Ski Area Descriptions
Chamonix Valley offers a diverse range of ski areas, each catering to different skill levels and preferences. Here's an overview of the main ski pass options, ski areas, including their difficulty levels, number of runs, and total kilometers. If you are an IKON pass holder, scroll to the bottom of the page to see info about which benefits you are entitled to.
Recommended Beginner Areas
Le Savoy
- Difficulty Levels: Designed for complete beginners and ski lessons.
- Total Runs: Several very short and gentle green slopes.
- Total Kilometers: Minimal; focused on beginner practice.
- Ski Pass: Chamonix Le Pass or a specific beginner area pass.
- Highlights: Located at the base of Brévent, making it an excellent starting area for new skiers or those taking lessons.
Special notes: it´s right across the street from us and also a good area for sledging! Perfect for a non committal outing with the kids as a hot chocolate is never far away!
La Vormaine
- Difficulty Levels: Specifically designed for beginners and children.
- Total Runs: Several gentle slopes.
- Total Kilometers: Limited; focused on beginner terrain.
- Highlights: Dedicated learning area; ski schools available; safe environment for newcomers.
Slope Breakdown:
- Green: 2
- Blue: 1
- Red: 1
Total Runs: 4
Total Kilometers: Limited; focused on beginner terrain
Required Ski Pass: The Chamonix Le Pass or even a single lift pass for beginners is enough to access La Vormaine. This is perfect for those just starting to learn skiing or snowboarding. Note that the Mont-Blanc Unlimited pass also works at La Vormaine.
Special notes: Parking can be difficult to find, we recommend taking the bus in direction of Le Tour.
Les Planards
- Difficulty Levels: Great for families and beginners, with some variety for intermediates.
- Total Runs: 4 runs
- Green (Easy): 1 green slope, ideal for beginners and ski schools.
- Blue (Intermediate): 2 blue slopes for progressing skiers.
- Red (Advanced): 1 steeper red slope for those looking for more challenge.
- Total Kilometers: Approximately 2-3 km.
- Ski Pass: Chamonix Le Pass or specific Les Planards pass.
- Highlights: Close to Chamonix town center, with a magic carpet and chairlift; suitable for children and families.
Special notes: The Planards do not get much sun, so dress extra warm!
Les Chosalets
- Difficulty Levels: Small area designed for beginners and children.
- Total Runs: A few short and easy runs.
- Total Kilometers: Limited beginner terrain.
- Ski Pass: Chamonix Le Pass or a beginner pass for Les Chosalets.
- Highlights: Located near Argentière, ideal for families with small children or those learning to ski.
Special notes: A quiet area that is also easily accessible by bus in direction of Le Tour or Les Grands Montets.
Recommended Intermediate Ski Areas for people who ski regularly and are comfortable on red runs
Brévent/Flégère
- Difficulty Levels: Mixed terrain suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers.
- Total Runs: Approximately 32 runs.
- Total Kilometers: 56 km of pistes.
- 11 km easy (green/blue)
- 25 km intermediate (red)
- 20 km difficult (black)
- Highlights: South-facing slopes with panoramic views of Mont Blanc; popular for its varied terrain.
Slope Breakdown:
- Green (Beginner): 8
- Blue (Easy): 8
- Red (Intermediate): 9
- Black (Advanced): 4
Total Runs: 29
Total Kilometers: 56 km
Required Ski Pass: Chamonix Le Pass or Mont Blanc Unlimited.
Special notes: Please use a DVA if you are skiing off-piste! Le Brevent and Flegère are surrounded by cornices and prone to avalanches. The parking lots are quite small and only Flegère has free parking. We recommend taking the bus outside our door and crossing over to Flegère if you want to ski there. You will also be able to ski back to Brévent and ski down to the door when the Savoy is running.
You can also go up to the top of the Brevent as a pedestrian only and get a coffee with one of the most beautiful views in the valley! Great for pictures!
Le Tour/Vallorcine (Domaine de Balme)
- Difficulty Levels: Ideal for beginners and intermediates; also offers off-piste areas for advanced skiers.
- Total Runs: Approximately 29 runs.
- Total Kilometers: Around 55 km of pistes.
