A Guide to Skiing in Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Chamonix Mont-Blanc, standing at 1,035m, is a snow-enthusiast’s paradise, offering an impressive 152km of skiable terrain. As part of the Mont Blanc massif, it boasts superb snowfall, making it a reliable choice for skiers. The towering Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, provides a breathtaking backdrop for your skiing adventures. From beginner-friendly slopes to adrenaline-pumping off-piste runs, Chamonix has something for everyone.

Chamonix Mont-Blanc Ski Area

The Chamonix Mont-Blanc ski area is a collection of five separate ski areas; Le Brévent, La Flégère, Les Grands Montets, Le Tour/Vallorcine and Les Houches. The terrain consists of 119 runs of varied difficulty; 17% are green, 30% blue, 40% red and 13% black.

Beginner Skiing in Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Chamonix may have a reputation as a resort for seasoned skiers, but it also has plenty to offer beginners. The Les Planards area, located near the town centre, is perfect for novices with its gentle, broad slopes. As your confidence grows, you can explore the green runs in the Le Tour area, like the Alpage and the Arolles. We advise beginners to take the lifts back down to the resort until they are comfortable with more challenging descents.

Intermediate Skiing in Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Intermediate skiers will find a wealth of options in Chamonix. Le Brévent and La Flégère areas are peppered with blue and red runs, ideal for honing your skills. The blue Piste Charles Bozon in Brévent is a particular favourite, offering sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif. For a more challenging red run, head to the Les Chamois in the Flégère area. Remember, Chamonix’s grading system is a bit tougher compared to other French resorts, so don’t be disheartened if you find the runs more difficult than expected!

Advanced Skiing in Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Chamonix is a magnet for advanced skiers, thanks to its thrilling black runs and challenging terrain. The infamous Pas de Chèvre run, located in the Grands Montets area, is a must-try. Offering a steep 800m descent, this run is not for the faint-hearted. Another challenging piste is the Kandahar, situated in Les Houches, which is used for the World Cup downhill races. The steep inclines and tight turns will test your skills and nerve.

Off-piste Skiing in Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Chamonix is a haven for off-piste skiing, featuring some of the most exciting and challenging terrain in Europe. The Vallée Blanche is an off-piste marvel, offering a 20km descent with awe-inspiring views of glaciers and towering peaks. The Couloir des Cosmiques, with its sharp inclines and narrow chutes, is another off-piste favourite. Safety is paramount in off-piste skiing, so we recommend hiring a local guide who can ensure your adventure is both exciting and safe.

Snowparks in Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Chamonix also offers two snowparks, the natural snowpark in Les Houches and the Grands Montets snowpark. These areas provide a variety of jumps, rails and boxes for freestyle skiing, catering to all skill levels.

Conclusion

Chamonix Mont-Blanc is a versatile ski area, offering diverse terrains that cater to beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers. Whether you prefer cruising on groomed pistes or venturing off-piste, Chamonix has you covered. Just remember to stay safe and enjoy the stunning beauty this resort has to offer!