© Chamchalet.co.uk
Beginner pistes accessible from the centre of Chamonix
Chamonix centre has two low altitude nursery ski areas which are easily accessible on foot or by bus, with bus stops right on the doorstep of each one.
Le Savoy is situated at the top end of town at the foot of the Brevent and Les Planards can be found just across the road from the Montenvers/Mer de Glace railway station.
Le Savoy
The Savoy nursery ski area has a very gentle gradient and the pistes are nice and wide, allowing you practise turns and build confidence before heading higher up the mountain. There are two drag lifts here that you'll need a ski pass for and a free magic carpet lift.
There's a small cafe near the big drag lift for when you're ready to take a break too.
If you're skiing in a group with mixed ability, the beginners can practise at Le Savoy, whilst the more accomplished skiers can head up on the Brevent gondola to the main ski area, meeting up easily later in the day as the home run from Brevent leads into the top of the Savoy ski area.
Les Planards
Les Planards is the bigger area of the two nursery areas in Chamonix centre, with short drag lifts (one short and one long) and a gentle gradient green piste to build your confidence on.
When you're feeling confident on the green piste, you can progress to the longer drag lift, hopping off half way where you can start making turns on slightly steeper terrain. The next progression after this is to take the long drag all the way to the top.
There's also a two-person chairlift accessing a steeper blue piste and a red run for those who are ready to progress. A restaurant with a large terrace offers the perfect place to take a break, or to join non-skiers in your group.
Even if there are several equipment options to choose from, we recommend you go for the most basic.
Beginner skis are short, flexible skis that are easy to turn or, if you're snowboarding, you'll have a shorter stiffer snowboard that's easier to control and generally cheaper too.
You won't need to know about the technical aspects of any of the equipment as ski hire shops will advise you to get the best model for your ability and size once you've booked.
Modern Ski & Snowboard Rental in the centre of town, selling a wide range of gear and clothing. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your first skiing day.
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the NetSki Salomon store!
The shop in Les Praz is most conveniently located at the edge of the car-park at the foot of the Flegere cable-car. All members of staff, including the owners, who are also qualified instructors, guides and national coaches, actively pursue the sports they stock equipment for.
You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, they’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Chamonix-Le Tour!
This rental shop in Argentiere is situated right at the foot of the Grands Montets cable car - so there's a minimum of carrying equipment and a maximum amount of convenience - just grab your skis or snowboard and go! Frederic and his team are on hand to assist you in the store.
If you're learning to ski for the first time, Chamonix has plenty of choice of ski schools.
Children's lessons are determined by their age and ability, whilst adult lessons are determined by ability and interests.
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in group classes.
The perfect choice for private ski lessons in the Chamonix Valley if you're staying in Vallorcine, Le Tour or Montroc, or would like to discover the beautiful Balme ski area at the top end of the valley.
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
If you're joining a ski school as a complete beginner, you will probably start off in the nursery areas where you can buy a beginner ski pass for a minimum of four hours or one day at a time. There are different prices for each of Chamonix's beginner ski areas which you can find via the link below.
If you're a skier looking to progress after having already learnt the basics, you can buy a ski pass for the mid to high mountain ski areas from as little as four hours.
You should consider buying a 'Chamonix Le Pass' ski pass rather than the 'Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass.' The Chamonix Le Pass pass is valid for Brévent-Flégère, Grands Montets, Le Tour-Vallorcine, Vormaine, Chosalets, Savoy and Planards.
Buying all the gear before you go can be daunting if you’ve never set foot in a ski resort before. The key items to bring with you, along with the obvious ski jacket, ski trousers and sunglasses, are as follows:
Modern Ski & Snowboard Rental in the centre of town, selling a wide range of gear and clothing. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your first skiing day.
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the NetSki Salomon store!
The shop in Les Praz is most conveniently located at the edge of the car-park at the foot of the Flegere cable-car. All members of staff, including the owners, who are also qualified instructors, guides and national coaches, actively pursue the sports they stock equipment for.
You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, they’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Chamonix-Le Tour!
This rental shop in Argentiere is situated right at the foot of the Grands Montets cable car - so there's a minimum of carrying equipment and a maximum amount of convenience - just grab your skis or snowboard and go! Frederic and his team are on hand to assist you in the store.
Take a look at this year's ski pass prices or find your way around with piste maps for Chamonix.
Find out all about what is happening in the Chamonix valley and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsChamonix hosts a wide range of sporting events throughout the year. The biggest ones include the Mont Blanc Marathon in June and the UTMB trail running race in August. In March, the Unlimited Festival brings ravers to the mountains while Musilac Mont Blanc takes place a month later. At the end of July, the Cosmo Jazz Festival hosts concerts all around the valley.
See allUpcoming Events
