Category Archives: Les Grands Montets

On the north side of the Chamonix Valley, Les Grands Montets does not get sun until later in the day and only then in selected areas. The cold helps keep the off piste snow in good condition but can make the pistes icy, especially in the early mornings in spring.

Les Grands Montets is accessed from Argentiere near the head of the Chamonix Valley. You can take the train but then there is a 10 minute walk to the lift station (fine in bording boots but not in ski boots) or take the bus which will drop you straight outside.

Years ago I remember Grands Montets having a single groomed piste from the top of every lift (except the top top). All the rest of the terrain was ungroomed off-piste skiing and snowboarding. Since then they have added a handfull of new pistes and updated the odd lift but generally the lifts are there to access the off-piste.

WARNING – A red run at Grands Montets is probably more like a black anywhere else in the valley. Fantastic for advanced skiers and boarders and good for intermediates but not at all good for beginners. There are runs marked as blue but honestly they are on the severe end of blue.

Favourite restaurant is the Lognon Refuge, check they are open and make a reservation, it is a favourite for the mountain guides to take their clients to. Strong intermediates and advanced can ski in and out but weaker skiers and boarders should walk back up to the piste to ski back to Lognon (midstation).