Our Playgrounds – the Chamonix Valley

The Chamonix Valley needs no introduction to mountaineers as the birthplace of alpinism at the foot of the highest mountain in the Alps (Mont-Blanc, for those not in the know). This article is the second in a short series, following on from our recent post on the Ecrins national park.

Hikers come here to tackle the Tour du Mont Blanc or the Walker’s Haute Route, or simply to lose themselves in the network of scenic trails and classic day hikes. Skiers will know Chamonix as the site of the famous Valley Blanche – the biggest lift served vertical drop in the world. This is indeed a must-do run for competent off-piste skiers, but there is so much more to skiing in and around the valley, especially once you put on touring skins and start hiking. Not to forget that there is terrain for all levels of skier – the beginner slopes at Brevent or Les Houches will give you an introduction to the sport with unforgetable views over Mont Blanc. Finally, trail running in the valley has grown massively in recent years, spurred by the hugely popular UTMB race series held at the end of August each year.

Read about the best time to come to Chamonix for different activities.

The Long Distance Treks

In summer, the Chamonix Valley is the starting point for two of the most famous long distance hikes in Europe – the Tour de Mont Blanc and the Haute Route. One bonus here is the close proximity to both Switzerland and Italy. This lets us hike easily across national borders giving the trekking a uniquely international flavour. Another bonus is the network of accommodation both in the surrounding valleys and on the mountains themselves. The hiking infrastructure makes long distance hiking more accessible than elsewhere.

The Mont-Blanc Massif

Along with the highest mountains in France and the Alps, the Mont-Blanc area covers seven valleys in three countries. Beyond the Chamonix valley, the most popular destination in the region, the rest of the massif is also full of beautiful places to ski, hike or climb. There is a huge variety in these valleys too, from the chic Italian ski town of Courmayeur to the unspoilt slice of pastoral Switzerland that is the Val Ferret. Whether you’re looking for remote hiking or major ski resorts you’ll find both here.

We love to hike, trail run, ski and ski tour in all parts of the range, as well as visiting the picturesque alpine villages and high refuges.

Skiing in the Chamonix Valley and the Mont-Blanc Massif

Like the massif itself, the skiing near Mont-Blanc goes far beyond Chamonix. There are many more ski areas in the range, and most are included on the Mont-Blanc-Unlimited ski pass.

There are three main groups of ski resorts around the Mont Blanc Massif. The Chamonix valley itself has five ski areas. Just down the road is Evasion Mont-Blanc which includes St. Gervais, the upper-class resort of Megeve and the hidden gem of Les Contamines. Over in Italy you have Courmayeur with it’s Italian style, great food and sunny slopes.

There are also two small ski areas in the Swiss Val Ferret and some even smaller areas in the Trient Valley just over the border from France. Read on for the full list…

Chamonix Valley

• Brevent and Flégère
• Grands Montets
• Les Houches
• Le Tour/Balme/Vallorcine
• La Poya/Vormaine/Chosalets/Planards/Savoy/Les Houches low level beginner areas

Evasion Mont-Blanc

• St. Gervais
• Megeve
• Les Contamines

Italy

• Courmayeur
• Aosta/Pila and La Thuile are not far away

Switzerland

• Champex
• La Fouly
• Trient Valley – Trient beginner area and Les Marécottes ski area
• Verbier is not far away by car

Don’t forget we offer ski lessons in Chamonix and the neighbouring resorts in conjunction with Freedom Snowsports.