Winter & Summer    Skiing    Explore the mountains

SPORTS  Skiing and snowboarding

Surrounded by the highest peaks and largest mountain terrain in Europe, it is no wonder that Chamonix has become such a skier's Mecca.

Chamonix itself sits comfortably on 1035 meters of altitude which results in a great skiing range. In fact, no other ski resort can compete with such a drop in altitude and ski range. Les Grands Montets, Le Brévent, La Flégère and the famous L'Aiguille du Midi are ski areas that all offer runs with more than 1500 meter of vertical drops!

The slopes at Chamonix are located at such high altitudes. 90% of the skiing is done above 2000 meters and each winter snowfalls average around six meters (20 feet). This ensures that the slopes are covered in snow all winter.

The ski areas in the valley are world class at all levels - from beginner to extreme. Below is a brief summary on the four most popular places to ski.

LES GRANDS MONTETS (Argentière) The biggest area with vertical drops of more than 2000m and off-piste skiing on glaciers. This ski area holds many competitions and events during the winter. You also find long demanding groomed slopes and a fun yet challenging half pipe here. (1230m-3300m)

LE TOUR On the border to Switzerland, Le Tour offers easier runs - perfect for relaxed afternoons or if you would like to practice your turns (1480m-2230m).

BREVENT & FLEGERE Reached from Chamonix and offers a big variety of skiing from gentle, groomed slopes to very steep off-piste runs. Extreme skiing competitions are often held here each winter. Le Brévent is connected to La Flégère, which can also be reached by cable car from Les Praz, just outside Chamonix. La Flégère, which is the sunniest ski area in the Chamonix valley, is very popular among snowboarders due to its many small hills. (1095m-2525m).

AIGUILLE DU MIDI One of the highest skiable areas in the world can also be reached directly from Chamonix. This is a truly extreme place with breathtaking views of the Alps and of Mont-Blanc. La Mer de glace, one of the longest glaciers in the world is also found here. "The sea of ice", as it is directly translated, offers the unforgettable experience of La Vallée Blanche - a 22 km run taking you all the way back to Chamonix through fantastic scenery. The skiing from Aiguille du Midi is all off-piste so you would generally go down from here with a local mountain guide.