Chamonix is famous worldwide for its skiing. What surprises many visitors, though, is that the lift system works differently from most purpose built ski resorts.
In many resorts, you step onto one lift and can ski across a fully linked area for the rest of the day. In Chamonix, it is not quite like that. The valley is home to six separate ski areas, and most of them are not directly connected by lifts.
Understanding the Ski Areas in Chamonix
This layout can feel confusing at first, especially if you are used to seamless lift networks elsewhere. To make things clearer, here is a simple breakdown of the main ski areas in Chamonix, including which lifts are primarily for skiing and which are best known for their views.
Aiguille du Midi
One of the most iconic lifts in Chamonix is the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Rather than serving a traditional ski area, it transports visitors high into the Mont Blanc massif, reaching an altitude of 3,842 metres in two stages.
At the top, the views are extraordinary. On a clear day you can look across the glacier towards Italy and see deep into the heart of the Alps. There is a panoramic terrace, exhibition spaces, a café and restaurant, and the famous “Step into the Void” glass box suspended above a dramatic drop.
It is important to understand that this is not a conventional ski area. There are no marked pistes and all skiing takes place on glacial terrain. The main descent is the Vallée Blanche, a long off piste route through high mountain scenery. This is suitable only for experienced skiers and snowboarders and is strongly recommended with a qualified mountain guide due to crevasses and changing conditions.
Access to the Aiguille du Midi is included on the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass.
The lift typically operates for much of the year, subject to weather and maintenance closures, and remains one of the most visited high altitude attractions in the Alps.
Brévent and Flégère – Chamonix
The ski areas closest to Chamonix town are Brévent and La Flégère. These two areas are linked, allowing skiers and snowboarders to move between them easily in a single day.
Together they offer a good mix of terrain, from wide cruisy pistes to steeper runs for more confident riders. Flégère also has dedicated beginner areas and a fun zone for children, making this sector a popular choice for families as well as more experienced skiers.
Recent lift upgrades at Flégère have improved access and reduced bottlenecks, helping keep waiting times down during busy periods.
Located on the south facing side of the valley, Brévent and Flégère enjoy sunshine from the morning through to mid afternoon on clear days. They are typically open from mid December to mid April, depending on snow conditions.
Access to these areas is included on the Chamonix Le Pass.
Grands Montets – Argentière
At the upper end of the Chamonix valley, above the village of Argentière, lies Grands Montets. It has long been known as the most challenging and snow sure ski area in the valley, particularly popular with advanced skiers and freeriders.
In 2018, a major fire destroyed the top lift station, which had provided access to the glacier at 3,275 metres. Since then, the ski area has operated without direct lift access to the glacier. Enthusiasts can still reach higher terrain by ski touring from the Bochard or Herse sectors, but lift served skiing is currently focused on the lower mountain while redevelopment plans continue.
Even without glacier access, Grands Montets remains the place in the valley for steeper pistes, north facing slopes and strong snow conditions. Runs such as the Point de Vue are known for both their gradient and their views across the Argentière Glacier.
The village of Argentière itself has a quieter, more traditional feel than central Chamonix, with local cafés and a strong mountain community atmosphere. For many experienced skiers, Grands Montets is still the sector that defines serious skiing in the valley.
Vallorcine and Le Tour
At the far end of the Chamonix valley, Le Tour and Vallorcine offer a quieter alternative to the central ski areas.
Le Tour is known for its wide, open slopes and sunny aspect. It is often a favourite with intermediate skiers and families, thanks to its more forgiving terrain and relaxed feel. The views towards the glaciers on the Swiss border add to the sense of space.
Over the col, Vallorcine has a more peaceful, traditional alpine atmosphere. Tree lined runs and a slower pace make it feel slightly removed from the busier parts of the valley. The two areas are lift linked, allowing you to ski between them easily during the day.
For those looking for varied terrain without the intensity of some of Chamonix’s steeper sectors, Le Tour and Vallorcine provide a balanced and scenic option.
Les Houches
Located at the entrance to the Chamonix valley, Les Houches offers a varied ski area with terrain for all levels. From gentle blue runs for beginners to the famous black Kandahar piste, which hosts World Cup races, there is plenty to explore.
The tree lined slopes run down towards the valley floor, making Les Houches a good option in poor visibility when higher areas may be affected by cloud. The wooded terrain also gives it a different feel compared to the more high alpine sectors elsewhere in the valley.
For non skiers, there are marked snowshoe trails with signposted routes that allow you to enjoy panoramic views from a different perspective.
Although Les Houches sits at a lower altitude than some of the other Chamonix ski areas, careful piste preparation and favourable terrain mean it often requires less snow to open. The historic Tramway du Mont Blanc also runs from the area, providing access towards Saint Gervais and serving as part of the route used by climbers heading towards Mont Blanc.
Access to Les Houches is included on the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass. It is also covered by the Chamonix Le Pass when other lift systems are closed.
Planards
Located right in the centre of Chamonix, Les Planards is a small, accessible ski area that is ideal for beginners and those learning to ski.
At the base of the slope you will also find a family friendly leisure area, including the popular luge alpine coaster. This rail based toboggan run operates in both winter and summer and is suitable for children aged five and above, making it a fun option for non skiers as well.
Its central location makes Planards an easy choice for families staying in town who want convenient access to snow without heading further up the valley.
La Savoy
La Savoy is another small, central slope designed primarily for beginners. Ski schools operate here throughout the season, and the gentle terrain makes it particularly well suited to children and first time skiers.
For families with younger members or those taking their first turns on snow, La Savoy provides a relaxed and manageable introduction to skiing in Chamonix.
A Day Trip to Courmayeur
Just through the Mont Blanc Tunnel from Chamonix, Courmayeur makes an easy and rewarding day trip into Italy.
The ski area offers varied terrain and a slightly more relaxed feel, while the town is known for its good restaurants and lively après ski.
Skyway Monte Bianco
The Skyway Monte Bianco cable car rises to 3,466 metres on the Italian side of Mont Blanc. Its rotating cabins provide panoramic views throughout the ascent, making it an attraction in its own right.
Evasion du Mont Blanc
If you want to explore beyond Chamonix, the Évasion Mont Blanc ski area is an easy option further down the valley.
Covering more than 400 kilometres of pistes, it links resorts including Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, Megève, Les Contamines-Montjoie and Combloux. The terrain ranges from long, gentle tree lined runs to steeper sections for more confident skiers, making it suitable for mixed ability groups and families.
Lift access is straightforward, with parking available at the main base stations and ticket offices on site.
Access to Évasion Mont Blanc is included on the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass, making it a good option for those looking to experience a larger, more traditional linked ski area during their stay.
Lift Passes for the ski areas in Chamonix
To secure the best price for your ski holiday in Chamonix, book your lift passes in advance via the Chamonix All Year Resort Shop.
Prices are adjusted in real time and typically increase closer to your arrival date, so early booking offers the best value. Once purchased, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a QR code, which can be scanned at the automatic terminals at the lift station to collect your pass. Please note that lift passes are non changeable and non refundable.
