Skiloc
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the NetSki Skiloc in Chamonix!

© Chamonix Fan Page | Alain Plumerault
Discover the latest Chamonix snow conditions
Chamonix is stepping confidently into the new winter season. The first proper snowfalls have settled across the valley, the mountains are looking beautifully white again and preparations for opening week are in full swing. There is a real sense of anticipation building here and with several ski areas already open or opening over the next few days, it is shaping up to be an excellent start to the season.
It already feels like winter has arrived for real in the valley and early snow conditions are some of the best seen in many years. Cold temperatures have helped preserve the snowpack and the slopes are looking inviting as we head into the official opening period.
Recent snowfall combined with sustained cold temperatures has created encouraging early season conditions. Higher elevations across the Chamonix valley are holding a solid base and even lower slopes are beginning to fill in.
Over the next couple of days there is a chance of a light top up of fresh snow at altitude which should keep the pistes looking clean and improve surface quality. Forecasts suggest around 4 cm of new snow at mid mountain by the end of the week and up to around 15 cm over the next seven days depending on elevation. Temperatures remain well below freezing high on the mountain so the snow already in place should stay in great condition.
On the ground this means good early season skiing on the upper slopes with reliable coverage on the higher lifts. Lower runs may still feel early season in character but the overall picture is very encouraging for the first week of December.
It is now officially ski time in the Chamonix Mont Blanc Valley. Several areas are already open and more will join them in the coming days.
Here is the current status and planned openings provided by the Chamonix Tourist Office:
Flégère
Partial opening since 29 November. The ski area is now officially open for the season.
Grands Montets
Partial opening from Friday 5 December to Sunday 7 December.
Open every day from 8 December through 3 May 2026.
Les Houches
Partial opening confirmed for the weekend of 6 and 7 December via the Prarion gondola.
Continuous partial opening from 13 December.
Full opening expected on 20 December.
Brévent
Scheduled opening on 13 December.
Balme
Scheduled opening on 13 December.
La Vormaine
Partial opening expected on 13 December.
Nordic Domain
Partially open since 29 November.
With multiple areas now spinning and more about to join them, the valley will progressively open up a very enjoyable range of terrain for the early weeks of the season.
Snow depths are looking promising at altitude and the colder temperatures are helping keep everything firm and well preserved. Groomed pistes at higher elevation will offer the most reliable skiing for now and early mornings should provide the best surface conditions.
Off piste terrain still needs time to settle and coverage can be thin in places, particularly near rocks or wind affected ridges. Patience here will pay off as the base continues to build through December.
Lower slopes may see more variation in snow quality but with the current forecast there is a good chance that conditions will continue to improve steadily.
With several areas now opening, the atmosphere around town is growing livelier by the day. Cafés, bars and mountain restaurants are preparing for the first busy weekend of the season and the Christmas period is just around the corner.
If you are planning a December visit, keep an eye on local events, opening celebrations and early season activities across the valley. With fresh snow, a solid early base and more terrain opening each week, it is a great time to experience the start of winter in Chamonix.
If you are out skiing in Chamonix this week we would love to see your photos and videos. Share them with us by tagging your posts and we will highlight our favourites in next week’s report.
Have a fantastic first weekend of skiing and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Winter is back in Chamonix and it is looking like a very strong start to the season.
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the NetSki Skiloc in Chamonix!
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the Skiset Excelsior store!
Modern Ski & Snowboard Rental in the centre of town, selling a wide range of gear and clothing. 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!
This rental shop in Argentiere is situated right at the foot of the Grands Montets cable car - so there's a minimum of carrying equipment and a maximum amount of convenience - just grab your skis or snowboard and go! Frederic and his team are on hand to assist you in the store.
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.
One of several Cham'sport Shops, Cham'sport North is located at the top end of the main high street in Chamonix, and is the ideal option for ski hire if you're staying towards that side of town. Save time and money by booking all your ski and snowboard gear online, and collect easily before hitting the slopes.
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.
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.
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in group classes.
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.
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
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.
This company offers private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to Chamonix, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
From the airport to the slopes, they handle the rest. Geneva's most trusted private ski transfers.
This company offers two great value shuttle services as well as a private service from Geneva and Lyon Airports to the Chamonix Valley. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.
The Loyal Transfers team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.
This company provides private transfers in fully electric vehicles around the Chamonix valley, operating from airports and train stations to the ski resorts.
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.
Explore the fantastic natural scenery around Vallorcine, Le Tour and Montroc by going off the beaten track on snowshoes!
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
Strap on your crampons for a scenic stomp across the frosty wasteland known as the Mer de Glace.
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.
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
Updated 6 December 2025 at 17:29
Updated 6 December 2025 at 17:29
This webcam view from the Aiguille du Midi looks up to the Mont Blanc and the start of Les 'Trois Monts' mountaineering route to the summit. Off to the left is the start of the Vallée Blanche - off-piste glacier skiing and access to the high mountains, whilst to the right a clear view down the valley towards Les Houches.
This webcam gives you a view of the pinnacle of the Aiguille du Midi (3842m) from the opposite side of the Valley.
This Brevent webcam view gives you a glimpse of the current queue conditions going up the Planpraz telecabin for the Brevent ski area.
This webcam view looks down over Planpraz & the Brevent ski area in Chamonix. The area is south facing and gets plenty of sunshine, with several cruisy blues, some steep reds and stacks of off-piste access. This Chamonix webcam is situated at the very top of the Brevent.
Find out all about what is happening in the Chamonix valley and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsChamonix hosts a wide range of sporting events throughout the year. The biggest ones include the Mont Blanc Marathon in June and the UTMB trail running race in August. In March, the Unlimited Festival brings ravers to the mountains while Musilac Mont Blanc takes place a month later. At the end of July, the Cosmo Jazz Festival hosts concerts all around the valley.
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