Where to ski?
Chamonix 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: Two 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 and right across the street from our hotel, making it an excellent starting area for new skiers or those taking their very first 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, longer than Le Savoy.
- Total Kilometers: Limited; focused on beginner terrain.
- Highlights: Dedicated learning area; ski schools available; safe environment for newcomers. A great option if you have skied a couple of days before and want to find your bearings again before progressing to a larger area like Le Tour/Balme.
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 is difficult unless you head there at opening, we recommend taking the bus in the 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 in December and January, so dress extra warm! Les Planards also has night skiing during some weeknights in the winter - ask for details at the hotel front desk.
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. There is a small restaurant with an Airstream food truck if you are looking for a snack.
Special notes: A quiet area that is also easily accessible by bus in the 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. If you are a confirmed skier hunting for powder on a snow day, come to the front desk for some tips on where to go ;)
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 during peak season and approximately 20€ per day, 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 time slot 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.
- Mountain Collective: to redeem your free and/or 50%-off days at Chamonix, you must bring your Mountain Collective purchase confirmation email that lists your MCP ID to any of the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc & Les Houches ticket offices.
Mountain Collective Guests will receive the “Chamonix Valley” pass, which allows one to visit the following Chamonix Valley resorts: Grands-Montets, Flégère, Brévent, Les Houches, Montenvers-Mer de Glace Train, Aiguille du Midi, Tramway du Mont-Blanc.
Note that your Mountain Collective physical pass will not work at Chamonix.
- IKON Pass. Ikon Pass holders will receive seven- or five-day combined access to the five resorts within the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley - Grands Montets, Balme (Le Tour/Vallorcine), Brévent, Félgère, Les Houches - Saint-Gervais.
Please note: your Ikon Pass is valid on buses only after it has been activated at the ticket offices or at the ski lift access gates. Ikon Pass holders also get an 8% discount on the Aiguille du Midi (74,50 € instead of 81,00 €) and on the MONT BLANC Unlimited 1 Day Pass at 92,00 € instead of 100,00 € on presentation of your Ikon Pass at the ticketing offices.
Ikon Base Pass :
5 days Max (from 1 to 5 non-consecutive days - nominative)
Ikon Pass :
7 days Max (from 1 to 7 non-consecutive days - nominative)
Direct gate access: proceed directly to the gates with your Ikon Pass, without stopping at the ticket booths.