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Chamonix for skiers
Chamonix is not generally considered a ski-in ski-out place; it is a proper town in its own right with a year round population. In view of this, the set up for skiing is a bit different from most resorts
Chamonix has several ski areas within easy reach, all covered with the Chamonix Mont Blanc ski pass
- Brevent/Flegere - These ski areas are linked by cable car, Brevent is a 15 minute walk (uphill) or quick skibus journey away. You can also drive 15 minutes up the valley (Swiss direction) and park in the large car park at Flegere (Les Praz). This area is south facing so great for chilly days and has a mixture of blue and red runs, with a couple of blacks. Great for beginners and intermediates.
- Grands Montets - This is situated up the valley (Swiss direction) at the village of Argentiere. Easily accessible by car with a large car park, or by ski bus which stops just near The Astor, or take the train which is free with your tourist card.. This is North facing so good when snow conditions aren't great elsewhere and late in the season. Mainly reds and blacks with a few blue runs, suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers. This is also where the best freeride can be found if you're packing a shovel etc.
- Le Tour/Balme - At the top end of the valley past Argentiere. Another lovely sunny family orientated ski area with mainly blues and reds. Large car park. see the 'Location & Travel' pages for further information on how to get here.
- Les Houches - A lovely family friendly tree lined resort down the valley (St Gervais/Sallanches direction). Parking available but a bit limited at high seaseon. Easily accessible by bus which stops just outside The Astor. Big, wide well groomed green, blues and reds. Perfect for families and beginners/intermediates. Great ski area for cloudy days. PLEASE NOTE THIS SKI AREA REQUIRES THE FULL MONT BLANC UNLIMITED PASS (THE CHAMONIX LE PASS DOESN'T COVER THIS AREA)
- Savoy - Beginners area just near town (behind club med). Accessible via the Brevent ski bus. Nursery slopes for beginners.
- Planards - Beginners area 5 minutes walk from The Astor. Walk down the path opposite The Astor and past the Train de Montenvers. Cross the road, keep walking straight up the hill and you will reach Les Planards. There is also a luge available here which is free with your Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass.
You can try a new area each day then return to your favourite at the end of the week!!
For lift opening dates and times, online lift pass purchase, Grand Montets reservations click here: Compagnie du Mont Blanc
Mountain restaurants
Grands Montets
A little family run mountain restaurant in the valley of Argentiere, great Savoyard fare and reasonable prices.
Look for the signed track leading off the Pierre a Ric red run down from the Grands Montets mid station - bookings recommended in high season
+33 4 50 54 07 52
At the bottom of the Tabe chairlift. Nice sun terrace, very expensive restaurant and reasonably expensive self-service.
The pizzas from the snack bar and cheaper and very tasty!
Self-service restaurant at the top of the Lognan lift. Does a great Tartiflette and prices not too bad, nice onion soup aswell. Also has a sun terrace to catch tha afternoon sunshine, overlooking the snow park.
Brevent
Spectacular views at the top of Brevent Cable Car
Savoyarde fare. Accessible for pedestrians.
Snack bar at the top of Plan Praz cable car. Accessible by pedestrians.
Snack bar and sun trap great for catching a few rays in the afternoon - has sundeck, deck chairs and beanbags.
Insider tip: upgrade your vin chaud to a large for an extra 1.50 euro, 6.50 sounds like a lot for a drink but worth it as its huge!!
Next to the Chavanne blue run. A bit of a party bar but also does snacks and has live music.
Another sun trap with beanbags and a sun terrace.
A restaurant at the top of the Planpraz lift. Offers a return cable car ticket (usually 17.50 euro) and menu du jour for 34 Euro.
Also has a snack bar and sun terrace.
