Off-Piste Skiing in Brevent & Flegere
Short hikes to accessible off-piste & range of off-piste itineraries
The ski area of Le Brevent and La Flegere is one of the quieter areas on a powder day and makes it a favourite of locals for that very reason.
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One favourite off-piste area is the ridge at the top of Brevent, which requires a little bit of hiking, but then gives you the option of dropping into various steep chutes above the Charles Bozon piste. The steepness of these chutes makes them avalanche prone so take care. Falling here could result in a drop over cliffs, or an avalanche that could take out skiers below. You get to this area by taking the top Brevent cable car and then following the Bozon run down until it turns sharply to the right. Here, take a left under the avalanche warning rope; passing this means you need to be responsible for yourself and others, be equipped and know what you’re doing. Following the ridge, there are a few sections that go uphill and so you'll have to walk a little bit. Depending how far you go there are various narrow couloirs that drop down to the right. After a 10-15 minute hike along the back of the ridge you reach the Col de Brevent, an open col with views on the right down to the Bozon piste and Chamonix Village immediately below - another one of our favourite runs with plenty of steep and deep stuff to amuse you. The snow is usually good here for a few days after a fresh dump but will get unstable if the sun gets to work on it and the temperature rises, so you shouldn't do this run late in the afternoon on warm days. In the spring you’ll see the pisteurs setting off controlled avalanches on these slopes.
The terrain of Flegere is also superb for off-piste skiing. The main Flegere bowl offers some of the best freeride terrain that Chamonix has on offer. The natural undulating terrain makes it great for natural table tops, quarter pipes and half pipes and in fact, the whole bowl is pretty much rideable with only a few exceptions. The snow often remains very good at this altitude, however, it is good to stay alert as this section has hidden rollovers, some of which lead onto very large cliff drops so we recommend that you don’t go skiing over things before you’ve checked where they go. Only enter this off-piste area in good visibility and once you already have a good idea of where you are going.
On a fresh powder day, it is best to try and catch the first Flegere cable car up from Les Praz to get those all important first tracks. The Index chairlift makes getting into the Combe Lachenal easy, as it drops you right at the top of the bowl. Take a left (skier’s right) from the chairlift into the bowl, pay attention to any warning barriers as this area is avalanche prone. Make sure you are fully equipped, trained and avalanche aware.
The bowl is vast with only one piste running down the middle. You can select to traverse out either left or right to get fresh tracks, and generally, it takes a long time before this bowl is truly tracked out. If you traverse out skiers’ right be sure not to go so far that you can’t get back to the piste at the bottom that will take you back to the Evettes chairlift (you may find yourself heading down to Les Praz via the main avalanche chute if you stray too far off the beaten track!).
If you traverse left about halfway down you’ll find a small hidden bowl that keeps the ‘freshies’ longer than the main bowl. The terrain is great for freeriding with wide open sections at the top. Lower down there are small chutes and drops to the right, rollers and trees to the left.
The area to the right (skier’s left) of the Index chairlift also has some superb off-piste with longer runs possible. Head out below the old Index lift building and work your way down the mountain. Along here you’ll find cornices where you can drop in, and wide open slopes where you can let rip before heading down towards the Trappe chairlift that takes you back to the Index lift.
The area between the Floria piste and the Pylones piste is a massive ungroomed area that has enough excitement to keep you coming back run after run, each time discovering another hidden stash of fresh snow. You can also access some of the great off-piste conditions to the right of the Index chair by using access from the bottom of the Floria lift. We would reiterate that we are extremely careful in this sector above the Chavanne chairlift as this area has many roll overs as we discussed above, some of which lead to large cliff drops. Make sure you can see your route down the mountain before you take off at top speed.
If you’re trying off-piste for the first time, the area under the Trappe chair has some fun terrain. Trees and good snow will give you a good taste of the off-piste without straying too far from the green runs.
