A pleasant five to ten minute walk from the chalet, the sunny bowls and slopes of Flegere are deservedly popular, and it has no flat spots and very few narrow or green runs, so it’s excellent for snowboarders.
Flegere — Clouds below the Floria lift on a sunny day
Flegere has a massive variety of pistes, so it’s ideal for mixed ability groups. Beginners can find their feet in beautiful high mountain scenery on the easy greens of La Trappe, the more experienced can explore the vast natural playground of hits and kickers, and everyone can meet for Vin Chaud at the mid-station.
There’s very good off-piste to be had around the area (we recommend you take a guide for off-piste, or join a guided group). It’s a particularly great place after a big powder dump as it’s relatively uncrowded.
The Brévent/Flégère link creates an enormous ski area, all with spectacular views of Mont Blanc — especially the Mer de Glacé glacier from the top of the Index chair.
Particular favourites of ours are the huge, rolling, exhilarating red Crochus with its awe-inspiring views, which was where the photo at the top was taken, and the relaxing tree-lined curves of the newly re-modelled Evettes blue that takes you to the Liaison cable car.
At the base of Flegere
Brévent’s wide and varied pistes include some superb terrain. It’s another ideal place for a mixed group as there’s a well connected network of blues, with big sweeping reds above them. The spectacular “Charles Bozon” black run is another favourite of ours — the scenery that unfolds as you wind around the crags of the top is truly amazing. Those who’d rather not risk the descent can still take the top cable car up and have a coffee or lunch on the terrace of the Panorama restaurant.
Access to Flegere: Just a short walk from the chalet to the lift.
Access to Brevent: Linked to Flegere, or accessible from the base in Chamonix. It’s ten minutes drive and parking is one or two euros, or catch the free regular bus service. The bus is for best for Brevent as it’s an uphill walk from the train station.
Where to lunch:The best lunch option at Flegere is a sunny picnic in a nice spot — none of the on-slope restaurants are up to much. The Chavannes hut has a lovely spot but painfully slow service.
At Brevent, the lower, self service part of the Bergerie restaurant is the best value. The Panorama restaurant at the very top of Brevent (though not cheap) is worth splashing out on if it’s a clear day, especially as a treat for any non–skiing friends, as the view is really spectacular. The vin chaud is good here too.
When not to go: Flegere can get very slushy on hot spring afternoons.
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