Chamonix for Skiing & Snowboarding

The Chamonix lift system consists of several distinct and very different ski areas high above a steep-sided valley where the town and its villages are located. Chamonix is often criticized for being 'disjointed' however this is perhaps a little unfair as it is the physical geography of the valley that largely dictates this situation whilst also giving each of the ski areas - Brevent & Flegere, Les Grands Montets, Le Tour & Vallorcine (Domaine de Balme), L'Aiguille du Midi / La Vallee Blanche and Les Houches - their unique character. ... see "Chamonix Skiing Revealed" for more

With such a big ski area to explore, it's sometimes good to have a little bit of inside information… For your pleasure, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite places for challenging and steep runs, the places to go on bad weather days, and the nicest and sunniest spots for lunch. For those wanting to check out the off-piste, Chamonix also has vast areas which are easily accessible from the lifts. ... see "Where to go in Chamonix for..." for more

Grands Montets Snowpark

At Les Grands Montets, there’s a snowpark that runs alongside the Marmottons chairlift that you can access from this (rather slow!) 2-man chair or from the slightly faster 4-man Tabé chair.  The park is partnered with HO5park.com, who are responsible for a number of snow parks throughout the alps.  At GM, the park is laid out by difficulty – green, blue, red and black – just like the pistes, so you can pick your level and find a line of obstacles designed for your capabilities.  There are a range of kickers, table-tops, a step-up, 5 rails, rollers and banked turns, which can be accessed from the top of the Tabé chair. Often, there are some big kickers at the bottom of the course that get used for contests but have a look first before jumping them as coming up short could result in a trip to the hospital. Whilst the snow park has got better and better each year, there is still a bit of an outcry in the valley that Chamonix does not have a half pipe.  If you feel strongly about this then there is a Facebook group – Chamonix wants a Half-Pipe - campaigning for the cause.  Sign up and with enough support, maybe the Compagnie du Mont Blanc will see the advantages of having our own half-pipe.

Le Brevent often has a small boarder cross area but it’s not always kept in good condition and it's also not very well signposted.  You'll find it by turning off to the right about a third of the way down the Cornu piste.

If you have a lift pass for Les Houches it is worth checking out the Bellevue Airpark for loads of different tables, rails and other modules. The snowpark is split into 2 parts; the higher section being more of a beginner's practise ground and the lower section being for the more experienced riders.  However, new in 2009/2010, DC Snowboarding installed one of their brand new “Area 43” snow parks in Les Houches.  The “Area 43” concept is based around a shipping container that is dropped into place by a Swiss Army Helicopter. The container holds a number of rails and boxes and remains in the park as a feature itself, transforming into a DJ venue and central hub for competitions and parties.  Every Wednesday between 11am -3pm, the DC park has its own camera crew filming in the park so you can show off your skills and then watch the finished film on the big screen in Le Vert that night with prizes for the best riders.

While the freestyle areas in Chamonix are getting better and better each year, you’ll find no shortage of lips and hits in the natural terrain of the valley which can often be more fun for trying tricks than the snow parks.

Get back to nature and explore tranquil cross-country trails at your own pace. Hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles from any hire shop, and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics. For those used to downhill skis, at first you feel precariously balanced and downhill sections are definitely more exciting on narrow skis with no edges. Once you have grasped the essentials, head off for the 75kms of the beautiful and tranquil cross-country trails which start in Les Houches (near Le Prarion lift), Bois de Bouchet (starting from Foyer du Fond), Le Praz (nr Flegere lift), Argentiere (entrance to town) and Vallorcine (starting point Tourist Office). In this activity, one can be as energetic or slow as one likes. ... see "Chamonix Cross Country Skiing Areas" for more

ESF Chamonix has a number of specially qualified Handiski instructors. They can teach people with a range of disabilities to ski using adapted equipment including UniSki, DualSki, GMS, Armchair Skiing and Ski-kart. They also offer specific classes for people who are blind or partially sighted. Both children and adults are catered for and the instructors are passionate about giving you the ultimate skiing experience, whatever your disability. You are advised to book at least 15 days in advance and then to confirm one week before arrival, to ensure that the most appropriate equipment is available for your lesson.

Les Houches has been a popular destination for adaptive skiers for many years now, due to its good facilities and relatively quiet slopes. ESF Les Houches are proud of their 15 years of experience in teaching Handiski and have a wide range of equipment that can be used free of charge. As mentioned above, advance booking is necessary to ensure that instructors and equipment are at your disposal.

The adventure company Loisirs Assis Evasion specialises in adaptive sports and can organise such activities as off-piste skiing, mountain biking and parapenting - all with the latest equipment and specially trained instructors.

Chamonix town centre is mostly pedestrianised, allowing easy access to the majority of shops and restaurants. The Mulet (free shuttle bus), local buses and trains are all wheelchair accessible. To find out which lifts are accessible and offer facilities such as disabled toilets please see our guide to Chamonix Lifts: Access & Restrictions. The Tourist Office has issued a brochure advising of the adapted facilities in resort and recommendations for access, accommodation, activities and transport - please click on the link below.

Have you literally got 'all the gear' but have no idea what to do with it?? Unless you want to look like Posh Spice on the slopes, knowing a bit about your skis/snowboards/bikes/transceivers etc will help you avoid being any old Wannabe... Having the right equipment for your chosen activity will help ensure that you get the best possible introduction to your sport (if you are a beginner), or speed along your learning curve if you are looking to improve. The easier and quicker you learn, the more pleasurable your experience will be! In this section, you will find guides to help you select the most appropriate gear for your sport and ability, as well as some insider knowledge on the "must have" kit for this coming season. ... see "All the Gear But No Idea...?" for more

We have teamed up with one of our top ski school instuctors to produce guides on ski technique. The articles featured here include learning how to carve and how to conquer moguls. To ensure you get the most out of your time on the piste, check out our Ski & Snowboard School Listings and perfect your skills! ... see "Tips and Techniques - Skiing" for more

Improve your snowboarding style with our helpful techniques tips section, brought to you courtesy of Keith McIntosh at Alpinelines. It's often the smallest thing that makes all the difference to your riding! ... ... see "Tips & Technique - Snowboarding" for more

With such an extensive lift network in operation both summer and winter, it makes sense that there are a wide range of lift pass options available for the skier or boarder, mountain biker and pedestrian. ... see "Chamonix Lift System & Passes" for more