Chamonix Skiing Revealed

There are several piste maps available for the Chamonix region, depending on which source you want to use. We have listed online interactive maps of each area from the Compagnie du Mont Blanc which shows the opening status of the lifts and pistes as well as hiking routes.

Paper versions of the piste maps are available from the lift stations, Tourist Office, hotel receptions and the like, so no need to print them out.

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 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.

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