Chamonix Ski Areas
The wide variety of Chamonix ski areas offer alpine/downhill skiing and snowboarding in the Chamonix Mont Blanc region.
The Chamonix Mont Blanc area is a skier’s paradise, nestled in the heart of the French Alps. With a diverse range of slopes catering to all levels, it offers unparalleled mountain experiences. Here is an overview of each of the ski areas:
And if you’re ready to choose your Chamonix ski pass, click here.
Les Grands Montets
Ski Level & Difficulty: Suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers. It offers some challenging black runs and offpiste skiing.
Ski Lifts: A mix of cable cars, gondolas, drag lifts, and chairlifts.
Vertical Drop: Approximately 2,000 meters.
Elevation: Peaks at 3,295 meters.
Total Ski Area: Around 28km.
Notable Features: Known for its north facing slopes, which ensure good snow quality throughout the season. It’s a haven for freeriders.
Les Grand Montets is the most renowned controlled skiing area in the Chamonix Valley, France. It is often revered for its challenging terrain and consistent snowfall, standing as a mecca for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts around the globe. Its exact geographical coordinates are 45.9749° N, 6.9253° E. From my knowledge (up to September 2021), here is a comprehensive description of Les Grand Montets:
The skiing area is anchored around the mighty Aiguille Verte mountain, which reaches a dizzying height of 4,122 meters. This colossal massif stands guard over Les Grand Montets, casting an awe inspiring silhouette against the Alpine skyline. However, the skiing area itself spans an elevation range from 1235 meters at the Argentière village level to 3300 meters at its uppermost point. It boasts a respectable vertical drop of about 2065 meters, offering thrilling descents for skilled skiers and snowboarders.
Access to the different altitudes of Les Grand Montets is facilitated by a network of lifts. There are a total of eight lifts including one cable car, five chairlifts, and two surface lifts (though the exact composition may change over time due to updates and maintenance). The cable car to the top is the Téléphérique des Grands Montets (not operating at present due to fire), offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
One of the highlights of Les Grand Montets is the Argentière Glacier run, which takes full advantage of the impressive vertical drop and is often coated with a fresh blanket of powder. However, it is an ungroomed, unpatrolled route and is recommended only for advanced skiers with avalanche training and equipment. There are a variety of other runs too, catering to different skill levels.
The base level of Les Grand Montets is characterized by the village of Argentière. There, you’ll find plenty of amenities, including car parking. As it’s a popular destination, parking can get busy during the peak season. It’s advisable to arrive early in the day to secure a spot. You may also find paid parking lots in the village that offer more space and are often less crowded.
For those who appreciate a good après-ski experience, Les Grand Montets does not disappoint. Mountainside restaurants dot the area, offering warm and inviting spaces to rest and refuel after a day on the slopes. The Restaurant du Lognan is a notable mention, located at the mid-station of the Grands Montets cable car. It offers a mix of quick snacks and hearty meals to cater to skiers’ varying appetites. Its sun soaked terrace is a perfect spot to take in the breathtaking mountain views.
Visitors to Les Grand Montets will also find ski schools, equipment rental shops, and guide services at the base level, making it an accommodating area for beginners and those looking to improve their skills. The unique blend of natural beauty, challenging terrain, and excellent facilities have made Les Grand Montets a legendary site in the skiing world.
However, as with any popular outdoor recreational site, it’s important to check the local regulations and guidelines, weather conditions, and lift operation schedules before planning a trip to Les Grand Montets. The area’s offerings and conditions can vary greatly depending on the time of year and environmental factors.
Where to ski in Chamonix
Les Planards (1,062m – 1,242m) – Ski passes accepted: Chamonix Le Pass & MBU
Placed just 2 minutes from central Chamonix, this large and accessible open ski area is a top choice for beginners and intermediate skiers. The 1 red, 1 blue and 2 green runs are serviced by 41 snow cannons. A flood-lit night slope is open daily in the wintertime. Facilities include a restaurant, sun terrace and free parking.
La Vormaine (1,480m) – Ski passes accepted: Chamonix Le Pass & MBU
Situated at the foot of Charamillon, these sunny slopes provide the perfect playground for new skiers and boarders to learn and develop their sport. For those with little ones, a ski kindergarten is also provided.
La Savoy (1,049m) – Ski passes accepted: Chamonix Le Pass & MBU
This fantastic beginners’ slope is set at the foot of Le Brevant, in the centre of Chamonix. The artificial snow and ski kindergarten provide a carefree starting point for beginners. The slope is serviced by 2 drag lifts and a rolling carpet.
The easy slopes of Les Grands Montets (1,235 – 1,972m) – Ski passes accepted: Chamonix Le Pass & MBU
Situated 8km from Chamonix town, Les Grands Montets is the largest ski resort in the valley. The varied beginner-level ski area of Les Grands Montets is serviced by 3 chairlifts, a ski school, the kid-friendly Panda club and a gondola, which links from Argentière to the easy-level Plan Joran piste trails.
Les Grands Montets (1,235 – 3,295m) – Ski passes accepted: Chamonix Le Pass & MBU
This popular level ski area offers a fun and varied paradise for intermediate-advanced skiers and boarders. With on and off-piste runs across 3 mountainsides (Argentière, Lognan and Pendant), the area is serviced by 8 main lifts and boasts super winter snow conditions, until early May. A new snow park and boardercross can be enjoyed at the mid-station of Lognan (1972m), which is reached by cable car from Argentière. The mixed alpine terrain from Lognan to Bochard (2765m) is perfect for intermediate level skiers and boarders. Advanced winter sport fans seeking steeper alpine terrain can head up still further, towards the Argentière glacier and summit (up to 3,275m).
