Chamonix France skiing
While the 150km of pistes might seem modest compared to mega-resorts, Chamonix trades quantity for quality, offering some of the most challenging and spectacular terrain in the Alps. From the steep couloirs of Grands Montets to the breathtaking 20km Vallée Blanche glacier run, this is hallowed ground for serious skiers and snowboarders. The town itself is a delight to explore, packed with gear shops, cosy wine bars, and restaurants serving proper Savoyard fare - think melted cheese dishes and charcuterie boards enjoyed in rustic wooden interiors. While beginners will find some gentle slopes at Le Tour, Chamonix truly shines for confident intermediates and experts craving proper mountain adventures.
Mountain Info
Chamonix's ski area is as dramatic as the scenery surrounding it. The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly the Aiguille du Midi cable car, whisking you up to a dizzying 3,842m for access to the legendary Vallée Blanche - a 20km off-piste glacier run requiring a guide but offering unparalleled high-mountain thrills. Across the valley, Brèvent and Flégère offer sun-drenched slopes with front-row views of Mont Blanc's towering face, while Grands Montets serves up some of the Alps' most challenging in-bounds terrain when open
Over in Le Tour, gentler slopes provide respite for developing skiers, and family-friendly Les Houches features excellent tree-lined runs. With elevations ranging from 1,035m in town up to the high alpine zones, snow conditions can vary dramatically - the upper sectors like Grands Montets and Aiguille du Midi typically hold snow superbly with annual accumulations often exceeding 8 metres, while lower slopes can be more variable. Only about 30% of pistes have snowmaking, concentrated mainly in beginner areas, so timing your visit for peak winter months ensures the best conditions.
Snow Conditions at Chamonix
The village and resort of Chamonix are situated at an altitude of 1035 metres however the majority of pistes and ski areas are located at much higher altitudes; the highest of which reaches up to 3300 metres. Here is a breakdown of some of its overall snow conditions:
Les Grand Montets is particularly known to have very good snow conditions with the ski season open until May, due in no small part to its lofty 3300 metres summit. Les Grand also has north-facing pistes making for fantastic powdery snow preservation working in tandem with its high altitude; it’s no surprise it has locally earned the nickname, “snow-pocket”. It’s also important to note that the top lifts may occasionally be shut in bad weather.
With the resort at a modest altitude, there are high chances of patches at the lower areas but with most of the skiing done at the mid to high altitude pistes where the conditions are more reliable, it still makes for great skiing in general. All the slopes, with exception of Les Houches, are located mainly above the tree lines.
Brévent et Flégère, however, has south-facing slopes and does tend to receive a lot more sunshine which does get warmer later in the season, so look out for fast-changing conditions in that area when spring comes around.
Some of the patchy areas on lower altitudes have snow making facilities but could yet be tricky in the later seasons despite the snowmaking. Le Tour, however, nearby to Les Grand Montets is known to be the snowiest village in the area.
Skiing in Chamonix
There are up to 150 kilometres of runs that are distributed across several different ski areas which all cater to different ski levels and ability levels of visitors to Chamonix.
Young children learning how to ski have a designated area in Le Savoy which has a small ski area serviced by a rolling carpet and 2 drag lifts. Perfect for young children and located at a very safe 1,049m altitude. Teenagers and adult beginners can build and nurture their skills at Les Planards first on the easy greens before graduating to the international standard blues and reds for confidence building. It’s also great for families as well and learners can ski without distraction and interference from advanced skiers.
Confident intermediates have 2 greens, 8 blues and 13 red runs on Les Houches. It is the ideal area to grow confidence and have a bit of fun while doing it. Skiers can also test their abilities on 4 black runs including the world-renowned La Verte des Houches. Located only 6 kilometres away from Chamonix, a Mont Blanc full cover ski pass will be required to gain access here but 360 panoramic from the top views are soo worth every minute spent here. Les Houches runs are well-groomed and are almost wooded areas, which makes it a popular spot in bad weather when the other slopes are closed due to avalanche threats.
Adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers will be rubbing their mitts and snow-gloves together in excitement when they get to Grand Montets. It is the biggest and among the most popular ski areas in Chamonix, offering some of the best skiing experiences for advanced skiers. Les Grand Montets area covers ski areas from 1,325m in the Argentière Village across to the mixed terrains of Lognan and Bochard at 2765m and up to the very steep Argentière glacier at up to 3275m altitudes. The slopes here are also north facing and as such, it is no surprise that the ski season lasts until May at Les Grand Montets! Skiers will find blacks, reds and well-groomed blues, serviced by 8 lifts across the area. It is also a haven for freestyle and free riders. To access this area, a Chamonix Mont Blanc unlimited pass will be required.
Thrill-seekers and advanced skiers in Chamonix can catch the shuttle bus to Brévent Flégère to find 59 kilometres of steep blacks on south-facing slopes. It gets a lot of sunshine so depending on what time of the year you’re there, you may want to consider taking some sunscreen! Daredevils can test their courage coming down the edge of the Chavanne on a 500-metre slope neck break speed. Off-piste opportunities lay abound at Vallee Blanche (also accessible via shuttle) but we must stress that a professional guide is hired as the area is known for its dangerous and inconspicuous glacial crevasses as well as its stunning beauty.
Snowboarding in Chamonix
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Freeriders flock to Chamonix for good reason - this is natural terrain park heaven. While the resort has two small dedicated parks (at Les Planards and Le Tour), the real appeal lies in the endless natural hits, drops and powder stashes scattered across the mountains. Grands Montets is the holy grail when conditions align, offering steep faces and chutes that will test even expert riders. The famous Midi Pipe - a natural half-pipe formation on the Vallée Blanche route - is another highlight for those venturing into the high mountain with a guide. Most lifts are boarder-friendly gondolas or cable cars, though a few drag lifts remain in some sectors. Après-ski reflects the snowboard scene's influence too - spots like Chambre Neuf host regular live music nights where riders swap stories of the day's exploits over local beers.
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All Ski Resort Accommodation in Chamonix
Ski Holidays in Chamonix
Apres-Ski In Chamonix
Whew! Where do we even begin to unpack the buzzing Chamonix apres-ski? Undoubtedly one of the world’s most famous apres-ski locations, the Chamonix night-life is packed with vibrant parties, buzzing club lounges and loud DJ sets all season.
Chambre Neuf is one of the top apres-ski spots in Chamonix. Open every day from noon until late at night, this bar is the place for awesome live music featuring great bands and lots of tabletop dancing! Great location just opposite from the train station in the village, it has some of the best party atmospheres in the resort.
A favourite among locals and visitors, Elevation 1904 is a lively bar at the perfect place for drinks and meeting other skiers. It sports a lovely traditional Alpine interior and a great outside terrace. The central location makes it a good meeting spot and they serve amazing gourmet burgers too. Great place to catch up after a long day on the slopes. Good friendly vibes in there.
Visit the Chamonix Social Club for an amazing evening of partying and lots of laughs! A definite must-go lounge for an elegant evening, the social club features a very modern, chic interior and funky disco settings. The live DJ set features famous dance and house tunes and if you’re one for cocktails, there is a great selection of these made by experienced pro’s.
La Folie Douce, known for throwing the best parties on the slopes across Europe have opened a hotel in Chamonix and it is host to The Janssen Cocktail Club, a cosy, elegant lounge serving some of the very best cocktails in Chamonix. Open from 3 pm to 2 am, you can also catch some amazing nighttime views of Mont Blanc from here!
Facilities in Chamonix
Chamonix offers a wide range of facilities and amenities to cater to visitors' needs including ski hire shops, reputable ski schools, multiple points to pick up ski passes and options to arrange ski transfers.
Facilities for Children in Chamonix
Children are very well catered to in Chamonix. Here is some information on entertainment and facilities for children.
