Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
asthisshortcutcanbedicey,especiallyforkids.Howeveryoustart,thetrailiswell-signed
to Lac Blanc, and its surface improves as you climb.
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Hike #4: Petit Balcon Sud to Chalet de la Floria and Les Praz
This trail runs above the valley on the Brévent side from the village of Servoz to Argen-
tière, passing Chamonix about halfway, and is handy when snow or poor weather make
other hikes problematic. No lifts are required—just firm thighs to climb up to and down
from the trail. Access paths link the trail to villages below. Once you're up, the trail rises
and falls with some steep segments and uneven footing, but is generally easy to walk. The
highlight of the trail is
Chalet de la Floria,
with flowers, food, and views (allow one hour
each way from Chamonix).
Reach the trail from Chamonix by starting at the Le Brévent lift station (find signs to
Le Petit Balcon Sud
). Begin by walking along an asphalt road to the left of the lift leading
uphill (on Chemin de la Pierre à Ruskin), which turns into a dirt road marked as the
Petit
Balcon Sud
trail. After about 20 minutes on the dirt road, you'll see a
Petit Balcon Sud
sign pointing left and up a smaller trail. Bypass this turnoff (which doubles back above
Chamonix with great views) and continue along the dirt road.
Afterabout30moreminutes,follow
laFloria
signsona20-minuteround-tripdetour
to Chalet de la Floria, which has drinks, snacks, flowers, and magnificent views (daily
mid-June-earlyNov).Fromhere,trailsleadbackdowntoChamonixortoLesPrazvillage.
Following signsto
LesPraz
eventually landsyouonthemain road;turnleft toexplore the
village andtoconnect withtherivertrail backtoChamonix (thetrail isimmediately tothe
right after the bridge), or turn right on the road to reach the bus stop back to Chamonix (it
takesbus#1about20minutestoreachLesPrazfromthetimepointpostedinLeTour;bus
#2startsaminuteawayattheLesPraz/LaFlégèrelift,andbus#21startsabout17minutes
away at Col des Montets).
Winter Sports in Chamonix
Chamonix offers some of the best expert-level skiing in the world, a huge choice of
terrain at reasonable prices (cheaper than Switzerland), access to lots of high-eleva-
tionruns(whichmeansgoodsnowandviews),andgreatnightlife.Skihereforjaw-
dropping views and a good balance between true mountaineer culture and touristy
glitz.
The slopes are strung out along the valley forabout 10miles, soyoumust drive
or catch the often-crowded shuttle buses to ski more than one area. There's also
