Chamonix Ski Passes Explained: Which One to Choose and Why
Planning a holiday in Chamonix? If so, one of the first decisions you will need to make is what ski pass to choose. With a whole host of options available, it can be a little overwhelming, but at Alpine Fleet, we’re experts in all areas when it comes to skiing in the Alps.
As well as providing leading shared and private transfers to get your trip off to the best possible start, we also have knowledge of all the different ski passes in Chamonix. In this article, we’ll break down every ski ticket in Chamonix, explaining their benefits and helping you decide which one might be right for your trip.
Read on for more…
The benefits of buying a Chamonix ski pass
Before delving into all the options, let’s first cover why buying a ski pass is worth it:
- Convenience: With a Chamonix ski pass, there is no need to buy individual lift tickets every day. Just scan and go. It’s that simple.
- Cost savings: Daily lift tickets add up quickly. You will get better value from ski passes if you’re planning to ski over multiple days.
- Access to multiple areas: The Chamonix Valley comprises several areas and a variety of terrain. A ski pass can give you access to a range of areas under one card.
- Skip the queues: Online purchases or passes in advance can get you straight to the slopes without having to wait in line.
Chamonix ski pass
The two main ski passes you can get at Chamonix are as follows:
- Chamonix Le Pass
- Mont Blanc Unlimited
Let’s take a closer look at both options.
Chamonix Le Pass
The Chamonix Le Pass is a great choice if you’re planning to ski primarily within the Chamonix Valley and aren’t looking for the highest altitudes or concerned with cross-border skiing.
With this pass, you’ll have access to all the main ski areas within Chamonix Valley from Brevent to Le Tour, as well as all the beginner areas. It’s a great option for intermediate skiers who prefer to stay on-piste but still want a challenge.
It tends to be more affordable than Mont Blanc Unlimited and will cover enough terrain for a standard one-week trip. It’s also less intimidating than more advanced options. So, if you’re wanting to stay within the Chamonix Valley and don’t require access to high alpine zones, this is an excellent choice.
Other passes
While the passes outlined above are the most popular, if you’re a complete beginner or travelling with family, then there are other options to consider:
For beginners
If you’re new to skiing, there are dedicated beginner passes on the valley floor that come with their own passes. They are considerably cheaper and come with four-hour, morning, afternoon and full-day options.
These beginner areas are:
- Les Planards: At the entrance of Chamonix, it has a chairlift and several easy slopes.
- Le Savoy: Behind the Folie Douce hotel, it is great for young kids and absolute beginners.
- Les Chosalets: Behind the roundabout in Argentiere, it is great for gentle runs.
- La Vormaine: At the foot of Domaine de Balme in Le Tour, it’s great for learners.
- La Poya: A small area that is great for families and children.
- Le Tourchet: Found behind the Solerey pub in Les Houches, it has gentle slopes.
Each of these areas sells its own passes that are cheaper than the main ones and help to build confidence before heading to the bigger slopes.
For families
For families, Chamonix offers the Tribu Pass, which is a fantastic way to save money if skiing in a group of four or more. You will need to have two adults (aged between 15 and 64) and two children (aged between five and 14), with additional children going free.
Each family member will get their own pass, and you don’t even need to ski at the same time to use them. This option offers a discounted rate compared to buying individual passes at the full price. Plus, all children under the age of five ski for free in Chamonix!
How to buy your pass
Chamonix lift pass prices vary depending on the season and the type of pass you go for. There are two main ways to make a ski pass purchase.
These are:
Buy on the day
This is a flexible option which is ideal if you’re unsure about your plans or concerned about weather conditions. They’re also very easy to buy at lift stations and tourist offices in Chamonix.
However, prices can be more expensive if purchased on the day, and sometimes queues can be long during peak periods.
Buy in advance
When buying in advance online, you can skip the queues and head straight to the ski lift with your QR code or collected pass from the machine. You will also get the best prices online, with discounts often available for early purchases.
However, there is less flexibility as passes can only be used on specified dates, and they are often non-refundable.
Choosing the right ski pass is a key part of planning your Chamonix trip. The right option can save you money and time on the slopes, allowing you to enjoy everything the region has to offer.
If you’re looking for transport to the Alps, the team here at Alpine Fleet also offers reliable and affordable airport transfers from Geneva and other major airports to Chamonix. Our shared and private transfers are the best way to get to your resort.
