Grands Montets Ski Area & Lifts, Argentière
Access to the wonderful ski area situated a couple of minutes' walk from Argentière town centre
Les Grands Montets cable car (otherwise known as GM) is located an easy walk from Argentière town centre and is also on the main bus line, as well as being very near to Argentière train station.
The ski area here is extensive and varied, renowned for its challenging black runs and huge off-piste areas. It provides access to one of Chamonix's highest and steepest ski areas, between 1,235 and 3,300 metres. It is often the first lift in the area to open at the start of the winter season and the last to close at the end, due to its high altitude and reliable snow cover.
Until the new cable car opens (scheduled for 2024), the only way to access the skiing at Grands Montets is via the Plan Joran gondola. Currently there is no way to access the Aiguille des Grands Montets at 3,300m, from where you can see incredible panoramic views of the Mont Blanc range, the Mer de Glace and the Chamonix valley. This is also the departure point for mountaineers heading to the Aiguille Verte, which is at this time only accessible for those ski touring.
In summer the area offers hiking, mountain biking and paragliding. It is also the departure point for climbers and mountaineers aiming for the high peaks in the Argentière basin.
You can buy your ski passes directly from the lift pass office here. Also available are piste maps, bus and train timetables, weather forecasts, ski condition details and avalanche bulletins. You can also purchase the necessary mountain/ski insurance if you don't already have the correct cover. The lifts are open both summer and winter.
Jump to
Directions
Grands Montets can be accessed easily by bus or train and there's also a huge car park at the bottom lift station which can get pretty crowded in winter. We recommend if you're driving there to arrive as early as possible. The bus stops directly in front of the lift station, or it's a short walk on foot from the train stop.
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Chamonix
See all Hotels in Chamonix-
La Riviere Apartment Residence
Peaceful apartment residence just a short walk from the train station and cable car.
-
Faucigny Hotel
Completely renovated in Scandinavian style, Le Faucigny is a charming small hotel in the town centre. Whether you're with family or friends or enjoying a romantic getaway, the hotel provides the ideal setting for a pleasant stay in the legendary Mont-Blanc valley.
Price: €1,452
-
La Chaumiere Mountain Lodge
This mountain lodge enjoys a prime location just metres from the ski bus stop and local train station, with the town centre only a short walk away. Recently refurbished, it now features a smart, modern interior.
-
Le Whymper Hotel
Chalet Whymper blends alpine charm with modern comfort. With space for up to twenty-two guests, shared living areas and thoughtful extras like a sauna, concierge and daily housekeeping, it’s the perfect choice.
-
Lyret Hotel
Hotel Lyret blends Alpine charm with modern creativity, offering a unique stay where art and hospitality come together.
Price: €928
-
Chamois Blanc Apartment Residence
Stay in the heart of Chamonix-Sud at Le Chamois Blanc, a charming residence close to shops, the train station and cable car.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Argentiere
See all Things To Do in Argentiere-
Helicopter Flights
Take to the skies with Evolution 2. The most exciting and beautiful way to see the breathtaking views - you are guaranteed to leave with memories of a lifetime!
-
Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Argentiere
See all Restaurants in Argentiere-
La Table de Plan Joran Restaurant
Have a bite to eat in this lovely restaurant that can only be accessed on skis.
-
Plan Joran Restaurant and Café
You will find a takeaway bar and a self-service restaurant in this magnificent wooden chalet at the bottom of the Tabé chairlift.
-
Argentero Restaurant
Right on the edge of the Lognan piste in Grands Montets, this restaurant with it's a large sunny terrace and chic interior is the perfect spot for lunch or après drinks during a day on the mountain.
-
Le Stone Bar and Restaurant
This restaurant serves salads, starters, pastas and pizzas, as well as steak and veal dishes.
-
Les Cheserys Restaurant
Everything on the menu at this restaurant is freshly made on site by chef Laurent Duprat.
-
La Cremerie du Glacier Restaurant
Open in summer and winter, this charming restaurant serves all the traditional Savoyard dishes including farçon, fondues, omelettes, gratins and croutes.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in Argentiere
See all Bars & Clubs in Argentiere-
The Office Bar
Anybody who is serious about their skiing (or après-skiing!) has partied in this bar after tackling the world famous Grands Montets.
-
Fubar
The wildest après-ski in town at the foot of the Grands Montets in Argentière village.
Sights nearby
Sights in Chamonix
See all Sights in Chamonix-
Les Grands Montets, Chamonix - Argentière
The Plan Joran télécabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.
-
Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
-
Le Tour and Vallorcine, Chamonix Valley
Le Tour is a small, quaint little village at the far end of the Chamonix valley in the 'Domaine de la Balme' area with access to some great hiking and mountain bike trails.
-
La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
In summer the cable car at Flégère and the Index chairlift operate, taking you up to an altitude of 1,894m and then on to 2,396m at the top of the Index.
-
Municipal library
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
-
Mer de Glace and Montenvers cog railway
No trip to Chamonix should be complete without a visit to the legendary Mer de Glace, the longest and arguably the most impressive glacier in the Chamonix valley. It is also the largest glacier in France.