Chalet Jonquille

Chalet Jonquille has the perfect location to enjoy one of the most spectacular skiing terrains in Europe and the Les Grands Montets ski slopes are world renowned.

Thrill seekers and expert skiers frequent the Chamonix terrain in search of formidable pistes and Les Grands Montets has the reputation of one of the best off-piste ski areas in the Alps. 

Les Grands Montets offers excellent snow conditions and has slopes for every level.

There are three distinctive zones, the lower mountain area between Argentière Village and the main station of Lognan at 1972m, the mixed alpine terrain from Lognan to Borchard at 2765m and the steeper alpine terrain which includes the Argentière glacier up to 3275m.

Much of the area is above the tree line with the upper skiing areas located on a glacier, accessed by a second cable car, the views are stunning. Consisting of 8 main lifts with 2 gondolas, 2 cable cars and 4 chair lifts.

Chamonix offers novice and intermediate skiers some wonderful training slopes and Les Houches is perfect for beginners with its large upper plateau.
Overall there are 4 black runs, 13 red runs, 8 blues and 2 green runs.

There are lots of non-skiing activities to enjoy. Fabulous scenery, stunning landscapes, waterfalls and many paths to explore on foot or mountain bike makes the area a wonderful place to see throughout the year.

Not to be missed is the ‘Step into the Void’ attraction (Aiguille du Midi Skywalk),a glass room suspended 12,604 feet (3,842 meters) high on the summit of Aiguille du Midi Mountain. Reinforced by strong steel and set on the edge of a steep cliff, the transparent box offers unobstructed views of Europe’s highest peaks, with nothing but air below or for a different thrill you can book a tandem paragliding flight from a 3220m altitude.

The tree-top climbing Accro Adventure Park and rock-climbing crag in Lac des Gaillands are also excellent outside activities to enjoy.

Chamonix boasts many shops, bars and restaurants catering for every taste. Nestled in a valley at the crossroads of France, Italy and Switzerland with the backdrop of the jaw dropping Mont Blanc, it makes for a picture perfect apes-ski experience. It retains a traditional charm, particularly in the pedestrianised town centre. It boasts Victorian architecture and a pretty river. Après-ski starts early evening with delicious cocktails and an extensive beer selection.

Read more about Chamonix Town

Chamonix is often preceded by its own reputation. As one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, it has visitors travelling from all corners of the world to experience the epic runs year after year. The Chamonix town centre, also known as Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, is an endlessly inviting little city with enough going on to entertain skiers and non-skiers alike for weeks on end. For those travelling from the UK, it is fabulously easy to reach. You can drive straight from Calais by motorway and be set up in a gorgeous chalet in less than half a day.

The Chamonix Valley encompasses five main ski areas on four different mountains (with easy transfers in between). You can get yourself a single-resort lift pass or one that encompasses the whole valley. If you go with the latter option you’ll even have access to the Italian side of the valley in Courmayeur. The wider area encompasses 106 pistes at up to 3842m altitude and unparalleled off-piste runs. 

Most of Chamonix’s ski areas are best suited to those who already feel at home on a pair of skis. Beginners definitely won’t get as much out of this valley as those who are comfortable tackling a black run. But that’s not saying Chamonix is unromantic by any means. There is incredible scenery for everyone to enjoy, from non-skiers to experts, and nature lovers will fall in love with the Chamonix in summer too. Ski season, however, often lasts until mid-March.

Once the skiing is over at the end of the day you’ll still find plenty to keep you occupied in town. There is an excellent selection of restaurants to choose from, ranging from Michelin starred fine dining to street food that will line your stomach for the après-ski (and rest assured there are dozens of great bars and clubs to choose from!)