Chamonix — On the piste

It is worth bearing in mind that Chamonix has become so popular due to its long vertical descents and extreme off-piste. That said there are 153km of pistes served by 47 lifts spread between five predominant ski areas. Of these, over half are green runs, so there is a lot to offer for beginner and intermediate riders.

Le Brévent and La Flégère are linked by lifts but to get to Grands Montents and L'Aiguille du Midi requires a bus or car journey and likewise a trip to Le Tour will also need a bus or car journey.

Lift passes for Chamonix

There are two lift passes available in Chamonix: The Chamonix Le Pass (smaller area) and the Mont-Blanc Unlimited lift pass. As the name suggest the latter offers access to all the different ski areas in and around Chamonix where as the former is restricted to Brévent-Flégère, Balme (Tour-Vallorcine), Grands Montets up to 2765m (so not to the top station of the Aiguille du Midi) and the beginner areas lower down the valley at Savoy, Les Planards, La Vormaine and les Chosalets.

It is possible to upgrade your pass during your stay, or to pay a supplement if you want to go to the top of the Aiguille du Midi cable car.

For a full list of the included areas check the lift pass web page.

Good pistes for beginners in Chamonix

Beginners should head straight to Le Tour as this is by far the best place in the valley to learn. It  may be a little way up the valley but there are plenty of fun, easy pistes to ride around and get a feel for the place. It is also an exquisitely beautiful area with views down the valley.

Good areas for intermediates

Unfortunately, intermediates looking to stay on piste and build up mileage will probably get frustrated as the areas are not easy to travel between. Public transport is needed to connect the main areas.

Advanced and expert skiers are spoilt for choice

Advanced skiers will be in their element in Chamonix, with almost unlimited scope. Grand Montets is a good option at the start and end of the season due to the height and the fact that it faces North. Real adrenalin junkies should buy the extension to the pass to access the summit and try the Pas de Chevre descent via four impressive couloirs. Be sure to take a guide though.

Off-piste skiing in Chamonix

Epic terrain, brings epic responsibility. Chamonix has made a name for itself as an extreme sports town. Since the first mountain explorations, mountaineers and climbers have flocked to the place with their exploratory and sometimes crazy ambitions. Well, in skiing and snowboarding it is no different. The regular crowds here are more familiar with ice-axes and crampons than hot chocolates and Ugg boots.

However, as much terrain as there is on offer, it is also, potentially, some of the most dangerous terrain in the world. The high Alpine environment is not somewhere to revel in ignorant bliss.

And it is popular. If you want to ride pow you need to be up very early.

We strongly advise using the services of professional local guide – something that is paramount if you want to ski on the glacier.

Back in 2008 we had very enjoyable day trip up and down the Vallée Blanche, it was epic, and we of course used the services of a guide, but that is not to say we didn't find ourselves snowboarding directly over small crevasses and, on crossing the infamous snow bridge at the end of the run, were duly informed that the week before someone had died crossing the very same bridge.

There is a great list of backcountry guides and specialists on the official resort website. If you want to get a real taste of the Vallée Blanche check out this article on Pistehors.com.