Frequently Asked Questions
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If you’re planning to hit the slopes in Chamonix, it’s essential to have a good understanding of the available lift passes and the logistics involved. Here’s a selection of frequently asked questions to provide you with the guidance you need. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier, this information will help you navigate the options and make the most of your skiing experience in Chamonix.
From the types of lift passes available to the convenience of RFID technology and the importance of insurance, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s get started on your journey to an unforgettable skiing adventure!
General questions
Here’s some of our frequently asked questions to help you out:
Types of Lift Passes:
– Chamonix Le Pass: This is the local ski pass suitable for beginners to intermediates, covering the lower Chamonix valley slopes.
– Mont Blanc Unlimited: This is a more comprehensive pass, granting access to all of the Chamonix ski areas and also some neighbouring areas in Italy and Switzerland.
Duration Options:
– You can buy passes that last from half a day to a full season. The most common durations are one day, a week, or the entire season.
Where to Buy:
– Online: Often, buying in advance online can grant you discounts, especially during off-peak periods.
Pricing:
– The cost varies based on the type of pass, its duration, and the season. Prices are generally higher during peak season.
– There are discounts available for children, seniors, and families.
Added Benefits:
– If you buy the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass you will have access to variety of transport and leisure activities free of charge.
– Some passes also offer discounts or free access to public transportation in the region.
RFID Technology:
– Most Chamonix lift passes now use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. This allows for hands-free access to lifts. Just keep the pass in your left jacket pocket, and the gates will open automatically.
Insurance:
– All our passes are offered with the option to buy E-gloo insurance, which we highly recommend.
Disclaimer – This selection of frequently asked questions and answers are published without guarantees regarding factual correctness, accuracy, current validity or any assurance that you can rely upon. They are for general guidance only and you should make separate enquiries of official sources before making any decisions. We do make best efforts to keep this section up to date.
About Chamonix Ski Passes
We are an official reseller of lift passes for the Chamonix Valley, offering secure online booking, instant QR-code delivery, and local customer support.
We save you time and hassle with fast online booking, real-time support, and the same prices as the official lift operator.
The two main passes are Chamonix Le Pass and Mont Blanc Unlimited.
Yes — all passes are valid at lift gates and supplied under license from the Chamonix lift company.
No, prices are exactly the same as the official prices over the counter, except for our Early Bird prices which are unavailable over the counter.
Yes, we have a local presence in the valley with our team working out of our Chamonix offices.
Yes, our prices are synced with the official lift company.
Yes, as long as you provide the required details for each skier. You can buy as many passes as you like!
Yes — we use encrypted payment gateways for complete security.
Types of Passes
A pass covering Brévent–Flégère, Le Tour–Vallorcine, and beginner zones like Les Planards, Le Savoy, Les Chosalets, and La Vormaine.
A premium pass covering the entire Chamonix Valley, plus Les Houches, Aiguille du Midi, Montenvers train, and other international resorts with multi-day passes subject to conditions.
Le Pass is for local skiing. Unlimited includes sightseeing and partner resorts in Italy and Switzerland and the Aiguille du Midi, Les Houches.
Yes — smaller local areas sell beginner-only passes, available for half-day or day use over the counter.
Yes — full-season and multi-month passes are available through the resort ticket desks.
Yes, pedestrian passes are available for major attractions and principal lifts. These can be used for on the mountain lunches or sightseeing.
No, there are is no night skiing in Chamonix.
Yes — we can arrange passes for groups, events, or conferences. In fact we can offer great prices for group purchases.
Pricing & Discounts
Adult 1-day Le Pass costs €143.00 including the pass badge.
Reduced category (ages 5–14 & 65–79) costs €122.00 including the pass page.
A family pass (2 adults + 2 youths) costs €437.00 including the pass page.
Adult 2-day Mont Blanc Unlimited costs €193.00 including the badge.
Children under 5 ski for free but need a physical pass which you should get at the counter at any of the ski areas.
