You're looking for the best ski area, and your peregrinations have led you to wonder about the Grands Montets ski area. Why is it called "the mythical ski area"? And can it be enjoyed in any season other than winter? We'll answer all these questions on this page.
Grands Montets ski area from an altitude of 1,235 metres
In winter, the Grands Montets ski area stretches from 1,235 to 3,300 meters above sea level. The result is an impressive vertical drop, surrounded by glaciers and breathtaking scenery.
The slopes are spread over three sides of the mountain - the Glacier d'Argentière, Lognan and Pendant - each of which offers skiing challenges of varying difficulty. Between the village of Lognan and the village of Pendant, for example, you'll find some easy runs that will suit skiers who prefer an easy descent to the more challenging runs. As for the more experienced skiers, they can climb to the highest point of the Grands Montets and take their chances on the Point de Vue run, on the Rognons glacier which descends to the Argentière glacier, and the Pylônes run, which passes on either side of the Col des Rachasses.
Practical winter information
You can reach the resort from Chamonix by following the road to Argentière and then taking a cable car or gondola up to the foot of the slopes, or even directly to the top of some single runs.
Open from December 8 to May1, with a full season from February 3 to May1 and a snow-conditioned season from December 8 to 22, you can take advantage of daily rates for the Grands Montets ranging from €29.50 to €36.50, depending on whether you want to use the gondola or the slopes back down to Argentière. A family pass for two adults and two young people is available at 113.10€, and offers up to 3 additional children from the same family a free return ticket.
Magnificent scenery in the mountain sunshine
The Grands Montets ski area is also open in summer! With views of Les Drus, Les Aiguilles rouges and Mont Blanc, you can be sure of some exceptional hiking. You'll be able to observe Europe's largest glaciers at close quarters, and will certainly leave satisfied with your excursions.
The little plus? Part of the mountain remains a groomed ski area, even in midsummer! Discover the snow garden at the top of the Grands Montets cable car, and enjoy winter sports in the height of summer.
Practical summer information
Once again, the resort can be reached from Chamonix's neighboring town of Argentière via a cable car that takes you directly to Lognan. From here, there are several hiking routes, or a second cable car that takes you directly to the summit of Grands Montets, at the foot of the 4,121-meter-high Aiguille Verte.
The hiking area is open from June 16 to September 9, subject to favorable weather conditions. Prices are pretty much the same as in winter, with a round-trip cable car ticket at €36.50 and a family pass at €113.10 for two adults and two children, and up to three free passes for three additional children in the same family. Children under 5 are free.
Hotel Les Aiglons
Located in the heart of Chamonix, the les Aiglons hotel is ideally situated for access to the Grands Montets ski area, as well as Brévent-Flégère, Balme Vallorcine and Les Houches. Never ski in the same place twice when you book at the Hotel des Aiglons! This way, you can visit the Grands Montets in its entirety, in summer and winter alike, and discover the other ski areas afterwards!
