Ski Touring Routes in Les Grands Montets
Classic backcountry routes like the Pas de Chevre & Col du Passon
Some of the world's best backcountry terrain is to be found in Chamonix, especially high up on the glaciers accessed from the Aiguille du Midi and Grands Montets cable cars (Argentiere). These offer kilometres of high mountain powder with even more if you like to hike for fresh lines.
There are several excellent guidebooks with descriptions of the many possible routes both within and beyond the lift areas. There are two published by Vamos called Mont-Blanc Ski tours (ISBN 2910672085) and Chamonix Hors pistes-Off piste (ISBN 2910672107); these books are bilingual, in English and French. An even more extensive guidebook with more difficult routes is Mont-Blanc et Aiguilles Rouges à ski (ISBN 2960025520), written by Anselme Baud and published by Nevicata; it’s only available in French but is worth struggling through even if your French isn’t so good as it gives very accurate descriptions and has good explanatory photos. But remember, in the backcountry there are many dangers, not least from crevasses, seracs, cliffs and avalanches, so you should always hire a mountain guide.
With some glacier travel knowledge, there are a vast amount of ski tours available from the top of Les Grand Montets. There are countless possibilities of varying degrees of difficulty. Some of the best-known ski tours include Col du Chardonnet, Col d'Argentiere, Col du Tour Noir and also some steeper variants such as Col du Cristaux.
If hiking isn’t your thing but you love powder then heli-skiing/boarding could be for you. Whilst helicopter drop-offs of this nature are illegal in France (as you land on National park), Chamonix is well located with plenty of companies offering heli-drops on the Mont-Blanc massif just over the border in either Switzerland or Italy.
For backcountry skiing and snowboarding from Grands Montets it is strongly recommended that you use the services of a local mountain guide unless somebody in your party is local to the area and knows the country really well. You need somebody who knows their mountaineering because it’s all on glacier and the route finding can be complex. Some of the more popular routes are the Pas de Chevre and Col du Passon. The Pas de Chevre has a few variations in route and difficulty.
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Advanced areas in [locality]
Private Ski Lessons & Instructors in Chamonix
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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
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 welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in private lessons.
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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
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.
Beginner areas in [locality]
Ski School Lessons in Chamonix
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Group ski lessons
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in group classes.
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Group ski lessons
The perfect choice for group 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.
-
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
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
-
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.
-
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.
Beginner ski hire
Ski Hire in Chamonix
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Cham'Sport Mummery
One of several Cham'sport shops, Cham'sport Mummery is located in the Mummery building, between the Folie Douce Hotel and the Alpina Hotel. Save time and money by booking all your ski and snowboard gear online, and collect easily before hitting the slopes.
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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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Aiguille du Midi
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the Skiset Aiguille du Midi store!
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Avenue du Bouchet
Ski & Snowboard Hire Opposite the Sport Centre & Ice Rink, near the MBC bar. Also offering ski du fond rental equipment. 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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Ravanel & Co Alpina
This ski hire shop is situated in the centre of Chamonix right on the corner of the Place du Mont Blanc where all the ski shuttle buses run to.
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Aiguille du Midi
Jerome and his professional, friendly and dynamic team welcome you every day to the most competitively priced ski hire in town! This Skimium ski rental shop is situated just down from the Aiguille du Midi cable car in the Quechua shop just next to the Aiguille du Midi train station.
Beginner ski lessons
Ski School Lessons in Chamonix
See all Ski School Lessons in Chamonix-
Group ski lessons
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in group classes.
-
Group ski lessons
The perfect choice for group 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.
-
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
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
-
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.
-
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.
Off-piste areas in [locality]
Mountain Guides Chamonix
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5-Day Mont Blanc Training Course & Ascent
This two to three training course is followed by a three-day ascent and is for people with a high level of fitness. An unforgettable experience, to reach the summit will test the skills you have learnt along the way.
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Off-piste and ski-touring guides
ESF Chamonix together with Mont Blanc Ski and Guide Compagnie offer off-piste and backcountry guided skiing and snowboarding in the Chamonix Valley, Courmayeur (Italy) and Verbier (Switzerland).
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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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3-Day Mont Blanc Traverse by Tacul & Maudit Summits
Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, is without a doubt the most breathtaking and beautiful mountain in the world, and every year many mountaineers ascend this famous peak.
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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.
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Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche
14 Feb 20264.5hrsChamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise 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.
Price: €370
What should I wear when skiing or snowboarding?
Ski Hire in Chamonix
See all Ski Hire in Chamonix-
Cham'Sport Mummery
One of several Cham'sport shops, Cham'sport Mummery is located in the Mummery building, between the Folie Douce Hotel and the Alpina Hotel. Save time and money by booking all your ski and snowboard gear online, and collect easily before hitting the slopes.
-
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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Aiguille du Midi
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the Skiset Aiguille du Midi store!
-
Avenue du Bouchet
Ski & Snowboard Hire Opposite the Sport Centre & Ice Rink, near the MBC bar. Also offering ski du fond rental equipment. 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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Ravanel & Co Alpina
This ski hire shop is situated in the centre of Chamonix right on the corner of the Place du Mont Blanc where all the ski shuttle buses run to.
-
Aiguille du Midi
Jerome and his professional, friendly and dynamic team welcome you every day to the most competitively priced ski hire in town! This Skimium ski rental shop is situated just down from the Aiguille du Midi cable car in the Quechua shop just next to the Aiguille du Midi train station.
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.
