Skiing
The Chamonix valley is world-renowned for its varied and interesting ski areas.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, whether you enjoy pretty tree lined runs, spectacular steep off piste slopes or perhaps even narrow couloirs accessible only by mountaineering, Chamonix has something to offer everyone.
Lessons can be arranged either for individuals or groups with private instructors, or in group lessons through one of the various ski schools operating in the area.
We would recommend you ski with a guide when going off-piste, and we can put you in touch with an expert with many years' experience in the area, if you would like to try your hand at off-piste skiing.
There are five main ski areas in the Chamonix valley.
Les Houches (950m-1900m)
Les Houches is a pretty, mainly tree lined ski area, offering a wide variety of slopes which cater for all levels of skiers. There is some lovely off piste skiing through the trees, although if you prefer to stay on the marked slopes, the pistes are very well groomed and there is a comprehensive system of snow canons which means you can normally ski the home runs. Excellent skiing for mixed ability groups. Chalet L'Avant Poste is situated on the slopes of this ski area.
Le Brevent (1095m-2525m)
This ski area is accessed from Chamonix by gondola, and offers pistes for all level of abilities. There is plenty of offpiste skiing, and the slopes enjoy fantastic views and lots of sunshine. The Brevent and Flegere ski areas are interconnecting.
Le Flegere (1050m-2450m)
The Flegere ski area can be reached via a cable car from the valley bottom at "Les Praz"
just outside Chamonix, or by a cable car which links it to the Brevent area. Catering for all levels, but particularly intermediates and advanced skiers, the skiing, both on and off piste, is very varied.
Argentiere (1230m-3300m)
The "Grand Montets" Ski area offers skiing for all levels of skiers, although for complete beginners there is a separate ski area near the main ski lift, complete with button tow and café.
The main cable car and the chair lift from the bottom both provide access to the pistes and the system of various chair and gondola lifts, whilst there is a second large cable car which takes you up to the Grand Montets viewing area and the skiing on the glacier (recommended only for more experienced skiers). For skiers of a reasonable level, virtually the whole mountain may be skied off piste, although advice should be taken regarding snow conditions and routes, and it is advisable to have the right equipment and to ski off piste with a guide.
Le Tour (1453m-2270m)
A beginners ski area is located at the bottom of the lift system, and the Le Tour ski area offers a wide range of skiing, for all levels, including some pretty tree lined runs down to the Vallorcine side of the valley. A great place to go with a group of mixed ability skiers.
In addition to the above ski areas, there are a couple of smaller lifts in the centre of Chamonix suitable for beginners and intermediates.
Snowpark
If you enjoy the thrill of riding the half pipe, or catching big air, there is a floodlit snowpark at Les Bossons, just outside Chamonix. This stays open late at night, so you can try out your tricks after the other lifts have closed.
The Vallee Blanche
The Aiguille de Midi cable car takes you to a height of 3,800m, where you can then admire the view (and enjoy the adrenalin rush??) before descending the 20km long Vallee Blanche. This is a spectacular opportunity to ski off piste in the high mountains, and although the skiing is not difficult, it requires at least a good intermediate level. It is very important to ski with a guide, and we can make all the arrangements on your behalf if you would like us to. The descent is as much about enjoying the incredible mountain views as the skiing, and most descents include a lunch stop either at a refuge or at the aptly named "Salle a manger" area on the glacier, where skiers and boarders often stop to picnic and enjoy the views. Most people tend to make a day of it, and the experience provides a very lasting impression.
Other Nearby Ski Areas
Chamonix is ideally placed, being very close to the Swiss and Italian borders. A quick drive through the tunnel brings you to the extensive ski area of Cormayeur across the border in Italy, and nearby there are the ski areas of St Gervais, Megeve and Les Contamines. If you want to travel a little further there are many more skiing areas which are very easily accessible, both in France and Switzerland.
Cross Country Skiiing
Within the valley there are many kilometres of cross country ski tracks. At Les Houches there are tracks in the valley bottom, and at altitude at the top of the Prarion gondola. In Chamonix there are tracks for all level of ability and you can ski all the way to Argentiere if the conditions are right. Argentiere has an extensive cross country area, and if you wish to cross through the Mont Blanc tunnel into Italy there are many kilometres of tracks in the Val Ferret.
Other Winter Activities
Outings with snow shoes
You can hire snow shoes locally, and there are many beautiful tracks to explore in the winter on snow shoes. This is great fun, and can be organised in groups, with a guide for those wishing to explore the high mountains, or you can merely "go for a walk" using snow shoes to get to some of the mountain restaurants and huts. This is especially good fun in the evening, with torches, and from the Chalet L'Avant Poste, there is a cosy restaurant (Les Vielles Luges) which opens some evenings, within easy reach of the chalet.
Ice Climbing
There are lots of sites for ice climbing in the surrounding area, and if you wish to try this
sport, or need a guide, we will be pleased to make the appropriate arrangements.
Mountain Security Courses
If you would like to learn more about mountain security, skiing off piste, snow conditions and avalanche danger and how to use safety equipment, for example ARVAS (avalanche rescue devices), then we can organise half day courses with a guide who will teach you all you need to know.
For any mountain experience, both Summer and Winter, Jean-Jacques Malineau, High Mountain Guide, will be able to cater for your needs. Jean-Jacques spent 12 years working on the mountain rescue team, 9 and a half years of which was on the Chamonix mountain rescue team. He is specially trained in running mountain safety courses, and can organise excursions to suit your needs, whether in Winter on skis, (On or off piste), ski touring, ice climbing, on snow shoes, or in Summer, climbing, mountaineering, or simply hiking.
