Grands Montets (Chamonix)

Grands Montets rises from 1,252 metres in Argentière village to 3,295 metres on the Aiguille des Grands Montets, delivering 2,043 metres of vertical drop across 29 kilometres of piste and 16 marked runs. The ski area spans three mountainsides above the Argentière Glacier, with terrain split into 21 per cent beginner, 31 per cent intermediate, 40 per cent advanced and 8 per cent expert. Its north-facing aspect and high-altitude glacial terrain guarantee snow preservation from late November through early May, consistently making it the first Chamonix area to open and the last to close.

The area operates under both Chamonix Le Pass and Mont Blanc Unlimited, though only the latter includes access to the summit installations. Six black runs descend from the upper stations, including the technical Point de Vue and Les Pylônes pistes, whilst intermediate terrain fans out across the Lognan plateau at 1,972 metres. Off-piste options dominate the experience, with Combe de la Pendant and the Magic Forest tree runs attracting freeriders from across Europe.

Argentière village at 1,250 metres retains its mountain authenticity, with an 18th-century baroque church and traditional alpine architecture anchoring a quieter alternative to central Chamonix 8 kilometres down-valley. The resort sits directly beneath the 4,122-metre Aiguille Verte and the sprawling Argentière Glacier, creating one of the most dramatic high-mountain settings in the French Alps. On-mountain facilities include restaurants at Lognan mid-station and boardercross terrain accessed from the Marmottons chairlift.

Grands Montets forms part of the broader Chamonix valley network but operates as a standalone area requiring road or rail connections to neighbouring sectors. The 2018 fire destroyed the original summit cable cars, temporarily limiting access to the highest terrain until December 2026, when architect Renzo Piano's €155 million replacement system reopens the glacial summit. The area suits confident intermediates through expert skiers, with limited appeal for pure beginners despite dedicated learning zones at Plan Joran.