Chamonix is one of the best spots in the world for freeriding, usually making it as one of the locations on the Freeride World Tour. If you choose to ski in Chamonix, we will take you skiing in the same areas where professionals ski their best lines, surrounded by a spectacular landscape.
We run personalised off-piste ski courses which can be run in one or numerous locations. If you’re interested in hearing more about the different courses that we run, then please don’t hesitate to contact us. Please see below for the different locations we suggest for off-piste skiing in Chamonix valley.
For brave and crazy skiers, we can also take you to discover skiing couloirs and exposed terrain. Your guide will determine the best options depending on weather and snow conditions, as well as your ability. Some options may include Couloir de l’Ensa, Col de Belvédère, Chapeau Couloir, Couloir des Cosmiques, etc.
FREERIDE SPOTS
Our guides will choose the best option for you every day, depending on your ability and the different snow and weather conditions. Here are some of the options that we have to offer in the Chamonix valley:
Les Grands Montets
The world-class freeride spot in Argentière.
This is the largest and most popular ski resort in the valley, especially on a powder day. Due to its high altitude and north-facing aspect, the snow conditions can be fantastic and are even known to last until May! It is less than 10km away from Chamonix itself and accessible by car, train or bus. When the top lift is running (currently not in use due to a fire in 2018), the ski resort reaches 3295m, and the ski area includes access to the Argentière glacier, which in turns gives you access to an entire playground of ski-touring (and off-piste) routes.
Flégère & Brévent
The south-facing ski areas in the Aiguilles Rouges
These two resorts are the south-facing ski areas in the Aiguilles Rouges. Although two separate ski areas, they are linked by a lift, to widen your ski area for the day. Brévent is in Chamonix itself, and Flégère is in the neighbouring village of Les Praz and can be accessed by train, car or bus. These resorts have a large variety of terrain for all levels of skiers, and have a magnificent panoramic view of the Mont Blanc from most slopes, making it one of the most spectacular areas to ski in. There are some fantastic off-piste sections and steep lines to be skied in Flégère and Brévent, and a whole area to be explored away from the crowds if you drop round the backside of the resort…please note that this usually requires ski touring equipment!
Domaine du Balme, Le Tour & Vallorcine
Skiing between Switzerland and France
Known as one of the family-friendly ski resorts in the Chamonix valley, Domaine du Balme is often overlooked on a powder day as most people head to bigger and better-known powder resorts such as GM (Les Grands Montets). However, Domaine du Balme will surprise you with its variety of interesting off-piste skiing which is accessible from the lifts! Le Tour also benefits from beautiful views of the entire Chamonix valley, making it a unique place to ski. This is also a great location if you want to ski separately but in the same location as people of different abilities. Enjoy the accessible off-piste as your friends enjoy some easier slopes, and meet at the bottom for a drink!
Aiguille du Midi
Skiing the Vallée Blanche
The Aiguille du Midi is the highest lift in the valley, taking you to 3842m of altitude. It is the closest that you can get to Mt Blanc on a lift, and it is the start to the mythical Vallée Blanche ski. This spectacular ski is 100% off-piste and is a unique experience at the heart of the Chamonix valley. This route begins at the gate leaving the Aiguille du Midi top lift station where you will walk down the Aiguille du midi Arête, before putting on your skis and descending all the way in Chamonix town, if the conditions allow it. If not, you will finish at the bottom of the glacier at the Montenvers train station. More information on the dedicated Vallée Blanche page.
Les Houches
Les Houches is another family friendly resort known for being the one resort that never closes. When all other resorts have to shut because of windy (or other) conditions, Les Houches is always the resort that you can rely on to get your fix of skiing. Although it is not as famous as the other resorts for its off-piste terrain, it does have some hidden gems – you just need to go with the right guide to take you there!
These are the main ski resorts in the Chamonix valley, however there are many other ski resorts within driving distance that offer a completely different panorama and a whole new terrain to ski on. Notable ski resorts within driving distance, with great off-piste and included on the Mont Blanc Unlimited lift pass include St Gervais and Les Contamines ski resorts.
Chamonix is right at the border with Italy and Switzerland, which means that it is easy to pop across and ski in either country too. The Mont Blanc Unlimited pass includes certain foreign resorts such as Courmayeur and Verbier, which are great options for day trips away from Chamonix.