High in the French Alps, the ridge that crowns Les Grands Montets has been a magnet for powder hunters, freeriders and families alike. The moment the gondola lifts you from the valley floor, you can feel the crisp mountain air mingle with the distant rumble of snow‑making machines, and the promise that today you might carve a line that will stay etched in memory. Whether you’re arriving by bus from the bustling center of Chamonix or by train that whistles through the valley, the mountain greets you with a blend of rugged wilderness and well‑kept hospitality. In the following pages we’ll unpack the history, the lift system, the dining options and the practicalities that turn a day on Les Grands Montets into a seamless adventure.
From the newly refurbished cable car to the hidden bistro tucked near the summit, every element has been tuned for both adrenaline and comfort. I’ll share a few anecdotes from my own runs, point out the spots where locals pause for a hot chocolate, and give you the up‑to‑date status of the lifts for the 2025 season. Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the heart of this legendary slope.
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Grand Montets cable car reopening: what to expect
The Grand Montets cable car received a full overhaul in early 2025, and the reopening ceremony drew a crowd that could easily have filled a small arena. The new cabins are equipped with panoramic windows, heating, and a Wi‑Fi hotspot – a small luxury for a mountain that traditionally prized solitude. For the first week, the operating hours have been extended to 9 am‑4 pm, providing early birds a chance to catch the sunrise over the Mont Blanc massif.
One of the most noticeable changes is the introduction of a dual‑track system that reduces waiting times during peak hours. As a former ski patrol officer, I can attest that the reduction in queue length not only improves the visitor experience but also eases the workload on lift operators. The new system is monitored by a digital dashboard that alerts technicians to any irregularities, meaning the cable car stays operational even when the weather turns brisk.
Below is a snapshot of the 2025 timetable:
| Day | Opening | Closing |
|---|---|---|
| Monday‑Friday | 09:00 | 16:00 |
| Saturday | 08:30 | 16:30 |
| Sunday | 08:30 | 16:30 |
Because the schedule is subject to change with snowfall, it’s always worth checking the digital boards at the base station or the on‑site app before you head out.
The meaning behind Les Grands Montets
Names in the Alps often carry a story, and “Les Grands Montets” is no exception. The term “Montets” derives from the old Savoyard word for “small mountain” – a nod to the series of peaks that flank the valley. Adding “Grands” distinguishes this area from neighboring lower slopes, emphasizing its higher altitude and more challenging terrain. Locals sometimes joke that the name hints at the “grand” amount of effort required to master its steepest runs.
Historically, the area was a grazing ground for shepherds in the summer months. Some stone huts still stand as silent witnesses to that pastoral past. In the 1930s, a group of pioneering ski enthusiasts turned the grassy high‑meadows into a primitive ski hill, planting the seed for today’s world‑class resort.
“When I first rode the old wooden lift in 1965, I could feel the mountain’s personality – stern, generous, and unapologetically wild.”
Understanding the name adds a layer of appreciation when you hear the wind whistle through the pine trees or see the sun melt a fresh dusting of snow on the ridge.
Lift operations and opening times
Peak hours (09:00‑12:00 and 13:30‑15:30) see the highest traffic, so if you prefer shorter lines, aim for a mid‑morning start after the 10 am rush or a late afternoon run before the lifts close. The mountain also offers a “night ski” package on Fridays, extending lift operation until 18:00 for a few illuminated runs.
Because weather can change rapidly, there are clearly marked shelters at each base where you can receive real‑time updates via the resort’s mobile app. In my experience, those alerts have prevented a few close calls when a sudden gust forced a temporary closure.
Frequent Asked Questions
How do I get to Les Grand Montets from Chamonix?
Travelers have two main options. The SNCF runs a regional train from Chamonix‑Mont‑Blanc to Argentiere Haute‑Savoie every hour; tickets cost around €3 and the journey lasts roughly 16 minutes. Alternatively, Chamonix Mobilité operates a bus service departing from Place Mont Blanc every 30 minutes, taking about 20 minutes to reach the base of the lifts.
Is Grand Montets difficult?
Les Grands Montets hosts some of the steepest and most technical pistes in the Chamonix valley. The summit reaches 3,275 m, allowing runs that descend to 1,252 m in Argentière. While beginners can enjoy the wide Planards bowl, advanced skiers will find challenging couloirs such as “Biviere” and “Morillon” that demand solid technique and confidence.
What is the elevation of Les Grand Montets?
The ski area spans elevations from approximately 1,235 m at the valley floor up to 2,800 m near the top of the cable car. This range provides a substantial vertical drop and a variety of snow conditions, from gentler groomed runs to high‑altitude powder.
Wrapping up the experience at Les Grands Montets
From the modernized cable car to the timeless charm of alpine cuisine, Les Grands Montets offers a blend of excitement and authenticity that few resorts can match. Whether you’re chasing the next big run, savoring a melting pot of cheese, or simply watching the clouds drift over Mont Blanc, the mountain rewards every visitor with a unique slice of Alpine life. As the season unfolds, keep an eye on lift schedules, respect the mountain’s power, and you’ll leave with stories worth retelling – perhaps over a glass of hot chocolate at La Bergerie, watching the sun set behind the peaks.
So pack your boots, charge your devices, and let the spirit of Les Grands Montets guide your next adventure. See you on the slopes!
