Skiing in Chamonix: ski areas

At the foot of the mountains, between 1,030 and 2,525 metres above sea level, lies the Brévent-Flégère ski area in the town of Chamonix. This ski area is in first place because it is the largest. The Brévent-Flégère ski area boasts 56km of pistes and 17 lift systems.

On the Brévent side, the slopes are aimed more at more experienced skiers and snowboarders looking for a thrill. There is a freestyle area and a team of instructors. On the Flégère side, the slopes are steeper and therefore faster. These are for the more experienced skiers who want to test their speed limits. At the bottom of the ski area, there is a "beginners and easy skiing" area for younger skiers and snowboarders.

The Brévent-Flégère ski area caters for all levels of skier and snowboarder, and is sure to please all winter sports fans.

Situated between 1,000 and 1,900 metres above sea level, the Les Houches-Saint-Gervais-Prarion ski area is right in the middle of the mountains, in the pretty town of Chamonix. This time, there are 55km of pistes and 15 lift systems. A favourite destination for many winter sports fans, you can enjoy magnificent views of Mont Blanc.

There are four black runs, including "La Verte des Houches", thirteen red runs, eight blue runs, two green runs and a snowpark. With so many pistes, skiers and snowboarders of all levels have found their favourite terrain.

Every Les Houches-Saint-Gervais-Prarion ski pass includes access to the famous Mont Blanc tramway.

Situated between 1,000 and 1,900 metres above sea level, the Les Houches-Saint-Gervais-Prarion ski area is right in the middle of the mountains, in the pretty town of Chamonix. This time, there are 55km of pistes and 15 lift systems. A favourite destination for many winter sports fans, you can enjoy magnificent views of Mont Blanc.

There are four black runs, including "La Verte des Houches", thirteen red runs, eight blue runs, two green runs and a snowpark. With so many pistes, skiers and snowboarders of all levels have found their favourite terrain.

Every Les Houches-Saint-Gervais-Prarion ski pass includes access to the famous Mont Blanc tramway.

The Grands-Montets-Argentière ski area lies between 1,252 and 2,765 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest resorts in Chamonix. Here you can enjoy 29km of pistes and 7 lift systems, as well as breathtaking views of the Mont-Blanc massif. The pistes are spread over three slopes: the Agentière, Lognan and Pendant glaciers. There are adapted slopes and off-piste runs for the more experienced skiers. A snowpark is also available if you're a freestyle enthusiast. If you want to enjoy the Grands-Montets-Argentière ski area, you'll need to have been practising these sports for several years.

The Balme-Les Autannes-Vallorcine ski area in Chamonix lies at an altitude of between 1,453 and 2,250 metres. There are 29 km of pistes and 13 lift systems.

Here, the wide pistes face the pretty Chamonix valley. On the Vallorcine side, they are lost among the fir forests close to the Swiss border. A slalom course has recently been added for skiers of all abilities, with the option of timing your run. What's more, if you wish, you can also pick up the video of your descent once you've reached the bottom.

Nestling between 1,062 and 1,249 metres above sea level, the Les Planards ski area in Chamonix has 2.5 km of pistes and 4 lift systems.

Four pistes are open in winter, including one red, one blue and two green. Open to beginners and more experienced skiers alike, this ski area is ideal for a family holiday. There's also a conveyor belt, gondola and children's play area, so you can enjoy a leisurely slide. There's also a toboggan run for the young and old alike.