Chamonix Ski Map
Chamonix is famous for its gnarly off-piste adventures, many starting from the world famous Aiguille du Midi at 3842 metres – it is a true Alpinist’s playground
Chamonix is not just one ski resort – rather it is a town surrounded by five skiing areas:
Click the links above to check out the ski map for each individual ski area. Note, you will need to get busses between these – however this is generally included in the ski pass, and run regularly!
Number of pistes = 106
Base Elevation: 1,035 m / 3,395 ft
Peak Elevation: 3,842 m / 12,604 ft
Difficulty:
🟩 14% Green
🟦 34% Blue
🟥 38% Red
⬛ 14% Black
Things to do in Chamonix
1) Go Skiing or Snowboarding 🏂 ⛷️
This is the most obvious thing to do in Chamonix! With 5 different skiing areas to choose from, you will never be bored on your Winter vacation.
Chamonix is a great place for beginner skiers and snowboarders – especially the low mellow slopes of Les Houches.
Intermediate and advanced skiers / snowboarders will also have a great time – with the legendary off-piste powder days at Grand Montets.
Does Chamonix have a park?
Yes – there are two parks. A beginner friendly ski park located in Les Houches and an intermediate / advanced park at Balme, Le Tour, perfect for practicing jumps or mastering your corkscrew.
Does Chamonix have an airbag?
Yes! There is an airbag located in the ski area of Brevent.
2) Visit the Aiguille du Midi 🏔️
The Aiguille du Midi sits at an impressive 3842 metres and is one of the most visited attractions in all of France.
You take two Gondolas from the town of Chamonix right up to the top. From here you will be able to feel the reduced level of Oxygen – and see Mont Blanc on a clear day!
If you are feeling daring – like the Ski Map Master team was in 2022 – you can hire a guide and do the world famous Vallée Blanche!
3) The Vallée Blanche 🚠
The Vallée Blanche is not for the feint hearted – and absolutely needs to be done with a guide. It is an off-piste, unmarked route from the top of the Aiguille du Midi over a glacier down to the Valley of Chamonix. In all it is around 20km of skiing, starting with a semi-sketchy walk in crampons. Not for the feint of heart!
We would highly recommend this experience to any intermediate to advanced skier who is willing to hire a guide.
4) Go hiking 🥾
There are hiking trails all over the valley – it is an absolute hikers paradise in both the Winter and summer. Get your boots on and head out there!
In the winter you can consider hiring snow shoes, grabbing a lift pass and walking around. This is especially enjoyable in the mellow hills of Les Houches, amongst the trees!
5) Ride the Montenvers train 🚂
The Montenvers train, also known as the Chemin de fer du Montenvers, is a cogwheel railway that transports visitors from Chamonix to the Mer de Glace glacier (See below). The train has played a vital role in showcasing the area’s natural beauty to the world.
Today, the Montenvers train is a popular tourist attraction in Chamonix. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and provides a unique opportunity to experience the Mer de Glace glacier up close.
It’s a beautiful old train, allowing you to relax and check out the scenery while on the way to see the ice caves!
Of not – the train, access to the ice caves and access to the Aiguille du Midi are all included in the Chamonix Mont Blanc Unlimited Ski Pass. When the Ski Map Master team was in Chamonix in 2021 – we did the Aiguille du Midi in the morning – and raced over to the Montenvers train in the afternoon. This was a very tiring day – but absolutely worth it if you are short on time!
6) Check out the Mer De Glace (Glacier and Ice Caves)
After riding the Montenvers train you will arrive at the Mer De Glace. Well, that is not quite true. You will arrive above the Mer De Glace. See, the Mer De Glace (Translated as “Sea of Ice”) is an ever moving Glacier that has sadly been receding faster than the hairline of a gamer living in their mother’s basement. When we arrived in 2021 there was over 100 steps to take just to reach the glacier, along the way you will see markers of where the glacier was in previous years. This was a very impactful experience – and really makes you consider the impact we are having on the environment.
Does Chamonix have a park?
Yes – there are two parks. A beginner friendly ski park located in Les Houches and an intermediate / advanced park at Balme, Le Tour, perfect for practicing jumps or mastering your corkscrew.
Does Chamonix have an airbag?
Yes! There is an airbag located in the ski area of Brevent.
Does Chamonix have a co-working space
Yes! Check out our friends at the ski locker!
Is Chamonix good for remote workers?
Absolutely, there is a fair community of remote workers / digital nomads. Everything from those who go for a cheeky ski at lunch time, to those who ski in the morning and work US based hours in the evening.
Chamonix is a brilliant bas to be, if you have the cash. It is definitely very expensive however it is one of the few ski resorts that is also a real functioning town. You have gyms, shops and bars + many day to day amenities that are missing from a smaller ski town.
Best bar in Chamonix to meet people
Bar’d up!
Is Chamonix good for seasonaires?
Absolutely! Good workers are always needed for the various tourism / hospitality jobs in the area. You will also find a fair bit of baby sitting / dog walking.