Deciding where to go on what given day is one of the big decisions in Chamonix, add new snow into the mix and the FOMO becomes real…
Given that the valley’s resorts are not linked by ski lifts like in other purpose-built resorts, the choice of venue for the day’s riding can depend on many factors such as the group’s ability, proximity to accommodation, the weather on that day, what lifts are going to open or even what restaurant you are meeting at for lunch.
Overview:
Les Grands Montets: Best snow quality, long powder runs and steep pistes, kid’s boardercross, beginner area for 2026 onwards
Le Tour/Balme: Cruisy carving pistes, tree-line powder and snowpark. Vormaine at the bottom is the best beginner area in the valley
Le Brévent (linked to La Flégère): Beginner area then steep pistes, sidehits and freeriding terrain
La Flégère (linked to Le Brévent): Sun-lit powder, cat tracks, feature-filled freeride, fun natural freestyle terrain, couple of decent low intermediate runs
Les Houches: Fun for all family, little snowpark, good food and nice long cruisy pistes. Bad for total beginners
Aiguille du Midi (glacier off piste ONLY): Expert freeriders with mountaineering experience/guide
Each area has its day and it really is about personal preference + experience knowing how Chamonix works.
Some advice would be to pay attention to the weather and think about what you want to avoid.
For example: if it’s been really sunny and warm during the day, the snow will melt then it will freeze at night and make it icy for the following morning (before it heats up and thaws). This happens in particular at La Flégère (the sunniest place) in the spring when it’s very warm in the day and cold at night…
One of the bus lines will take you to each of these resorts. Check here all the info about the Bus in Chamonix.
There are convenient train stations for La Flégère, Les Grands Montets and Le Tour (Vallorcine). Check here all the info about the Train in Chamonix
Parking is most difficult at Le Brévent, La Flégère, Le Tour, Les Houches and Les Grands Montets in that order.
Most sunny to least sunny:
- La Flégère
- Le Brévent
- Les Houches
- Le Tour
- Les Grands Montets (snow stays freshest)
