With the first blue sky day in Chamonix after all the snow we have had lately, it made perfect sense to head up to see what the conditions were like up on the mountain. The Les Houches ski area has the easiest accessible roadside pistes and has the lowest objective avalanche danger of any ski area in the valley. A good bet for getting out and seeing what condition the mountain is really in.
Chamonix Snow Report: 6th December 2012
Bluebird in Les Houches
First off preparations for this weekend’s Les Houches opening are in full swing. The snow cannons are hard at it pumping out snow to cover what we have naturally and the piste machines are out grooming the slopes.
At the base there is more than enough snow to say it’s January not early December, everything is covered, every wall, hedge and car has a nice rounded white top to it.
Heading up the freshly manicured piste it’s instantly obvious we are not alone. I estimate there were more than 200 people with the same idea as us – skin up the mountain on our touring skis and see what there is to ski, remember this is a weekday in early December, all I can say about the crowds is “only in Chamonix”.
The weather was calm and just cold enough for snow cannons, a perfect early touring day. Any piste not being worked by machines had knee deep powder on a soft base, with a firm layer below the soft. Unless you tried really hard and found a tree stump you are not going to hit anything skiing here.
At Col de Voza we headed towards the Bellevue rather than the Prarion, this took us away from the crowds (well the 5 other skiers) and almost gave us solitude. Skiing one of the ungroomed pistes we could have been Heliskiing in Canada such were the conditions!
Down on the lower slopes it was even possible to make powder turns inbetween the chalets, my day ended at noon with a need to go to work rather than exhausting the possibilities of skiing, I’ll be back on Saturday morning when the lifts open early.
We did see a few natural avalanches on steeper grass slopes, not surprising with the amount of snow out there. If your heading out away from any patrolled area, be very, very careful out there.
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Airport Transfers in Chamonix
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Chamonix from €272 per minivan one-way (weekend rate)
With over 5,000 rides completed and 95% of clients returning, this private transfer service is designed around the needs of skiers, from reliable airport pick-ups to comfortable journeys to your accommodation. Experienced, professional English-speaking drivers, vehicles prepared for Alpine winter conditions and no extra luggage fees for skis or snowboards help make travelling easier. With airport meet and greet, door-to-door transfers, secure online booking and a focus on punctuality, you can organise your Chamonix transfer with greater peace of mind.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva to Chamonix from €300 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
Enjoy exclusive vehicles, direct door-to-door travel and flexible collection times from four major airports. With year-round availability, premium vehicle options and experienced alpine drivers, private transfers offer a comfortable journey throughout the Chamonix Valley.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Chamonix 2026/27 Prices | Weekdays: €179 | Saturdays: €259 | Sundays: €219 | per vehicle one-way
Enjoy a hassle-free journey to Chamonix with an experienced Alpine transfer company operating since 2012. Private door-to-door transfers come with professional drivers who know the mountain roads and flight monitoring to help manage delays. Choose between standard or VIP minibuses, with complimentary child seats available for families. Free onboard Wi-Fi and handy pick-up reminders are among the thoughtful extras that help make your journey easier.
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Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Geneva to Chamonix from €27.50 per person one-way (weekend rate)
Save money with convenient scheduled coach transfers from Geneva Airport, daily departures and practical stops throughout the Chamonix valley. Enjoy comfortable shared travel with experienced alpine drivers, helpful airport representatives and ski equipment included at no extra charge.
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Private & Shared Airport Transfers
Low-cost shared and private transfer shuttle service from Geneva Airport
This company offers two great value shuttle services as well as a private service from Geneva and Lyon Airports to the Chamonix Valley. Established, efficient, and reliable transfers with solid reviews and reputation.
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Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Geneva to Chamonix from €29.50 per person one-way (weekend rate)
Enjoy regular departures, convenient stops throughout the Chamonix Valley and ski luggage included at no extra cost. With year-round services, airport assistance and experienced alpine drivers, travelling from Geneva is affordable and straightforward.
Ski Hire in Chamonix
Ski Hire in Chamonix
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Chamonix Ski
Ski, snowboard, freeride & monoskiing equipment hire near the foot of the Brevent ski area
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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Ravanel & Co Alpina
Ski, ski-touring, snowboard & cross-country ski hire in the Place du Mont Blanc
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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Sanglard Sports
Quality ski hire at the entrance to Chamonix's Place Mont Blanc, with easy parking
Situated right on the roundabout as you come into the centre of Chamonix from the main highway - so there's a minimum of carrying equipment and a maximum amount of convenience - just grab your skis or snowboard and go! Jonty and his team will welcome you and provide a professional and friendly service.
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Excelsior
Ski hire located inside Excelsior Hotel Hotel in the village of Les Tines
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the Skiset Excelsior store!
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Avenue du Bouchet
Ski & snowboard hire opposite the ice rink & cross country ski track
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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La Ginabelle Centre
One stop shop for all your ski and snowboard equipment hire in Chamonix
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your first skiing day.
Ski Schools in Chamonix
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Private ski lessons
Private lessons from ski and snowboard school for Le Tour and La Balme ski area
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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Group ski lessons
Largest French ski school offering group ski and snowboard lessons
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in group classes.
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Group Ski Lessons
Flexible ski and snowboard lessons in Chamonix with multilingual instructors
Join a group ski or snowboard lesson in Chamonix with a handpicked team of multilingual instructors, selected for their expertise and experience. With flexible shared lessons for adults and dedicated junior groups during school holidays, there's an option for different ages and abilities. Benefit from personalised coaching, adaptable teaching methods and a welcoming approach that helps you improve your technique, build confidence and get more out of your time on the mountain.
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Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
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.
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Private ski lessons
Private skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly rated instructors
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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Group ski lessons
Largest French ski school offering group ski and snowboard 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.
Winter Things To Do in Chamonix
Wintersport Things To Do in Chamonix
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Snowshoe guided walks
Half day and full day snowshoe walks in Vallorcine
Explore the fantastic natural scenery around Vallorcine, Le Tour and Montroc by going off the beaten track on snowshoes!
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Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche
Experience a guided off-piste ski or snowboard adventure on the Vallée Blanche
Chamonix 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.
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Guided snowshoeing
Half day or full day private guided snowshoeing walks
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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Helicopter tours
10, 30 or 60 minute private helicopter tours for up to five people
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
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Heliskiing/boarding
Heliskiing/boarding trip in Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass.
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
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Guided snowshoeing
Half-day or full-day guided snowshoeing exploring off the beaten track
Walk in a winter wonderland and wind your way slowly uphill, to secluded forest spots, frozen waterfalls and marvel at the beauty of the mountains.
