Complete Guide
All 5 Chamonix
Ski Areas
Chamonix's ski areas are not interconnected by lifts — you travel between them on the free valley bus. Each area is distinct enough to justify a full day's skiing.
Les Grands Montets
The undisputed crown jewel of Chamonix skiing. Les Grands Montets is a north-facing ski area above Argentière with a top lift point of 3,275m. Its north-facing aspect means it holds powder longer than any other area in the valley — after a fresh snowfall, the Grands Montets is where you want to be.
The Point de Vue and Pylônes runs are legendary among serious skiers. Off-piste access is exceptional — multiple itinerary routes drop through the Argentière glacier basin to the valley. The Bochard gondola gives quick access to the highest terrain and is essential for powder days.
Brévent – Flégère
The south-facing twin ski areas of Brévent and Flégère are linked by gondola at the Planpraz mid-station. They offer the most spectacular Mont Blanc views of any Chamonix ski area — skiing across the mountain face with the 4,808m summit directly opposite you on a clear day is unforgettable.
Best suited to intermediate skiers — a good mix of blue and red runs with some challenging blacks. The Brévent area lifts from Chamonix town centre, making it the most accessible area from the main accommodation hub. Great for families who want views without extreme terrain.
Les Houches
Les Houches is the most family-friendly and beginner-accessible ski area in the Chamonix valley. Its lower altitude means it can receive rain rather than snow in mild spells, but good snowmaking covers key runs. The wooded lower slopes create lovely tree skiing when visibility is poor higher up.
Home to the famous Kandahar World Cup downhill course — one of the most technically demanding race courses on the circuit. The village of Les Houches itself is charming, quieter than Chamonix town, and well-connected by the Mont Blanc Express train.
Le Tour / Balme
Le Tour sits at the top of the Chamonix Valley near the Swiss border, above the village of Le Tour. It's the least-known of the Chamonix ski areas and often the least crowded — a great spot for a relaxed intermediate day away from the main resort buzz.
The Balme plateau at the top offers wide, open intermediate runs with great views toward Martigny and the Swiss Alps. No blacks — all green, blue, and red — making it a pleasant day out for improvers who find the Grands Montets too intimidating.