace and Montenvers train ride experience offers a spectacular peek into nature, in all its glacial glory. Further away, towards the Swiss border, the Chatelard funicular (VerticALP) experience involves a 3-stage journey consisting of two funicular rides and one train journey to the top of the spectacular Emosson Dam (open until the end of October). Step into the void attraction and the famous Aiguille du Midi
Admiring the summit views from the breathtaking Mont Blanc Massif peak Aiguille du Midi (3,842m) is an experience not to be missed, whilst the “Step into the Void” attraction invites those brave enough to stand on a glass floor 1,000 metres above a mountainous void. Please note both are weather dependent, with the cable car and summit elevators operational throughout September and October.
![A couple inside the]( "A couple inside the")
“Step into the Void” at Chamonix
Family fun & action
Amusement parks for all ages in Chamonix
For families and adrenaline junkies, the Gaillands Accro Adventure Park promises plenty of fun amongst the trees. With colour-coded tree-top climbing routes and an enthralling zip-wire ride to launch yourself into this September-November, all you need to do is bring along your little monkeys as Chamonix is the perfect stop for taking a mountain break with families. Bringing your kids along? Chamonix has fun, adventure, and more…
Those looking to whoosh into their Chamonix stay will love a ride on the alpine luge at the Chamonix Amusement Park, Planards Parc de Loisirs. Open year-round, the Rails Alpine Coaster promises pure excitement: water amusements, trampolines and plenty of fun family activities await your enjoyment within the main amusement park (which is open until November).
With so many other activities to discover whilst you’re here, it’s easy to ‘fall’ for Chamonix this autumn! Book a cosy, comfortable and flexible vacation rental in Chamonix and lock in all your plans.
Discover why you need to visit Chamonix in Autumn!
Is October a good time to visit Chamonix?
October can be a good time to visit Chamonix for those who enjoy cooler weather and are interested in autumn activities and events. The temperatures tend to range from 1 to 11°C (33 to 51°F), providing a crisp and refreshing atmosphere. Additionally, Chamonix often offers a variety of events and activities during this time, making it a worthwhile choice for travellers looking to explore the area in a less crowded season. However, it's important to note that the weather can be variable, so it's a good idea to check the forecast before planning your trip. If you prefer a milder weather, September is still a good option!
Does Chamonix have snow in October?
In Chamonix, October is generally considered the transition period between the warmer months and the winter season. While it's possible to see some early snowfall in higher elevations, especially on the mountaintops and glaciers, it's not typical to have consistent snow cover in the town itself or at lower altitudes during October. That’s why October is the perfect month for the activities above!
How many days is enough for Chamonix in autumn?
The ideal duration for a visit to Chamonix varies based on your interests:
Weekend Getaway: 2-3 days for a quick escape and essential sights.
Outdoor Adventure: 4-7 days to fully enjoy outdoor activities.
Exploration and Relaxation: A week or more for a leisurely exploration of the town and nearby areas.
Your choice should align with your interests and the activities you plan to pursue in Chamonix.
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Cycle through autumnal paths carpeted with colorful leaves 
Hiking, an unmissable all-season activity to do in Chamonix Mont Blanc 
