Les Jorasses Apartment, Argentiere, Chamonix, France
Les Jorasses Apartment
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Water Sports White Water sports such as Rafting, Canyoning, Kayaking and Hydrospeed are all popular. Local lakes are excellent for Windsurfing and Swimming. Whether in lakes, rivers or gorges it's like being in a huge amusement park: sliding around in the water with the hot sun on your back. Early in the summer, in May and June, the rivers are usually high with snow melt from the mountains. During July, August and September the water levels are usually lower and the temperature warmer. Lakes are popular but don't really get warm until July. The lakes around Sallanches offer good fishing, swimming and windsurfing. Lake Passy is especially popular for watersports. |
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Paragliding The spectacular Chamonix region is the "mecca" of mountain flying. Big thermals, eagles, glaciers and high peaks make the Chamonix valley one of the best flying areas in the world. Cool nights and hot days create large temperature gradients resulting in powerful thermals and strong valley winds. Good flying starts in March and the seasons ends in October. May and June are particularly strong months. Take-off sites in and near Chamonix: Planpraz (Le Br�vent), Aiguille du Midi, Les Houches, Grands Montets, Aiguille du Plan and Plaine Joux. |
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Mountain Biking The valley and the surrounding valleys are laced with great, well maintained tracks. In spring, the local councils send out teams to maintain and repair this vast network, ensuring they are cleared of debris and in optimum ridable condition for the summer. The 15-mile long valley has six separate lift systems and boasts a rideable vertical range of over 2000 metres. First lifts open 2nd week of June and close late September. There's also the year round 'bike friendly' Mont-Blanc Express train, which links Chamonix with Switzerland at one end and the Vall�e de l'Arve at the other. |
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Swimming The Centre Sportif Richard Bozon in Chamonix has a swimming pool complex with four different pools: one 50m outdoors (summer only), a 25m indoor pool, a kids playing pool and a paddling pool. The complex also has a hydroslide for all ages. Closed from April 29th until May 26th. |
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Climbing Climbing on the Mt Blanc massif and the Chamonix Valley means hot rock, high mountains, superb granite and miles of limestone cliffs. Mountain routes may be partially equipped with, at least, abseil points in place. Guide books are essential. The lifts open for the summer around June 15th but the Midi lift operates year round, except for scheduled maintenance usually in November. It can get hot. Guide books describe the orientation of the crag so plan the climb when it is in the shade. Don't forget to take water. |
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