Beginner skiing in Chamonix
All of Chamonix’s main ski areas have associated nursery slopes – not just for kids’ ski schools but also great for adults learning the techniques for the first time. You’ll be up on the mountain before you know it!
Le Savoy slopes & Brévent (Chamonix)
Just behind the Folie Douce hotel and at the bottom of the Brévent bubble lift, the Savoy slopes are one of the main ski school locations in Chamonix town centre. The drag lift gives access to a green run for those still learning, but its close proximity to the Brévent area makes it a good compromise for mixed ability groups too – who can meet up after lessons on Brévent or Savoy slopes.
Main ski school: ESF Chamonix / private instructors
Take the Brévent bubble lift up to the mid-station where there is a dedicated beginner ski area. The Funi 2000 gives beginner skiers access to the Planpraz plateau and Teleski 2000 drag lift, directly from the mid-station. This mini-funicular is a great playground for beginners who don’t want to be stuck on the nursery slopes at the bottom of the valley all week but want to experience what skiing is really all about in the mountains. It’s also perfect for families with kids in morning ski school, as the whole family can head up high in the afternoon where parents can take turns exploring the mountain and the kids can be confident honing their skills on the beginner slopes.
Les Planards (Chamonix)
On the other side of Chamonix town centre, close to the Montenvers train station, Les Planards is the larger of Chamonix’s beginner areas. It boasts a chairlift as well as two draglifts and in addition to the green run, you can progress onto the blue or even red. The pistes are north-facing which means that the snow will last later at the end of winter. This beginner area also hosts slalom races which take place during the winter.
Main ski school: ESF Chamonix / private instructors
Flégère ski area (Les Praz)
From the top of the Flégère gondola, the Trappe chairlift gives access to two lovely green runs. One of them winds through the trees and both give fabulous views of the Mont Blanc massif. They are a perfect progression for beginners who are building confidence, as you’ll get the full high mountain skiing experience, and the runs are longer than the nursery slopes on the valley floor.
Lessons: no ski schools based here, once you progress your instructor may bring you to ski here
Les Grands Montets (Argentière)
There are ski schools for kids based at bottom of the ski area, just behind the main Grands Montets cable car.
Les Grands Montets itself is notoriously steep and so is not very beginner-friendly. You will find some blues which are easily accessible from the top of the Plan Joran/Tabé chairlifts, but they are still steeper in places than you may be used to from your time on the nursery slopes. Once you’ve mastered the blues and reds elsewhere in the valley, however, you’ll be ready to conquer Les Grands Montets!
Main ski schools: Evolution 2, ESF Argentière – both kids only, or private instructor
Les Chosalets (Argentière)
A short distance from Les Grands Montets ski area, Les Chosalets slopes are great for beginners staying in Argentière. The slopes, with their 2 draglifts, are at the top of the narrow lane which leads uphill from the Chosalets bus stop, and have views of the cable car which will be taking you up to the main Grands Montets area in no time!
Main ski school: ESF Argentière (they split lessons between Le Tour and Argentière) / private instructors
La Vormaine (Le Tour)
La Vormaine in Le Tour has the largest beginner’s ski area in the Chamonix valley. It’s located just to the right of the bubble lift, behind the Hotel Olympique, and has three draglifts and even a blue piste. From here, there’s easy access to the gentle, wide pistes of Le Tour for when you’ve mastered your techniques.
Main ski schools: Evolution 2, ESF Argentière – adults & kids, private instructors
Les Houches
Les Houches has two beginner ski areas, one at Le Tourchet (past the church) and one at the top of the Bellevue lift, where you can get a taste of where you’ll be skiing once you get to grip with your skis/snowboard. This is ideal for mixed groups, as experienced skiers can enjoy the wide range of pistes in Les Houches and then meet beginners for lunch.
Main ski school: ESF Les Houches / private instructor
Lift passes
All of the ski areas are included on the Chamonix Le Pass which is great for beginners, or upgrade to the Mont Blanc Unlimited which includes Aiguille du Midi and Montenvers train – must-see local attractions which also allow you to rest your legs for half a day! See our guide to winter lift passes. You can book online through on our Chamonix Resort Shop and pay securely through our booking system. Dedicated beginner slopes passes are available on site.
