Argentiere

Nestled below the Grands Montets in the Chamonix Valley, Argentière provides a great base from which to explore the area’s legendary off piste terrain.

weather Forecast today: Clear skies

Max temp: 0.6 °c
Min temp: -5.2 °c
Last snowed: Sun 07 Dec

Last Updated: Tue 30 Dec

weather Forecast today: Clear skies

Max temp: 0.6 °c
Min temp: -5.2 °c
Last snowed: Sun 07 Dec

Last Updated: Tue 30 Dec

21%Beginner

31%Intermediate

48%Advanced

Access to arguably the best ski area in the Chamonix Valley – the Grands Montets – is incredibly easy.

This area is home to some of the world’s finest lift served off piste, but there is also a beginner zone and some decent slopes for intermediates. The old village of Argentière is a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of Chamonix.

It is much quieter but there are still plenty of hotels, bars and restaurants to choose from. Access to the ski area at the head of the valley at La Tour is very easy, but you have to rely on a bus service which is not that reliable, or drive yourself to the lift station.

Beginner
Fast lifts
Intermediate
Resort Activities
Advanced
Aprés
Snow
Value

Pros and cons

Access to world class off piste
Incredible scenery at the foot of Mont Blanc
Quiet village but the bustle of Chamonix is nearby if you want more
Extremely quick access from Geneva – this is a great resort for weekend breaks

Not a good resort for beginners and quite limited for intermediates
Reaching the valley’s different mountains can take time and bus system isn’t great
Exposed in bad weather
Fire damage to Grands Montets cable car means it is out of action

On the Slopes

The local slopes of the Grands Montets are ideal for advanced and expert skiers, but there are also some more gentle slopes for beginners and intermediates. The other resort sectors – Brévent, Flégère, Les Houches and the Domaine de Balme – are similar in that much of the terrain is difficult, particularly up high, but there are still some easier pistes for those with less experience behind them.

For Beginners

Although the piste map has very little for beginners, the slopes immediately above Lognan are gentle and the new Tabé chairlift serves a good blue on which to progress. For absolute beginners, there are better choices – such as the Trappe zone at Flégère and the 2000 zone at Brévent.

For Intermediates

Some decent intermediate cruising is on offer on the Grands Montets, but the main pistes can prove to be crowded at times. Longer runs are available under the Parsa chair at Brévent, in the Domaine du Balme or at Les Houches – the latter of which is perfect in bad weather when the trees add contrast during a whiteout.

For Advanced/Expert & Off Piste

Over half of the marked routes on the Grands Montets are rated black, so before you even add in the off piste the area’s credentials for advanced and expert skiers are clear. The closure of the upper cable car does make a difference however, reducing the options this winter. In the other sectors, the C. Bozon trail at Brèvent and the Floria route at Flégère are definitely worth trying.

Off piste options are almost limitless, especially with a mountain guide.

Argentière Resort

Compared to its bustling neighbour, Argentière is definitely quieter. That being said, it is not devoid of life and there is a decent collection of small shops and restaurants along the main street beyond the station. Chamonix is only a short hop away so head there if you’re looking for nightlife, a wider choice of restaurants and some really good shopping.

For Families

As a base in the valley this is a good option and things are much quieter than in the main town of Chamonix. Access to beginner skiing zones can be difficult as the local one up the Grands Montets is not ideal for early learners. The valley has some good activities away from skiing, including a popular alpine coaster and dog-sledding.

For Après

Although the terrace at Lognan is a good spot for a post ski beer, head to Chamonix for your après fix. Numerous bars line the streets of central Chamonix, particularly on the Avenue Michel Croz and the Rue du Dr Paccard and these do get lively after the lifts close. Nightlife often continues into the small hours but be prepared to get a taxi back to Argentière.

Getting to Argentiere

The Chamonix Valley is incredibly accessible from Geneva airport, with transfers generally taking under an hour and a half, traffic dependent. Public buses also run the same route, although travel times extend to two and a half hours and the spread out nature of the valley lends itself to having a car. The drive from the UK is also one of the shortest around, expect to be on the road from Calais for about 10 hours.

Geneva airport: 1.5 hours (driving/transfer) or 2.5 (public bus)
Chambéry airport: 2 hours (driving)
Calais: approximately 10 hours driving (559 miles)

Ski Pass Prices & Season Dates

Season Dates

The Chamonix Mont Blanc ski area employs a wide variety of opening and closing dates for its various ski areas:

Opens:
- 30 November – Grand Montets & La Balme (Potential for 24 November if conditions allow)
- 7 December – Brevent
- 21 December – Vallorcine & Les Houches

- Closes:
  - 6 April – Les Houches
  - 14 April – Vallorcine & La Balme
  - 21 April – Brevent
  - 27 April – Grand Montets

Lift Pass Prices

Updated for 2024/25

For full details see the resort’s website and note that these dates are subject to change. The Ski Club’s expert info &advice team are also on hand to help – call 020 8410 2009

The Chamonix Le Pass covers the Grands Montets (except the cable car to the top), the Domaine du Balme and Brèvent-Flégère. For those looking to visit Courmayeur in Italy, Les Houches, the Aiguille du Midi, St Gervais and Megève, the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass is the pass to choose – this also throws in a day at Crans Montana, too. Note that these prices may change, so check with the resort’s website for the latest or give the Ski Club’s expert info & advice team a call on 020 8410 2009.