La Flégère/ Les Brévents (1,030m – 2,525m) – Ski passes accepted: Chamonix Le Pass & MBU
Providing wide and versatile sun-drenched slopes, these 2 ski areas are linked by cable car and are ideal for beginner, intermediate and expert-level skiers. With unforgettable views of the Mont-Blanc Massif for company, it makes for a magical day on the slopes.
Le Domaine de Balme - Le Tour (1,453m – 2,270m) – Ski passes accepted: Chamonix Le Pass & MBU
These wide and expansive slopes are to be found at the top of the valley. Reached from the village of Le Tour and Vallorcine, the gentle snow-covered alpine pastures promise a picturesque vista of the entire Chamonix valley, from Charamillon. Along the Swiss border on the Vallorcine side, tree-lined slopes offer a timeless and enchanting ski setting.
Les Houches – St Gervais (1,000m – 1,900m) – Ski passes accepted: MBU (or the Les Houches pass, not sold here)
All roads lead to Les Houches ! And in the Chamonix valley, many have learned to ski here!
The top of Les Houches and the runs are easily accessible via the Bellevue cable car or the Prarion cable car from the village of Les Houches and this lovely family ski area is framed by beautiful views and lovely tree lined slopes.
La Vallée Blanche (2,000m) – Ski passes accepted: MBU
The Vallée Blanche is the most famous off-piste ski descent in the world and is surrounded by the Alp’s top summits and glaciers, including Mont Blanc, Mont Banc de Cheilon, Mont Maudit, Grandes Jorasses and Aiguille Verte. Like a knife, the striking glacial valley cuts through the heart of the Mont Blanc mountain range. The area boasts a 22 km run and a vertical off-piste descent of 2,700m. Intermediate skiers and boarders can take on the ‘classic route’, whilst the advanced off-piste enthusiasts can tackle the ‘Petit’ and Grand Envers’ routes. It goes without saying that guides are recommended for these white-knuckle runs! Book a mountain guide for any visit to La Vallée Blanche.
La Flégère – linked by cable car to Les Brevents
Ski Level & Difficulty: Suitable for all levels.
Ski Lifts: Gondolas and chairlifts mainly.
Vertical Drop: 1,800 meters.
Elevation: Peaks at 2,487 meters.
Total Ski Area: 20km.
Notable Features: Spectacular panoramic views and great sunny terrains. Connects with Brévent.
Les Brevents – linked by cable car to La Flégère
Ski Level & Difficulty: Mixed. Offers both beginner slopes and challenging black runs.
Ski Lifts: Cable cars, gondolas, and chairlifts.
Vertical Drop: 1,500 meters.
Elevation: Peaks at 2,525 meters.
Total Ski Area: 25km.
Notable Features: Direct access from Chamonix town and offers southfacing slopes with exceptional views of Mont Blanc.
Le Tour – linked to Vallorcine
Ski Level & Difficulty: Beginners and intermediates.
Ski Lifts: Chairlifts, drag lifts, and gondolas.
Vertical Drop: Approximately 1,000 meters.
Elevation: Peaks at 2,165 meters.
Total Ski Area: Linked with Vallorcine, offering around 29km.
Notable Features: Gentle slopes and panoramic views.
Vallorcine – linked to Le Tour
Ski Level & Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced.
Ski Lifts: Gondolas and drag lifts.
Vertical Drop: Not as significant as other resorts.
Elevation: Peaks around 2,265 meters.
Total Ski Area: Linked with Le Tour, offering around 29km.
Notable Features: Quiet, picturesque, and forested.
Les Houches
Ski Level & Difficulty: All levels.
Ski Lifts: Cable cars, gondolas, drag, and chairlifts.
Vertical Drop: 900 meters.
Elevation: Peaks at 1,900 meters.
Total Ski Area: 55km.
Notable Features: Forested runs and hosts World Cup downhill races.
Les Planards
Ski Level & Difficulty: Beginners and families.
Ski Lifts: Chairlifts and drag lifts.
Vertical Drop: 300 meters.
Elevation: Peaks at 1,242 meters.
Total Ski Area: 5km.
Notable Features: Ideal for children and those new to skiing.
Le Savoy
Ski Level & Difficulty: Novice.
Ski Lifts: Drag lifts.
Vertical Drop: Minimal.
Elevation: Lower elevations.
Total Ski Area: Small beginner area.
Notable Features: Situated in the heart of Chamonix, perfect for learning.
Les Chosalets
Ski Level & Difficulty: Beginners, especially children.
Ski Lifts: Mainly drag lifts.
Vertical Drop: Minimal.
Elevation: Lower altitude.
Total Ski Area: Small.
Notable Features: Gentle slopes perfect for learning.
Off-piste Aiguille du Midi/La Vallée Blanche
Ski Level & Difficulty: Advanced, offpiste.
Ski Lifts: The Aiguille du Midi cable car.
Vertical Drop: 2,807 meters.
Elevation: Peaks at 3,842 meters.
Total Ski Area: Approximately 20km offpiste route.
Notable Features: Europe’s highest cable car offers access to the legendary Vallée Blanche glacier run.
The Chamonix Mont Blanc area presents a diverse range of skiing options. From the sheer adrenaline thrill of La Vallée Blanche to the gentle slopes of Le Savoy, there’s something for everyone. Beyond skiing, the breathtaking views, worldclass facilities, and the charm of Alpine towns make it a must visit destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
