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Ski the Best Slopes in Europe at Chamonix Mont Blanc
Published by Bill Lehane, Writer
Country: France 
The Experience
Nestled in the French Alps near the borders with Switzerland and Italy, Chamonix Mont Blanc is probably the most famous destination in Europe for skiing. It’s not hard to see why – this beautiful area has a host of scenic peaks plus a wide range of slopes. From beginner slopes to longer tracts including free-ride and off-piste, there’s something to suit all levels.
The town’s three ski areas are: Brévent/Flégère, which has south-facing slopes with amazing views of the Mont Blanc peaks; the Grands Montets, high altitude slopes facing to the north; and the Balme area, wide open slopes atop Chamonix valley next to Switzerland. There’s also a sister resort at the other end of the valley called les Houches.
If you’re an absolute beginner, skiing Chamonix Mont Blanc is a great place to learn, as it offers five different ski instructor companies each offering multi-disciplinary courses to all age levels. Many also offer guides and group excursions for those more experienced at snowsports, who are certain not to be disappointed by the diverse range of slopes on offer.
And as if snowsports aren’t enough for one trip, there’s a diverse range of other pursuits on offer in the area. Hiking, mountaineering, mountain climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, ice skating and even golf, swimming and tennis are all on offer in Chamonix during the high season months.
No visitor to Chamonix should leave without experiencing the breathtaking panoramic views on offer at no less than half a dozen different local points. The most famous, known as l’Aguille du Midi, is easily accessed by cable car. Taking you to an altitude of 3,842 meters, the peak offers spectacular 360-degree views of the Swiss, Italian and French Alps, including the famous Matterhorn and Mont-Blanc itself.
Once you’re wiped out from a day of skiing Mont Blanc's pristine runs, you may be surprised by the range of cultural and entertainment options in the town: there’s several museums and regular art exhibitions to see, a cinema with occasional live music shows, plus plenty of bars and restaurants and even a bowling alley.
The town’s three ski areas are: Brévent/Flégère, which has south-facing slopes with amazing views of the Mont Blanc peaks; the Grands Montets, high altitude slopes facing to the north; and the Balme area, wide open slopes atop Chamonix valley next to Switzerland. There’s also a sister resort at the other end of the valley called les Houches.
If you’re an absolute beginner, skiing Chamonix Mont Blanc is a great place to learn, as it offers five different ski instructor companies each offering multi-disciplinary courses to all age levels. Many also offer guides and group excursions for those more experienced at snowsports, who are certain not to be disappointed by the diverse range of slopes on offer.
And as if snowsports aren’t enough for one trip, there’s a diverse range of other pursuits on offer in the area. Hiking, mountaineering, mountain climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, ice skating and even golf, swimming and tennis are all on offer in Chamonix during the high season months.
No visitor to Chamonix should leave without experiencing the breathtaking panoramic views on offer at no less than half a dozen different local points. The most famous, known as l’Aguille du Midi, is easily accessed by cable car. Taking you to an altitude of 3,842 meters, the peak offers spectacular 360-degree views of the Swiss, Italian and French Alps, including the famous Matterhorn and Mont-Blanc itself.
Once you’re wiped out from a day of skiing Mont Blanc's pristine runs, you may be surprised by the range of cultural and entertainment options in the town: there’s several museums and regular art exhibitions to see, a cinema with occasional live music shows, plus plenty of bars and restaurants and even a bowling alley.
When to Go to Chamonix Mont Blanc
The best time to ski Chamonix Mont Blanc is between January and April. The French tend to avoid taking vacation in January, so the slopes remain largely empty during this time. In February vacationers to start in again mainly coinciding with school holidays. During March and April the weather becomes warmer, perfect for a picnic lunch near a quiet run.
Lift passes for the Chamonix Mont Blanc areas come in two major varieties: The Chamonix Le Pass, which covers the three main ski areas of Chamonix plus the beginner areas; and the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass, which includes the same areas plus several more advanced ski areas at higher altitudes. The base rate for an adult to ski for four hours starts at US$43, and goes up in daily increments all the way to US$1,850 for an annual Mont Blanc Unlimited pass. Discounts for kids, seniors and families are also available.
This very central European location is accessible from a number of different countries and is a great choice when looking for ski holidays in France. Geneva is the closest city to Chamonix with an international airport, from where you can rent a car or take an SAT bus to the slopes. Alternatively, you can travel by train within France to Saint Gervais Le Bains 20km from Chamonix and then take the Mont Blanc Express train. Lastly you can fly to Turin in Italy and take a SAVDA bus to Chamonix.
Lift passes for the Chamonix Mont Blanc areas come in two major varieties: The Chamonix Le Pass, which covers the three main ski areas of Chamonix plus the beginner areas; and the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass, which includes the same areas plus several more advanced ski areas at higher altitudes. The base rate for an adult to ski for four hours starts at US$43, and goes up in daily increments all the way to US$1,850 for an annual Mont Blanc Unlimited pass. Discounts for kids, seniors and families are also available.
This very central European location is accessible from a number of different countries and is a great choice when looking for ski holidays in France. Geneva is the closest city to Chamonix with an international airport, from where you can rent a car or take an SAT bus to the slopes. Alternatively, you can travel by train within France to Saint Gervais Le Bains 20km from Chamonix and then take the Mont Blanc Express train. Lastly you can fly to Turin in Italy and take a SAVDA bus to Chamonix.
Odds n' Ends
There’s no need for cumbersome drives around the hills here at Chamonix Mont Blanc, where shuttle buses and park and ride facilities are the only way to travel. Either a lift pass or a guest card from your accommodation provider will get you on board, so there’s no excuse not to park your car at one of the downtown Chamonix areas and take the bus directly to the slopes.
If you’re travelling with children, be aware of the risks involved with the high altitude. Organizers recommend not taking children under three to above 2,000 meters, while those aged 3-12 should avoid sustained physical activity at more than 2,500 meters and teenagers should avoid sustained activity above 4,000 meters. Babysitters, day care centers as well as youth activity and learning centers are all available at Chamonix.
If you’re travelling with children, be aware of the risks involved with the high altitude. Organizers recommend not taking children under three to above 2,000 meters, while those aged 3-12 should avoid sustained physical activity at more than 2,500 meters and teenagers should avoid sustained activity above 4,000 meters. Babysitters, day care centers as well as youth activity and learning centers are all available at Chamonix.
Places to Eat
- The Jekyll Bar and Restaurant
- A good gastro-pub with an international flavor and party atmosphere. Open seven days until 2am.
- Le Bistrot
- Gourmet French restaurant with lunch specials for US$22 and dinner specials for US$55.
- La Caleche
- Centrally located traditional restaurant offering regional specialities. Try the famous fondue for US$22 per person or the raclette for US$29.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Le Vert Hotel
- This self-styled hip hotel has rooms for two with shower and toilet for US125 per night.
- Ski B and B
- Only five minutes from downtown Chamonix, doubles US$105.
- Hotel Les Grands Montets
- Cosy three-star hotel with good parking facilities. Doubles US$235 per night.
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- Extreme Mont Blanc - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
- French Alpine Skiing: A Bumpy Ride - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
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