The Chamonix valley stretches from Servoz to Le Tour, with each ski area offering a different face of the mountain. The question is not only where to ski, but where to start, where to learn, and where to push yourself a little further. Choosing the right place can make the difference between a perfect day and a tiring one.

First Turns in the Valley

For those discovering skiing for the first time, the most accessible slopes lie in the heart of Chamonix. Le Savoy, at the foot of the town, is a quiet and gentle place to find balance. The lifts rise directly from the centre, making it easy for children and beginners to start without long transfers. The mornings can be cold, and the snow varies throughout the season, but it remains a comfortable starting point, close to everything.

Also located right in the centre, Les Planards offers slightly longer runs and a simple layout well suited to first lessons. The area has no conveyor belt, but its atmosphere is calm and family-friendly. Sitting at around 1000 metres, the snow is at its best on colder days, less so when the valley warms. Both areas are ideal for first steps before heading higher into the mountains.

Learning Higher Up

For beginners ready to progress, Le Brévent is an excellent next step. The dedicated learning area is small but peaceful, served by a funicular and a drag lift, and used almost entirely by other learners. At 2000 metres, the snow is far more consistent than in town, and when the sun shines, the view over Mont Blanc makes every effort worthwhile. The terrain allows you to move gently from the flat to the first real slopes without stress.

Across the valley, La Flégère welcomes those who already know how to link turns in snowplough or parallel. The new gondola rises smoothly from Les Praz, and from the top, the view opens wide onto the Mont Blanc range. The area's long green and blue runs are perfect for gaining rhythm and confidence. Lessons for complete beginners are possible here too, but only for one or two people at a time, as the terrain demands some fitness and a steady pace.

Space to Explore

Further north, Le Tour offers the broadest and most open landscape in the valley. Its gentle blue slopes are ideal for intermediate skiers who want to explore without pressure. The views stretch towards Switzerland, and the light here can be remarkable. On windy or cloudy days, however, the open exposure can make conditions more challenging and visibility low, which sometimes leads to lift closures. It remains a beautiful, high-altitude area with a real sense of space.

At the base of Le Tour, La Vormaine provides a perfect environment for beginners in both skiing and snowboarding. The slopes are wide and calm, the terrain is forgiving, and the atmosphere is relaxed, a place to learn safely and enjoy every small victory.

Among the Trees

For families and mixed groups, Les Houches remains the most balanced option in the valley. The runs wind through forest, sheltered from the wind and weather. The Prarion area is the best starting point, with a dedicated beginner zone featuring both a magic carpet and a chairlift that give access to a wide, gentle learning space. Bellevue is suitable for very young children, but progression there is limited as the terrain shifts quickly from very flat to a more challenging blue slope.

Les Houches as a whole is a varied and enjoyable ski area, with runs suited to all levels and a peaceful atmosphere. Its altitude is lower than the other resorts, so conditions can be more variable at the very beginning or end of the season. The resort's extensive snowmaking system, however, keeps the main slopes in good shape most winters.

A Challenge Above Argentière

At the far end of the valley, Les Grands Montets rise high above the glaciers. This is where the terrain becomes steeper, longer, and more demanding. For confident intermediates, it is the perfect place to push your limits and experience the scale of the mountain. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy it, but being at ease on red runs makes the experience far more rewarding.

Finding Your Place

Each ski area in Chamonix has its own rhythm and character. The choice depends less on skill than on feeling, on the kind of terrain you like, the pace you enjoy, and the view you want to have in front of you. From the gentle slopes in town to the high ridges above Argentière, there is always a place that matches your level and your mood.

Our role at Skibex is simply to help you find it and guide you to the right terrain at the right moment.

Ski areas and resorts in the Chamonix valley