Yes — Early Bird deals offer up to 40% off for the Mont blanc Unlimited passes.
Students are included in the youth/reduced pricing bracket.
Yes — seniors (65–79) receive reduced pricing; over-80s may qualify for free passes.
Yes, by paying the price difference for the original pass duration. Please note that you will need to upgrade ALL the days of your original purchase, not merely selected days. This means if you leave it till the last day of a 6 day pass to upgrade, you will be paying the all 6 days to be upgraded unfortunately.
Yes — contact us for groups of 10 or more.
Validity & Access
Passes can be valid from the opening to the closing of the ski season.
Yes, your pass is valid from the first day selected in your order whether this is your arrival day or not.
No, passes are personal and non-transferable.
No, but insurance is available to cover complete resort closure.
Mont Blanc Unlimited includes Italy, Switzerland, and other French resorts with multi-day tickets. Please check the details on the information pages for details.
Mont Blanc Unlimited includes sightseeing such as Aiguille du Midi.
No, there is no night skiing in the Chamonix valley.
Yes — ski buses are free with all passes.
Delivery & Collection
Most passes are delivered as soon as we process your order by QR code via email and downloadable, when ready.
You show the QR code a the many pick up boxes at every ski area and in the villages. Some passes including 10 day+ passes and family early bird passes are delivered in-resort by our team who will contact you to make a plan.
Yes, just enter your keycard number when purchasing.
Contact us — we can block it and issue a replacement easily.
Before November 30th for the Early Bird prices otherwise at least 72 hours before your arrival if not earlier.
No — we use QR codes and local collection.
Yes, they activate when first scanned at the lifts.
Yes, with proof of purchase.
Yes — for family Early Bird and long-duration passes.
Refunds & Insurance
Not unless you add insurance and not for Mont Blanc Unlimited Early Bird passes.
Changes are possible with flexibility options or insurance depending on the circumstances. We need time to make changes so often it is not possible last minute although we will do our best. Early Bird passes are NOT changeable.
Insurance may cover unused days but there has to be an almost complete closure of all lifts.
Yes, with insurance and a medical certificate, subject the claims process.
We can reissue it with proof of purchase.
Standard passes are non-cancellable without insurance.
Family & Kids
Family passes in Chamonix are not necessarily “cheaper,” but there are discounted group options available through official channels. Chamonix Ski Passes currently does not offer a dedicated “family pass” discount, but here’s what to know:
- Children under 5 ski for free (with proof of age).
- Group pricing may apply for families booking multiple passes — especially if all are purchased under the same order.
- The best value typically comes from early bird sales, multi-day passes, or Mont Blanc Unlimited for families planning to explore sightseeing and international resorts too.
- Pedestrian passes are also available for non-skiing family members (great for sightseeing or riding lifts with skiers).
💡 Tip: If you have a large family or mixed group (skiers + non-skiers), you may save more with a mix of Le Pass + sightseeing passes, depending on your plans.
If your family includes more than two children, here’s what to know about ski pass options in Chamonix:
- There is no limit to the number of children you can include in one booking — simply purchase a child pass for each child aged 5 to 14 years.
- Children under 5 ski free, but you must still submit their full name and date of birth for insurance or verification purposes.
- While Chamonix does not offer a dedicated “family pass”, you may still receive overall savings by booking multiple passes under one order, especially if:
You book during early bird promotions
You purchase multi-day or Mont Blanc Unlimited passes
You combine child passes with sightseeing passes for non-skiers
- For larger families, we recommend contacting our team for help customizing your pass selections to avoid overpaying for access you may not use.
🧊 Example: A parent with 3 children—2 skiing, 1 sightseeing—may benefit from a combo of Le Pass + pedestrian pass options.
No — all family members do not need to ski together when using Chamonix ski passes.
Each pass is individual and non-transferable, which means:
- Everyone can ski or explore at their own pace, on their own schedule.
- You can split up across different ski areas (e.g., one parent at Brévent, another at Les Houches).
