Skiing & Snowboarding

Obviously the favourite amongst all winter activities, skiing in the Chamonix valley is an absolute must! World renowned as “Home of the Steep and Deep!“, Chamonix certainly lives up to its reputation.

First skiing holiday? Chamonix is an excellent destination with nursery slopes throughout the valley and two famous ski schools to speed up the learning process.

Keen boarders and skiers? Chamonix is 'THE' place to come for those hungry for a challenge. From glacial skiing to cruising through the trees to a well-earned vin chaud – you will come back for more.

Family holiday? Chamonix can give you a choice in children's ski schools and nurseries, giving the family time to ski. There is a wealth of choice

Holiday with friends? Chamonix is the best. You can ski hard and party hard with a great mix of people from all over the world.

Corporate trip? Chamonix is outstanding giving you the whole range of facilities and amenities for your group, lending a great combination to work and play.

Ski and Board Areas

Within the Valley Les Houches - The 1st ski area you reach in the Chamonix valley, famous for the Kandahar World Cup Downhill Le Brévent-La Flegere - the ski area which is accessible from both Chamonix town and Les Pras Les Grands Montets - the ski area based near to Argentiere village Le Tour - located at the end of the valley giving amazing views and gentler skiing compared to the other areas Les Bossons - can offer night skiing! Nursery slopes - the Savoy meadows and Les Planards are dedicated nursery slopes. At the bottom of each of the main areas described above there are a number of easily accessible, beginner-friendly nursery slopes too Mont-Blanc tunnel - gives you access to Courmayer within 8 miles The Vallee Blanche - Chamonix's most famous glacier run affords 26kms of spectacular off-piste skiing down the Mer de Glace. Reached via the Aiguille du Midi cable car at 3842m, the panorama of mountain peaks opens up around you with superb views in every direction.

Outside the valley If the other ski areas aren't enough you can always try: Zermatt - Switzerland Verbier - Switzerland Courmayer - Italy Megeve - France Flaine - France

Ski Lessons and Guiding

Bigfoot works with the very best mountain guides and instructors in the valley. All offer an excellent level of service and teach and guide not only in English but many other languages too. If you are not sure who you need Mountain Guides may take you on glaciers whereas Ski Instructors may not do so. Mountain Guides are also different in that they generally do not instruct but are there to ensure that your experiences are safe ones.

Ask the Bigfoot Sales Team for details of the prices and what is available and what would best suit your requirements.

Child Care

Child care facilities are offered throughout the Valley. There is ski instruction in both the town and Argentiere by the Grand Montets ski area. Children six months to twelve years are admitted these child care centres which have games, crafts, ski lessons with videos and outdoor snow games.

Equipment Hire

We can kit you out by one of our ski-hire shop partners, with all of the top-quality equipment necessary for your winter sports.

The shops we use in the Chamonix valley have a good range of both skis and snowboards with the latest models available for hire. If you are interested in purchasing equipment, they also offer good value.

To speed up the hiring process you can pre-book for your skis, giving us your details in advance. As a Bigfoot client, you will be entitled to:

- Try snowboarding: swap your skis for a snowboard half way through your holiday (Depends on availability) – your chalet host or rep will be able to arrange this for you.

- Mid-week service: just bring your skis in half way through the week to really hone those edges – free of charge!

- Change your equipment: Ensure you are getting the most out of your holiday and your equipment – change your boots or skis as many times as you wish (no extra charge within the same price band).

Providing you have given us your details beforehand such as shoe size, height, weight, and level of skiing, we can enable quick service and maximum time on the slopes.

Lift Passes

When you book your holiday with us, our sales team can pre-book lift passes, saving you time and hassle and at no extra charge. A Chamski pass is the local valley pass and will give you access to the local bus service that will take you between ski areas of: