The Chamonix Valley Ski Areas:
The Grands Montets 1235m - 3300m The pistes are spread over 3 mountainsides - the Argentière glacier, Lognan and the Pendant - and offer tremendous on and off-piste possibilities. Ski or board adjacent to the glacier and take advantage of excellent snow conditions right up until early May. For freestyle fans, a new snowpark and boardercross are open at the mid-station of Lognan.
Les Chosalets 1230m Vast slope for beginners & ideal for children. Situated in Argentiere 500m from the Grand Montet cable car.
Brévent / Flégère 1030m - 2525m These 2 ski areas have been linked by a cable car since 1997 and offer one of the most outstanding panoramas of the Alps. South-facing slopes with a wonderful variety of pistes and enviable views over the Mont-Blanc Massif. Gently acquire a tan in this idyllic environment whilst enjoying skiing on slopes adapted to all skiing abilities.
Le Domaine de Balme (also known as Le Tour) 1453m - 2270m Accessed via the villages of Le Tour and Vallorcine, the snow-covered alpine pastures offer numerous possibilities on two distinct mountain sides. From Charamillon, enjoy the wide open gentle slopes overlooking the entire Chamonix valley and on the Vallorcine side, ski beautiful tree-lined pistes bordering on Switzerland.
Les Houches 950m - 1900m Delightful forest runs for the pleasure of all snowriders. 110 snow canons mean that 23 hectares can be supplemented by culture snow.
Les Planards 1062m - 1242m Just 2 minutes from the centre of town, large ski area for beginners and children with 4 runs (1 red, 1 blue and 2 greens). 41 snow canons guarantee conditions all winter long. Restaurant, sun terrace and free parking.
La Vormaine 1480m Located at the foot of Charamillon on the Balme ski area (Le Tour), these sunny slopes are ideal for apprentice skiers and snowboarders, as for little ones (ski kindergarten run by the ski school).
Le Savoy 1049m In the heart of Chamonix, at the foot of the Brevent, 2 drag lifts and a rolling carpet welcome beginners and children for their first turns. Artificial snow and ski kindergarten.
Aiguille du Midi & Vallee Blanche 3842m The cable car trip to the Midi is worth it for the spectacular views alone. The famous Vallee Blanche off piste run is the longest in Europe at 22km & offers fantastic views in spectacular scenery. It should only be attempted by experienced skiers & boarders when conditions are good & with a guide.
Note: When purchasing a multi-day ski pass, check which areas it covers as some areas
are only accessible with their own pass or a ‘Mont Blanc Unlimited’ full valley pass.
Recommended Reading & Guide Books:
The Chamonix Snowmole Guide - guide for skiers, boarders & visitors to the Chamonix Valley in winter. Info on everything on & off the slopes.
Mont Blanc Walks (Cicerone) - 50 of the best walks & 4 short treks in the Chamonix Mont Blanc area.
Tour Of Mont Blanc (Cicerone) - detailed guide of all the stages of the Tour Du Mont Blanc Trek.
Crag Climbs In Chamonix (Vamos) - guide to rock climbing in the Chamonix Valley.
Mont Blanc Massif Vol 1 & 2 (Alpine Club) - all the main alpine & rock routes of all grades.
The Mont Blanc Range Topo Guide Vol 1 (Michel Piola) - high altitude rock routes.
The Mont Blanc Massif (Gaston Rebuffat) - the hundred finest routes. Inspiring photo’s..!
Snow, Ice & Mixed Vol 1 & 2 (Francois Damilano) - guides to ice,snow & mixed climbs in the Mont Blanc range (available in English)
Cascades autour du Mont Blanc Vol 1 - ice climbing guide to the Chamonix Valley (only available in French)
Chamonix Massif Du Mont Blanc - 1:25000 map.