- Mix of green, blue, and red runs
- Highlights: Wide, gentle slopes; excellent for families and beginners; scenic views over the Swiss border.
Slope Breakdown:
- Green: 7
- Blue: 11
- Red: 9
- Black: 1
Total Runs: 28
Total Kilometers: 55 km
Required Ski Pass: Chamonix Le Pass or Mont Blanc Unlimited
Special notes: Le Tour is nice and sunny but it can be very windy! So make sure you wear appropriate clothing. Parking is also very difficult and paying, so we recommend you take the bus. Please use a DVA if you are skiing off-piste!
Les Houches (Prarion or Bellevue)
- Difficulty Levels: Suitable for all levels; known for tree-lined slopes.
- Total Runs: Approximately 29 runs.
- Total Kilometers: Around 55 km of pistes.
- Variety of green, blue, red, and black runs
- Highlights: Family-friendly; hosts the famous Kandahar World Cup downhill piste; lower altitude with sheltered runs.
Slope Breakdown:
- Green: 4
- Blue: 5
- Red: 12
- Black: 2
Total Runs: 23
Total Kilometers: 55 km
Required Ski Pass: Mont Blanc Unlimited or a lift pass purchased specifically for Les Houches at the bottom of the lifts. The Chamonix Le Pass DOES NOT INCLUDE LES HOUCHES.
Special notes: On a whiteout day, Les Houches is the best place to go as the trees greatly help with visibility. You can also ski the Kandahar downhill World Cup run if you want a good burn in the legs!
Advanced to expert ski area recommendation
Les Grands Montets
Difficulty Levels: Predominantly advanced to expert terrain; renowned for off-piste opportunities.
- Total Runs: Approximately 19 runs.
- Total Kilometers: Around 55 km of pistes.
- Limited beginner slopes
- Majority intermediate and advanced runs
- Highlights: High-altitude skiing up to 3,275 meters; excellent snow conditions; challenging slopes.
Slope Breakdown:
- Green: 2
- Blue: 5
- Red: 12
- Black: 6
Total Runs: 25
Total Kilometers: 55 km
Required Ski Pass: Mont Blanc Unlimited or Chamonix Le Pass
Special notes: We really do not recommend this area for beginners, we know they have blue slopes but you will be miserable. Almost all slopes are north-facing and prone to ice. Finally, please use a DVA if you are skiing off-piste!
Aiguille du Midi (Vallée Blanche)
Difficulty Levels: Predominantly advanced to expert terrain; renowned for off-piste opportunities.
To do the Vallée Blanche you must own a Mont-Blanc Unlimited Pass or buy a ticket online for the gondola. It is now also compulsory to book a timeslot for the gondola. The Vallée Blanche is as dangerous as it is beautiful, so you will need to hire a guide if you would like to ski it as there are many crevasses and there is a certain amount of compulsory equipment needed such as crampons, ropes, and harnesses etc.
Summary of Ski Passes:
- Chamonix Le Pass: This is the local ski pass for the Chamonix Valley. It covers:
- Brévent/Flégère
- Les Grands Montets
- Le Tour/Vallorcine
- Access to various beginner slopes such as La Vormaine, Le Planards, Le Savoy, and Les Chosalets
- Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass: This pass grants access to:
- All the ski areas in Chamonix, including Brévent, Flégère, Les Grands Montets, and Le Tour/Vallorcine.
- Unlimited access to the Aiguille du Midi, and other non-skiing activities, such as the Tramway du Mont Blanc.
- For those looking for a full experience of skiing and sightseeing in the Chamonix Valley and surrounding areas, this pass is the best option.
- IKON Pass. The IKON pass gives you access to Le Brévent, La Flégère, Les Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme. Depending on your pass you will get the following number of ski days included: Ikon Pass 7 days, Ikon Base and Ikon Base Plus 5 days. The Ikon Session pass is not valid in Chamonix. Note that the IKON passes do not provide access to the Aiguille du Midi lift which is needed to do the Vallée Blanche. If you are interested in the Vallée Blanche, you will need to buy a separate pass and make a compulsory reservation for a timeslot for the gondola on the Mont-Blanc Natural resort website.