- Pedestrian passes (for non-skiers) also work independently for sightseeing lifts and access to viewing areas.
This flexibility is perfect for:
- Families with different ability levels
- Parents taking turns with young children or non-skiers
- Multi-generational groups who want custom experiences
Just make sure each person carries their own pass and has scanned in at least once in Chamonix (for Mont Blanc Unlimited passes to work in partner resorts).
Yes — toddlers ski free in Chamonix!
Children under the age of 5 are eligible for free lift passes across the entire Chamonix Valley, including:
- Brévent & Flégère
- Balme (Tour & Vallorcine)
- Les Houches
- Montenvers train
- Aiguille du Midi (with MBU)
However, you must still collect a pass for them at the lift pass offices or with your online QR code at the pickup machines — even if it’s free. This pass allows the child to pass through lift gates.
You’ll need to show proof of age (passport or ID) to receive the free pass.
Yes — Chamonix family passes can include sightseeing options, depending on the type of pass selected.
If you purchase the Mont Blanc Unlimited (MBU) family pass, it includes both skiing and sightseeing benefits for all members of the family. This means you’ll enjoy access to:
- Aiguille du Midi
- Montenvers Mer de Glace Train
- Tramway du Mont-Blanc
- Local museums, swimming pools, and ice rinks
- Partner resorts (Courmayeur, Crans-Montana, etc.)
👉 If you’re choosing the Le Pass family version, sightseeing options like Aiguille du Midi and Montenvers are not included, but you can often upgrade to MBU at a discounted rate.
Tip: Family passes are available for 2 adults + 2 to 3 children (ages 5–14). All passes must start and end on the same dates.
No, limited to parents and children but if the parents are not on the holiday you can use any adult. No proof of parentage is needed.
Yes, very occasionally age is checked at the lifts.
No — ski schools charge separately.
No — rates are fixed by age, 5-14 years qualifies as children.
Miscellaneous FAQs
Chamonix often hosts various winter sports events and festivals. The official Chamonix or Chamonix Ski Passes websites would have updated event calendars.
Discounts might be available towards the end of the season, but it’s always best to check current promotions.
While some ski resorts offer loyalty programs, you would need to check directly with Chamonix Ski Passes for any such offerings.
Several tour operators and accommodation providers might offer combined packages. Check with Chamonix Ski Passes for any collaborations they might have.
Generally, pets might not be allowed on the slopes but might be allowed in pedestrian areas. It’s always best to check specific pet policies.
Contact details should be available on their official website, including phone numbers and email addresses.
Some ski areas and lodges might offer Wi-Fi, though it’s best to check in advance.
Yes, most ski areas will have facilities where you can store your belongings.
Snow reports are typically available on the Chamonix official website and through Chamonix Ski Passes.
Some ski areas might offer child care or nursery facilities. It’s best to check in advance.
International Access (MBU)
Yes, with passes of 2+ days subject to conditions.
Yes, with passes of 2+ days subject to conditions.
Yes, with passes of 2+ days subject to conditions.
Shuttle access is included in the Advantage Booklet.
Yes — always carry ID especially when crossing international borders.
Yes — ensure travel insurance covers all countries.
Not always. When using the Mont Blanc Unlimited (MBU) pass at partner resorts like Courmayeur (Italy) or Crans Montana (Switzerland), some limitations may apply depending on the resort’s agreements and operational status.
🗺️ Here’s what you should know:
✅ Courmayeur, Italy
- Access is included with MBU.
- You must first scan in at a Chamonix-area lift on the same day before your pass is accepted in Italy.
- Not all lift areas (like beginner zones or private lifts) may be included.
✅ Crans Montana, Switzerland
- Included, but you’ll need to validate your pass in person at a lift office in Chamonix to receive a red QR code for access.
- Additional ID and your receipt may be required.
❗ Other Partner Areas (e.g., Evasion Mont-Blanc)
- MBU offers access to most lifts, but special activities (sledding, snow parks, etc.) or non-ski areas may require additional tickets.
