Chamonix is known worldwide for its amazing skiing but also that the lift system and the ski areas in Chamonix is a little different to most other ski resorts. Where you normally get on one lift and make your way through the skiable area, in Chamonix there are six separate ski areas, most of which are not connected to each other. This can be a little confusing at times so here is a breakdown of the ski areas in Chamonix, and which of those ski lifts are more for views than skiing!
Aiguille du Midi
One of the most famous ski areas in Chamonix is the Aiguille du midi. This brilliant lift system takes you up to one of the highest points in the valley without having to hike or climb. The two lifts take you up to heights of 3842m altitude.
While up there you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Chamonix itself and across the glacier to Italy. With a gift shop, museum and restaurant, there is something for everyone. If you are feeling brave you can step into the void, the glass box suspended over a sheer drop.
This is not a normal ski area in Chamonix, there is no marked ski slopes and all the terrain is Glacial but there is the Vallee Blanche, this is an off-piste run for the most experienced of skiers and snowboarders only accessible with a guide.
The lift is covered by the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass.
The lift is usually open for most of the year and is a must see!
Brévent and Flégère – Chamonix
The ski areas in Chamonix that are closest to Chamonix town is Brévent and Flégère, these two ski areas are linked by a cable car so you are able to enjoy the two areas in one day. This is a very popular area for both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders. With something for everyone including a children’s area which offers a fun obstacles course and play area in Flégère.
With a brand new lift at Flégère, the flow of traffic is kept down to a minimum to allow you to enjoy as much snow time as possible.
These areas are on the ‘Sunny side’ of the valley and get sun all morning until mid afternoon. They are usually open from the week before Christmas to mid April but this is dependant on snow conditions. These ski areas in Chamonix is valid on the Chamonix le Pass.
Grands Montets – Argentiere
Further up the valley in the town of Argentiere there is the infamous Grands Montets. In 2018 there was the devastating news of the Grands Montets lift station burning down, it was the only way of accessing the glacier at the top and now for enthusiasts the only access is via touring, skinning up from the Bochard and the Herse lifts.
However the new plans have now been confirmed for a new Grands Montets top lift to be built. The new lift will be built by the world-famous Renzo Piano who designed the Shard in London and the Georges Pampidou Centre in Paris.
The existing building will be replaced by a smaller cable car station in a better location giving improved access for all visitors. The new lift system will consist of a large cable car from the valley floor to Lognan, the mid station, with a new gondola from here to the top. The new gondola will be very similar to the system in Zermatt, giving all areas quicker and better access. This will improve the flow for skiers, boarders and hikers alike and the plan is that it will have access all year around.
With this new design being approved building will commence in 2022 with the opening planned for 2025.
Grands Montets is still going to be open this year with the Plan Joran lift taking skiers and boarders up, unfortunately this is not great access for pedestrians. Grands Montets is usually the first of the ski areas in Chamonix to open and the last to close with its high altitude slopes. This area can be open from November – May if there is enough snow!
Vallorcine and Le Tour
Moving even further up the valley we have Vallorcine and le Tour. These two areas are also interlinked and are great for both beginners and the more experienced snowboarders and skiers. There is also usually the freestyle park here.
Compagnie du Mont Blanc are updating the Charamillon cable car which is the main access from the village of le Tour. The brand new top station will also be slightly higher than the old and the flow of people will be a lot more per hour, it will offer toilets, rest areas and a restaurant. The current plan is for it to open in Winter 2022-23, the current lifts are still open for this season.
Les Houches
Les Houches offers a large range of slopes for all abilities from blue beginner runs to the infamous black Kandahar. With nice long tree runs down to the valley floor les Houches is a great day out for everyone and particularly if the weather is not sunny the visibility is better here. There is also great snowshoe options here for the non-skiers, with different routes signposted allowing you to take in all the views which are different from this to the other ski areas in Chamonix.
This area is lower than the others in Chamonix but Les Houches put a lot of effort into maintaining their slopes and because of the terrain need less snow to open than others. There is a tramway that stops on the mountain and can take you down to St Gervais or up for access for people climbing Mont Blanc.
Les Houches is covered by the Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass, and only on the Chamonix le Pass when other lift systems are closed.
Planards
Planards is a smaller slope in the centre of Chamonix town, offering a good slope for learning and beginners.
At the bottom of the slope is the alpine fun zone, with different amusements and the luge. The luge is a rail alpine coaster which is a lot of fun for all ages 5+. The luge will be open fully come December 11th.
La Savoy
This small central slope is perfect for beginners learning to ski and snowboard with ski schools running though out the season. This area is perfect for the younger members of the family.
Courmayeur
Fancy getting out of Chamonix? Then head over to Italy for a day or two. With the Mont Blanc tunnel giving access to the other side, Courmayeur is a great place to go, relax and enjoy the sites or get up on the slopes.
The Skyway Monte Bianco is an excellent attraction that takes you to 3466m on the opposite side of Mont Blanc from the Aiguille du Midi. With a state-of-the-art lift system that gives you panoramic views with the rotating gondolier. This lift is world-famous and has been featured in several Hollywood movies including The kingsman – Golden Circle.
Courmayeur offers different bars and restaurants so family and friends can enjoy. With a few different bars offering a fun apres ski and late lift access. The lift systems are included with the Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass.
Evasion du Mont Blanc
If you are looking to get out of the Chamonix valley you can always head down the valley to the Evasion du Mont Blanc. This area offers over 400km of slope giving beautiful views of Mont Blanc from St Gervais, Megève, Les Contamines-Montjoie and Combloux.
All these areas have parking and access to all the lifts from the bottom and are covered by the Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass. All the lift stations have tickets offices at the bottom.
There is really something for all the family in these areas, with big long tree runs and more extreme steep runs. With restaurants and bars dotted all over the different areas having a bite to eat and a vin chaud couldn’t be easier.
Lift Passes for the ski areas in Chamonix
Lift passes are available from Chamonix all year, we offer the Chamonix Le Pass and the Mont Blanc Unlimited.
The Mont Blanc Unlimited offers you a lot more areas including all of the Chamonix valley, Les Houches, Courmayeur (Italy) and the Evasion du Mont Blanc. With this pass, you can also explore the Aiguille du Midi and the Skyway Monte Bianco.
With the pass you will get vouchers which include day passes for Verbier which are included if you get a pass longer than six days.
If you get a pass longer than ten days you will need a passport-style photograph. If you still don’t know which pass to get see our more specific guide on lift passes.
