First Time Skiing in Chamonix
Your complete guide to preparing your first ski day, from a local instructor who's helped hundreds of beginners take their first turns.
Planning your first ski day in Chamonix? As a local instructor at Skibex ski school who's taught hundreds of beginners, here's everything you need to know before your first day on the slopes.
This is your no-fluff guide to ski for the first time: what to rent, where to go, how much it costs, and how to make the most of your day.
Quick Checklist
- Ski equipment rented (skis, boots, poles, helmet)
- Beginner ski pass (~€27, bought on-site only)
- Carré Neige insurance (~€4/day, add it when buying your pass)
- 3-hour private lesson booked
- 3-layer outfit ready (no cotton!)
- Gloves, goggles or sunglasses, sunscreen
Rent Your Equipment the Night Before
Here's an insider tip: pick up your rental gear the evening before your ski day. Most rental shops in Chamonix don't charge extra if you collect after 5pm for the next day.
This gives you time to:
- Try on multiple boot sizes without rushing
- Get proper advice from the staff
- Walk around the shop to test the fit
What You'll Need to Rent
| Equipment | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Skis + boots + poles | ~€30/day |
| Helmet | ~€5/day |
| Total | ~€35/day |
Getting the Right Fit
Ski boots are everything. They're the connection between your body and your skis. Bad boots can ruin your entire day.
- Fit: Snug but not painful. Your toes should lightly touch the front when standing, but not be crushed
- Don't be shy: Try 3-4 different pairs if needed. Rental shops are used to this
- Socks: Wear ONE pair of thin ski socks. Never double up, it restricts blood flow and makes your feet colder
For skis: Beginners should use shorter skis (chin height). The shop will set this up for you.
For poles: When you hold them, your elbow should be at a 90° angle.
→ Find rental partners: Equipment Rental in Chamonix
What to Wear
Dressing right makes all the difference between an amazing day and a miserable one.
The 3-Layer System
| Layer | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Base layer | Wicks sweat away | Thermal top (merino or synthetic) |
| Mid layer | Insulation | Fleece or light down jacket |
| Outer layer | Wind & waterproof | Ski jacket and pants |
Golden rule: No cotton! Cotton absorbs sweat and stays wet, making you cold all day.
Don't Forget
- Gloves (bring a spare pair if possible)
- Goggles or sunglasses (goggles if snow is forecast)
- Sunscreen (the snow reflects UV, you'll burn even on cloudy days)
- Neck warmer or buff
- Helmet (essential for beginners)
→ Read our complete guide: How to Dress for Skiing
Where to Ski as a Beginner in Chamonix
Chamonix has two perfect beginner areas right in town, both accessible by foot or bus:
Le Savoy (Best for Complete Beginners)
Located at the foot of the Brévent cable car in central Chamonix.
- Free magic carpet (conveyor belt), no pass needed to start
- Two gentle drag lifts
- Very calm atmosphere, ideal for first-timers
- Easy meeting point for instructors
Les Planards
Near the Montenvers train station, slightly bigger area.
- 2 green slopes + 1 blue + 1 red
- Longer runs to build confidence
- Restaurant with terrace at the bottom
- Snow cannons ensure good conditions all season
Start at Le Savoy. Once you can stop and turn confidently, move to Le Brévent. The beginner area at the top of the resort is a bit more challenging.
→ Find exact locations: Meeting Points in Chamonix
Beginner Ski Pass
Good news: beginner passes are much cheaper than full mountain passes.
| Pass Type | Price | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner Pass (Adult) | ~€27/day | Le Savoy, Planards, Vormaine + beginner lifts in Brévent-Flégère |
| Beginner Pass (Child 5-14) | ~€23/day | Same areas |
| Children under 5 | Free | - |
The beginner pass also gives access to beginner lifts in Brévent-Flégère: télécabine Planpraz, TK2000 at Le Brévent, télécabine Flégère and télésiège Trappe at La Flégère.
Important: Beginner passes are only available at the ticket office (caisse), not online. During school holidays, arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to avoid queues.
Don't Skip the Insurance
When you buy your ski pass, the cashier will ask if you want to add Carré Neige insurance. The answer is yes.
For about €4 per day, Carré Neige covers:
- Rescue on the slopes (pisteurs, snowmobile)
- Helicopter evacuation if needed
- Transport to medical center
- Refund of your ski pass if you can't ski due to injury
Without insurance: A helicopter rescue costs €1,800 to €3,000. A basic slope rescue is around €430. French social security and travel insurance often don't cover these costs. €4 is a no-brainer.
