France
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Región: Northern Alps
Two altitudes with two environments: the Lognan pastures at 1 970 m and the Argentière glacier’s seracs at the 3 275 m summit. A whole universe to discover… From the Aiguille des Grands Montets: the view of the Mer de Glace, the Aiguille de Chamonix, the Mont-Blanc and the Chamonix valley. From the “Point de Vue”: the scenery of one of the most spectacular ice falls of the valley and the departure of mountaineers for the Aiguille Verte and the summits of the massif.
Situated between the altitudes of 1235m and 3275m, close to a glacier, the Grands Montets area enables you to ski the greatest height differentails in the world. For ski buffs, there is everything you want! Slopes, coombs, powder and North Face downhills…
This is the place where freeriders come from all over the world.
All under the benevolent gaze of the mythical Aiguille Verte. The pistes are spread over three slopes – the Argentière glacier, Lognan and the Pendant which also offer magnificent off-piste, known throughout the world and essential for freeriders. The quality of the snow coverage is remarkable up until May.
For freestyle enthusiasts, a Snowpark and a Boardercross are open in the Lognan area. At the top of the Tabé chair-lift. A MUST ranked in the top 15 French parks! Sign your visit with freestyle and learn how to control your best tricks in a safe, evolutionary space with fun, original and creative sequences.
Table of Contents
Skiing at Les Grands Montets: the resort’s highlights
A legendary peak in the world of skiing
Located in the heart of the Chamonix Valley, between 1,235 and 3,295 meters above sea level, Les Grands Montets is much more than a resort: it is a symbol.
From its slopes and glaciers, you can see the Mont Blanc massif and the imposing peaks of Chardonnet, Verte, and Dru. Its technical terrain, vertical drop of over 2,000 meters, and glacial environment have made it a mecca for competitive skiing and freeriding.
It is here that generations of skiers and mountaineers have forged their legend, from the pioneers of the 1960s to the contemporary athletes of extreme freeriding.
A domain with character
The Les Grands Montets domain covers three main sectors—Argentière, Lognan, and Pendant—and offers one of the most intense skiing experiences in the Alps.
The lower slopes wind through forests, perfect for fine-tuning your skills or learning to ski, while the upper slopes, on the Rognons glacier and the Aiguille des Grands Montets, offer steep slopes, powder snow, and long technical descents.
With over 1,300 skiable hectares, the domain combines marked areas and wide open natural spaces, ideal for controlled freeriding and adventure skiing.
A resort undergoing exemplary reconstruction
Following the 2018 fire that destroyed the iconic Aiguille des Grands Montets gondola lift, the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc group launched a comprehensive reconstruction project led by architect Renzo Piano, a world leader in ecological architecture.
The new Grands Montets 2026 project proposes a carbon-neutral infrastructure, integrated into the landscape and with low visual impact, using local materials and renewable energies.
The aim is to reopen access to the glacier in 2026, making Les Grands Montets a global benchmark for sustainability in the high mountains.
Guaranteed snow and exceptional altitude
Thanks to its northern orientation and proximity to the Mont Blanc massif, Les Grands Montets offers some of the coldest and driest snow in Europe.
Its microclimate guarantees excellent snow cover from November to May, with depths often exceeding 5 meters in the upper part of the domain.
Even without the glacier open, the Lognan and Pendant sectors allow for long periods of skiing with the highest quality snow.
A paradise for freeriding and technical skiing
Les Grands Montets is an international mecca for freeriding, renowned for its natural itineraries and unique topography.
The classic descent of the Glacier des Rognons or the Couloir des Pylônes are legendary routes among experts.
In good conditions, local guides offer crossings to the Glacier d’Argentière or the link with Le Tour and the Vallon de Chardonnet, jewels of high-mountain skiing.
The domain is entirely managed by professionals from the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc, with a strong focus on safety and prevention.
A total high-mountain experience
More than just a resort, Les Grands Montets is a natural laboratory for skiing and mountaineering. Chamonix guides, rescue teams, and many elite athletes train here.
Its ski school (ESF Argentière) offers advanced freeride and glacier skiing programs, combining technique, safety, and knowledge of the environment.
In addition, the domain is gradually adapting to a four-season model, with hiking, climbing, trail running, and glacier routes accessible in summer.
Environmental commitment and transmission
The Compagnie du Mont-Blanc has made Les Grands Montets a symbol of its new environmental policy:
- Ecological rehabilitation of the old cable car area.
- Construction using clean energy and local materials (wood, stone, recycled steel).
- Use of 100% hydroelectric and solar energy in the new ski lifts.
- Preservation of natural heritage and reduction of the impact of transport. The new model seeks to reconcile access to the glacier with the preservation of its balance, even integrating an educational space on climate change and Alpine glaciers.
Accessibility and hospitality
Access to Les Grands Montets is easy: the resort is located in the village of Argentière, just 8 km from Chamonix, connected by buses, trains, and pedestrian routes.
The village retains its alpine charm, with traditional chalets, family hotels, and restaurants where Savoyard cuisine coexists with gourmet offerings.
Expert tips
- On clear days, ski early on the Glacier des Rognons to enjoy the best snow and the purest views of Mont Blanc.
- The Pendant sector is ideal after a recent snowfall: trees, light snow, and an intimate atmosphere.
- Take advantage of the new Plan Joran chairlift line, which is fast and comfortable, to avoid waiting.
- In spring, combine skiing with lunch on the sunny terraces of Argentière or a visit to the Musée Alpin de Chamonix.
An emblem of the future of skiing
Les Grands Montets embodies the original spirit of high-mountain skiing and its evolution towards a more respectful and responsible model.
With its legendary history, exceptional snow, and sustainable reconstruction, it has established itself as one of the most inspiring destinations in the French Alps.