👉 Always check with the local lift office of the partner resort in advance to confirm which lifts and zones are included.
No, the Chamonix Le Pass is only valid within the Chamonix Valley. It includes access to:
- Brévent & Flégère
- Balme (Le Tour & Vallorcine)
- Les Planards, La Vormaine, and other beginner zones
However, it does not include access to:
- Les Houches
- Aiguille du Midi
- Montenvers train
- Any international resorts (Italy or Switzerland)
🗺️ If you want to ski internationally — such as in Courmayeur (Italy), Crans Montana (Switzerland), or Evasion Mont-Blanc (France) — you’ll need to upgrade to the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass.
Sightseeing
Yes — the Montenvers Train to Mer de Glace is included with the Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass.
This historic red cogwheel train departs from Chamonix and climbs to the glacier viewpoint at 1,913 meters, offering panoramic views of the Mer de Glace, Les Drus, and Grandes Jorasses. Once at the top, passholders can enjoy:
- Entry to the ice cave (via stairs or cable car)
- Access to the Glaciorium museum
- Views from the restaurant terrace
Not included in the standard Chamonix Le Pass — if you want to visit Montenvers with a Le Pass, you must upgrade or purchase a separate sightseeing ticket.
Yes — Chamonix pedestrian lift passes are available in Chamonix for non-skiers who want to explore the stunning alpine views, access high-mountain restaurants, or simply ride the lifts for sightseeing.
These passes grant foot access only (no ski gear) to select gondolas, cable cars, and lifts throughout the valley, including:
🚠 Aiguille du Midi – for the iconic panoramic Mont Blanc views
🚊 Montenvers Train & Mer de Glace – to visit the ice caves
🏔 Flégère and Brévent – for scenic lunches and sun terraces
🚠 Tramway du Mont-Blanc – ideal for walkers or snowshoeing
🏞 Les Houches – access to beginner areas and hiking trails (check lift status)
🧠 Pro Tip: Pedestrian passes are cheaper than ski passes and can often be purchased for single use, round-trip, or multiple days. You can also combine several lifts under the Mont Blanc Multipass or Sightseeing Pass.
Yes — non-skiers can absolutely use the Mont Blanc Unlimited (MBU) pass to explore the Chamonix Valley.
The MBU pass includes access to several iconic pedestrian-friendly attractions, such as:
🚠 Aiguille du Midi cable car – ride to 3,842m and step into the glass “Step into the Void”
🚂 Montenvers Train to Mer de Glace – access to the glacier, ice cave, and museum
🚞 Tramway du Mont-Blanc – scenic ride to Nid d’Aigle with mountain views
🚡 Les Houches Prarion gondola – great for walkers and snowshoers
🥾 Walking and hiking access across multiple lift areas (season-dependent)
This makes MBU an excellent option for families or groups with mixed interests, allowing non-skiers to enjoy alpine scenery and experiences while skiers hit the slopes.
Yes — ice caves are included with your pass when accessed via the Montenvers Train, which is part of the Mont Blanc Unlimited (MBU) pass.
The Grotte de Glace (Ice Cave) is located at the Mer de Glace glacier, and the journey includes:
🚂 A scenic ride on the Montenvers cogwheel train
🚡 A cable car descent to the glacier
🧊 Entrance to the hand-carved ice cave, which changes shape each year
Good to Know:
- Access is included with MBU but not with the Chamonix Le Pass
- Open seasonally and weather-dependent
- Includes entrance to the Glaciorium museum and crystal gallery
Some sightseeing lifts in Chamonix remain open in winter, while others close seasonally depending on weather, avalanche risk, and maintenance schedules.
