Dive into the Chamonix Guides Festival, an iconic moment in Haute‑Savoie that combines tradition, solidarity, and immersion in the mountains.
The Guides Festival: a tradition to celebrate since 1924
Since 1924, every August 15, the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix, the oldest and largest of its kind in the world, organizes its Guides Festival. The event aims to raise funds to support the Relief Fund, which assists guides in case of accidents or family needs.
Solidarity and sharing
All the festival’s proceeds are entirely donated to this fund, managed by the company’s solidarity association, in order to support the guides and their relatives.
A rich program across multiple sites
The festival usually spans several days throughout the valley, with activities leading up to the main day of the ceremony.
- Activities at Les Gaillands (climbing rock): climbing, zip line, accropark, refreshment stands, booths, activities for children and adults from 2 pm to 6 pm.
- At Argentière, Les Houches or Le Lavancher, various events — concerts, craft markets, shows — punctuate the schedule in the days leading up to August 15
The program in detail:
- August 12 | Les Houches 2 pm-6 pm: free activities for children: climbing, zip line over the lake, and workshops
- August 13 | Le Lavancher 10 am-10 pm: bread festival, countryside meal (paid and by reservation) and concert
- August 14 | Argentière:
- 10 am-5 pm: free activities: climbing, zip line, slackline, workshops
- 5:30 pm-8:30 pm: traditional ceremony and concert
- August 14 | Chamonix 7 pm-12 am: concert evening at Parc Couttet
- August 14 | On the Arve 9:30 pm: illuminated boat procession between the Chamonix base and Les Bossons, visible from the banks and bridges
- August 15 | Chamonix 8:30 am-1 pm: traditional ceremony, market, climbing wall, musical entertainment
- August 15 | Chamonix 2 pm-6 pm: climbing, zip line, Accropark at Les Gaillands (paid access)
- August 15 | Servoz 8 am-11 pm: crafts festival, free activities and concerts
- August 16 | Chamonix 8 am-11 pm: film evening and discussions (EMC2 room) and concert
Download the full program of the Chamonix Guides Festival
The highlight: the traditional ceremony in Chamonix
Rites and values
- Call of the new guides, initiation with sponsorship and medal presentation to deserving guides
- Blessing of ropes, ice axes and guides, followed by a mass at Saint‑Michel church in Chamonix
- Official speeches by the company’s president and honored guests
- Tribute to deceased guides, in a solemn moment
Decor and atmosphere
The ceremony takes place on the forecourt of Saint‑Michel church, framed by the majestic Mont‑Blanc mountain ranges. The guides march in traditional dress, accompanied by alpine horns and songs from the Company.
Between spectacle and mountain discovery
The festival highlights the world of guides and alpine culture:
- Initiations and demonstrations of climbing, mountain rescue, vertical activities on the Les Gaillands site
- Sound and light shows, mountain film screenings or artistic performances on cliffs
- Concerts, dances and musical entertainment in several valley villages, often in the evening until midnight or later
- Local product stands and craft market: crafts, refreshment stalls and catering to enjoy the friendly valley atmosphere
Why participate?
| Asset | Description |
|---|---|
| Local authenticity | A celebration rooted in Chamonix alpine history |
| Concrete solidarity | Every euro raised supports the guides |
| Festive atmosphere | Shows, varied activities for all ages |
| Cultural and mountain discovery | Immersion in the guide profession and alpine spirit |
The Chamonix Guides Festival, reaching its peak on August 15, is a free event, open to all — locals and visitors — celebrating the mountains, its traditions, and its men and women guides. Through a meaningful ceremony, fun and festive activities, it offers an intense human experience to live in a spectacular setting.
