Europe Ski and Snowboard Destinations, France Ski Resorts
Mountains rule in Chamonix, France. Some of the world's best expert skiing can be found on Chamonix’s jagged peaks and glaciers that rise 12,500 feet above the valley floor. Chamonix, or “Cham” as the locals and core skiers call it, has more of an authentic alpine flair than the glitz and glamour you’ll find at some European resorts. Chamonix is renowned as an avid mountaineer destination, so you can expect to see a lot of advanced skiers and boarders schlepping climbing equipment around, many of whom have traveled to experience the revered terrain from all over the world. If you want to explore off-piste in France, hiring a guide is the way to go.
Tucked beneath the shadow of the 15,766-foot Mont Blanc — France’s treasure — the power and beauty of this area are unmatched. This “bucket list” destination is the oldest ski area in the French Alps and is popular as a destination and spot for a weekend getaway. Chamonix’s village is brimming with tons of shopping too, from jewelry stores and designer boutiques to high-performance outdoor gear shops.
Chamonix Mont-Blanc is easily accessible from Geneva Airport (GVA) and is about an hour and 15-minute drive, at only 63 miles away. The area also accounts for its own train line, connecting with SNCF lines and making regular stops throughout the valley. Consider also the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) and Milan Malpensa Airport "Silvio Berlusconi" (MXP), both approximately 140 miles away or a three-hour commute. You can take a rental car, private transfer or opt for shuttle services. "AlpyBus" and "Mountain Drop-offs" are popular shuttle services offering convenient transfers to Chamonix.
Chamonix accounts for a convenient public transport system with free buses and trains for visitors with a guest card from their accommodation. The Mont Blanc Express train and local buses serve key locations in the valley, however, cycling and walking are also popular, with improved bike paths and pedestrian-friendly areas. Driving is generally inconvenient due to parking difficulties and the excellent public transport system.
Chamonix France offers five main ski areas, accessed via the area’s mini base villages with at least 60 lifts transporting skiers of all abilities to the resort's famed slopes. Le Brévent cable car begins just above the town and climbs to more than 8,200 feet. Les Houches, Le Tour and sunny La Flégère are areas ideal for beginners, families and intermediates looking for trails at their level. Grands-Montets-Lognan is the most popular area for intermediate and more advanced skiers.
Strong intermediate and above skiers can challenge themselves in the area off the Aiguille du Midi, reached by a two-stage cable car. This descent of over 8,000 feet on and along the glacier of Vallee Blanche features spectacular mountain scenery dominated by Mont Blanc, Western Europe's highest mountain.
As an international destination for extreme skiing, Chamonix is best left for experts. Beginner skiers, especially first timers, should head to the north end of the valley to the Domaine de Balme, out of the town of Le Tour, or Brévent-Flégère on the west side of town. If visibility is poor, the family-friendly Les Houches ski area has gentle on-piste skiing on tree-lined runs.
The most convenient area for beginners is around the Savoy lift near the base of the Brévent-Flégère area, or even Les Planards, near the base of L’Aiguille du Midi. But the warmest and best Chamonix beginner terrain is found seven and a half miles away in the town of Le Tour. Beginners will find a wide array of progressive beginner runs at higher altitudes, providing gorgeous views.
Le Savoy features 2 drag lifts and a magic carpet for beginners and children. It’s an excellent spot for first-time skiers to learn the basics. Another good start for beginners is La Vormaine, located in the village of Le Tour, with 4 drag lifts, 2 wide green runs and 1 blue run that passes through the forest. There is also a play and freestyle area with games and space to try new moves. Le Tourchet is great for beginners, too, with a gentle rolling snow field and night skiing.
There’s a reason that Chamonix is home to some of the world’s best extreme skiers and snowboarders, among them Glen Plake, so unless you’re up for a challenging off-piste adventure, intermediates may find that Chamonix proper, especially the Aiguille du Midi area, has limited options. You won’t find long, sustained groomed runs here; it’s nearly entirely off-piste skiing.
Chamonix hasn’t earned its reputation as one of the world’s legendary ski areas for no reason. Chamonix is a place where fantasies become a reality for many an expert skier and snowboarder, especially on a powder day. So be sure to purchase Chamonix’s “Unlimited” pass so you can access the area’s famed Aiguille du Midi cable car and the area’s six other ski areas. The Chamonix expert skiing is spread between the Grands Montets ski area and the Aiguille du Midi area, both of which offer endless off-piste terrain and glacier skiing. Regardless of your ability, a professional guide is highly recommended, as off-piste, and especially, glacier skiing can be treacherous when you don’t know where you are going.
Skiers and snowboarders looking to experience Chamonix in its full “extreme” regalia need look no further than the Aiguille du Midi’s Vallée Blanche, which is the area’s famous glacier route. This zone is limitless — it’s 12 miles long — and can be everything from somewhat mellow and playful to incredibly steep and even dangerous, which is why Ski.com highly recommends hiring a professional guide. Skiers and snowboarders looking for a bit of exercise will be pleased with Chamonix’s many ski touring programs.
Just think: your next holiday greeting card could be the whole gang atop the Aiguille du Midi tram, with Europe’s biggest mountain in the background. If everyone wants to ski or snowboard together, a Chamonix family ski vacation is best left for advanced adults, older children and teens. However, there are plenty of options for those learning, including the Planards, Savoy, Tourchet, Vormaine, La Poya and Chosalets areas of Chamonix. Beginners looking to explore a little should head to The Domaine de Balme ski area down the road. Intermediates ready for a manageable challenge should try Les Houches at the south end of the valley.
Fun family-friendly winter adventures include the Chamonix Alpine Coaster, the Leisure Park (an amusement park with tons of kiddy rides and games) and the Merlet Wildlife Park. Indoor activities in Chamonix are equally diverse, ensuring fun regardless of the weather. Families can enjoy indoor climbing, fitness centers, ice skating and hockey games. The local cinema and casino also offer entertainment. Educational activities include visits to the Musée des Cristaux and other cultural exhibitions. With options like yoga, swimming pools and various cultural activities, there's something for every family member. Les Houches’s Famille Plus label ensures that family needs are met, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable vacation filled with adventure, relaxation and learning.
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