Chamonix Ski Holidays

Why Choose Chamonix?

Multiple Ski Areas with Variety & Vision

Chamonix is not one ski domain but four: Grands Montets, Brévent–Flégère, Balme–Le Tour, and Les Houches. Grands Montets is famed for its steep glacier skiing; Brévent and Flégère combine sunny pistes with Mont Blanc views; Balme/Le Tour borders Switzerland and offers gentle tree runs; Les Houches caters well to families with wide tree-lined runs. These areas are not linked by piste, but efficient public transport (and a free pass) ties them together seamlessly.

Alpine Heritage in a Vibrant Town

Rather than a purpose-built resort, Chamonix is a historic town, thriving year-round. Its pedestrianised streets are dotted with traditional chalets, boutiques, museums, and international dining. Classic sights include the Aiguille du Midi cable car and the Montenvers train to the Mer de Glace glacier, both of which are accessible to both skiers and non-skiers.

Off-Piste Capital of Europe

With mounts like Mont Blanc, Chamonix is revered for its freeride terrain. The Vallée Blanche off-piste (guided glacier descent of approx. 22 km) is iconic. Couloirs at Grands Montets, bowls off Flégère and the Balme side are regularly visited by seasoned skiers. The presence of mountain guide schools ensures that off-piste is accessible if you’re qualified or book a guide.

Snow Conditions

Chamonix typically sees 80–200 cm snow depth mid-season on upper slopes, with average weekly snowfalls around 40–60 cm. March tends to be the snowfall peak in Chamonix. In April 2025, the Alps experienced record-breaking snow (some areas saw up to two metres within 36 hours) including Chamonix valley, prompting avalanche warnings and slope closures.

Spring usually brings firm morning snow and softer afternoons above 2,000 m. Lower slopes and valley may taste rain or slushy conditions in warm spells, but the terrain served by lifts from 2,000 m upwards remains dependable late into the season.

Ski Lessons

Chamonix offers an outstanding range of ski schools, with multiple English-speaking options. ESF Chamonix, Evolution 2, BASS (British Alpine Ski School), ESI Sensations, Supreme Ski and others cater for all levels, from complete beginners to off‑piste clinics and telemark or cross‑country lessons.

Standard group lessons are offered from around €275 for adults or €350 for children (six days), and private lessons from €130/hr. Off-piste tutorials with avalanche safety are widely available through experienced guides. The École Nationale de Ski et d’Alpinisme (ENSA) is based in Chamonix, underpinning the high standards of local instruction.

Skiing in Chamonix

Beginners

While not a classic beginner resort, Chamonix still offers areas suitable for learning. Les Planards near town has magic-carpet beginner zones (though coverage can be inconsistent in poor snow). Balme/Le Tour is the preferred sector for gentle, scenic blue runs in a beginner-friendly environment.

Intermediates

Chamonix isn’t the place for mile after mile of linked cruising pistes, but for confident intermediates keen to push themselves, it’s a rewarding choice. Brévent–Flégère and Balme/Le Tour offer scenic blues and reds, though gradients here often feel steeper than elsewhere. Grands Montets has a cluster of mid-mountain blues, but many would be classified as reds in other resorts.

Adventurous intermediates may want to consider the Vallée Blanche, a 22 km off-piste glacier descent only to be attempted with a qualified guide. It’s not technically difficult in good conditions, but it demands stamina, confidence, and a head for heights.

Advanced Skiers

Chamonix is synonymous with expert terrain. Grands Montets offers steep glacier runs, couloirs and lift-accessed off‑piste. Brévent features technical blacks and tree lines; Les Houches hosts the challenging Kandahar World Cup piste. The Vallée Blanche, with 22 km of glacier ski with 2,700 m vertical drop, is a highlight. Guides regularly lead skiers into secure freeride terrain and remote couloirs.

Snowboarding & Freestyle

Boarding in Chamonix suits those who thrive on big mountain freeride. There are one or two small on-piste parks (Les Planards, Grands Montets), but snowboarders usually opt for fresh lines and natural terrain. Some hoverboarders enjoy carving Brévent reds and duck-boarding down the Vallée Blanche (guidance recommended).

Après Ski

Après-ski begins at mountain cafés and bars near lift stations in Argentière and Flégère, then moves to town. The town centre of Chamonix is pedestrianised and après ski time very busy with many bars tempting you in with happy hour offers. La Folie Douce at Flégère, Chambre Neuf, Monkey Bar, and downtown lounges cater to a mixed crowd with live music and cocktails. Nightclubs like Amnesia and Les Caves operate until the early hours.

Activities Off the Slopes

Chamonix offers a kaleidoscope of non-ski activities: the Aiguille du Midi cable car, Montenvers–Mer de Glace train, ice cave, alpine museum, indoor climbing walls, ice rink, swimming pool, dog sled rides, paragliding, snowshoe trails, Merlet animal park, and guided ice climbing or glacier hikes.

It’s also possible to visit nearby towns and cities via the Mont Blanc tunnel, including the Italian resort of Courmayeur or the lakeside town of Annecy. Geneva and Turin are also within reach for a day trip. In Chamonix itself, shopping goes well beyond ski gear, with art galleries, fashion boutiques and a range of independent stores to explore.

Accommodation & Access

Chamonix valley is served by Geneva airport, about 1h 30m away. Villages like Les Houches and Argentière are also ski-linked by train or bus and offer chalet or hotel options; many independent chalets run minibuses for guests.

Our offering includes catered chalets, apartments, and hotels, from boutique lodgings to Club Med (all-inclusive). Non-skiers in your party will find a rich variety of shopping, gourmet dining, wellness spas and cultural attractions.

Book Your Ski Holiday in Chamonix

Search to find great-value Chamonix ski packages for winter 2025/2026, or speak to one of our friendly ski experts to book.

020 8313 3999