Key sightseeing areas with winter access (often with limited hours or closures due to conditions):
Aiguille du Midi: Open year-round, but subject to closure in bad weather or high winds
Montenvers Train & Ice Cave: Usually open in winter but may close during heavy snowfall or safety risks
Tramway du Mont-Blanc: Often closed in winter, reopens in spring/summer
Flégère & Brévent gondolas: Open during ski season for both skiers and pedestrians
Grands Montets: Limited pedestrian access — check in advance
Always check the official lift status online before planning a sightseeing trip in winter, as opening times and access can change daily.
Yes, sightseeing access to Les Houches is included with the Mont Blanc Unlimited (MBU) pass — even if you’re not skiing.
Pedestrians can take the Bellevue Cable Car or Prarion Gondola up to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Mont Blanc range, explore marked snowshoe trails, dine at mountain restaurants, or simply enjoy the alpine atmosphere.
However, sightseeing access is not included with the Chamonix Le Pass, which only covers ski lift access in the central valley areas (Brévent, Flégère, Balme, etc.).
Important Tip: Pedestrian access is subject to weather and lift operations — always check real-time lift status before heading up.
No, summer lifts are not included in winter ski passes for Chamonix. Winter lift passes — including both Chamonix Le Pass and Mont Blanc Unlimited (MBU) — are valid only during the winter ski season and do not carry over into the summer months.
If you’re visiting during summer, you’ll need to purchase separate summer lift passes, which cover popular activities like:
- Aiguille du Midi cable car
- Montenvers train
- Brévent & Flégère gondolas
- Hiking trail access lifts
- Mountain biking uplifts
Each season (summer and winter) operates on a different schedule and pricing structure, so make sure you select the correct pass based on your travel dates.
Yes, sightseeing passes in Chamonix can include access to local buses, but it depends on the type of pass you purchase.
If you have a Mont Blanc Unlimited (MBU) pass — even if used only for sightseeing — it includes free access to the Chamonix valley public transport system, including:
- Chamonix Bus network (including routes to Les Houches, Argentière, and Vallorcine)
- Mont Blanc Express train (between Servoz and Vallorcine)
However, if you buy a single sightseeing ticket (e.g., just for the Aiguille du Midi or Montenvers), bus access is not included unless you separately qualify for free travel (e.g., with a guest card from your accommodation).
For full sightseeing access with transport benefits, we recommend the MBU pass, even for non-skiers.
Practicalities & Support
Most ski lifts in Chamonix open between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM, depending on the area and time of season.
Here’s a general overview:
- Brévent / Flégère: 8:50 AM – 9:00 AM
- Balme (Le Tour & Vallorcine): 8:45 AM – 9:00 AM
- Les Houches: 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
- Aiguille du Midi: Typically opens at 8:10 AM, with timed departures throughout the day
- Montenvers Train (Mer de Glace): Starts service around 10:00 AM in winter
- Tramway du Mont Blanc (in winter): Operates in Les Houches only – timetable varies by day
🔄 Hours may vary due to weather or maintenance — always check the official lift status page
each morning for the most up-to-date opening times.
Lift closing times in Chamonix vary by season, resort area, and current weather conditions — but most lifts close between 4:30 PM and 5 PM.
Here’s a general guideline:
Brévent & Flégère: Last lifts usually run around 4:45–5:00 PM
Les Grands Montets & Balme: Typically close between 4:30–5:00 PM
Les Houches: May close slightly earlier depending on conditions
Aiguille du Midi: Final cabin down is often around 4:30 PM
🧠 Pro Tip: Check the official Chamonix lift status page
daily for updated opening and closing times, especially during early/late season or after snowfalls.
Always plan your last run accordingly so you don’t miss the final lift down — getting stuck can result in costly rescue.
Yes — you can check real-time lift and piste status online before hitting the slopes.
For up-to-date information on lift openings, closures, weather conditions, and piste grooming across the Chamonix Valley, visit:
👉 Official Chamonix Lift & Piste Status
This page shows:
- Which lifts are currently open or closed
- Which pistes are groomed and safe
- Avalanche risk levels and weather alerts
- Operating hours and scheduled maintenance
We highly recommend checking this before you head out each day — especially in the early or late season when weather can cause unexpected changes. You’ll find info for Brévent, Flégère, Balme, Les Houches, Aiguille du Midi, and all areas covered by both Le Pass and Mont Blanc Unlimited.