Above the Trappe green run, there are a couple of steep, narrow couloirs visible to the right as you get to the top on the ride up the Trappe chairlift. They start out wide and flat but quickly become steep and narrow so probably best not attempted if the snow is hard and icy but in good snow they offer a real buzz and are a true technical test of your ability. We get to these from the Pylones piste, by heading skier's left just before you get to the flat section near the bottom of the run.
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Private Ski Lessons & Instructors in Chamonix
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Private ski lessons
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.
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Private ski lessons
Chamonix Sport Aventure is one of Chamonix's leading ski and snowboard schools offering a personalised service to maximise progress and fun in the mountains.
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Private ski lessons
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
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Private ski lessons
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.
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Private ski lessons
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.
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Private ski lessons
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in private lessons.
Beginner areas in Chamonix
Ski School Lessons in Chamonix
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Group ski lessons
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.
-
Private ski lessons
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.
-
Private ski lessons
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.
-
Group ski lessons
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
-
Group ski lessons
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in group classes.
-
Group ski lessons
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
Beginner ski hire
Ski Hire in Chamonix
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Skiloc
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the NetSki Skiloc in Chamonix!
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Cham'Sport Centre
One of several Cham'sport shops, Cham'sport Centre is located at Avenue Michel Croz, just opposite the Hotel Pointe Isabelle and down from the train station, not far from McDonald's and central Chamonix. Save time and money by booking all your ski and snowboard gear online, and collect easily before hitting the slopes.
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Proshop Folie Douce Hôtel
You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, we’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Chamonix!
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Michel Croz
Ski & Snowboard Rental in the centre of town that has been newly renovated for the 2015/2016 winter season. 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!
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Chamonix Ski
This ski and snowboard hire shop is only a 3-minute walk from the centre of Chamonix and perfectly located if you're staying in the Les Pècles / Les Moussoux.
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Sanglard Sports
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.
Beginner ski lessons
Ski School Lessons in Chamonix
See all Ski School Lessons in Chamonix-
Group ski lessons
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.
-
Private ski lessons
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.
-
Private ski lessons
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.
-
Group ski lessons
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
-
Group ski lessons
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in group classes.
-
Group ski lessons
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
Off-piste areas in Chamonix
Mountain Guides Chamonix
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Via ferrata Passy
Open for those aged from 10 upwards, this five hour experience is ideal for those seeking something more challenging than just alpine hiking without the demand of the technical skill required in climbing.
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Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialises in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism. Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.
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Mer de Glace glacier trek
Strap on your crampons for a scenic stomp across the frosty wasteland known as the Mer de Glace.
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Vallée Blanche private guide
At the summit of the Aiguille du Midi you will find the Vallée Blanche!
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Mountain guides
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of expert mountain guides is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
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Mountain guides
These mountain guides are the perfect choice if you're staying in Vallorcine, Le Tour or Montroc and want to explore the valley off the beaten track.
What should I wear when skiing or snowboarding?
Ski Hire in Chamonix
See all Ski Hire in Chamonix-
Skiloc
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the NetSki Skiloc in Chamonix!
-
Cham'Sport Centre
One of several Cham'sport shops, Cham'sport Centre is located at Avenue Michel Croz, just opposite the Hotel Pointe Isabelle and down from the train station, not far from McDonald's and central Chamonix. Save time and money by booking all your ski and snowboard gear online, and collect easily before hitting the slopes.
-
Proshop Folie Douce Hôtel
You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, we’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Chamonix!
-
Michel Croz
Ski & Snowboard Rental in the centre of town that has been newly renovated for the 2015/2016 winter season. 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!
-
Chamonix Ski
This ski and snowboard hire shop is only a 3-minute walk from the centre of Chamonix and perfectly located if you're staying in the Les Pècles / Les Moussoux.
-
Sanglard Sports
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.
More inspiration...
Take a look at this year's Ski Pass Prices or, if you're not sure which pass to buy, read Ski Pass Options for more information. Find your way around with Piste Maps for Chamonix.
