Le Brevent-La Flegere (1095m - 2525m)

On the southern slopes of Chamonix, close to the centre, le Brevent, one finds a variety of pistes for all levels. La Flegere, opposite the Mer de Glace and its mountain range, is accessible from the village of Praz. Together, Le Brevent and La Flegere provide plenty of pistes for intermediate and strong skiers.

Les Grands-Montets (1230m - 3300m)

Grands-Montets has gained a reputation as a top ski area, internationally renowned thanks to its size and the variety of its ski runs and pistes which extend over three slopes: the Argentiere glacier, Lognan and la Pendant. With its maximum altitude of 3300m and mostly extraordinary quality of snow until May, it is the premium choice for intermediate and skilled ski enthusiasts. A classic is the descente from the summit of Grands Montets at 3275 m down to Mer de Glace, the Pas de Chevre. But not for the faint hearted, definitely.

Le Tour-Vallorcine (1480m - 2230m)

At the head of the valley, Le Tour offers the perfect terrain for the family and novice skier as well as interesting runs for intermediates on the Col de Balme plus a long descent to Vallorcine. The beginner ski area is La Vormaine (1480m) which is situated next to the village of Le Tour, very sunny and ideal for children and first steps into teh world of snow boarding.

Les Houches

The slopes of Les Houches are more protected than the rest of the valley making it a good choice on bad weather days. It's also the location of the Kandahar race, the challenging world cup downhill run. The views from Les Houches on the south-east slopes of Mont Blanc are particularly impressive.

Chamonix Centre

There are two beginner ski areas in the centre: Les Planards - Chamonix (1062m - 1242m) and Le Savoy - Chamonix (1049m - 1125m ) . Snow on the pistes is guaranteed by 33 ski canons. 2 drag lifts and a conveyor belt lift transport the novices up the slopes.

Vallee Blanche (3840m - 1035 m)

A superb, 21 kilometre long infamous off-piste ski run starting at 3840 m altitude from the summit of L'Aiguille du Midi, which is suitable from the intermediate skier upwards. The start can be a bit unsettling as one has to step down on a ridge with a 2000 m drop on the left, before reaching more familiar, less steep territory. From here, the route leads across many crevasses of glaciers, sometimes spoiling the adventurous skier with soft powder snow, but always with a truly breathtaking wild mountain scenery. About half-way down, one can enjoy an excellent meal and a capuccino at the Requin Hut: a meal with a special view! In case of snow shortage, one can unfasten the skis at Montenvers train station and take the train back down to Chamonix.