The sun is shining in Chamonix and the fresh mountain air awaits! The Covid-19 pandemic may have disrupted the end of last winter’s ski season, but with slight adjustments to a packed summer schedule of events, sports and free family fun for 2020, Chamonix is a picture-perfect escape from Coronavirus hot spots.
In comparison to Britain, for example, Chamonix has been practicing significant changes to daily operations of public transport (and mountain lifts), food service and social distancing for quite some time. Here in France masks are now compulsory in all enclosed public spaces, a measure to protect the public that favours the wonderful outdoor activities and terrace spaces, which are routinely available to enjoy locally.
The Alps are the perfect destination for a safe and socially distanced summer getaway. From walking to hiking, rock climbing and chalet barbecues – there’s no better place to keep and maintain your distance than the big alpine backyard Chamonix Mont Blanc has on offer.
Getting to Chamonix
While you can fly to Geneva, or Zurich to connect easily to Chamonix by train or bus, it’s also VERY easy to drive here. Driving across the channel tunnel from Folkestone or the ferry from Dover to Calais may save you money as flight prices soar. It is also a safer option when social distancing, as self-driving enables you to keep your interaction with others to a bare minimum.
Keep around 9 hours aside for the full drive from Calais to Chamonix, including some clever picnic stops, and you’ll be here enjoying a Collineige hot tub before you can say “jacuzzi”!
Another benefit of having your own vehicle at hand during your Chamonix summer holiday is that you can continue to social distance from non-essential public transport.
Public Transport in Chamonix
There is no change to the usual public transport time-tables for all the buses and the cute train that runs up and down the valley. This is despite the tourist numbers being lower due to international travel restrictions, keeping many guests from further afield far away.
Collineige can build the bespoke luxury getaway you’re looking to enjoy! If that includes private transfers, allow us to make the bookings for you when building and booking your Chamonix summer holiday with the team: .
Enjoying FREE Chamonix
The tourist office, together with the local activity companies, are organising free outdoor activities throughout the season. After weeks of isolation and confinement, it is now time to enjoy and discover the Chamonix Valley with the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Tourist Office.
There are 25 free activities to boost your Chamonix summer fun, learning and sport. These will run from 13 July to 28 August 2020, Monday to Friday and were chosen to appeal to every taste, and all ages.
All activities can be found here. You can also download the complete activities brochure here (English and French).
To Book: Contact the Chamonix Tourist Office: 85 pl du Triangle de l'Amitié, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Phone: +33 (0)4 50 53 00 24.
Summer 2020 Chamonix Mountain Access (shhhh…quiet hikes!)
The best perspective of your socially distanced summer holiday in Chamonix is at ALTITUDE! Access to the mountains may now involve compulsory masks and distancing, but it is also easier than ever with a reduction this year in “day visits” from tour buses. Families and groups of friends will be able to use the lifts together and there will be empty seats on chairlifts (every second chair). The télécabine and télépherique lifts (such as the Aiguille du Midi or brand new Flégère lift) are running at half capacity and are also disinfected regularly.
Find more information on the Mont Blanc Natural Resort website about how you can save up to 20% on your summer access purchases: https://www.montblancnaturalresort.com/en/bon-plan-excursion
For example, until 30th September 2020 a 1 day MONT BLANC MultiPass will be 54,40 € instead of 68,00 €
Top 2020 Summer Events in Chamonix
12 ⇒ 15 August 2020 – La Fête des Guides
La Fête des Guides Festival is a unique opportunity for the Guide Bureau to strengthen the bonds between them and the people of Chamonix with a highly friendly atmosphere of fun and learning with a full programme of activities see here
August 12: at Le Lavancher
August 13: in Les Houches
August 14: in Argentière
August 15: Traditional ceremony in Chamonix centre
29 August ⇒ 20 September 2020 – Le Tour de France ®
This year note that on Thursday 17 September the peloton will pass by LA ROCHE-sur-FORON, a 45 minute drive from Chamonix.
20 September 2020 – La Monchu dans L’Pentu
Here is another road biking event, this time even closer in Saint Gervais, which is easily accessed by train or car (or bike!) from Chamonix.
Sunday 27 September 2020 – TAR, trail running event
This year the UTMB, Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, may have been cancelled but this race is a great alternative ultra-style event in Chamonix that traverses the picturesque Aiguilles Rouges.
NOTICE:
Collineige recognizes the importance of taking precautions where possible to avoid crowds. Our chalets are perfect for a group of family or friends to holiday, socially distanced from others, and a bespoke drop off menu or grocery delivery can be arranged. During our own confinement we took the time to consider our environmental impact with a Kleen Canteen partnership, and to sew our own re-usable cloth masks for staff and guests alike. During our own confinement, we took the hours of solitude to become more creative than ever, thinking of ways to bring culture and togetherness back to life in a responsible way by working with new suppliers such as Kritikala.101; this events team and DJ duo can bring the bar atmosphere to you and your private chalet rental, with your very own private party and even silent discos!
IN OUR NEXT BLOG >>> click here <<<
Discover all the best outdoor terrace spaces in Chamonix to enjoy wining and dining, mask free!
