Challenge Yourself in Chamonix: 4 Classes to Take

While Chamonix is world renowned as a Mecca for skiers, a little-known fact about this resort is that it has a surprising number of activities on offer for those who want to let their creative juices flow.  We've listed the four most inspirational classes to take in this amazing alpine town.

Photo Walks

If you're a keen photographer you may like to try one of Teresa Kaufman's Photo Walks. Whether you're armed with a super professional camera or just a smart phone, this photo walk will give you the chance to get up close and personal with alpine nature and wildlife.

Teresa is well-known in France for her documentary work on daily life in the mountains.  Photo Walks are ideal for curious travellers as Teresa leads you on her personally crafted tours of daily life in enchanting villages and hamlets. The guided walks can be enjoyed one-to-one or in small groups of no more than five people. You don't even need to be an expert mountaineer to join in, as the tours take place on easy roads and paths.  Just wear suitable footwear and dress accordingly as the walks take place all year round.

Private Cookery Lessons

If you're a dab hand in the kitchen or just want to improve your skills, a private cookery lesson with Savoyard chef, Philippe Convers, could be for you. He will come to your accommodation with the appropriate ingredients and give you a private lesson in traditional cooking. Hopefully you will end up with a stunning dish which tastes as good as it looks – and some culinary skills to take home with you!

French Language Classes

For those who want to brush up on their French or combine language learning with a passion for the mountains, Instead Language School has a course for you. Whether you are a beginner staying for a week or an intermediate learner staying for a four-month ski break, you will find the perfect course at Instead. Whatever your mountain passion, be it hiking, mountain biking or even rock climbing, Instead won't disappoint.

Mont Blanc Writing Workshop

Some say a holiday is the best place to let your creative writing juices flow. Mont Blanc Writing Workshops take place in Chamonix in June each year and are open to writers of all levels. The workshops run for two weeks and classes have no more than 12 students.  Each class is run by an award-winning author such as Pam Houston, Erin Belieu, Adrian Matejka, David Daley and Ann Hood.

Classes are held every day and last for three hours in the morning, and by the end of the course each student will have had their work critiqued twice. This course is well worth a try as some former students have gone on to publish books, stories and articles.

How to Get There

Upon landing at Geneva airport, you will no doubt be eager to start your first creative activity. Take the stress out of getting to Chamonix from Geneva and pre-book a Shuttle Direct private transfer. Our friendly drivers will get you and your gear to Chamonix from Geneva airport in a lovely private car.