ski area
Ski areas
The Chamonix valley is known for it’s diverse on and off piste skiing spread over a variety of distinctive and separate ski areas at various elevations. The main ski areas have their own ski lift systems and parking areas along with mountainside restaurants.
1. The Grand Montets (Argentière)
Argentière, home to the Grand Montets ski area, is located at the upper end of the Chamonix Valley. The ski area boasts one of the largest vertical drops in the world, with elevations ranging from 1235m to 3275m. A majority of the runs are north-facing, ensuring excellent snow conditions throughout the season.
With more than 30km of slopes, the Grand Montets is famed for its steep, challenging terrains, ideal for expert skiers and snowboarders. The area encompasses two cable cars, several chair lifts, and a couple of drag lifts, ensuring rapid transport for all adventure-seekers.
More information can be found at: [Website link]
2. Le Brévent / La Flégère
Overlooking the town of Chamonix, Le Brévent and La Flégère are two interconnected ski areas offering south-facing slopes and breath-taking panoramas of Mont Blanc. The area spans from an altitude of 1030m to 2525m, and offers about 56km of ski slopes.
Le Brévent / La Flégère offers slopes for all ability levels, from gentle beginner zones to challenging black runs. The area has modern lift facilities including a cable car from Chamonix to Le Brévent and a gondola lift connecting Chamonix to La Flégère.
More information can be found at: [Website link]
3. Les Houches
Les Houches is situated at the entrance of the Chamonix Valley. With altitudes ranging from 950m to 1900m, it offers about 55km of tree-lined ski slopes, providing shelter during heavy snowfalls and foggy days.
The slopes cater to all levels, but are particularly suited for families and beginners. Les Houches has a comprehensive lift system, including a gondola lift, a cable car, several chair lifts, and drag lifts.
More information can be found at: [Website link]
4. Balme – Tour – Vallorcine
This extensive ski area is located at the top end of the Chamonix Valley, bordering Switzerland. With a large, diverse terrain and altitudes between 1453m and 2270m, the Balme ski area offers a mix of wide, gentle slopes and challenging off-piste opportunities.
Balme – Tour – Vallorcine is known for its serene, uncrowded environment. The ski area consists of several chair lifts and gondola lifts, linking Vallorcine and Le Tour.
More information can be found at: [Website link]
5. Aiguille du Midi
Starting from the heart of Chamonix, the Aiguille du Midi cable car whisks skiers up to an altitude of 3842m, opening the gateway to the famous Vallée Blanche. This is not a traditional ski area but a high mountain off-piste itinerary that descends to Chamonix over glaciers and snowfields.
The 20km long Vallée Blanche run is a must for any expert skier visiting Chamonix, offering stunning views of the Alps and unforgettable ski experience. It’s essential to hire a mountain guide unless you are an experienced high mountain skier.
More information can be found at: [Website link]
To sum up, the Chamonix Valley is not just a winter sports destination; it’s a shrine to the skiing world, with its vast and varied ski areas, modern facilities, and natural beauty. From high-altitude off-piste adventures to peaceful family-friendly slopes, Chamonix offers an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Make sure you are prepared and know your capabilities before you go. Each ski area in the Chamonix Valley has its unique character and charm, offering endless opportunities to create lasting memories. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting, there’s a mountain in Chamonix calling your name!
The Chamonix Valley in France, a world-renowned ski destination, provides an array of slopes for all skill levels, including beginners. Here’s a rundown of the main ski areas that cater particularly well to novice skiers.
Aside from the altitude skiing and snowboarding in the main areas, the valley has a wonderful selection of mini ski areas for beginners distributed in all areas of the Chamonix valley as follow:
1. La Vormaine, Le Tour
Located at the base of the Balme ski area in Le Tour, La Vormaine is the largest beginners’ ski area in the Chamonix Valley. It offers wide, gentle slopes, perfect for first-timers and children. A few drag lifts and magic carpet lifts serve the area, providing easy access to the slopes.
