Planning a Winter Ski Trip to Chamonix: What to Book Now

The best Chamonix winter trips are planned in autumn. Accommodation for the busiest weeks fills early, lift passes are cheaper the sooner you buy, and lessons and guides book up well ahead of the holidays. If you're thinking about a ski trip this winter, here's what to sort out first, and what's new in Argentière this season.

When Does the Ski Season Start?

Most of the Chamonix Valley's ski areas open in mid-December and run through to mid-April, with the Grands Montets area staying open later, into early May. Some areas can open earlier in the season depending on snow, so late November and early December are possible but never guaranteed. The Aiguille du Midi, which gives access to the Vallée Blanche, reopens on 18 December after its autumn maintenance break. If you want snow conditions you can rely on, January to March is the safer window.

What's New in Argentière

This winter marks a milestone for Grands Montets, the ski area above Argentière. After years of rebuilding following the 2018 fire, a new gondola linking the village of Argentière to Lognan is due to open for the Christmas 2026 holidays, along with a new beginner area. The cable car to the summit of the Aiguille des Grands Montets isn't expected until December 2027, so this winter's skiing is on the lower and mid-mountain rather than the full high-altitude terrain. For guests staying in Argentière, the gondola departure point is right in the village, which makes it one of the easiest places in the valley to ski from.

Choosing a Lift Pass

There are two main options, and the right one depends on how you plan to ski.

Chamonix Le Pass covers the main local ski areas: Brévent-Flégère, Grands Montets and Le Tour-Balme, plus several beginner areas. It's the better value if you're staying on groomed runs or skiing mostly in one or two areas.

Mont Blanc Unlimited covers every ski area in the valley plus Les Houches, the Aiguille du Midi and Montenvers train, and extends into Courmayeur in Italy. It's the right choice if you want to ski the Vallée Blanche, move around the whole valley, or combine skiing with sightseeing.

Prices are dynamic, so passes are generally cheaper the earlier you buy, and passes bought online are usually non-refundable. Early-bird discounts for quieter periods, typically January and March, are often available through authorised sellers, so it's worth comparing before you commit.

What to Book First

1. Accommodation. Christmas, New Year and the February school holidays fill first. If you're coming in peak weeks, book now.

2. Lift passes. Buy as early as you can, once your dates are fixed.

3. Lessons and guides. Ski school places and mountain guides for the Vallée Blanche book up fast around holidays, so reserve ahead rather than on arrival.

4. Transfers. The valley is roughly an hour and a half from Geneva airport, and shuttles are cheaper and easier when pre-booked. Once you're here, you can reach most areas without a car using the train and local buses, as we explain in our guide to getting around the Chamonix Valley without a car.

5. Equipment rental. Reserve in advance for peak weeks to get the right sizes and the best shops.

Not Skiing?

Plenty of visitors come for winter without skiing. The Aiguille du Midi, the Montenvers train and the valley's winter walking trails are all open, and there's much more to do beyond the slopes. For ideas, see our guide to the best things to do in Chamonix all year round.

FAQ: Skiing in Chamonix This Winter

When does the ski season start in Chamonix? Most areas open in mid-December and run to mid-April, with Grands Montets open into early May. Early openings in late November are possible depending on snow.

Is Grands Montets open this winter? Yes, partly. A new gondola from Argentière to Lognan is due to open for the Christmas 2026 holidays. The cable car to the summit is not expected until December 2027.

Which ski pass should I buy for Chamonix? Chamonix Le Pass for the main local areas, or Mont Blanc Unlimited if you want the whole valley, the Vallée Blanche and the Aiguille du Midi.

When should I book a Chamonix ski trip? As early as possible for Christmas, New Year and February, and ideally in autumn for lift passes, lessons and guides.

Staying in Argentière puts you right by the new Grands Montets gondola. Get in touch to find out more about staying with us.