Chamonix is not one ski resort but a valley of separate ski areas below Mont Blanc. For winter 2026–27 the tourist office forecasts Grands Montets and La Flégère opening on November 28, 2026, Brévent and Balme–Vallorcine on December 12, and Les Houches–Saint-Gervais on December 19, all depending on snow (Chamonix-Mont-Blanc tourist office). On January 30, 2027 the Kandahar men's World Cup slalom returns to Les Houches. For the most reliable snow and the full valley open, aim for January to March.
A winter trip shaped by the season: openings depend on snow, so keep a flexible day.
Photo: Ruben VP on Pexels (Pexels)
See the route before you go
Travel Movie · 3D · 1:17
Illustrative route. Confirm times, closures and access before you go.
Key winter 2026–27 dates
| What | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Grands Montets and La Flégère | ✅ Official forecast, snow permitting | From Nov 28, 2026 |
| Brévent and Balme–Vallorcine | ✅ Official forecast, snow permitting | From Dec 12, 2026 |
| Les Houches–Saint-Gervais | ⚠️ Probable | Dec 19, 2026 on the live info page (the press kit says Dec 12; partial early-December opening possible) |
| Grands Montets: Plan Joran gondola | ✅ Official (Compagnie du Mont-Blanc) | Reopening Dec 5, 2026 |
| New Argentière–Lognan gondola | ⚠️ Probable | Due around Christmas 2026; the summit is not served by lift this winter |
| Kandahar, men's slalom World Cup, Les Houches | ✅ Official (tourist office press kit) | Sat Jan 30, 2027 |
| Closing dates | ✅ Official forecast | Brévent–Flégère Apr 18, 2027; Balme Apr 11, 2027 |
Which ski area suits you
- Brévent–Flégère: south-facing slopes right across from Mont Blanc, reached from the town centre and Les Praz. Best for views and intermediate skiing.
- Grands Montets (Argentière): the steep, high-altitude area for strong skiers; in 2026–27 it is partly rebuilt, so check which lifts are running.
- Balme (Le Tour–Vallorcine): gentle, open slopes; good for easy days and families.
- Les Houches: tree-lined runs, good on cloudy days, with the Verte downhill run.
- Beginners: low-altitude learning areas such as Le Savoy and La Vormaine open only with enough snow.
5-day itinerary (example: Sat Jan 30 – Wed Feb 3, 2027)
Arrive, Kandahar in Les Houches
Watch day 1- ArriveVia Geneva, the closest major airport. If you land early, watch the Kandahar slalom in Les Houches.
- EveningIn Chamonix town centre.
- Arrive
Brévent–Flégère
Watch day 2- Ski the south-facing side facing Mont Blanc; take the gondola up from town.
Grands Montets or Balme
Watch day 3- Strong skiers: Grands Montets from Argentière (check open lifts). Others: Balme from Le Tour.
Day off the skis
Watch day 4- MontenversTrain to the Mer de Glace, if open, or the Mont Blanc Museum, which opens for its first winter season (tourist office).
- ExperiencedOff-piste skiers can book the Vallée Blanche, only with a qualified mountain guide.
- Montenvers
Les Houches and departure
Watch day 5- A morning in Les Houches' forest runs before the transfer back to Geneva.
Practical tips (from official sources)
- Dates depend on snow: every opening date is a forecast; check the tourist office's live info page before travelling.
- Avalanche risk: off-piste and the Vallée Blanche require a guide and avalanche gear; read the daily avalanche bulletin.
- Not one linked area: you move between areas by bus, train or car, so stay near the area you'll ski most.
- Busiest weeks: French school holidays in February fill the slopes; January and March are quieter.
FAQ
When does the ski season start in Chamonix?
For 2026–27 the tourist office forecasts the first areas, Grands Montets and La Flégère, opening on November 28, 2026, and Brévent and Balme on December 12, all depending on snow conditions. Les Houches is probably opening on December 19, according to the tourist office's live info page, though its press kit says December 12.
When is the best time to ski in Chamonix?
January to March usually has the most reliable snow and all areas open. February has the busiest slopes because of school holidays, so January and March are quieter.
Is Chamonix good for beginners?
Yes, though it is known for expert terrain. Balme and Les Houches have gentle slopes, and low-altitude learning areas such as Le Savoy and La Vormaine open when there is enough snow.
Is the Grands Montets open in winter 2026–27?
Partly. The Plan Joran gondola reopens on December 5, 2026, according to the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc. A new gondola from Argentière to Lognan will probably open around Christmas, but the lift company has not confirmed a date. The summit itself is not served by lift this winter.
Related guides
Plan your Chamonix trip
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Sources
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc tourist office, Live info and 2026–2027 ski area opening forecast, checked Oct 20, 2026: https://en.chamonix.com/infos-live
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc tourist office, Winter 2026–2027 press kit, checked Oct 20, 2026: https://en.chamonix.com/sites/default/files/media/brochures/DP_CHAMONIX_UK_Winter20262027.pdf
- Compagnie du Mont-Blanc, Grands Montets area, checked Oct 20, 2026: https://domaineschamonix.montblancnaturalresort.com/en/area/grands-montets
