The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
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.
1513m
Vertical
16
Runs
29 km
Piste
0m
Annual snow
The Terrain
16 runs across 29 km of piste
Grands Montets (Chamonix) spreads 16 runs across 29 km of piste of terrain. It leans advanced at 40%, with 3 beginner runs to find your feet and 7 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
16
runs
16 runs across 4 grades
Beginner3 runs · 21%
Intermediate5 runs · 31%
Advanced6 runs · 40%
Expert1 run · 8%
Time it right
When to visit Grands Montets (Chamonix)
The 2025-2026 season runs from 29 November 2025 through 3 May 2026, delivering a 155-day operating window that consistently outlasts other Chamonix areas by several weeks. Grands Montets typically opens in early December and extends into early May thanks to its exceptional altitude range and predominantly northwest exposure. The resort holds the distinction of being both first to open and last to close in the Chamonix valley each winter.
Snow reliability stems from the 3,300-metre summit elevation and north-facing glacial terrain, which preserves powder quality when lower resorts deteriorate. Average seasonal snowfall totals 461 centimetres, with summit snow depth averaging 2 metres at mid-season and base depths maintaining 1 metre through spring. March delivers peak accumulation, averaging 224 centimetres at the top and 109 centimetres at base elevations, though the shaded slopes receive limited afternoon sun from December through February.
January through March offers optimal powder conditions and full terrain access, whilst December requires patience as early-season coverage builds over rocky glacial sections and open crevasses. Late-season skiing from April into May attracts freeriders seeking corn snow and extended daylight, with temperatures warming but snow quality preserved at altitude. The resort's climate creates extremely cold morning temperatures during mid-winter, maintaining exceptional snow quality whilst other areas thaw.
The area hosts the Chamonix Unlimited Festival at season's end, typically staged as a major freeride closing party in late April. Limited programming exists compared to larger resorts, with the focus remaining on pure mountain terrain rather than events calendars. Artificial snowmaking covers lower slopes including the Pierre à Ric piste, ensuring valley-level access throughout the season regardless of natural accumulation.
Season 2025-2026
29 Nov 2025
Opens
3 May 2026
Closes
155
Days open
Getting there
Getting to Grands Montets (Chamonix), and where to stay
Grands Montets occupies the northern Chamonix valley in the Haute-Savoie département of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, with Argentière village sitting at 1,250 metres beneath the Aiguille Verte and Argentière Glacier. The ski area lies 8 kilometres north of Chamonix town centre, positioned at the upper end of the Arve valley within the Mont Blanc massif. Surrounding peaks include the 4,122-metre Aiguille Verte, Les Droites and Les Drus, creating an amphitheatre of 4,000-metre summits enclosing the glacial terrain.
Argentière functions as the base village, retaining authentic mountain character with traditional chalets, local guides' families and a baroque church dating from 1724. Chamonix lies 8 kilometres south via the valley floor, accessible in 15 minutes by road or 16 minutes on the Mont Blanc Express railway. The hamlet of Le Tour sits 5 kilometres north, whilst Vallorcine marks the valley's northern extremity near the Swiss border.
Road access follows the Route Départementale 1506 through the Chamonix valley, connecting to the A40 Autoroute Blanche at junction 21 near Passy. Drive time from Geneva measures 88 kilometres, typically requiring 75 to 90 minutes via the motorway through Cluses and Sallanches. The route involves two French péage points totalling approximately €6, with an optional Swiss vignette costing CHF 40 if using the faster Geneva airport autoroute routing.
Geneva Airport provides the primary international gateway, positioned 88 kilometres northwest with direct bus services taking 75 minutes and private transfers requiring similar journey times. Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport lies 220 kilometres south, whilst Chambéry Airport offers seasonal ski charter access. The Mont Blanc Express narrow-gauge railway connects Argentière station to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le-Fayet in 55 minutes, with onward TGV connections to Paris and regional links via Martigny into Switzerland.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Grands Montets (Chamonix), powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
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17 Sept 2026
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16 Sept 2026
Hintertux Glacier Replaces 40-Year-Old Gondola to Tuxer Fernerhaus
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16 Sept 2026
FIS Weighs Holding World Championships in Almost Every Winter, Starting 2032
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Mount Buller Becomes Latest Australian Resort to Call Time Early on 2026
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4 Sept 2026
Tremblant to Add New Timber Summit Ski Sector for 2027/28 Season
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2 Sept 2026
Mount Hotham to Close for the 2026 Season on Sunday, September 6
We knew when the Bird Bath Pond Skim showed up on Hotham's Instagram that the season was on its way out. It's been a rough one - I only managed two days on snow all year, at Falls Creek - and now Baw Baw, Selwyn and Hotham have all called it, possibly the worst Australian season I've seen in a decade. Hotham's last day of lift operations is Sunday, 6 September, with a Retro Day, Father's Day après and closing sales before the lifts stop turning for good.
