Chamonix Ski Resort Guide
Chamonix, France
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| Recommended For | Freeriders, Expert Skiers, Intermediates, Beginners, Snowboarders, Snowfall and Apres-Ski! |
|---|---|
| Total Piste Length | 152km |
| Highest Lift | 3,840m |
| Resort Height | 1,040m |
| Nearest Airports | Geneva and Sion |
| Save on Ski Hire | Save up to 50%  |
Chamonix
Chamonix is a world-renowned ski resort located in the French Alps. It offers stunning views and a variety of slopes for all skill levels.
Summary
Chamonix is famous for its breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the globe. With a rich history in mountaineering, it provides a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.
The ski area of Chamonix is in the French Alps at an altitude of 1,040m, with 152km of marked runs.
Chamonix is part of the Ski Pass Mont Blanc area with access to 507 marked pistes, served by a total of 248 ski lifts. In addition to the skiing in Chamonix itself (152km of pisted ski runs), the appropriate ski Lift Pass will allow you to ski or snowboard in the other Ski Pass Mont Blanc ski resorts of Argentière, Combloux, Cordon, Le Tour, Les Contamines, Les Houches, Megève, Passy Plaine Joux and St Gervais Mont-Blanc.
Chamonix comprises the villages of Chamonix Sud and La Flégère.
Notable Ski Runs
The longest possible descent in Chamonix is 22km long and the most difficult run is the 'Grand Montets', which is 8km in length.
Snow and Weather
Chamonix typically enjoys reliable snowfall, with an average snow depth of 80-200 cm throughout the season. For the latest snow conditions, be sure to check J2Ski for up-to-date information.
When will it snow in Chamonix?
The next notable snow forecast is 6cm, expected on 1 August.
See our long-range Snow Forecast for the latest update.
Snow this week
| Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Mon | Tue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snow to 2,879m |
Ski Area Stats
Chamonix Ski Area
| Black Pistes Expert Trails | 12 | 34km |
|---|---|---|
| Red Pistes Intermediate Runs | 25 | 70km |
| Blue Pistes Easy Trails | 27 | 46km |
| Green Pistes Beginner Runs | 16 | 5km |
| Downhill Total Length | 152km | |
| Cross Country Total Length | 43km | |
| Ski Lifts Number of Lifts | 49 | |
Ski Pass Mont Blanc Ski Area
| Black Pistes Expert Trails | 66 | |
|---|---|---|
| Red Pistes Intermediate Runs | 206 | |
| Blue Pistes Easy Trails | 155 | |
| Green Pistes Beginner Runs | 54 | |
| Ski Lifts Number of Lifts | 248 | |
Chamonix Altitudes
| Highest Lift | 3,840m |
|---|---|
| Lowest Piste | 1,040m |
| Resort Altitude (Chamonix) | 1,040m |
| Max Vertical | 2,800m |
Ratings & Suitability
| Freeriders | |
|---|---|
| Expert Skiers | |
| Intermediate Skiers | |
| Beginners | |
| Snowboarding | |
| Snow | |
| Apres-Ski |
Skiing
Chamonix boasts several ski areas, including Brévent, Flégère, and Les Granges, with a total of 150 km of pistes. The highest point, Aiguille du Midi, reaches an elevation of 3,842 meters, offering iconic runs like the Vallée Blanche and efficient lifts such as the Planpraz gondola.
There are a variety of pistes to suit all levels of skier ability, from Beginner to Expert.
Ski Lessons in Chamonix
To choose a Ski School, and book Group Ski Lessons or a Private Instructor, see Chamonix Ski Schools and Chamonix Ski Instructors.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding in Chamonix is exceptional, with diverse terrain catering to all levels. The terrain parks, including the one at Les Granges, provide excellent features for freestyle enthusiasts.
Location and Map
Where is Chamonix?
This ski resort is in the French Alps in Bonneville, Haute-Savoie.
Map
Tap 
for Full-Screen, or see J2Ski's Resort map, showing Hotels and Ski Shops.
How to get there
By Air
The nearest airport to Chamonix is Geneva, 60 minutes drive away.
Sion, Annecy, Chambery, Lyon St-Exupéry, Turin Caselle, Grenoble, Berne, Lyon Bron and Milan Malpensa airports are all within three hours drive.
Annecy, Geneva and Sion are just one hours drive away, in good driving conditions, so you can be on the piste quickly.
Chamonix is easily accessible via Geneva Airport, located about 100 km away. Shuttle services and public transport options provide convenient routes to the resort.
Infrastructure
Ski Lift Capacity
The 49 ski lifts are able to uplift 52,660 skiers and snowboarders every hour.
Snow Making
Snow-making is available, on 23km of ski runs, with 96 snow cannons.
Season Dates
When is Chamonix open?
Closed : 4 May 2025.
Usual opening is early December, and usual closing is Late April.
NOTE:- Ski area, lift and piste opening is subject to Current Snow Conditions.
Piste Map
Talking about Chamonix
Mentions in recent J2Ski News Items and Snow Reports from our users...
Aprés Ski
Apres-ski in Chamonix is vibrant, featuring popular spots like La Folie Douce and Les Caves. For dining, restaurants such as Le Panier des 4 Saisons offer delicious cuisine, while clubs like Chambre Neuf keep the nightlife lively.