*Day passes for both high season (16 December to 29 March) and low season (all other dates) have not been confirmed by the resort but are expected to be in the band displayed.

Category	Day Ticket	3 Days	6 Days
Chamonix Le Pass
Adult (15-64)	c. €50 – 70*	€183	€334
Child (5-14)	c. €45 – 60*	€155.60	€283.90
Senior (65-79)	c. €45 – 60*	€155.60	€283.90
Veteran (80+)	c. €45 – 60*	€91.50	€167
Mont Blanc Unlimited
Adult (15-64)	€64 – €90	€97.30 – €250	€176.90 – €487
Child (5-14)	€54.40 – €76.50	€82.70 – €212.50	€150.40 – €367.20
Senior (65-79)	€54.40 – €76.50	€82.70 – €212.50	€150.40 – €367.20

Green Credentials

Ski Club Recognised: Environmentally Sustainable Resort

The Ski Club uses third party independent assessments and accreditation of ski resorts to determine a resort “environmentally sustainable – more information can be found here.

As part of the French Flocon Vert (tr. Green Snowflake) scheme, Argentiere – as part of the wider Chamonix Valley resort area – has been awarded two snowflakes out of a possible three, representing significant investment in resources to reduce its environmental impact. Flocon Vert is an independent scheme operated by Mountain Riders, which accredits resorts in France who have met twenty criteria based on environmental, social and economic sustainability; only a quarter of Flocon Vert recipients have been awarded two snowflakes – no area has been awarded three.

Argentiere & Chamonix was accredited in 2013, renewed in 2017 and again in 2020
Special focus was paid to educational measures taken by the resort
The reduction in emissions and transition plan away from fossil fuels has been particularly praised by the Flocon Vert scheme

Full Details (In French)

Argentiere Piste Map

Argentiere FATMAP

Top (3275m)

	Tue 30 Dec			Wed 31 Dec			Thu 1 Jan			Fri 2 Jan			Sat 3 Jan			Sun 4 Jan			Mon 5 Jan			Tue 6 Jan			Wed 7 Jan			Thu 8 Jan
	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night
Weather	Clear skies	Clear skies	Clear skies	Clear skies	Clear skies	Clear skies	Clear skies	Generally clear	Clear skies	Clear skies	Generally clear	Broken clouds	Occasional snow	Occasional snow	Occasional snow	Generally clear	Mainly fair	Mainly fair	Generally clear	Snow grains	Occasional snow	Rather cloudy	Occasional snow	Snow grains	Occasional snow	Occasional snow	Occasional snow	Light snow	Occasional snow	Occasional snow
Wind
Snow expected	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm	0.1 cm	0.6 cm	2.1 cm	2.1 cm	2 cm	1.7 cm	1.9 cm	1.6 cm	1.1 cm	0.7 cm	0.6 cm	0.4 cm	1 cm	0.6 cm	0.8 cm	1.5 cm	3.8 cm	2.6 cm	3.6 cm	4 cm
Max temp	-7.3°c	-7.3°c	-13°c	-10.2°c	-10.1°c	-13.5°c	-9°c	-9°c	-13.8°c	-9.8°c	-9.7°c	-13.1°c	-11°c	-10.9°c	-13.2°c	-12.4°c	-12.4°c	-16°c	-13.6°c	-13.6°c	-17.6°c	-13.8°c	-13.8°c	-17.2°c	-13.2°c	-13.2°c	-15.5°c	-10.6°c	-10.6°c	-12.6°c
Min temp	-10.9°c	-13°c	-14.3°c	-15.2°c	-14°c	-14°c	-13.9°c	-13.8°c	-14.3°c	-14.6°c	-13.1°c	-13.4°c	-13.2°c	-13.2°c	-14.6°c	-15.8°c	-16°c	-17.1°c	-17.4°c	-17.8°c	-17.8°c	-18°c	-17.5°c	-17.5°c	-17.3°c	-16.1°c	-16.1°c	-13.6°c	-12.8°c	-13°c
Feels like temp	-10.8°c	-7.3°c	-13°c	-15.1°c	-10.2°c	-14°c	-13.8°c	-9°c	-13.8°c	-14.6°c	-9.8°c	-13.1°c	-13.1°c	-11°c	-13.2°c	-15.7°c	-12.4°c	-16°c	-17.4°c	-13.6°c	-17.8°c	-18°c	-13.8°c	-17.5°c	-17.3°c	-13.2°c	-22.1°c	-18.5°c	-15.6°c	-17.9°c