Skiing in Chamonix: A Guide to the Ski Areas

Chamonix skiing at a glance

• For beginners: Le Savoy and Les Planards near the town centre, La Vormaine at Le Tour, and the learning areas at Les Houches.
• For intermediate skiers: Brévent–Flégère and Balme offer the greatest choice of pistes.
• For experienced skiers: Head to Les Grands Montets for steep terrain, or arrange a guide to explore the valley’s off-piste skiing.
• For skiing among the trees: Les Houches is a good choice when visibility is poor higher up.

How does skiing in Chamonix work?

Chamonix’s ski areas are spread along the valley rather than joined into one large network. Brévent and Flégère are connected by lift, but you need to take a bus, train, or car to reach Balme, Les Grands Montets, and Les Houches. Each area offers different skiing, so you can choose where to go according to the weather and your group’s abilities. When choosing a chalet in Chamonix, think about which area you are likely to ski most often:

The main Chamonix ski areas

Brévent–Flégère: Sunny slopes facing Mont Blanc

Brévent is reached from Chamonix town, while the Flégère gondola starts in Les Praz. A cable car links the two sectors on the mountain, giving intermediate skiers plenty to explore. The sunny, south-facing slopes have views of Mont Blanc and a good selection of red runs, alongside easier pistes and more demanding descents. If you're staying in central Chamonix or Les Praz, then Brévent-Flégère is the natural starting point.

Balme: Gentler skiing from Le Tour and Vallorcine

Balme can be reached from Le Tour or from Vallorcine at the far end of the valley. Its open slopes and choice of blue runs make it a good area for intermediates who want a less demanding day. On the Vallorcine side, runs descend among the trees. For skiers still learning, La Vormaine sits at the foot of the Le Tour side. It has its own gentle slopes, allowing beginners to practise before heading onto the larger mountain. Balme is a useful area if you're a family with both learners and more confident skiers.

Les Grands Montets: Chamonix’s steepest skiing

Les Grands Montets, above Argentière, is known for its steep, north-facing runs. Take the Plan Joran gondola from the village, then the Bochard gondola or Herse chairlift to ski higher up the mountain. The cable car to the 3,330-metre summit is closed while it's being rebuilt.

Les Houches: Wooded pistes and family skiing

At the lower end of the valley, Les Houches has a different feel from Chamonix’s high, open slopes. Many of its pistes run through the trees, which is a welcome option when cloud or snowfall reduces visibility elsewhere. There are areas for beginners as well as more challenging runs, including the Kandahar World Cup descent. Les Houches deserves a place in your week’s skiing itinerary even if you are staying in central Chamonix.

Off-piste skiing and the Vallée Blanche

Chamonix’s off-piste terrain is one of the main reasons experienced skiers return time and time again. Conditions change considerably across the valley, so a local mountain guide can help you choose the best place to ski on a particular day. The best-known descent is the Vallée Blanche, reached from the Aiguille du Midi. The classic route ascends around 20 kilometres through icy scenery before returning via Montenvers. It is an unmarked off-piste route, with crevasses and other high-mountain hazards. Skiers should be comfortable on varied, ungroomed snow, and we recommend going with a qualified mountain guide. Whether the descent is possible depends on the conditions during your stay.

Is Chamonix good for beginners?

Yes, although you need to choose the ski area carefully. Le Savoy is close to the centre of Chamonix and has gentle slopes for a first lesson. Les Planards, also near town, offers an opportunity to progress beyond those first turns. Elsewhere in the valley, La Vormaine at Le Tour and the beginner area above the Prarion gondola in Les Houches are good options.

Which Chamonix ski pass do you need?

• Chamonix Le Pass covers Brévent–Flégère, Balme, and Les Grands Montets below the closed summit, and several beginner areas. It does not include Les Houches or the Aiguille du Midi.
• Mont Blanc Unlimited also covers Les Houches and excursions including the Aiguille du Midi, Skyway Monte Bianco and the Montenvers train, gondola and ice cave. It includes skiing in Courmayeur and Crans-Montana on passes of two days or more, subject to conditions.

Getting between the ski areas

Valley buses serve the main ski areas, and a valid Compagnie du Mont-Blanc ski pass currently allows travel on the Chamonix Mobilité buses. The local guest card provides free travel on the Mont-Blanc Express train between Servoz and Vallorcine, but the guest card alone is not a bus ticket. If you're a family with young children, a chalet with a driver may be more convenient. It is worth discussing your group’s plans before choosing accommodation, as the most suitable chalet and location depend on which ski area is most practical for your group.

Where should you stay for skiing in Chamonix?

The villages stretch along the valley, from Les Houches in the south to Vallorcine beyond Argentière. The main areas to consider are:

• Chamonix town centre is within easy reach of restaurants, shops and the Brévent-Flegere ski area.
• Les Praz is close to Chamonix town but is more residential, with its own gondola to Flégère.
• Les Bossons is a quieter base just outside Chamonix town without a ski lift, so a car or driver service is recommended here.
• Les Houches suits families planning ski lessons or several days skiing on its wooded slopes.
• Les Bois & Les Tines enjoy a quieter setting between Les Praz and Argentière. They are convenient for reaching Flégère by car, bus or driver service.
• Argentière places you closer to Les Grands Montets and is a good base for confident skiers.
• Le Tour is situated further up the valley at one end of the Balme ski area, close to the gentle slopes at La Vormaine.
• Vallorcine gives you gondola access to the other side of Balme but is a 30-minute drive from Chamonix town.

Planning a ski holiday in Chamonix

Chamonix is a great resort for skiers who enjoy diverse terrain and exploring different ski areas. There are options for all levels of skiers, although experienced skiers will probably get the most out of the region.

If you're taking a day off from the slopes, you'll still find plenty to do in town and around the valley. Our guide to winter activities for non-skiers has more ideas.

If you are considering Chamonix, let us know when you would like to travel and the makeup of your group. We can help you choose from our portfolio of chalets in Chamonix based on your group’s abilities, preferred ski areas, and the service you would like during your stay.