GRANDS MONTETS & ARGENTIERE GUIDE
The Mountain
A historic ski area surrounded by one of the worlds most stunning panoramic mountain back drops. Sitting at the base of the famous Grands Montets, Argentiere is a fantastic hub for anyone looking for the best high-mountain skiing in the Chamonix valley.
The ski area reaches up to around 2,800km on North facing slopes, it is particularly well known for its steep terrain, long descents, excellent snow conditions and incredible off-piste opportunities.
The Grands holds a unique an special place in the hearts for mountain lovers and is famous for its high altitude off-piste and access to extreme skiing, It is a firm definitely a favourite with confident intermediate and advanced skiers, with plenty of challenging terrain to get stuck into. If you’re looking for something gentler, there are options to ensure that you have enjoy the mountain. you’re not limited with opportunities. At the base of the Bochard Telecabine, there is a wonderful calm beginners area and then around 10km of blue runs for you to progress onto higher up the mountain which is easily access by the new Lognan Telecabine. The Chamonix Le Pass also covers the Le Tour Balme and Brevent-Flegere ski areas, just a 10 minute bus ride away, giving you access to a wide variety of pistes across the valley. Le Tour Balme in particular offers wide, cruisy slopes and some fantastic panoramic views and a wonderful ski adventure skiing through trees down to the Alpine village Vallorcine. Even more varied skiing can be found just 15 mins away by buss in the linked areas of Brevant & Flegere, with a great selection of slopes for all abilities.
Just a few minutes walk from the chalets you can also find the beginner area - this is on a separate pass with just one lift, great for a bit of fun to get the legs going.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the mountains in Chamonix without skiing. Have a look through our other guide pages to discover more non-ski and apres activities.
The Village
Argentiere is a traditional Alpine village around 8km up the valley from the centre of Chamonix, sitting beneath the Argentiere glacier and the dramatic Aiguille Verte. Unlike the busier centre of Chamonix, Argentiere has managed to hold its authentic mountain-village feel, with traditional chalets, narrow streets and its beautiful Baroque church. The village has everything you need for a comfortable ski holiday, with unpretentious restaurants, bars, shops and local amenities all close by.
Argentiere is a particularly good choice if you want easy access to great skiing without staying right in the hustle and bustle of Chamonix. But, if you do fancy a livelier evening or simply want to explore, Chamonix itself is easily accessible from the village by local transport, the bus’s are free during the day with a lift or pedestrian pass, the night bus costs a few euros and the valley train service is free with a Chamonix visitors card available for free in your accommodation.
For more details, check out our other guide pages.
Getting Here
The journey from Geneva airport to Chamonix- Argentiere takes around an hour and a half and most of this is on fast straight road before the ascent up the valley with some truly stunning views.
The easy drive from Geneva makes it a great option for a short break ski holiday. There is a train option right into the heart of Argentiere, just a 7 minute walk to the chalets, trains come up from Geneva (change required), through La Fayet (for Saint Gervais) and Chamonix.
In the other direction the train travel on a very picturesque route through the mountain valleys from Martigny direct to Argentiere, making a twin centre holiday with Verbier a great ski holiday adventure.
To book a ski holiday in Chamonix-Argentiere feel free to contact one of our friendly, UK-based Ski Experts on +44(0)2380 206971 or email [email protected].