No — you do not need to wear your Chamonix lift pass visibly, as long as it’s easily scannable.
All Chamonix ski passes use RFID (radio frequency) technology, which allows for hands-free access at the gates. For the best experience:
- Store the pass in your left jacket pocket
- Make sure it’s not covered by foil, metal, or other RFID cards
- Only carry one pass at a time to avoid gate errors
There’s no need to remove it or clip it to the outside of your clothing. Just ski through the gates — and you’re in.
No, there is no refund on the passes.
Yes — Chamonix lift passes use durable RFID technology, which means they typically still work when stored near your phone.
However, to avoid scanning issues at the gates, we recommend:
- Placing your pass in a separate pocket from your phone (ideally your left jacket pocket)
- Keeping only one RFID pass per person in your pocket to prevent interference
- Avoiding metal cases or wallets, which can block the RFID signal
⚠️ If your pass doesn’t scan at the gate, try removing your phone or other objects and re-approaching the sensor. The gates are contactless, and scanning should be quick and smooth when done correctly.
No — ski passes in Chamonix are strictly personal and non-transferable.
Each pass is electronically registered and often tied to personal data (such as name, age, and photo for longer-duration passes). Sharing or attempting to use someone else’s pass can result in:
- Immediate confiscation of the pass
- Hefty fines issued by lift authorities
- Permanent blacklisting from Chamonix lift services
Lift gates use RFID technology to monitor usage, and spot checks are conducted regularly.
If you’re skiing with friends or family, each person must purchase their own individual pass. We offer passes for all age groups and durations — and discounts for families, kids, and seniors
No — lift passes alone do not include avalanche rescue coverage. To be protected in the event of an off-piste or on-piste accident involving mountain rescue, you must add E-gloo insurance when purchasing your pass.
We highly recommend adding this low-cost coverage to your order. It covers:
- Emergency mountain rescue (including helicopter evacuation if necessary)
- First aid and transport to the nearest medical facility
- Reimbursement for unused ski days in case of accident or illness
- Repatriation and search costs if required
Without insurance, all rescue costs are your financial responsibility and can exceed €3,000–€5,000 per incident in the Alps. E-gloo is optional but essential for peace of mind.
Chamonix ski resort stands out as one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world — and for good reason. Nestled beneath Mont Blanc, it offers some of the most diverse and thrilling ski terrain in Europe.
World-Class Terrain for All Levels
Chamonix features five major ski areas — from beginner slopes in La Vormaine to legendary off-piste descents like Vallée Blanche. Whether you’re just learning or chasing powder, there’s something for every skier.
High-Alpine Altitude & Glacial Slopes
Thanks to its elevation and proximity to glaciers, Chamonix boasts a longer ski season and more reliable snow conditions than many other resorts in the Alps.
Mont Blanc Unlimited Ski Pass
One pass gives you access to over 10 ski areas across France, Italy, and Switzerland — including Courmayeur, Crans Montana, and Les Houches. Ski three countries in one trip.
Extreme & Off-Piste Capital
Chamonix is a mecca for freeride and backcountry skiers. With world-renowned routes, steep couloirs, and glacier skiing, it’s the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers.
Scenic Beauty & Vertical Drop
The scenery here is unmatched. Ski with panoramic views of Mont Blanc and descend some of the highest vertical drops in Europe.
Efficient Access
Just 75 minutes from Geneva Airport, Chamonix is one of the easiest major resorts to reach — perfect for quick ski getaways or longer alpine adventures.
Again, while these frequently asked questions provide a basis for understanding a potential ski trip to Chamonix, always refer to the official sources or call us for more detailed or for the most accurate and up-to-date information or for any queries not included in our frequently asked questions section.
