© Tom Humpage
© Tom Humpage
Grands Montets Ski Area & Lifts, Argentière
Access to the wonderful ski area situated a couple of minutes' walk from Argentière town centre
Les Grands Montets cable car (otherwise known as GM) is located an easy walk from Argentière town centre and is also on the main bus line, as well as being very near to Argentière train station.
The ski area here is extensive and varied, renowned for its challenging black runs and huge off-piste areas. It provides access to one of Chamonix's highest and steepest ski areas, between 1,235 and 3,300 metres. It is often the first lift in the area to open at the start of the winter season and the last to close at the end, due to its high altitude and reliable snow cover.
Until the new cable car opens (scheduled for 2024), the only way to access the skiing at Grands Montets is via the Plan Joran gondola. Currently there is no way to access the Aiguille des Grands Montets at 3,300m, from where you can see incredible panoramic views of the Mont Blanc range, the Mer de Glace and the Chamonix valley. This is also the departure point for mountaineers heading to the Aiguille Verte, which is at this time only accessible for those ski touring.
In summer the area offers hiking, mountain biking and paragliding. It is also the departure point for climbers and mountaineers aiming for the high peaks in the Argentière basin.
You can buy your ski passes directly from the lift pass office here. Also available are piste maps, bus and train timetables, weather forecasts, ski condition details and avalanche bulletins. You can also purchase the necessary mountain/ski insurance if you don't already have the correct cover. The lifts are open both summer and winter.
Directions
Grands Montets can be accessed easily by bus or train and there's also a huge car park at the bottom lift station which can get pretty crowded in winter. We recommend if you're driving there to arrive as early as possible. The bus stops directly in front of the lift station, or it's a short walk on foot from the train stop.
