Chamonix Skiing Revealed

There are several piste maps available for the Chamonix region, depending on which source you want to use. Online there is the main interactive map from the Compagnie du Mont Blanc which shows the opening status of the lifts and pistes.

Paper versions of the piste maps are available from the lift stations, Tourist Office, hotel receptions and the like...

If you like challenging steep runs that seem to go on forever then Chamonix has got plenty to keep your legs working hard. Because the valley floor is low and the lifts rise to over 3000 metres there are plenty of possible runs offering 2000 or more metres of vertical. The largest amount of vertical is offered from the Aiguille du Midi, however the gradient on La Vallee Blanche is flat at times so it won’t offer you the high speed thrills that you’ll be looking for. From the dramatic glaciers and peaks of the Aiguille du Midi and Grands Montets to the gentle rolling slopes of the Domaine de Balme, each unique skiing area in Chamonix has something different to offer skiers and boarders. One thing's for certain, skiing in Chamonix is unlike skiing any other French resort. It's variety on and off the slopes are almost guaranteed to keep you sufficiently entertained during your stay. In summary, the differences between the two main categories of Chamonix ski area are: ... see "Chamonix Skiing Areas" for more

For many people, a trip to Chamonix would not be complete without skiing the famous Vallée Blanche off-piste itinerary run that drops 17km from the Aiguille du Midi to the Montenvers. Descending through some truly spectacular glaciated scenery, it is an experience never to be forgotten. However, IT IS NOT A PISTE and there is a steep descent down the arête with sheer drops on either side to be negotiated on foot before you can set off on your skis or board. If you have any doubt about your ability to ski on a glacier or what equipment you should have with you (and how to use it!) you should seriously consider hiring a local mountain guide. There is no shortage of guides in Chamonix and they will certainly add to the whole experience, ensuring a safe and enjoyable descent. ... see "The Valley Blanche" for more

There are lots of beginners’ slopes in Chamonix; in the form of separate small ski areas, they are strung out along the bottom of the valley. When you’re starting out, rather than buying a full lift pass, which covers the whole Chamonix ski area, it’s cheaper to buy either a full or half day pass for each beginners’ area, or even a book of tickets allowing you a varying number of rides up the draglifts. As most of the slopes are low altitude they may be short of snow if you visit towards the end of the season, however the lowest ones, Savoy and Planards (1035m), have artificial snow cover so you should be ok even late on. ... see "Chamonix Beginner Ski Areas" 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.

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