The Domaine de Balme area is situated at the top end of the Chamonix Valley; accessed by either of two gondolas, one based in the village of Le Tour and another from Vallorcine on the French/Swiss border.
Domaine de Balme Ski Lifts, Le Tour & Vallorcine
Connected ski areas & details of the lift system
The Charamillon Ski Area on the Le Tour side of the mountain consists of rich alpine meadows in the summer and wide and varied ski slopes in the winter, great for beginner/intermediates with some steeper slopes and wonderful off-piste in the tree-lined Tete de Balme area on the Vallorcine side. Le Tour has a higher proportion of drag lifts than the other areas in the valley, but these can mostly be avoided by taking the Autannes or the Tete de Balme chairlifts.
As well as the two gondolas, the Autannes chairlift also runs in the summer, taking hikers and mountain bikers up above 2,000m, just a short distance from the border with Switzerland. In winter it can sometimes be quicker to access this area by driving or taking the train to Vallorcine, as the majority of skiers head to Le Tour.
Directions
Le Tour & La Vormaine can be reached best by car, as the train only takes you as far as Montroc. It takes around 25 minutes to drive here from the centre of Chamonix, or alternatively you can take one of the local buses which will also take around 30 minutes from the town centre. You can travel to Vallorcine separately on the train and catch the gondola up from there to the main ski area which is a good idea if the car park at Le Tour is full.
When to come
Take a look at all the winter lift opening dates and timetables.
How to get passes
You can buy lift passes at the ticket office once you arrive, or buy a pass in advance on line. See all the Winter Lift Prices.
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Chamonix
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La Ginabelle Premium Residence
Family-friendly apartments with spa facilities in the heart of Chamonix
La Ginabelle offers cosy, alpine-style apartments, just steps from shops, restaurants and mountain adventures.
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Lyret Hotel
Mountain-inspired hotel, ideally located in the centre of Chamonix
Hotel Lyret blends Alpine charm with modern creativity, offering a unique stay where art and hospitality come together.
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Chamois Blanc Apartment Residence
Traditional Savoyard residence steps from the Aiguille du Midi cable car
Stay in the heart of Chamonix-Sud at Le Chamois Blanc, a charming residence close to shops, the train station and cable car.
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Faucigny Hotel
Smart, modern, boutique-style hotel in the town centre with spa facilities
Completely renovated in Scandinavian style, Le Faucigny is a charming small hotel in the town centre. Whether you're with family or friends or enjoying a romantic getaway, the hotel provides the ideal setting for a pleasant stay in the legendary Mont-Blanc valley.
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Pointe Isabelle Hotel
Good quality, modern accommodation in the centre of Chamonix
Ideally located, the hotel has 45 spacious, well appointed bedrooms with great views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges mountains.
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La Chaumiere Mountain Lodge
Scandinavian simplicity opposite the train stop for easy access to the whole valley
This mountain lodge enjoys a prime location just metres from the ski bus stop and local train station, with the town centre only a short walk away. Recently refurbished, it now features a smart, modern interior.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Vallée Blanche private guide
Full day private guided tour of the legendary off-piste Vallée Blanche
At the summit of the Aiguille du Midi you will find the Vallée Blanche!
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Tandem Paragliding
Soar above the Alps: tandem paragliding adventures for every age and skill level
Discover the unforgettable sensation of flying high above the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley on a tandem paragliding adventure. Whether it’s your first time in the air or you’re craving an adrenaline-fuelled experience, each flight is designed to showcase the Alps from their most spectacular angle.
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Haute Route ski tour
7 day ski tour from Chamonix to Zermatt
The winter Haute Route (or "high route") from Chamonix to Zermatt, is one of the most well know ski touring traverses in the world after Doctor Payot and his friends first skied the route in January 1924.
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Cinema VOX
English films and digital 3D equipped
Chamonix's own Cinema VOX is situated right in the centre of town, slightly tucked back on the Place Balmat (main square in the centre). There are three recently refurbished screens equipped with digital 3D projectors show the latest French and International films, as well as a number of premieres and specialist mountain-sports films.
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Photography workshop - "L'Art du Regard"
Inspiring half-day in nature, led by an award-winning photographer
Join an award-winning photographer for a half-day course focused on improving your observation, exploring light, and developing your photographic eye. This workshop is suitable for all levels, ages, and equipment types.
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VerticAlp funiculars and train
Just over the border to Switzerland you can journey up to the Emosson Dam
At the edge of the Franco-Swiss border lies the 'VerticAlp' experience, which is made up of a steep funicular, a panoramic train and a smaller funicular taking you up to the Emosson Dam.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Chamonix
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Big Mountain Basecamp Bar & Restaurant
Local craft beer, artisan pizzas and epic mountain views in the heart of Chamonix
Whether you’re hungry or thirsty after a day in the mountains, Big Mountain Basecamp has you covered. Come for fresh craft beer, a relaxed restaurant atmosphere, an on-site micro-brewery, a large sunny terrace, shady beer garden and a take-out beer shop.
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Le Spot Restaurant and Café
Takeaway at the Grands Montets mid-station, the perfect place for a quick snack
Le Spot, the mountain sandwich shop, is the perfect place for a break between runs. The Spot team now welcomes you below the Bochard gondola beside the drag ski lift station. Their “Maison des Drus” menu includes a large choice of snacks, sandwiches and burgers. Enjoy a snack to takeaway or just a drink to quench your thirst.
