Chamonix ski resort maps

The Chamonix valley offers some of the most dramatic lift-served skiing in the Alps. Rather than a single, purpose-built ski domain, Chamonix is a collection of distinct mountain sectors stretching over 20km beneath Mont Blanc, each with its own terrain profile, altitude range and snow characteristics.

From the steep, north-facing slopes of Les Grands Montets to the panoramic cruising terrain of Brévent-Flégère and the high-alpine glacial environment accessed via Aiguille du Midi, understanding how the valley is structured is essential before you arrive.

Below you can download the latest Chamonix ski resort piste maps in PDF format, including the Chamonix Valley map and the individual maps for each major ski sector across the valley.

Further down the page, you’ll also find helpful information about the best ski areas in Chamonix and an overview of the main lift systems serving the resort.

• Chamonix Valley ski area map
• Brévent-Flégère piste map
• Balme (Le Tour Vallorcine) piste map
• Les Grand Montets piste map
• Aiguille du Midi/Vallée Blanche piste map
• Les Houches piste map
• Les Planards ski area map
• Chamonix ski area overview
• Best pistes in Chamonix for each ability level
• Chamonix ski lifts

Chamonix ski resort piste map downloads

Chamonix is made up of several separate ski areas. Below you can view and download the piste map for each area individually.

Chamonix Valley ski area map

• Download Chamonix Valley ski map pdf

Chamonix Brévent-Flégère piste map

• Download Chamonix Brévent-Flégère ski map pdf

Chamonix ski area overview

The Chamonix valley combines high-mountain terrain with valley-floor access points. It is not an integrated circuit like the Three Valleys or Paradiski; instead, each ski sector operates independently.

Chamonix Mont Blanc Valley ski area in brief

• Approx. 120km of marked pistes
• 2,000m vertical drop
• Base elevation: 1,035m
• Highest lift access: 3,842m (Aiguille du Midi)
• Vertical drop: 2,000m
• Over 60 lifts across the valley
• 6 Beginners nursery areas
• 119 pistes in total
• Type of pistes: 16 green, 41 blue, 45 red, 17 black
• Snow parks: 2

The wide altitude span and varied slope orientation mean snow quality can differ significantly between sectors on the same day.

The main ski areas (Les Grands Montets, Brévent-Flégère, Balme and Les Houches) are not interconnected by piste. Skiers travel between them using the free valley ski bus or by car.

Beginners

• Balme (Le Tour side): wide, confidence-building blue runs with a gentle gradient
• Les Planards: nursery slopes close to Chamonix town

While Chamonix has a reputation for expert terrain, these areas provide accessible learning environments away from steeper alpine sectors.

Intermediates

Brévent-Flégère offers the most balanced intermediate terrain.

Expect:

• Sustained red runs with consistent pitch
• South-facing slopes with panoramic Mont Blanc views
• Lift-linked skiing between Plan Praz and La Flégère

The long red descent back to Plan Praz is one of the most satisfying intermediate runs in the valley.

Advanced & expert skiers

Les Grands Montets remains the most technical domain.

Highlights include:

• Steep north-facing pistes
• High-altitude terrain above 3,000m
• Strong snow preservation in mid-winter

For experienced skiers seeking high-mountain adventure, the Vallée Blanche glacier descent from Aiguille du Midi covers around 20km of unmarked alpine terrain (mountain guide recommended).

Altitude and orientation significantly affect snow conditions:

• Best snow preservation: Les Grands Montets (north-facing, higher elevation)
• Sun-exposed terrain: Brévent (softens faster in spring)
• Tree-lined shelter in poor visibility: Les Houches

On storm days, lower forested sectors often provide better definition. In cold, clear conditions, higher north-facing terrain retains quality longest.

Chamonix ski lifts

The Chamonix valley is served by six separate lift systems, each accessing a distinct ski sector. Because the areas are not interconnected by piste, understanding which lift serves which mountain is essential when using the Chamonix piste map.

Lift types are clearly indicated in the map legend and include:

• 6 Cable cars (téléphériques)
• 8 Gondolas (télécabines)
• 21 Chairlifts (télésièges)
• 28 Drag lifts (téléskis)
• 2 Carpets
• 2 Mountain railways

Altitude is marked at major lift stations, allowing skiers to assess vertical drop and likely snow conditions.

Aiguille du Midi cable car (3,842m)

Aiguille du Midi is the highest lift-access point in the valley.

• Summit altitude: 3,842m
• No marked pistes from the top station
• Starting point for the Vallée Blanche glacier descent

Access to the summit station may be restricted for young children. In winter, this lift operates subject to wind and weather conditions.

On the piste map, the Aiguille du Midi is clearly separated from the main ski domains, it does not connect into the lift network.

Les Grands Montets lifts (Argentière)

Les Grands Montets is accessed via gondola and cable car from Argentière.

• High-altitude north-facing terrain
• Top lift access above 3,000m
• Strong snow preservation in mid-winter

Reservations may be required for the top cable car during peak winter periods.

Beginner lifts (Les Chosalets) are located at lower altitude near Argentière and are marked separately on the piste map.

Brévent-Flégère lift system

Brévent-Flégère is accessed from:

• Brévent gondola in Chamonix town
• Flégère cable car in Les Praz

The two sectors are linked by cable car across the valley side, forming one skiable domain.

• South-facing slopes
• Multiple chairlifts serving red and blue terrain
• Beginner area at Savoy (near Brévent base)

On the piste map, Brévent and Flégère appear as one continuous ski sector above the valley.

Domaine de Balme (Le Tour & Vallorcine)

Balme is accessed by gondola from:

• Le Tour
• Vallorcine
• Wide, open terrain
• Popular with beginners and progressing intermediates

Additional nursery lifts at La Poya (lower valley) Lift base stations are located at the far eastern end of the valley on the piste map.

Les Houches lift system

Les Houches is served by:

• Bellevue cable car
• Prarion gondola
• Tree-lined terrain
• Lower altitude skiing Family-friendly slopes

The Tramway du Mont-Blanc runs above Les Houches to higher altitude but does not provide marked piste access from its upper terminus.

On the map, Les Houches appears separated from the central valley sectors.

Mountain railway: Montenvers (Mer de Glace)

The Montenvers cog railway runs from Chamonix town to Mer de Glace (1,913m).

• Finishing point of the Vallée Blanche descent
• Not part of the piste lift network
• Access subject to seasonal conditions

It is shown on the map with a train symbol rather than a standard lift icon.

Lift access and practical considerations

• Weather can affect high-altitude lifts, particularly Aiguille du Midi
• The top cable car at Les Grands Montets may require reservation in winter
• Some summit stations are not recommended for very young children
• Wheelchair access varies by lift and often applies only to mid-stations
• Dogs are generally not permitted on ski lifts unless specified
• Lockers are not widely available at lift stations

Important: Because sectors are separate, checking lift status each morning is essential before travelling between ski areas.