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.
Grands Montets Ski Area & Lifts, Argentière
Access to the wonderful ski area situated a couple of minutes' walk from Argentière town centre
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.
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
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La Folie Douce Hotel
Spectacular mountain escape with a lively spirit and family fun
This hotel offers stunning alpine views, a vibrant atmosphere, and thoughtful amenities for families. Enjoy spacious rooms, an outdoor heated pool, yoga, spa treatments, and activities for all ages right at the foot of the ski slopes.
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Chamois Blanc Apartment Residence
Traditional Savoyard residence steps from the Aiguille du Midi cable car
Stay in the heart of Chamonix-Sud at Le Chamois Blanc, a charming residence close to shops, the train station and cable car.
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Le Genepy Aparthotel
Central, modern apartments situated in lovingly converted historic building
In the heart of Chamonix, close to all amenities and within walking distance to the Brevent cable car with views of Mont-Blanc.
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Pointe Isabelle Hotel
Good quality, modern accommodation in the centre of Chamonix
Ideally located, the hotel has 45 spacious, well appointed bedrooms with great views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges mountains.
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La Ginabelle Premium Residence
Family-friendly apartments with spa facilities in the heart of Chamonix
La Ginabelle offers cosy, alpine-style apartments, just steps from shops, restaurants and mountain adventures.
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Faucigny Hotel
Smart, modern, boutique-style hotel in the town centre with spa facilities
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.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Argentiere
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Helicopter flights
20 - 30min helicopter flights in and around the Chamonix Valley
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!
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Aiguille Rouge nature reserve
Walk amongst this protected natural area and enjoy beautiful scenery in the summer
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
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Plan Joran Restaurant and Café
Next to the Plan Joran gondola at 1,923m, only accessible on skis or snowboard
You will find a takeaway bar and a self-service restaurant in this magnificent wooden chalet at the bottom of the Tabé chairlift. Find “Maison des Drus” products and takeaway pizzas in the snack bar, to be enjoyed on the terrace facing the ski slopes. At the self-service restaurant, enjoy a hot and filling meal without wasting your skiing time. The large room with exposed timbers offers a space to warm up and the terrace offers a place to relax.
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La Table de Plan Joran Restaurant
Idyllic restaurant in the Grands-Montets ski area
Have a bite to eat in this lovely restaurant that can only be accessed on skis.
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Argentero Restaurant
Popular restaurant at the foot of the Plan Joran télécabine at Grands Montets
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.
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Le Stone Bar and Restaurant
Good value Italian restaurant located in the centre of Argentière serving a varied menu
This restaurant serves salads, starters, pastas and pizzas, as well as steak and veal dishes. They serve really good pizzas, with an authentic Italian base, lots of fresh toppings all for a good price. Top tip: If you're skiing at Grands Montets and want to grab a bite to eat afterwards, this is the place to go. Don't forget to check the bus or train times out in advance if you're staying in Chamonix.
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La Cremerie du Glacier Restaurant 
La Cremerie du Glacier Restaurant
Savoyard restaurant in a beautiful forest
Open in summer and winter, this charming restaurant serves all the traditional Savoyard dishes including farçon, fondues, omelettes, gratins and croutes.
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Les Cheserys Restaurant 
Les Cheserys Restaurant
This restaurants serves traditional French cuisine with a modern twist and also offers take away
Everything on the menu at this restaurant is freshly made on site by chef Laurent Duprat.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in Argentiere
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Fubar 
Fubar
Après-ski bar near to Grand Montets with a bucking bronco - 'Ride the Bull'.
The wildest après-ski in town at the foot of the Grands Montets in Argentière village.
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The Office Bar 
The Office Bar
Lively bar and restaurant ingrained in the folklore of Argentière après ski
Situated in the heart of Argentière village, The Office is a vibrant restaurant and bar that brings the flavours of Mexico and South America to the French Alps. With a focus on fresh ingredients and bold tastes, the menu offers plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, making it a favourite for diners with diverse palates. From tacos and burritos to hearty plant-based dishes, there’s something to satisfy everyone after a day on the slopes.
Sights nearby
Sights in Chamonix
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Les Grands Montets, Chamonix - Argentière
CLOSED SUMMER 2025 Head up to get great views of the Argentière glacier
The Plan Joran télécabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.
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Aiguille Rouge nature reserve
Walk amongst this protected natural area and enjoy beautiful scenery in the summer
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.
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Le Tour and Vallorcine, Chamonix Valley
Summer lifts giving you access to the Swiss border, hiking and MTB trails
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.
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La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
Cable car and chairlift giving access to lots of great hiking trails and Via Ferrata
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.
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Municipal library
Public library and exhibitions in central Chamonix with great kids section
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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Mer de Glace and Montenvers cog railway
Everything you need to know about a visit to this iconic glacier and 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.