1 Sept 2026
Thredbo to Replace Ageing Gunbarrel Quad With New Six-Seat Chairlift for 2028
Thredbo Alpine Resort has confirmed plans to replace its 37-year-old Gunbarrel quad chairlift with a new six-seat Doppelmayr D-Line, targeting winter 2028. The AUD 35 million project will keep travel time roughly the same but lift capacity from 2,800 to 3,000 skiers per hour. It's part of a broader investment push that also includes doubled snowmaking capacity at Friday Flat for 2027, with the ageing Kosciuszko Express now flagged as the resort's next major lift replacement after Gunbarrel.
31 Aug 2026
Grands Montets (Chamonix) Webcams
4 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.
About Grands Montets (Chamonix)'s live webcams
Check live conditions across Grands Montets (Chamonix) with 4 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.
Camera guide
- Bochard - Grands Montets Live Cam1972m
- Experience the legendary extreme skiing terrain of Chamonix through this essential Grands Montets webcam positioned at the heart of the resort at 1972 meters elevation. This Grands Montets live cam captures the dramatic Plateau de Lognan area, showcasing the challenging off-piste terrain that makes this venue famous among freeriders worldwide. Monitor current snow conditions and visibility through this live snow cam before tackling some of the Alps' most demanding skiing, including access to the renowned Vallée Blanche glacier descent.
- Grands Montets - Lognan return Pendant Live Cam2200m
- Witness the arrival action at one of the Alps' most spectacular lift stations through this commanding Grands Montets webcam positioned at the Pendant chairlift return at 2200 meters elevation. This strategic Grands Montets web cam provides crucial visibility information for advanced skiers preparing to explore the resort's legendary steep terrain and off-piste routes. Check current mountain conditions and lift operations through this live snow cam while planning your descent through some of Chamonix's most challenging and rewarding skiing terrain.
- Grands Montets - Car park Live Cam1250m
- Monitor arrival conditions and parking availability through this practical Grands Montets webcam positioned overlooking the main car park in Argentière at 1250 meters elevation. This essential Grands Montets live cam helps visitors gauge resort activity levels and parking availability before making the journey to this world-renowned extreme skiing destination. Perfect for timing your arrival, this live cams footage shows current base area conditions and vehicle access to one of the Alps' most challenging ski areas.
- Argentière-View of Mont Blanc Live Cam1250m
- Capture breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif and the iconic Aiguille du Midi through this spectacular Grands Montets webcam located at the Argentière Tourist Office at 1250 meters elevation. This stunning Grands Montets snowcam showcases the dramatic high-alpine environment surrounding the resort, with the mighty Mont Blanc providing a spectacular backdrop to your extreme skiing adventure. Monitor current weather and visibility conditions through this Grands Montets live snow cam while planning your assault on some of Europe's most legendary off-piste terrain.
Grands Montets (Chamonix) snow cams FAQ
How often do Grands Montets (Chamonix) snow cams update?
All Grands Montets (Chamonix) snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at Grands Montets (Chamonix).
Which Grands Montets (Chamonix) webcam shows the best powder conditions?
The high-elevation Grands Montets - Lognan return Pendant Live Cam webcam at 2,200m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These Grands Montets (Chamonix) webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
Can I see Grands Montets (Chamonix) lift queues on the webcams?
Yes. Multiple Grands Montets (Chamonix) snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
When is the best time to check Grands Montets (Chamonix) snow cams?
Check Grands Montets (Chamonix) webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
How can I check current conditions before buying Grands Montets (Chamonix) lift tickets?
Use our Grands Montets (Chamonix) webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
Do Grands Montets (Chamonix) webcams work on mobile devices?
Yes. All Grands Montets (Chamonix) snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.
More Grands Montets (Chamonix) intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.