© T. Humpage
Chamonix winter 2018/19 opening dates
Partial opening over the weekends from November 17th 2018
The Compagnie du Mont Blanc has announced the opening dates for the Chamonix Valley ski areas this winter season 2018/19. The great news is that all but the top of Les Grands Montets – and the Panoramic Mont Blanc – will be open this winter.
Right after the fire that ravaged the Lognan mid-station at Les Grands Montets earlier this month, the Compagnie du Mont Blanc promptly announced their intention to open the ski area this winter. They have now confirmed that this will be the case, as the Plan Joran gondola will take skiers and snowboarders up the mountain from Argèntiere while the Herse, Tabé and Retour Pendant chairlifts, as well as the Bochard lift, will be open. The Pierre à Ric home run will also be skiable this winter.
They aim to start running the lifts on November 17th 2018 for a partial opening during weekends only, with the full opening taking place on December 7th 2018, depending on snow conditions. The top of Grands Montets will, unfortunately, be unreachable by lift this season, but the Compagnie du Mont Blanc is working with local guides and associations to create a series of ski touring routes so that experienced skiers and snowboarders can access the vast off-piste terrain on offer from the 3,300m summit.
Aiguille du Midi
The legendary Aiguille du Midi cable car has suffered continuous closings this summer due to problems with the bearing cable. Shut since mid-September, the Compagnie du Mont Blanc has announced that it will open again for the winter season, providing access to a vast high-mountain terrain including the mythical Vallée Blanche off-piste route.
Other Chamonix Valley ski areas & attractions
Les Houches is the valley's other early bird, with its lifts set to start spinning on November 17th 2018 over the weekends only. Its full opening is scheduled for December 8th 2018, the same day as the Brévent-Flégère and Balme (Le Tour-Vallorcine) ski areas. The beginner Savoy, Vormaine and Planards ski areas will also be open this winter. The Montenvers train will take visitors from Chamonix to the Mer de Glace every day from November 5th, with the gondola and ice cave opening on December 15th. Finally, the Tramway du Mont Blanc will start running again on December 22nd.
Season & annual ski passes
Anyone who purchased their Mont Blanc Unlimited season or annual ski pass in the last three winters (2015/16, 2016/17 and 2017/18) will be able to buy their forfait at the same price as last season. They will also get a voucher for a 1-day ski pass in the Chamonix Valley, perfect for visitors, and one free entry to the town's new spa, QC Terme, valid from November 2018 to May 2019. Access to the wellness centre will actually be included in all ski passes for 3 days and more. We expect all ski pass prices to be announced very soon so keep an eye on our site.
