Skiing in Chamonix
A ski holiday in Chamonix in the French Alps is a must for any seasoned or intermediate skier. There are plenty of slopes for the beginner too!
Ideal for beginners and intermediates, as well as the advanced and expert skier, the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley offers some of the finest slopes in the Alps.
As one of the most famous skiing resorts in Europe, Chamonix is a wonderland for every kind of winter sports enthusiast. Chamonix hosted the first ever Winter Olympics in 1924, is criss-crossed by some of the world’s most incredible cable cars, ski lifts and mountain trains, and boasts an excellent range of hotels, bars and restaurants.
Why Chamonix is good for skiing
It’s not an understatement to say that the ski resorts in the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley are some of the best in the world. They attract every type of skier, from the expert for whom off-piste runs like the Vallée Blanche offer some of the most challenging, extreme terrain, to beginners just learning the basics. The sheer diversity of slopes at the four main ski areas will satisfy skiers looking to test themselves, while skiing in a spectacular valley with ever present views of the Mont Blanc range. The high altitudes made possible by the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car mean that even when snow coverage is inconsistent at lower levels, there is always good snow to be found. The north facing slopes of Les Grand Montets offer the most reliable powder.
The après-ski scene in Chamonix is also legendary, and you’re guaranteed a good time in the bars, clubs and restaurants.
Where is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?
The Chamonix ski resorts are located in the French Alps close to the borders with Switzerland and Italy. The town of Chamonix is overlooked by some of the most dramatic peaks in the Alps, most notably Mont Blanc.
Plan a ski trip to Chamonix
When is the best time to ski in Chamonix?
If you want optimum snow conditions, then February is the best month to go skiing in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. But this is also the busiest time, and when accommodation is at its most expensive. Visiting from mid-March to April will see quieter slopes and longer days, but snow coverage may not be so good.
Some of the best snow can be found in the upper slopes of the Grands Montets area.
Where to stay in Chamonix
Chamonix is made up of five amazing resorts dotted through the valley: Les Houches, Grands Montets, Domaine de Balme, La Flegère and Le Brevent. Each boasts accommodation catering for every type of budget or size of group, from classic ski chalets, to hotels, apartments and hostels.
How to drive to Chamonix from Calais
It takes around 8 ½ hours to drive (with tolls) from our terminal in Calais to Chamonix, via Arras, Dijon and Geneva before a spectacular finale winding through stunning alpine scenery. Driving to Chamonix with LeShuttle certainly gives you a lot more room for luggage and ski gear than you would get on a plane! If you’re packing for a ski trip, why not take a look at our handy checklist of ski holiday essentials?
Chamonix ski resort guide
Overview of the slopes and ski areas
| SKI AREAS | BEST FOR | KEY FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
| Les Houches | Beginner | Tree-lined nursery slopes |
| Domaine de Balme | Intermediate | Blue and red runs |
| Les Grands Montets | Advanced | Black runs, off-piste runs |
| Vallee Blanche | Expert | Off-piste |
Chamonix for beginners
Les Houches resort is the most family friendly and has the best low-altitude conditions for beginners. It is more sheltered, with some excellent tree-lined runs. Beginners have two gentle slopes at the top of the Prarion and Bellevue cable cars. The Savoy area at the foot of the Brevent is ideal for children and beginners, as is Les Chosalets near Les Grands Montets. The Planards is only a 5-minute walk from the centre of Chamonix and offers perfect learning slopes, artificial snow and a kindergarten.
Chamonix for intermediate skiers
Intermediate skiers can head to the Domaine de Balme in Le Tour, around seven miles from Chamonix. There are wide open blue and red runs here. Les Houches offers intermediate skiing through the trees. Some of the best blue runs in Chamonix are found on the Brévent – Flégère slopes, which give skiers an incredible view of Mont Blanc as they weave their way down moderately challenging runs.
Chamonix for experts
Chamonix has a plethora of black runs and off-piste routes. One of the most famous off-piste runs in the world is the Vallée Blanche, an 18km journey with 2,800m of descent. The Aiguille du Midi cable car takes skiers to the top of the mountain. Take note, however, there are severe hazards on the Vallée Blanche. Poor visibility can affect navigation and there is no slope management here. Use a mountain guide and even then only experienced off-piste skiers should attempt it!
More things to do in Chamonix in winter
Aside from enjoying time on the slopes, there are also plenty of other activities available.
Chamonix’s après-ski
From the terraced restaurants on the slopes to the bars in the middle of town, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining and partying in Chamonix.
Food with a view does not come any more spectacular than Le 3842, the restaurant at the summit platform of Aiguille du Midi. It’s the highest restaurant in Europe!
Like many eateries on the slopes, it closes after the lunchtime serving, but fear not. Down in the town there are places like Chambre Neuf, which has live music and DJ sets during the ski season, happy hours and everything you would expect from a quintessential après-ski bar. The bar is part of the Hotel Gustavia, a famous old Chamonix hotel that dates back to the 1890s.
Snowshoeing and winter walks
Many people are now experiencing the mountains a different way, by walking in fresh snow away from the crowded slopes. You can take a snowshoeing trail with a professional guide, or follow one of the self-guided routes. ½ day and full day itineraries are available, but always check the avalanche risk before you set out, take appropriate emergency gear and avoid the Nordic ski trails.
Montenvers Train and Ice Cave
For a break from skiing, why not take the famous rack and pinion train through a winter wonderland, to the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France? Once at the Montenvers refuge, a gondola lift takes you to the Ice Caves at the heart of the glacier, which have to be cut afresh every year.
Aiguille du Midi Cable Car
The highlight of any Chamonix holiday is a trip on the spectacular Aiguille du Midi cable car, which rises 3780m up the steep mountainside of the same name – the highest vertical ascent of any cable car in the world. There are breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc range, and for those with a supreme head for heights, the chance to ‘Step into the Void’, a glass box suspended at the summit with 1000m of nothingness below your feet.
Ride the stunning Aiguille du Midi cable car for pleasure or to the top of your run
Make the most of your ski holiday by travelling with LeShuttle
Skiing in Chamonix is only about 8-9 hours away from the LeShuttle terminal in Calais. The first part of your ski holiday in the Alps is a 35-minute run from Folkestone, easily accomplished by beginners, intermediates or experts alike!
Open a LeShuttle account today to stay up-to-date with travel information, holiday inspiration and special offers.
FAQs - Skiing in Chamonix
How expensive is skiing in Chamonix?
Chamonix is more expensive than many Alpine resorts, with ski passes costing higher than average. But it is a luxury resort in a spectacular setting, and staying in Chamonix is still possible on a lower budget.
Are there beginner slopes in Chamonix?
Where is the best snow in Chamonix?
You’ll find the best snow on the north facing, high altitude slopes of Les Grand Montets.
Is Chamonix suitable for families?
Join Club LeShuttle
