World-Class Skiings with Spectacular Scenery
Chamonix, hailed as the birthplace of winter sports, consistently earns the title of Europe’s premier winter ski destination. Renowned globally for its exceptional skiing and breathtaking mountain vistas, it is a destination not to be missed by serious skiers and mountain enthusiasts alike. With 90% of its ski terrain situated above 2000 meters, Chamonix stands as one of the most reliable resorts for snow in Europe. Of particular note is the esteemed les Grands Montets ski resort nestled at the foot of Argentiere, boasting unparalleled snow quality throughout the season thanks to its high-altitude terrain and north-facing orientation, ensuring its operations extend until the onset of May.
Skiing in Chamonix
The Chamonix Valley stretches over 16 kilometers and comprises five main ski resorts. Renowned for its exceptional snowfall, with 90% of its ski terrain situated above 2000 meters, it stands as one of Europe’s most reliable destinations for snow sports. Boasting over 150 kilometers of groomed ski runs, abundant off-piste options including the renowned La Vallée Blanche, and four dedicated beginner areas, the Chamonix Valley caters to a wide range of skiing abilities and preferences.
Le Brevent
1035m-2525m
The Brevent ski area sits directly above Chamonix town, just a short 5-10 minute stroll from the town center to the lift station. Positioned on the sunnier side of the valley, Le Brevent offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mont-Blanc. With its challenging on-piste and off-piste options, it’s particularly well-suited for intermediate skiers. Plus, it’s conveniently linked to La Flegere by cable car.
For a lunch spot with an enchanting view, we suggest Le Panoramique at the summit of Brevent, reachable by gondola and cable car.
If you’re in the mood for some upscale dining while on Le Brevent, we highly recommend La Bergerie de Plan-Praz, located at the mid-station of Brevent, atop the telecabin Planpraz. La Bergerie also offers stunning panoramic vistas of the Mont Blanc massif. They have two sittings – at 12 noon and 2:30 PM. Reservations are advisable. You can reach them at: 04 50 53 05 42.
Download Chamonix Ski Map
La Flégère
1060m-2500m
The Flegere ski area is nestled in the village of Le Praz. Like Le Brevent, it basks in sunshine with its south-facing slopes and boasts stunning panoramic mountain vistas. Primarily tailored for intermediate skiers, it also features beginner slopes conveniently located near mountain restaurants. La Flegere is seamlessly connected to Le Brevent via cable car.
For a delightful lunch experience, we suggest heading to Le Cabane on the Chamonix Valley floor, renowned for its special lunchtime menu.
Download Chamonix Ski Map
Les Grands Montets
1252m-3275m
Les Grands Montets presents a formidable challenge for advanced skiers, boasting an array of steep terrain to test even the most daring. Thanks to its north-facing slopes and high-altitude terrain, Les Grands Montets maintains superb snow conditions well into early May. Divided into three primary skiing areas, it includes the remarkably scenic Argentiere glacier.
For a satisfying lunch break, strong skiers can venture to Chalet Refuge de Lognan, offering an unforgettable view to complement the meal.
Alternatively, La Cremerie du Glacier provides another excellent lunch option. Nestled within the forest near the base of the home piste, just off to the right on its final stretch, La Cremerie serves up fantastic traditional Savoyard cuisine.
Download Chamonix Ski Map
Le Tour
1462m-2270m
Le Tour, nestled at the valley’s end, is a haven for families and intermediate skiers, offering expansive, gentle pistes. The terrain on the Vallorcine side features tree-lined slopes, providing both shelter from inclement weather and some of the valley’s most picturesque descents. Le Tour also boasts abundant off-piste opportunities, best explored with the guidance of a high mountain guide.
For a satisfying lunch break, we suggest skiing to the alpine hamlet of Vallorcine, where you’ll discover the popular restaurant, Le Café Comptoir.
On the mountain itself, Restaurant Alpage de Balme comes highly recommended. Situated near the base of the les Posettes draglift, it offers a delightful dining experience.
For beginners, Restaurant Le Passon is an excellent choice. Conveniently located below the main access gondola and across from the La Vormaine beginner ski area, it provides a welcoming atmosphere.
Download Chamonix Ski Map
Les Houches
950m-1900m
Famous for hosting the Kandahar World Cup skiing event, Les Houches is located 6 kilometers south of Chamonix. This picturesque resort offers a diverse range of long ski descents on tree-lined slopes, providing breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif and the Chamonix Valley.
