Le Brevent and La Flegere (2525m) on the sunny south-facing side of the Chamonix Valley are the closest skiing areas to Chamonix’s main town centre.
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With some of the most scenic pistes in the valley, offering panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Brevent and Flegere ski area has pistes to suit every style of skier (see the piste map). From long flowing groomed runs to steep skiing and even longer winding descents to the valley floor, you will find the locals up here enjoying lapping the pistes or jumping off the cat tracks on a powder day.
For many years these two areas were separate until the introduction of the Liaison cable car in 1997 linked them together to create one larger area. Access to Brevent is by a gondola just above Chamonix town, and Flegere is served by a cable car from the village of Les Praz.
Highlights
Best pistes in Brevent & Flegere
Skiers and snowboarders are guaranteed to find something to their liking from the vast array of moderate, challenging and difficult runs from the top of Planpraz (Le Brevent), Cornu (Le Brevent) and Index (La Flegere) chairlifts. The view from these ski runs over towards Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi are truly spectacular.
Read more in our guide to Best pistes in Brevent & Flegere.
Beginner areas in Brevent & Flegere
The Brevent and Flegere ski area offers a good choice of pistes for beginners who are just starting out and those looking to progress. Both have direct access to the beginner slopes from the top of the main access gondola, with Brevent offering marginally easier access with the mini-funicular the 'Funi 2000', which connects the main gondola to the green pistes.
Read more in our guide to Beginner areas in Brevent & Flegere.
Advanced runs in Brevent & Flegere
Both the Brevent and Flegere ski areas have ski runs that go from an altitude of approximately 2550m, all the way down to the valley floor at 1035m. The lower parts of these runs are subject to snow conditions but can offer an incredible and long descent for advanced skiers. These 'home runs' as they are known are black runs as they are twisty and narrow in places with some off-piste sections through the forest. But these are not the only advanced runs on offer and due to the fact that these to two ski areas are linked, you have even more choice of both red and black runs.
Read more in our guide to Advanced runs in Brevent & Flegere.
Off-piste skiing in Brevent & Flegere
As with all off-piste riding in the Chamonix valley, you shouldn't just go blindly following others away from the groomed areas. But if you do know what you are doing, have the correct equipment and want to explore, then Brevent and Flegere have some of the best freeride terrain that Chamonix has to offer.
Read more in our guide to Off-piste skiing in Brevent & Flegere.
Backcountry routes in Brevent & Flegere
There is a vast amount of terrain and some serious backcountry routes from both Brevent and Flegere. Many of the popular routes actually start at Flegere finish in the Buet valley, which links up to the Vallorcine and Le Tour ski area. But remember, in the backcountry, there are many dangers not least from cliffs and avalanches so you should always hire a Chamonix guide.
Read more in our guide to Backcountry routes in Brevent & Flegere.
Booking Arrangements
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.