Grands Montets (Chamonix)

Grands Montets operates from November through May, consistently being the first Chamonix area to open and the last to close due to its exceptional altitude and north-facing glacial terrain that preserves snow quality throughout the extended season. The resort benefits from its predominantly northwest aspect and 3,300m elevation, ensuring reliable powder conditions from December through April, with peak snow depth averaging 79 inches at summit and excellent conditions maintained well into late season. Winter temperatures can be extremely cold in the mornings, with limited sunshine until mid-afternoon during January and February, but this challenging climate preserves exceptional snow quality when other areas deteriorate. The glacier terrain requires several metres of snowfall to establish safe coverage over crevasses, typically achieving optimal conditions by mid-to-late January when both on-piste and off-piste skiing reach their zenith.