From marked and secured trails to paths exploring remote valleys and glaciers, a multitude of choices are available regardless of your level. To help you choose, we present in this article 5 iconic local ski touring outings.

Developed by our mountain experts and based on dozens of field outings, this list of routes classified by increasing difficulty will help you best prepare your sporting activity safely and according to your level.

Why choose Chamonix for ski touring?

Chamonix has been the scene of resounding exploits in the world of mountaineering. Around the majestic Mont Blanc, some of the world's most beautiful ski touring lines have been traced, gradually elevating this resort to legendary status.

  • The Chamonix valley offers a varied terrain that allows each beginner or expert skier to progress rapidly: forests, alpine meadows, glaciers... There's something for every taste and purpose.

  • The recent and efficient lift network allows athletes to take advantage of the variety of high-altitude routes throughout their stay.

  • In addition to the quality infrastructure, there's a local community of enthusiasts that will make your stay unforgettable: experienced guides, specialized equipment rental shops, and mountain hut keepers. This mountain culture has helped create a "Chamonix spirit" that you can fully immerse yourself in.

Ski touring in Chamonix

➡️ Need equipment for your outing? Find in our Sanglard Sports stores our ski touring rental packages and safety equipment.

The 5 must-do ski touring routes in Chamonix

This section introduces you to the immense playground that is Chamonix with five reference routes suitable for every skier. We hope to whet your appetite through these detailed presentations and some useful tips.

"At a Glance": The 5 Routes Overview

Route Area Difficulty Elevation Gain (D+) Ideal for...
Les Houches to Prarion (2 to 3 hrs) Les Houches ⚫⚪⚪ Easy 730 m Successful initiation with Mont Blanc views
Le Tour to Charamillon (1h30) Le Tour / Argentière ⚫⚪⚪ Easy/Intermediate ≈360 m Short route to build endurance
Argentière to Lognan Refuge (2h30 to 3h) Grands Montets / Argentière ⚫⚫⚪ Intermediate 827 m Easily accessible route with a technical section
Argentière to Lognan via La Trapette (2h30) Grands Montets / Argentière ⚫⚫⚪ Intermediate/Advanced 730 m Testing your fitness on a less crowded route
Crochues to Bérard (4 to 6 hrs) Flégère / Vallorcine ⚫⚫⚫ Advanced/Expert 400 m The famous wild classic traverse

1. Les Houches → Prarion - Easy Level

An ideal first step for beginning ski touring and immersing yourself in the Chamonix experience. This marked route follows a forest trail to the top of the Prarion cable car. A popular route with a steady slope and few technical difficulties, everything is in place for a successful introduction. At the top, an open view of the Mont Blanc massif awaits. The descent can then be done on groomed slopes.

⚠️ Warning: prohibited during ski lift operating hours (check municipal regulations).

2. Le Tour (Village) → Charamillon - Easy/Intermediate Level

Perfect for short days, this marked short route follows the Caisets slope to the top of Charamillon. The gentle slope will stimulate your endurance, but allows easy progression, ideal for an introduction. The setting offers a superb view of the Aiguille du Chardonnet and it's possible to descend via the slopes.

⚠️ Warning: route to be practiced outside slope operating hours.

3. Argentière (Village) → Lognan Refuge - Intermediate Level

Easily accessible, the route from Argentière to Lognan first follows the Pierre à Ric slope then a wide and steady forest trail. You finally reach the Lognan Chalet after a fairly technical section to enjoy a beautiful view of the Argentière glaciers. Although marked, we do not recommend this route for beginners.

4. Argentière (Village) → Lognan via La Trapette - Intermediate/Advanced Level

The La Trapette hiking trail is marked and winds through the forest then emerges onto the slopes of the Rognons glacier. Demanding at the start, the climb tests your endurance then gradually eases. The exit from the forest path is at Plan Joran level. The route continues along a service road until reaching the Lognan refuge. Finally, the descent is via the long Pierre à Ric slope. This less crowded route will be a good opportunity for the more athletic to test their physical condition.

⚠️ Warning: in unstable conditions, this sector is prone to avalanches. Avoid in high risk conditions.

5. Crochues → Bérard - Advanced Level

The Crochues-Bérard traverse is a very well-known route in Chamonix. From La Flégère (Praz village 3 km from Chamonix), you climb toward the Col des Aiguilles Crochues. A steep ascent, especially toward the end, often done with skins or on foot depending on conditions. You then descend toward the Bérard valley, wild and magnificent, to the village of Le Buet. Take time on your way to admire Mont Buet, the "Ladies' Mont Blanc" rising to 3,099 m altitude. The return can be done by train to get back to Les Praz and descend to the Flégère parking.

⚠️ Warning: the descent crosses areas exposed to avalanches

Before you go: the 4 golden rules of safety in Chamonix

To prepare for any outing, ski tourers must follow certain rules to avoid surprises that could put them in dangerous situations. This section details the four golden rules to apply rigorously. They form the basis of a responsible attitude for skiing safely.

1. Master Your Safety Equipment:

To hit the trail with peace of mind, skiers must be able to operate independently and manage their safety equipment. This equipment can save your life in case of problems. It is therefore imperative to know how to use it. In preparing your tour, we advise you to participate in an introductory day or avalanche transceiver exercise with a guide or local association.