Budget Overview
Here's what a first ski day realistically costs:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Equipment rental | €35 |
| Beginner ski pass | €27 |
| Carré Neige insurance | €4 |
| 3-hour private lesson | €260 (total for 1-4 people) |
| Lunch/snacks | €15 |
| Total (solo) | ~€341 |
| Total (group of 4) | ~€146/person |
The smart move: Share a private lesson with friends or family. Split between 4 people = €65/person for 3 hours of instruction.
Book a beginner lesson with Skibex: €260 for 1 to 4 people (3 hours), morning or afternoon.
View lesson options →Why You Need a Lesson (Yes, Really)
I've seen it hundreds of times: someone decides to "figure it out" or follow their ski-expert friend.
Here's what happens:
- They spend hours falling
- They develop bad habits that take years to fix
- They end up frustrated and never want to ski again
The truth: Being a good skier doesn't make someone a good teacher. Your expert friend doesn't remember what it's like to be a complete beginner.
A professional instructor will:
- Teach you proper technique from day one
- Keep you safe
- Get you skiing green runs by lunch
- Make it actually fun
One 3-hour lesson = weeks of self-teaching. It's the best investment you'll make.
Sample Day Schedule
Here's how I recommend structuring your first ski day:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:40 | Arrive at Le Savoy fully dressed, boots on, and get your pass |
| 08:55 | Meet your instructor |
| 09:00–12:00 | Private lesson (you'll be skiing green runs by the end!) |
| 12:00 | Lunch break |
| 13:00–15:00 | Practice what you learned (optional) |
| 15:30 | Return equipment, hot chocolate, done! |
Getting there: Take the bus fully equipped, ski boots on, skis in hand. It's completely normal in Chamonix. Don't bring a heavy backpack, use your jacket pockets for essentials. For 9am lessons, we may be able to pick you up from your accommodation (free, subject to availability).
5 Mistakes Every Beginner Makes (Avoid These)
1. Skipping the Lesson
"I'll just follow my friends" → You'll spend the day falling while they disappear down the mountain.
2. Wrong Boot Fit
Too loose = no control. Too tight = painful toes. Take time to get this right.
3. Wearing Cotton
Cotton + sweat = wet and freezing. Stick to synthetic or merino base layers.
4. Bringing a Heavy Backpack
You don't need it. Keep it light. Phone, sunscreen, cash in your pockets.
5. Starting on a "Real" Slope
Even green runs are too difficult for day one. Start on the flat beginner area with the magic carpet.
What About Bad Weather?
Here's something most people don't realize: bad weather is fine for beginners.
- Snowing? Fresh snow makes falls softer and less painful. It's actually more fun!
- Cloudy? You're on gentle slopes anyway, visibility isn't critical
- Cold? You'll warm up quickly once you start moving
- Light rain? Perfect excuse to test your ski gear and enjoy a hot bath afterwards
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be fit to ski? ▼
Not super fit, but basic fitness helps. If you can walk uphill for 15 minutes comfortably, you'll manage beginner skiing.
Can I rent equipment the day before? ▼
Yes! After 5pm, most shops don't charge extra. This is the smart way to do it. You'll have time to try on boots properly.
Is €260 for one person or the whole group? ▼
That's the total price for up to 4 people. Split between 4 = €65/person. Each additional person (max 6) is +€15.
Where do I buy the ski pass? ▼
At the ticket office (caisse) at Le Savoy or Les Planards. Beginner passes aren't available online.
What if I fall? ▼
You will fall. Everyone does. That's why we start on gentle slopes with soft snow. Wear a helmet and don't worry, falling is part of learning!
Can kids learn at the same time as adults? ▼
For children under 7, we recommend separate lessons, as the pace and teaching approach are very different from adults. Older children can sometimes join with parents, but the instructor will advise what works best.
Ready for Your First Ski Day?
Book a 3-hour beginner lesson: €260 for 1 to 4 people, morning or afternoon, meeting at Le Savoy or Les Planards.
Book your lesson →Helpful Links
- Private Lessons in Chamonix
- How to Dress for Skiing
- Ski Levels Explained
- Equipment Rental Partners
- Meeting Points
- Plan Your Trip
Enjoy your first turns in Chamonix!