Chamonix is well known as the ‘off-piste’ capital of the world but valley provides a huge variety of skiing and snowboarding for all levels.
With its team of Chamonix experts and daily private minibus service to and from the slopes, Endless Descents can provide all of the expertise and support that you will need during your stay, ensuring that you get the most from your holiday.
There is a huge variety of skiing and snowboarding available in the Chamonix valley, below is a brief description of each area, we are more than happy to discuss in person which areas are most suited to your needs.
Beginners & Children
Chamonix caters for first timers and children, below are the main beginner areas most of which have their own children’s ski club and crèche.
Les Planards (1062 m - 1242 m)
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. Floodlit night skiing is available on this slope every week through the winter season
La Vormaine (1480 m) – Beginners skiing
Located at the foot of Charamillon on the Balme ski area, these sunny slopes are ideal apprentice skiers and snowboarders, for the little ones a ski kindergarten is available.
Something for everybody - Brévent / Flégère (1030 m - 2525m)
Wide, open pistes for beginners, intermediates and experts. These two ski areas have been linked by cable car since 1997 and offer one of the most outstanding panoramas of the Alps. South-facing slopes offer a wonderful variety of pistes for all abilities with spectacular views of the Mont-Blanc Massif.
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, make this an excellent place to start out
Intermediate / Experienced
Les Grands Montets (1235 m - 3300 m) – an ‘off-piste’ heaven
The pistes are spread over 3 mountainsides (the Argentière 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 (1030 m - 2525m) – wide, open pistes for beginners, intermediates and experts
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) – wide, open slopes and the very top of the valley.
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.
Advanced
The Vallée Blanche - world famous off-piste (3842m)
We could not talk about Chamonix in the winter without a mention of the magnificent high mountain terrain of the Vallee Blanche, an enormous off piste Mecca rising some 3842m from the valley floor and offering 25km of uninterrupted off piste heaven to those who wish to experience a truly world renowned run.
It is somewhere that must be respected, and has many crevasses and other dangers associated with this type of high mountain terrain, as such Endless Descents only recommend attempting this area if your skiing / boarding is at a strong intermediate / advanced level, and then only with a qualified guide, whom we will be happy to arrange for you.
