How big is Chamonix?
Chamonix has 150 pistes served by 47 lifts — 11th for pistes of the 15 resorts we track in France. On lifts it ranks 8th of the 15.
Chamonix resort guide
Haute-Savoie, France
Birthplace of extreme skiing and home to the legendary Vallée Blanche
Chamonix at a glance
150
Pistes
47
Lifts
3,842m
Top
1,035m
Base
2,807m
Vertical
NCY
Nearest airport, 60 km
15% beginner25% intermediate60% advanced
Chamonix is the ultimate destination for serious skiers and snowboarders, offering some of the most challenging terrain in the Alps.
Your questions about Chamonix, answered
How high is Chamonix?
The lifts run from 1035m at the base to 3842m at the top, a vertical of 2807m. Of the 15 resorts we track in France, that is the highest, with the biggest vertical.
Is Chamonix good for beginners or experts?
The pistes at Chamonix split 15% beginner, 25% intermediate and 60% advanced, against an average of 27% beginner and 32% advanced across the resorts we track in France.
On those numbers it suits confident skiers and riders looking for steep terrain.
For off-piste, our guide documents 9 zones at Chamonix, with the lift to take and the avalanche risk for each.
When is the ski season at Chamonix?
Over the last ten winters Chamonix has typically held skiable snow at mid-mountain from around 11 November to 11 June, about 214 days.
January is the best all-round month on the record, with an average base of 183cm, 134cm of new snow and 5.8 bluebird days.
Month-by-month snow history →What is the nearest airport to Chamonix?
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Annecy Meythet (NCY), 60km away in a straight line. Geneva (GVA), Switzerland is 68km, Chambéry Aix les Bains (CMF) is 83km. Road distances are longer, often much longer in the mountains, and the nearest airport is not always the one with the most flights.
How much is a lift pass at Chamonix?
A 6-day adult Chamonix Le Pass costs €360 for 2025/26, or €60 a day. For value it ranks 13th of the 15 resorts we price in France.
Full lift pass prices and history →Airports near Chamonix
Airports with scheduled flights, nearest first. Distances are straight-line; by road they are longer, and in the mountains often much longer.
- Annecy MeythetNCY60 km
- GenevaGVA68 km · major airport
- Chambéry Aix les BainsCMF83 km
Travel time to Chamonix
Pick the airport you fly from for an estimate of the journey to the resort.
- Fly to Annecy Meythet (NCY)Quickest
- Flight
- 1h 40m · 781 km
- Transfer by road
- 1h 15m · 81 km
- Total
- ≈ 2h 55m
- Fly to Geneva (GVA)
- Flight
- 1h 35m · 754 km
- Transfer by road
- 1h 25m · 92 km
- Total
- ≈ 3h
- Fly to Chambéry Aix les Bains (CMF)
- Flight
- 1h 40m · 798 km
- Transfer by road
- 1h 45m · 112 km
- Total
- ≈ 3h 25m
Estimates from straight-line distances, not timetables: flights at typical cruising speed plus taxi and climb, transfers at an average 65 km/h by road. They leave out check-in and baggage time, and mountain roads in snow can take much longer. Check with airlines and transfer companies before booking.
Chamonix lift pass 2025/26
€3606-day adult Chamonix Le Pass · ≈£309
€60 per day · 2.5 km of piste per € · #13 of 15 for value in France
Dynamic pricing — book early for lower prices
76value scoreGreat value
Chamonix piste map
We publish a piste map only once we have checked it against the lift company's own file, and we do not yet have a verified map for Chamonix. Most resorts release the new season's map between October and December, so this page will fill in as winter approaches. In the meantime, Chamonix has 150 pistes and 47 lifts, running from 1,035m to 3,842m.
Why go to Chamonix
- World-class extreme skiing terrain
- Iconic Vallée Blanche glacier run
- Stunning Mont Blanc views
- Excellent off-piste opportunities
- Rich skiing history and culture
- Year-round glacier skiing
Things to know
- Very challenging terrain - not beginner friendly
- Can be crowded during peak season
- Weather can be unpredictable
- Expensive accommodation and dining
- Limited beginner terrain
- Requires advanced skiing skills
Skiing and snowboarding Chamonix by ability
Beginners
Chamonix is NOT recommended for beginners. The resort has very limited beginner terrain and most slopes are challenging. If you're a beginner, consider starting at a more beginner-friendly resort like La Plagne or Les Arcs first.
Intermediates
Intermediate skiers should be cautious at Chamonix. While there are some intermediate runs, the resort is primarily known for advanced and expert terrain. Consider taking lessons and stick to marked intermediate pistes.
Advanced
Chamonix is a paradise for advanced skiers! The resort offers some of the most challenging terrain in the Alps, including the legendary Vallée Blanche, extensive off-piste opportunities, and steep couloirs. Perfect for experienced skiers seeking adventure.
Our take on Chamonix
Food & dining
Après-ski
Price level
Luxury
Facilities
Official resort website: chamonix.com
More on Chamonix
- Chamonix snow reportLive conditions, snow depth and the 7-day forecast by elevation
- Chamonix snow historyTen seasons of snowfall, snow depth, powder days and when the season ends
- Chamonix lift pass pricesDay and week pass prices, how they have changed, and value for money
- Chamonix off-piste guideWhere the powder is, which lift to take and the avalanche risk
- Chamonix off-piste guidesMountain guides and schools offering off-piste, touring and heli-skiing here.
- Ski resorts in FranceLive snow reports and a map of resorts, cities and airports in France
Ski resorts near Chamonix
- Flaine16 km
- Courmayeur, Italy17 km
- La Thuile, Italy24 km
- Avoriaz30 km
- Verbier, Switzerland33 km
- Les Saisies33 km
Distances are straight-line, not by road.