2. Les Planards
Just a couple of minutes from Chamonix town center, Les Planards is another great spot for beginners. It provides a combination of green and blue runs serviced by chair lifts and a magic carpet. The ski area is particularly popular with families, and it even has a fun park for kids.
3. Savoy, Chamonix
Nestled in the heart of Chamonix, Savoy is a convenient option for beginners, particularly those staying in town. It offers a few gentle slopes served by drag lifts and magic carpet lifts. The area is directly connected to the Brévent ski area via a gondola, providing an opportunity for progression once beginners gain confidence.
4. Les Chosalets, Argentière
Located just before Argentière, Les Chosalets is a small, sunny plateau ideal for beginners and children. Although the area is relatively small, it’s less crowded than other beginner areas and offers a peaceful environment for learning.
5. Les Houches
While Les Houches is a large ski area that caters to all levels, it’s particularly known for its beginner-friendly environment. It provides a variety of gentle slopes, ideal for those new to skiing. The lower slopes are tree-lined, offering shelter during snowy or foggy conditions. Beginners can also use the ski lifts here, which provide access to higher, yet still manageable, runs.
6. La Poya, Vallorcine
La Poya is a small ski area located in Vallorcine, perfect for beginners and families. It offers several easy runs served by drag lifts. Although not in the immediate vicinity of Chamonix, it’s worth considering for those looking for a quiet and calm learning environment.
These beginner areas in the Chamonix Valley provide a safe and comfortable environment for those new to skiing to build up their confidence before moving on to the larger slopes in the valley. Be sure to check the conditions before heading out, as the availability of certain areas might depend on the snow conditions.
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Ski and lift passes
Ski Passes – A Brief Guide to Buying Winter Ski and Summer Lift Passes in Chamonix
A key part of planning your trip to Chamonix involves deciding which lift pass is best for you. The two main options are the ‘Chamonix Le Pass’ and the ‘Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass’.
1. Chamonix Le Pass
The Chamonix Le Pass is ideal for skiers and snowboarders who plan to stay within the Chamonix valley. It covers the areas of Brévent-Flégère, Balme Vallorcine, and Grands Montets (excluding the top lift).
Winter 2023 prices (TBC):
– Adult (15-64 years) 6-day pass: Around €260
– Child (5-14 years) 6-day pass: Around €220
– Family 6-day pass (2 adults + 2 children): Around €780
Summer passes prices vary, so it’s best to check the official Chamonix website for the most up-to-date information.
2. Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass
The Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass gives access to a broader range of areas and attractions. In addition to the areas covered by the Chamonix Le Pass, the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass includes:
– Aiguille du Midi cable car
– Train to Mer de Glace
– Tramway du Mont Blanc
– Les Houches area
– Courmayeur area (in Italy)
– Verbier 4 Vallées area (in Switzerland; with 50% discount)
– Evasion Mont Blanc area (in peak season)
– Additional attractions in the summer, like the Chamonix swimming pool and Alpine Museum
Next season pass prices have not yet been published so expect an increase of 10-15% year on year.
– Adult (15-64 years) 6-day pass: Around €330
– Child (5-14 years) 6-day pass: Around €280
– Family 6-day pass (2 adults + 2 children): Around €990
Summer pass prices again vary, so it’s recommended to check the official Chamonix website for the most up-to-date information.
Which Pass Should You Choose?
The best pass for you depends on your specific plans.
– If you’re mainly planning to ski or snowboard within the Chamonix valley, then the Chamonix Le Pass will likely suffice.
– However, if you’re an advanced skier or snowboarder looking to explore more challenging terrain, plan on visiting different ski areas, or intend to use the other facilities included, the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass would be more suitable.
Family passes provide cost savings if you’re traveling as a family. Both passes offer discounts for children, seniors, and families.
Note: All prices are subject to change, and it’s always best to confirm the current prices on the official Chamonix website. The prices mentioned here were accurate as of 2021.
Remember to consider additional factors, such as insurance coverage and refund policies, when purchasing your lift pass. Also, keep in mind that lift operations are subject to weather conditions, so some areas may be closed or have limited access depending on the weather.
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