Chamonix-Mont Blanc Ski Resorts
Chamonix-Mont Blanc Ski Area
Chamonix is not your normal ski resort or ski area. It could not be more different from the standard purpose built French resort. You really need to work hard to earn a variety of turns and unless you are based next to one of the half-dozen separate mountains and stick to it, you have to drive or take a bus each day. There is all sorts of terrain, but the place really makes sense as a destination only for the expert and the adventurous would-be expert.... but hang on there are several areas just for beginners.
No it's not really ideal - Chamonix is neither convenient nor conventional. The Chamonix valley cuts deeply through Europe's highest mountains and glaciers. The runs it offers are everything really tough runs should be - not only steep, but high and long. If you like your snow and scenery on the wild side, give Chamonix a try. But it is addictive. You either "get it" or you don't, it's as simple as that. And be warned : if you are one of those that do get it... You may never go home!
Let's look at the various ski area; The Grands Montets (1235m - 3300m). The pistes are spread over 3 mountainsides (the Argentiére glacier, Lognan and the Pendant) and offer tremendous on and off-piste possibilities. Ski or board adjacent to the glacier and take advantage of excellent snow conditions right up until early May. For freestyle fans, a new snowpark and boardercross are open at the mid-station of Lognan.
Brévent / Flégère (1030m - 2525m). These 2 ski areas have been linked by a cable car since 1997 and offer one of the most outstanding panoramas of the Alps. South-facing slopes with a wonderful variety of pistes and enviable views over the Mont-Blanc Massif. Gently acquire a tan in this idyllic environment whilst enjoying skiing on slopes adapted to all skiing abilities.
Le Domaine de Balme (1453m - 2270m) accessed via the villages of Le Tour and Vallorcine, the snow-covered alpine pastures offer numerous possibilities on two distinct mountain sides. From Charamillon, enjoy the wide open gentle slopes overlooking the entire Chamonix valley and on the Vallorcine side, ski beautiful tree-lined pistes bordering on Switzerland.
Les Houches (950m - 1900m). Family resort whcih also caters for all types of snow fun. It has 18 lifts and 55kms of Piste with a world cup run and tree skiing. There are also low valley ski areas aimed very much at beginners and intermediates.
Les Planards (1062m - 1242m) just 2 minutes from the centre of town, large ski area for beginners and intermediate skiers with 4 runs (1 red, 1 blue and 2 greens). 41 snow canons guarantee conditions all winter long. Restaurant, sun terrace and free parking.
La Vormaine (1480 m) Beginners skiing at the foot of Charamillon on the Balme ski area, these sunny slopes are ideal apprentice skiers and snowboarders, as for little ones (ski kindergarten run by the ski school).
Les Chosalets (1230 m) beginners skiing Situated at the entrance to Argentière, just 500m from the Lognan/Grands Montets cable car, ideal ski area for beginners and great fun for children.
Le Savoy (1049 m) beginners skiing In the heart of Chamonix, at the foot of the Brevent, 2 drag lifts and a rolling carpet welcome beginners and children for their first turns. Artificial snow and ski kindergarten