Chamonix’s ski area is, unlike many other ski resorts, made up of five different ski areas, two of which are linked together with the rest separated along the length of the valley. Since the Chamonix valley is low and the ski lifts rise to over 3000m, there are plenty of opportunities to ski 6561 feet (2000 or more meters) of vertical descent here.
The pisted ski terrain in Chamonix ranges in altitude from 950m to 3300m, whilst off-piste skiing offers even more in terms of altitude, vertical descent, and difficulty.
If you’re coming here piste skiing, there are around 150km of pistes, accessed by a total of 67 ski lifts split between the main ski areas and the low-mountain beginner zones. Chamonix also has two snow parks.
But Chamonix is not just for experts – you’ll find lots of gentle slopes along the bottom of the valley with easy access for beginners. These areas are suited to complete beginners or those looking to get their ski legs back before heading up onto the higher mountain. Head for Le Tour or Les Planards areas. Once you’re feeling more confident head for the runs on Les Grands Montets or Brevent where you find a much greater range of pistes for all abilities from confident beginners to expert skiers and snowboarders
Chamonix is much loved by expert skiers for its extensive steep terrain and impressively deep snow. Avoid the crowds and take the Aiguille du Midi or Grands Montets cable cars to access the high off-piste terrain. It is worth hiring a guide in this resort not only to stay safe but also to get shown the resort’s hidden gems. Also, advance skiers should check out the powder on the Lavencher bowl accessed by the Bochard lift – the location for the extreme freeride race, Red Bull Snowthrill.
Chamonix Mountain Stats
| Skiable Terrain | 119 km |
| Vertical | 2,233 m / 7326 ft |
| Top Elevation | 3,275 m / 10744 ft |
| Base Elevation | 1,042 m / 3418 |
| Beginner Terrain | 15% |
| Intermediate Terrain | 36% |
| Advanced Terrain | 48% |
| Trails | 119 |
| Winter lifts Total | 67 |
| Gondolas Trams | 13 |
| Chair Lifts | 23 |
| Surface Lifts | 31 |
| Longest Run | 19 km |
| Snowmaking | 22 km covered |
| Season Opens | November |
| Season Closes | May |