All about Chamonix
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. The name says it all. This magical alpine town sits at the foot of majestic Mont-Blanc, whose permanently snow-capped summit is at a dizzying 4807m altitude.
Attracting tourists for centuries, Chamonix is as popular today as ever. And what makes Chamonix unique is the fact that it is so much more than just a ski resort – it’s a proper, year-round town, with around 10,000 permanent inhabitants.
What also makes Chamonix hugely attractive is how easy it is to get to. From Geneva Airport (over the border in Switzerland, but the nearest International airport) it’s just a 1.5 hour journey to Chamonix – and it’s motorway all the way.
And when you get here, the views will quite simply take your breath away. You are surrounded by imposing mountains in every direction. Chamonix is also vibrant and welcoming, with a plethora of restaurants (from Indian and Chinese, to traditional French and fast food), bars, cafes and shops.
The winters are all about skiing and snowboarding, but the fun doesn’t stop there. In summer, Chamonix is a Mecca for mountaineers, trail runners, hikers and bikers too. And if you come to Chamonix for sightseeing at any time of year, you won’t be disappointed. The Aiguille du Midi cable car, the Montenvers rack and pinion railway, the museums and wonderful nature all around will make you fall in love with Chamonix.
That’s why we love what we do at Mountain School Chamonix. Sharing our passion for the mountains in the valley we call home motivates us every day – and we can’t wait to ski with you!
NEW for the 2022/2023 ski season in Chamonix!
We’re eagerly looking forward to the 2022-2023 ski season. There’s a brand new bubble lift at Le Tour. At Les Grands Montets the Bochard lift has been given a face-lift with new pods. And in Chamonix there are new bars, hotels & restaurants to try.
Chamonix Ski Areas
Welcome to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Chamonix is not a purpose-built resort, which means the ski areas are spread out along the valley. For what it lacks in ski-in, ski-out convenience, the variety of slopes and the magnificent backdrops more than make up for it! Here’s our brief Mountain School Chamonix rundown of the Chamonix ski areas:
Les Grands Montets – the north-facing slopes above Argentiere village are best known for the impressive off-piste. The steepest and deepest slopes of the Valley! Our favourite resort to take expert skiers to. There is also Les Chosalets behind the main GM car park, which we often use for ‘next step’ beginner lessons.
Le Tour/ Balme – with something for all levels of skier and views back down the whole Chamonix Valley, this ski area is accessed via the village of Le Tour or Vallorcine. Also home to La Vormaine, the beginner’s area where many of Mountain School’s beginner lessons take place.
La Flegere – a nice ensemble of slopes on the sunny side of the Valley. Some of the best secret spots on a powder day can be found here and lots of ski touring routes start from the top of the Index chairlift.
Le Brevent – accessed via the lift at the top of the hill behind Chamonix town centre and linked to the Flegere area by cable car, there’s plenty to keep skiers and boarders happy here. Definitely worth heading up the top cable car for the views, even if you don’t ski the black run back down.
Les Houches – everyone will tell you this is the resort to go to when it’s snowing. And with tree-lined runs they’re not wrong, but with the famous Kandahar World Cup run and good choice of mountain restaurants, it merits a ski in all weathers!
And on the valley on the edge of town, Savoy is behind the Folie Douce hotel and offers a couple of dedicated lifts for beginners. A popular Mountain School Chamonix choice for kids lessons. And Les Planards, at the entrance to Chamonix near the Montenvers Railway station, is a great prospect for early season beginner ski lessons (it has snow cannons) with two drag lifts and a chairlift.
Address :
Le Morzay, 74660 Vallorcine
Phone :
+33 6 72 38 27 40
We are open :
Every day in winter, 8 am – 6.30 pm