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 boarder/skier cross park with table-top jumps, a step-up, 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. In spite of what the lift map says, some years they don’t build a half pipe here.

Le Brevent often has a small boarder cross area but it’s not always kept in good condition. 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.

In general the natural terrain in Chamonix is far better for trying tricks than the snow parks.

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.

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