Here is the essential trio for skiing:

➡️ Find our avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel rental package in our stores.

Other equipment is recommended for a higher level of safety:

2. Check the Weather and Avalanche Bulletin

At altitude, weather conditions change rapidly. Good weather can give way to a wind, snow or rain storm in just a few hours.

These frequent changes particularly influence avalanche risk. Before heading to the peaks, make sure 24 or 48 hours in advance of the conditions you're departing in: snow quality, visibility, temperature, weather... The wise skier knows not to take unnecessary risks.

Useful resources to consult:

3. Know When to Turn Back

Whether you're a regular or occasional athlete, the right attitude in the mountains is one that prioritizes caution: knowing when to turn around to avoid putting yourself in danger.

Poor visibility, unstable snow, cornices, fatigue or poor team dynamics should alert all skiers and prompt them to question the feasibility of their outing.

Vigilance and humility are essential qualities for off-piste skiing. The mountain will always be there tomorrow and there's no shame in turning back. Don't let your ego put you in danger.

4. Consider a Guide

The mountain is a very uncertain environment. While some routes seem accessible on paper, they can contain complex technical sections and hold unexpected challenges.

Hiring a high mountain guide ensures you operate safely and follow the route without error. It's also an excellent opportunity to learn how to read the terrain, slopes and any difficult passages.

Benefiting from their experience is both a guarantee of safety and learning in your ski touring practice. Don't neglect this aspect to enjoy your outing in the best conditions.

Maps and useful resources

To plan your ski touring outings and prepare as well as possible, we've selected some useful books and resources for you:

Websites and apps:

Available books and guides:

FAQ: Ski Touring in Chamonix

> What are the best ski touring routes in Chamonix for a beginner?

For a successful introduction, we recommend two marked routes:

  • Les Houches to Prarion (Easy): Ideal for starting out (730 m D+), this route follows a forest trail. It's important to note that it is prohibited during ski lift operating hours.
  • Le Tour to Charamillon (Easy/Intermediate): A shorter route (approximately 360 m D+), with a gentle slope, perfect for building endurance.
> I'm an experienced skier, which routes do you recommend for a challenge?

Two routes are particularly suitable for advanced to expert skiers:

  • Argentière to Lognan via La Trapette (Intermediate/Advanced): A less crowded route (730 m D+), demanding at the start, ideal for testing your physical condition.
  • Crochues to Bérard (Advanced/Expert): The famous classic traverse (400 m D+ ascent), with a long technical and wild descent (1,430 m D-) in the Bérard valley.
> What is elevation gain (D+) and how many meters should I aim for according to my level?

Elevation Gain (D+) measures the accumulation of ascents on a route. To guide you:

  • Beginner: Aim for routes with D+ less than 400-500 m (like Le Tour to Charamillon, ≈360 m).
  • Intermediate: Outings between 700 m and 850 m D+ (like Les Houches to Prarion or Argentière to Lognan) are appropriate.
  • Advanced: You can tackle significant D+ or technical traverses.
> What is the ideal period for ski touring in Chamonix?

The main season generally runs from December to April, but access to routes depends heavily on snow conditions and municipal regulations.

  • Marked routes can be open from mid-December to late March/early April.
  • Major traverses like Crochues-Bérard are often done from January to April.

Tip: Always check the specific access dates mentioned in route descriptions before departing.

> Are ski touring routes always accessible during ski slope operating hours?

No, be careful! Marked routes on the ski area (like Les Houches to Prarion or Le Tour to Charamillon) are often prohibited or strongly discouraged during ski lift operating hours, for safety reasons (grooming, crossings with alpine skiers, etc.). Always check municipal regulations and access hours.

> What equipment is absolutely necessary for ski touring in Chamonix?

In addition to your classic ski and touring equipment (touring skis, climbing skins, technical clothing), the safety trio is mandatory for off-piste and strongly recommended on all unsecured routes:

  • Avalanche Transceiver (Beacon/ARVA)
  • Shovel (metal)
  • Probe
> Is it mandatory to hire a guide for ski touring in Chamonix?

Hiring a high mountain guide is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended for inexperienced skiers, for complex routes or off-piste outings in high mountains (like Crochues-Bérard). A guide ensures your safety, teaches you to read the terrain and lets you benefit from their local expertise.

> How should I prepare physically for ski touring?

Ski touring is demanding in endurance (the ascent with elevation gain). Good physical preparation includes:

  • Regular cardiovascular activities (running, cycling).
  • Leg and core strengthening exercises.
  • For your first outings, favor shorter routes (like Le Tour to Charamillon, 1h30, ≈360 m D+) to accustom your body to the effort.

Conclusion

The ski touring routes in Chamonix offer an ideal playground for all skiers: from introductory routes to discover the activity, to major alpine routes requiring technique, endurance and self-improvement.

These unique landscapes, between accessible valleys and high glacial mountains, allow everyone to find their place in this majestic setting. This sumptuous backdrop also reminds us that safety, preparation and humility must always accompany each outing.

Knowing when to turn back, surrounding yourself with good advice and respecting the mountain are the keys to a successful experience. For a first outing or a more ambitious ascent, engage with passion, but also with wisdom. A mountain adventure always goes hand in hand with responsibility.

➡️ Find our ski touring equipment for rent in our Sanglard Sports stores in Chamonix and Argentière.

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