Unparallelled backcountry snowboarding (always take a guide for off-piste), and 140 km of superb pistes, with an average annual snowfall of 9.6 m
There’s also two terrain parks (one at Les Houches and one at Les Grands Montets), though the natural terrain provides enough hits and kickers to keep you happy, especially at Flegere.
Snowboarding at Flegere
Regular free shuttle buses and trains run between the four areas, and each has its own character:
Brevent-Flegere
The south facing slopes have amazing Mont Blanc views and are great for mixed ability groups. Cat tracks make natural lips and there’s great powder runs in the bowls. Links to Brevent to form the largest area of Chamonix. More about Brevent-Flegere
Les Grands Montets:
Wild high mountain slopes with huge unpisted areas, and a terrain park. This is the place to be on a powder day, but you have to be up early! More on Les Grands Montets
Le Tour and Vallorcine:
Wide slopes near the Swiss border with natural half-pipes, relaxed powder and wonderful tree runs. More on Le Tour and Vallorcine
Les Houches:
Tree runs and great slopeside restaurants. A good place when there’s bad weather elswhere in the valley, but snowboarders should avoid the Bellevue lift which has a long flat spot at the top. More on Les Houches
For many snowboarders, the off-piste is the big draw at Chamonix, and classic runs like the Vallee Blanche, the Pas de Chevre, Les Jeurs and the Hotel face are wonderful on a snowboard. There are also several short tours which are very good for boarders such as the Col du Passon. Always take a qualified mountain guide for off-piste.