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Pointe Isabelle Bar and Bistro Restaurant
Central hotel with a stylish restaurant and bar popular with locals and holidaymakers alike
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
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La Piazza Restaurant
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel
Italian restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area with an outdoor terrace and fantastic views. If you're looking for authentic Italian pizza then try out La Piazza. It's right next to the nursery slopes at the Savoy and is the ideal place to refuel after a day skiing. Enjoy homemade pizzas and Apérol Spritz whilst admiring the mountains on their incredible terrace.
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Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
American cuisine, craft beers, cocktails, and homemade baked goods
Bighorn Bistro in Chamonix Sud is known for its homemade American-style comfort food, from stacked burgers to freshly baked desserts. You can pair your meal with a craft beer or one of their creative cocktails. With friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a favourite with both locals and visitors, offering generous portions, warm hospitality, and a menu that consistently delivers hearty, satisfying flavours after a day on the mountain or during a relaxed evening out.
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Les Ecuries de Charamillon Restaurant
Great food and good value on the slopes at Le Tour, beside the Chatelet piste
Located underneath the Autannes chairlift at Le Tour, this restaurant is one of the best mountain restaurants in the resort.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in Chamonix
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L'Amnesia Nightclub
Late night fun in this Chamonix nightclub located in the Chamonix Sud area
L'Amnesia (formally Le Garage) is ideally located near to the Aiguille du midi cable car in Cham'Sud and is a legendary Chamonix nightclub and melting pot for all the late night (and sometimes all-night) party-goers!
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Bighorn Bistro Bar
Craft ales, quirky cocktails, American cuisine and home cooked baked goods
At Bighorn in Chamonix, the food blends gourmet flair with comforting alpine soul. The menu offers dishes like succulent steaks grilled to perfection, smoky ribs, and hearty burgers — ideal after a day of skiing. Fresh salads, seasonal sides and crispy fries round out meals for a balanced touch. Locally sourced produce and fine cheeses enhance flavor and authenticity. For dessert, expect rich chocolate creations or creamy cheesecake. Whether you’re hungry for a filling dinner or a casual bite, Bighorn delivers.
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Brev'bar
Outdoor snack bar at the Brévent ski area with a sunny terrace and deckchairs
When altitude meets relaxation, Brev’Bar is the perfect place to pause, unwind, and soak up the beauty of the mountains. Ideally located on the Brévent slopes in the Chamonix valley, this welcoming bar offers skiers and sightseers alike a well-deserved break with front-row views of Mont Blanc.
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Big Mountain Basecamp Bar & Restaurant
Local craft beer, artisan pizzas and epic mountain views in the heart of Chamonix
Whether you’re hungry or thirsty after a day in the mountains, Big Mountain Basecamp has you covered. Come for fresh craft beer, a relaxed restaurant atmosphere, an on-site micro-brewery, a large sunny terrace, shady beer garden and a take-out beer shop.
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La Folie Douce Bar
The most famous mountain clubbing hotspot in the Alps comes to Chamonix
La Folie Douce in Chamonix is the ultimate destination for après-ski with a twist. Perched in the heart of the resort, its vibrant terrace provides panoramic mountain views that make every sip and every step feel unforgettable. From early afternoon onward, the lively atmosphere builds with energetic performers, live music, and DJ sets, creating a celebratory environment where guests can unwind, dance, and fully embrace the spirited, high-altitude party culture throughout the entire afternoon there.
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Le Janssen Cocktail Club
Folie Douce Hotel's cocktail bar next to the Savoy nursery ski area
Step into Le Janssen Cocktail Bar, where the glamour of the Roaring Twenties meets the charm of the Alps. With its Gatsby the Magnificent ambience, this elegant bar is the perfect spot to start a winter evening in style. Plush interiors, soft lighting, and tasteful décor create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere that invites you to relax, sip, and savour the moment.
Sights nearby
Sights in Chamonix
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Le Tour and Vallorcine, Chamonix Valley
Summer lifts giving you access to the Swiss border, hiking and MTB trails
Le Tour is a small, quaint little village at the far end of the Chamonix valley in the 'Domaine de la Balme' area with access to some great hiking and mountain bike trails.
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Maison de Barberine museum
Museum dedicated to life in the valley from ancient times to present day
Situated in an 18th century house, the Barberine museum is dedicated to showing pastoral life of the Vallorcine people in the valley since the 18th century.
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VerticAlp funiculars and train
Just over the border to Switzerland you can journey up to the Emosson Dam
At the edge of the Franco-Swiss border lies the 'VerticAlp' experience, which is made up of a steep funicular, a panoramic train and a smaller funicular taking you up to the Emosson Dam.
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Aiguille Rouge nature reserve
Walk amongst this protected natural area and enjoy beautiful scenery in the summer
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
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Les Grands Montets, Chamonix - Argentière
CLOSED SUMMER 2025 Head up to get great views of the Argentière glacier
The Plan Joran télécabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.
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La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
Cable car and chairlift giving access to lots of great hiking trails and Via Ferrata
In summer the cable car at Flégère and the Index chairlift operate, taking you up to an altitude of 1,894m and then on to 2,396m at the top of the Index.
























































