Skiing in the Chamonix Valley
The Chamonix valley has been a Mecca for extreme skiers and mountaineers ever since the 19th Century and was host to the first winter Olympics in 1924. Set at the foot of Europe's highest mountain, Mont Blanc, it makes an impressive backdrop for the many activities available to you here and it's no wonder that it is the second most visited site in France after the Eiffel Tower.
NB: There are several routes down the Vallee Blanche and as you ski over glaciers you should ski with a qualified mountain guide so that they can choose the route best suited to your group. You should be a proficient skiier before you attempt this descent.
Les Houches
used to be considered as a satellite village for Chamonix, but it is in fact becoming recognised as a little jewel in the valley and is great for families. It's tree lined runs mean that you can ski and see here whilst all other ski areas may well be in the clouds. Its nine mountain restaurants include some of the best in the area and the views from the top of the Prarion looking down the valley are quite exceptional.Le Brevent
ski area is the most easily accessible from the centre of Chamonix by way of the gondola at the top of the hill leading from the Tourist Office. The ski area is linked to La Flegere by a cable car and this opens up lots of opportunties in a huge ski area with good intermediate skiing and some great, easily accessible, off-piste skiing.La Flegere
ski area is accessible from Les Praz by way of a cable car. Arrive early to avoid the rush on sunny cold mornings as the sunny, south facing slopes are popular in the winter! The link to Brevent enables you to have a good ski to lunch at one of the restaurants (the views from the Panoramic are legendry) before heading back towards Les Praz in the afternoon.Les Grands Montets,
on the edge of Argentiere is the true home of steep, often off-piste, challenging runs. Grands Montets guarantees an amazing day on the slopes, with a vertical drop of 2000m to the valley floor and by skiing through the trees, you can really push yourself to the limit. For the more adventurous there is some great off-piste terrain and the Argentiere glacier sorts the men from the boys! The altitude of the skiing enables you to enjoy the spring snow until the beginning of May. The closing weekend, normally around the 8th May has become a bit of an event with a water slide, big air, music and hot dogs available, if you can make it then you will enjoy it!Le Tour / Domaine de Balme
is a firm favourite for all and the wide, fast pistes, great views of the Chamonix valley and sunny terraces for coffee are ideal for a first day. The ski area really does suit all members of a party, from beginners through to intermediates and those looking to improve their off-piste techniques through the trees. The gondola connection with Vallorcine opens up the whole of the back of Le Tour and offers you a long, easy run down through the trees to the staion café which is a great lunch stop with savoury crepes and other Savoyarde food....The Vallee Blanche
should not to be undertaken lightly. It is the famous as the trail that leads you 21km from the Aiguille du Midi at over 3,800metres down to Chamonix (1080 metres) via the Mer de Glace. It has the most spectacular views and on a sunny day in fresh powder, you really do ski like a god / goddess / James Bond character!NB: There are several routes down the Vallee Blanche and as you ski over glaciers you should ski with a qualified mountain guide so that they can choose the route best suited to your group. You should be a proficient skiier before you attempt this descent.