SnowBoarding in the Chamonix Valley, France
The Chamonix valley is an amazing and wonderful part of snowboarding lore. This region is noted for its steep and high mountain terrain, and it is no surprise that the area is also known as the “European Alaska.” You will have to search Europe high and low to discover such diverse attributes as are found in the Chamonix valley. It offers you spectacular domes, peaks, pyramids, needles, glaciers and bumps to ride. While Chamonix is world renowned as a seasonaires and freerider’s Mecca, it is perfect for snowboarders of all abilities. The Chamonix valley actually consists of six snowboarding/skiing areas which are all accessible by a free bus service that won’t leave you waiting long to get to your favorite mountain or resort.
Located just above the picturesque town of Argentiere are the Grand Montets, which is the most popular and largest of all the resorts. And since it has a north-facing slope, off-piste snow conditions are still quite good even a few days after it snows. Due to its popularity, the best runs at the Grand Montets are usually tracked out around lunchtime. If weather and lines permit, you absolutely must ascend to the summit of the mountain. The summit is 3300 meters high, and provides spectacular views as well as a great amount of powder runs on the way down. And if you have an insatiable urge for powder, then the Lavancher Bowl is the place for you. The bowl offers riders endless amounts of powder, rock drops, cornices and chutes. Or maybe you are more in tune with freestyle or snowpark riding. If that is the case, take a look at these exceptional boarding areas.
Also located at the Grand Montets skiing and boarding resort is a new snowboard park. This park is equipped with a whole host of modern features such as rails, boarder cross courses and kickers. A half pipe is still in the works, though. If you plan on freesytle riding, then you need to see what La Flegere and Le Tour have to offer. They are absolutely overflowing with quarters, gullies and natural jumps. As the season begins to wind down, La Flegere seems to turn into one gigantic snowpark. And it is home to Europe’s largest natural kicker, which has been dubbed the Big Tit (seriously). After experiencing all that La Flegere has to offer, take a cable car ride over to Le Brevent. After the Grand Montets resort, La Flegere is the second largest skiing and boarding resort in the Chamonix valley. The mountain is full of steep peaks and powder runs. To access the most exceptional powder on the mountain, ride up on the Col Cornu chairlift, and then navigate down to powder, natural jumps couloirs, on-piste riding, and hips on the way down. Also, be sure to set aside time in order to go to the Aiguille du Midi and the The Vallée Blanche.
If you are a freerider or not, it shouldn’t matter one bit. Visiting this area is an absolutely essential part of your visit to the Chamonix valley. This is because Aiguille du Midi is home to Europe’s highest cable car. It reaches an astounding 3842 meters. If you are a freerider and you do plan to experience this once in a lifetime thrill, then go ahead and drop in. You will begin your descent by navigating your way down a small ridge before coming across any rideable terrain at all. Endless variations, great snow and off-piste riding await you. A word of caution, though. This area is mostly glacial terrain, meaning only experienced and properly outfitted boarders should even attempt it. For those who do, there is 22 kilometers of uninterrupted boarding that takes you past ice formations of various hues of blue, and glaciers that sparkle in the sun.