Ideal for beginners and intermediates, Les Houches is also a reliable choice in adverse weather conditions, thanks to the protective cover provided by its trees. Retaining its charming Savoyard character, the resort maintains a delightful traditional ambiance, complemented by excellent mountain restaurants and alpine farm architecture.
Download Chamonix Ski Map
Le Vallée Blanche
3842m-1035m
The Vallée Blanche is a renowned off-piste ski route in the Mont Blanc massif near Chamonix. Boasting the world’s largest lift-served vertical descent of 2807m, making it one of the most famous and sought-after off-piste descents in the world, attracting experienced skiers and snowboarders seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure
The route starts from the Aiguille du Midi cable car station, which is accessed from Chamonix town, and descends down a glacier through stunning alpine scenery. The 22km descent offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including the iconic Mont Blanc.
TThe Vallée Blanche is not a marked or maintained ski run, and it traverses through glaciated terrain, crevasses, and seracs, making it a technically challenging and potentially dangerous route. As such, it is recommended to undertake this descent with a qualified mountain guide who is familiar with the terrain and can ensure safety.
Courmayeur – Italy
1224m-2624m
Just on the other side of the Mont Blanc tunnel in Italy lies Courmayeur, an excellent addition to your skiing itinerary in the Chamonix Valley. With a noticeably slower pace compared to Chamonix, your biggest challenge of the day might just be securing a deck chair to bask in the Aosta sunshine. Courmayeur boasts a diverse range of wide, open pistes suitable for skiers of all levels. Plus, with the Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass, there’s no need for an extra ticket purchase.
For delectable on-piste dining experiences, consider Chateau Branlant, Chiecco, or Maison Vieille, but be sure to book ahead as reservations are essential.
Nursery Slopes
For newcomers to skiing and those feeling a bit apprehensive, Chamonix provides five dedicated skiing areas with specialised nursery slopes tailored specifically for beginners.
- Le Savoy-Right in the centre of Chamonix, at the foot of le Brevent
- Les Planards-2 minutes from the Chamonix Centre, just across from the Montenvers train station
- Les Chosalets– located just before the entrance to les Grands Montets, 500m from the start of the Plan Joran gondoal
- La Vormaine Situated next to the village of Le Tour
- Les Houches-located a little before the town centre in les Houches. Night skiing can also be enjoyed at this beginner area.
Chamonix Ski Lift Passes
Chamonix Le Pass
The Chamonix le Pass is your entry-level pass, granting access to the four primary ski stations—Le Brevent, La Flegere, Les Grands Montets, and Le Tour—as well as the beginner zones situated on the valley floor, including Les Planards, Le Savoy, Les Chosalets, and La Vormaine.
Mont-Blanc Unlimited
This pass offers comprehensive coverage similar to the Chamonix le Pass but extends to unlimited access to Courmayeur and the Skyway Monte Bianco lift system in Italy, as well as unlimited use of the Aiguille du Midi for both Vallee Blanche skiing and sightseeing. It also includes unrestricted use of the Montenvers Railway with complimentary entry to the ice grotto, unlimited access to St Gervais, Megeve, and les Contamines ski areas, along with a 50% discount offer for the Verbier ski system. Additionally, beginner ski passes are available for unrestricted use across the four novice areas of Le Savoy, Les Planards, Les Chosalets, and La Vormaine. For flexible options, day passes and shorter 4-hour passes are available at each ski station, with the latter activating upon the first ski lift usage.
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LESSONS
Hand picked instructors for all levels
Private Ski Instructors
At Marmotte Mountain Adventure, we specialise in selecting independent private instructors who are carefully matched to meet our guests’ specific needs. We have utmost confidence in the quality of service provided by our instructors, so much so that we offer a full money-back guarantee when we handpick one of our trusted instructors. To secure the services of one of our instructors, we advise informing us of your requirements well in advance. We cannot emphasise enough how highly we recommend our instructors-they are truly exceptional and play a crucial role in maintaining our high guest satisfaction levels, with a significant portion of our loyal clientele returning year after year.
Panda Club Ski School - Evolution 2
Evolution 2 offers an outstanding ski school program called the Panda Club in Argentiere, tailored for children aged 3 to 12 years. Given the international background of most participants, all Panda Club ski instructors are fluent in English. The Panda Club conducts daily ski assessments, including graded tests, culminating in an awards ceremony every Friday. Additionally, the club provides indoor play areas and lunch facilities for added convenience and enjoyment.
