The Grands Montets
Situated in the picturesque valley of Chamonix, the Grand Montets ski and snowboard resort is the most popular as well as the largest of all other resorts in the region. The Grand Montets offers skiers and boarders a wide variety of options including bowls, glaciers, tight tree-lined slopes, breath taking vistas and a total vertical drop of 2100 meters. The area is also dominated by the The Aiguille du Dru - a breathtaking peak which has to be seen to be believed. And of course, on powder days, it is absolutely essential for you to arrive early at the Grand Montets in order to get in first tracks and some good early runs as well.Upon arrival, your lift choices will be either a detachable quad or a gondola. On busy days, however, the waiting lines for gondola rides can be atrocious. Your best bet would be to use the Bochard lift, especially if the summit is closed.When you arrive at the end of the Bochard lift, you are presented with two very intriguing choices. The Chamois bowls and the Bochard bowl. Be advised that the Chamois bowl may be closed if it has recently snowed heavily. This is due to the increased avalanche risks associated with the excess amounts of snow build up in the area. Beautiful powder runs are accessible from both bowls, although be watchful of hidden problems. This is because glaciers are present in the entire first section of the Borchard trail. And, on the right side of the trail, there are rocks that are often hidden from sight. Whether skiing or snowboarding in the Chamois bowl or trails area, make sure to return to the lift early enough so that you won’t be left behind to navigate down trails that are located in areas prone to avalanches.
We shall now take a more in depth look into skiing and snowboarding from the top of the Grand Montets.As you begin your descent from the peak of the Grand Montets, you will quickly surmise that this experience is the consummation of all that is right with skiing and boarding.Stunning views of white powder and dark mountains juxtaposed against a clear blue sky await you. (Not to mention the skiing and boarding itself). Long exhilarating runs with perfect snow conditions and a nice vertical drop all the way down is what you will experience. The runs that leave from the summit are all interesting and all have different “personalities” so to speak. For instance, one run actually curves around to the back of the mountain, then splits into two runs. One of these runs continues along the hillside while the other continues down in a straight shot. Both trails are great, but try not to veer to far away from them due to the fact that they both in glacial areas. If you take the Herse lift, make sure to go underneath the chairlift area in order to find some great runs. And, although they are shorter than average run, they are still very good runs. Plus, if you are a fan of mogul’s, this is where you should go.The mid station is an excellent place to take a break, but lets find out more about the skiing and boarding that it offers up.As you arrive at the mid station, you will notice two small chairlifts over on the right side of the ski area. Make your way over to them, and you will find some more spectacular skiing and boarding. These runs will take you though the forest and tons of lush, green trees.
Remember this area if the weather conditions become too stormy to ski or board in the upper trails. A halfpipe for snowboarders and skiers is also located near the mid station. The pipe has a nice long run down to the bottom, although it may be bare at times.Argentiere has a reputation as one of the finest skiing and bording areas in the world. This is due to its perfect location. Right at the Grand Montets base area. It offers a vast amount of powder fields, as well as piste and off-piste skiing and boarding. Not to mention the breathtaking high mountain routes, freeriding, secret combes, moguls and couloirs available to all. However, there are beginners slopes at Les Chosalets, intermediate blue trails at Arolles and Marmottons, red trails at Borchard and then black trails at the peak of the Grand Montets.
