Chamonix is not a ski resort in the usual sense. It is a valley surrounded by serious mountains, with lift access that opens the door to real freeride terrain: steep faces, technical couloirs, hidden bowls, tree runs, and long descents all the way back to the village. When the snow is good, it is exceptional. When conditions are more complicated, local knowledge and smart terrain choices become everything.
Chamonix Vertical is a local guiding company based in the valley. Our off-piste days are led by IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guides and built around one simple goal: the best possible skiing for your level, with a professional approach and a smooth experience from start to finish. We take time to understand what you want, we communicate clearly (phone and WhatsApp work very well), and we choose routes based on the weather, the snowpack and your objectives, not on a fixed “menu” that ignores reality.
Please note: Vallée Blanche is covered on its own page, due to its specific logistics and high-mountain character.
We start with a short briefing: weather, avalanche bulletin, objective, timing, and an equipment check (transceiver, shovel and probe). Then we choose the best sector for the day and your level. Some days it is about hunting cold snow in sheltered terrain. Other days it is about timing sunny aspects perfectly. If visibility is poor, we stay where we can ski well and safely. If conditions allow, we aim higher and more technical. Your guide manages safety and decision-making so you can focus on skiing.
Chamonix offers a wide range of freeride terrain. Below are examples of classic sectors and typical routes we may choose depending on conditions. The exact itinerary is always adapted to your level and the day’s snowpack.
This is the iconic freeride area of the valley: high altitude, serious lines, and excellent snow preservation. Options range from classic off-piste descents close to lift infrastructure to longer itineraries that feel truly alpine. Typical examples include the classic bowls and variants around the Grands Montets sector, as well as longer descents toward Argentière when conditions and group level allow.
Opposite the Mont Blanc range, this sector is ideal for variety: freeride bowls, steeper pitches, and quick access for half-day or full-day options. It is often a very good choice when we want sun, better visibility, or a more playful freeride day with multiple runs.
A perfect sector for improving off-piste skills: open terrain, good snow, and many route choices. It works very well for intermediate skiers who want a proper freeride day without committing to the most technical lines.
When the weather is mixed or visibility is poor, tree skiing becomes the best answer. Les Houches offers excellent options in forested terrain, allowing for enjoyable skiing and safer decision-making on stormy days. It is also a great place to work on technique and confidence.
If you are a strong freeride skier and conditions are stable, Chamonix offers serious objectives: steeper faces and couloir-style descents. These outings require strong skiing, good fitness, and comfort in a real mountain environment. Your guide will choose the right objective for the day, manage timing, and keep the plan realistic.
Off-piste skiing in Chamonix is real mountain terrain. Weather changes quickly, avalanche conditions can vary by aspect and altitude, and many descents involve serious exposure. Our IFMGA/UIAGM guides bring the experience required for route choice, terrain management, and risk assessment. We also keep the day well organised: clear meeting points, realistic schedules, and straightforward communication.
Tell us your dates, group size and skiing level. We will recommend the best sector and style of day for current conditions. If you want, we can also build a progression plan over several days, combining off-piste skiing, technique coaching and (if relevant) ski touring days.
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