140 km of superb pistes with matchless scenery, and unparallelled high mountain descents including the classic Vallee Blanche.
Chamonix has four separate ski areas, each with its own character.
They’re linked by free shuttle buses and the train: normally you pick an area for the day. There’s also two terrain parks, though the natural terrain provides more than enough enough hits and kickers to keep you happy. Our nearest lift is Flegere, 5-10 minutes walk from the chalet, accessing Brevent-Flegere, the largest and sunniest ski area of Chamonix.
Brevent & Flegere
The sunny, south facing slopes have amazing Mont Blanc views and are ideal for mixed ability groups. Cat tracks make natural lips and there’s great powder runs in the bowls, a timed speed slope as well as two easy green runs for beginners, mini boarder cross and a kid’s play area. Brevent also has a slalom area and an air bag. Accessed by the Brevent lift from just above Chamonix town centre at one end and Les Praz, close to the chalet, at the other. More about Brevent & Flegere, photos, tips, and where to eat.
Les Grands Montets:
Wild high mountain slopes with huge unpisted areas and astonishing views. For many, the quintessential Chamonix area, and on the right day offers some of the best lift accessed skiing in the world. Find out what all the fuss is about at Les Grands Montets
Le Tour & Vallorcine:
Wide, open, rolling pistes and powder fields near the Swiss border and wonderful tree runs off the back. A fantastic place on a sunny day. More on Le Tour & Vallorcine, access tips, where to eat
Les Houches:
Les Houches has tree runs, the most relaxed slopes of the valley and great slopeside restaurants. More on Les Houches
Off Piste:
For many, the biggest reason to come to Chamonix – the wild and beautiful world away from the lifts. The Vallee Blanche offers an unique opportunity to experience the high mountain environment, and there are endless possibilities around the valley. More about Chamonix Off Piste
Courmayeur & Verbier:
The Mont Blanc Unlimited pass includes access to Courmayeur (Italy, 30 mins away) and Verbier (Switzerland, 90 mins away), which are both well worth visiting – especially Courmayeur. Particularly useful if there’s bad weather in the valley.
Ski touring:
Ski touring routes range from from one day explorations to the famous Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt.
Practicalities:
Skiing lessons:
Instruction is available at all levels, whether it’s fun lessons for children, or advanced off-piste tuition.
Guides
A day with a high mountain guide in Chamonix is an unforgettable experience
Equipment hire
Where to get skis and other equipment
Lift passes
Passes can be bought at any lift station or the Montenvers railway. Flegere is the nearest to the chalet.
I highly recommend doing this when you arrive in the afternooon (for instance) as there can be big queues in the morning, especially on busy Sunday mornings.
Pre-ordering on line may well be worth doing as there are sometimes good online-only offers from the lift company – check montblancnaturalresort.com.
