La Flégère rises above the Chamonix valley, a sun‑kissed ski area that pairs breathtaking Alpine panoramas with a network of well‑groomed pistes. From the moment the new gondola replaced the historic cable car in 2019, the mountain has welcomed families, seasoned advanced riders and daring off‑piste explorers. The neighbour peak Brévent is linked by a swift lift, creating a single playground where snow sticks on the north‑facing bowls while the south‑exposed slopes stay as dry as a summer meadow. Chamonix itself buzzes with life, yet the Flégère side feels like a secret garden, perfect for those who value a mix of green piste ease, blue piste cruising, and the occasional black run for a heart‑pumping descent.
Every winter, the daily report tells us the snow height, the avalanche risk level and the visibility from the ridge, while the weather station on the mountain measures wind gusts that can reshape the fresh powder in minutes. With snowmaking at the base, the resort guarantees a consistent snow quality even when natural flakes are scarce. The opening dates usually fall in early December, subject to favourable weather, and the lift status is updated live on the resort’s interactive map. Whether you’re a beginner learning your first turn, an advanced skier hunting red piste challenges, or a snowboarder chasing the next snowpark, La Flégère offers a balanced mix of terrain and services.
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La Flégère ski area at a glance
Spanning over 2,500 metres in altitude, the Flégère side of the mountain boasts a compact yet versatile terrain. The highest lift reaches 2,525 m, while the lowest piste drops to 1,030 m, granting a vertical drop of nearly 1,500 m. The area is divided into three main zones: a beginner area with gentle green pistes, a central belt of blue and red runs, and a handful of daring black runs for the advanced skier seeking that extra adrenaline kick.
Because the whole sector faces south, sunshine can melt the snow in the afternoon, turning the upper bowls into super‑dry powder patches—a delight for those who love packed powder early in the day and a challenge when the sun climbs higher.
Getting there: location, lifts and opening information
Cable car, gondola and lift network
The journey starts at Les Praz, a charming village just a short bus ride from Chamonix centre. From the lower station, the modern gondola whisks you up to the Flégère plateau in under ten minutes. The older cable car was retired in 2019, making the ascent smoother and more energy‑efficient. Once at the top, the index lift and a series of chairlifts distribute skiers across the mountain, with a dedicated surface lift serving the beginner zone.
Lift status and live weather
Lift operators publish a live weather feed that includes temperature, wind speed and visibility + from 10 km. The lift status panel shows whether any chair is under maintenance, and the daily report alerts visitors to any temporary closures due to avalanche warnings or high wind.
Opening dates and practical timings
For the 2025 season, the first ascent is scheduled for 4 December, with the last descent slated for 15 May, assuming conditions remain subject to favourable weather. The gondola runs from 08:30 to 16:30 on weekdays and extends to 17:00 on weekends, while the summer schedule starts later in the year to accommodate hikers and mountain bikers.
Pistes and runs: what to expect at every level
Beginner and family-friendly zones
Families will feel right at home on the gentle green piste that winds through the lower forest. Ski schools operate from the base, offering beginner ski lessons and dedicated ski hire equipment for kids. The “snow garden” is a safe, enclosed area where little ones can practice turns under the watchful eye of certified instructors.
Intermediate thrills – blue and red pistes
For intermediate riders, the “Sunset Run” (a long blue piste) offers a steady gradient with occasional “punch” sections that test edging skills. The “Red Crest” is a classic red piste that zigzags between the treeline and open bowls, delivering a mix of technical turns and short, steep drops that appeal to confident skiers.
Advanced terrain – black runs and off‑piste
The highlight for the advanced crowd is the “Eagle’s Edge”, a daring black run that drops 250 m over a short distance, demanding precise carving and rapid reflexes. Beyond marked trails, the side of the mountain opens to a network of off‑piste corridors and backcountry routes. Guided tours depart from refuge de la Flégère, allowing seasoned adventurers to explore untouched powder while respecting the avalanche risk assessments.
Mountain services: snow report, rentals, passes and safety
Snow report & live weather updates
Every morning, the resort releases a snow report that details snow height, snow quality (from fresh snow to packed powder), and the current avalanche risk level. The live weather widget also shows real‑time wind and visibility, helping you decide whether to stick to the groomed runs or venture off‑piste.
Ski hire, lessons and equipment
Three fully stocked rental shops operate at the base: La Chavanne, l’Adret and a boutique at the refuge de la Flégère. They cater to all levels, offering ski hire for beginner packages, high‑performance skis for advanced riders, and snowboards for the park‑loving crowd. Certified instructors are available for group or private ski lessons, with special rates for families and children.
All passes include access to the gondola, lifts, and the snow report service. Discounts are offered for groups, students and senior citizens. The handicap‑friendly wheel chair ramp at the lower station ensures easy access for visitors with reduced mobility.
Dining and après‑ski: mountain restaurants and cosy spots
Mountain restaurants
At the summit you’ll find the iconic Refuge de la Flégère, serving hearty Savoyard dishes like fondue, raclette and tartiflette. A panoramic terrace provides a breathtaking view of the Mont Blanc massif and the winding valley below. Lower down, the l’Adret restaurant offers a lighter menu with salads, sandwiches and hot chocolate—perfect for a mid‑day break.
Après‑ski venues
When the lifts stop, the fun doesn’t end. The lively Tendance Foehn bar near the base station is a favourite among young snowboarders, with DJs spinning tracks and a small snow‑park for night shredding. For a more relaxed vibe, the alpine hut “La Chavanne” serves regional wines and artisanal cheeses, ideal for families looking to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Practical information: accessibility, transport and extra services
Accessibility for reduced mobility
The resort has invested in inclusive infrastructure: the gondola cabin is wheelchair‑accessible, there is a dedicated ramp at the ticket office, and adapted toilets are available at both the base and summit stations. A special control box allows staff to assist guests with limited mobility in boarding the lifts safely.
Transport connections and parking
- Closest bus stop: Les Praz (Line 2, 5‑minute walk to the gondola base)
- Closest train stop: Chamonix‑Mont‑Blanc station (shuttle service runs every 20 minutes)
- Closest parking: “Planpraz” car park (30 spaces reserved for electric vehicles)
During peak season, a shuttle service runs from the Chamonix town centre to the base, making it easy to leave the car at the underground lot near the Les Praz bus depot.
Frequent Asked Questions
What is La Flégère?
La Flégère is a south‑facing ski area in the Chamonix valley, accessed by a modern gondola from Les Praz. It offers lifts, pistes, mountain restaurants and a range of services for beginners, intermediates and advanced riders.
Can you ski from Brévent to Flégère?
Yes. A dedicated cable car (now a gondola) connects Brévent and Flégère, allowing you to move between the two ski zones without descending to the valley. This link makes it easy to combine runs on both mountains in a single day.
How high is La Flégère?
The highest lift reaches 2 525 m, while the lowest piste starts at about 1 030 m, giving a vertical drop of roughly 1 500 m.
Is the resort accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Absolutely. The gondola and main lifts feature wheelchair‑friendly cabins, ramps at ticket offices, adapted toilets, and staff assistance through a special control box.
What are the best options for a family pass?
The Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children) provides unlimited access to all lifts for a day at a discounted rate. For longer stays, the Chamonix le Pass or the MONT BLANC Unlimited Pass include family benefits and access to both Flégère and Brévent.
Whether you’re hunting fresh powder, enjoying a hot fondue after a long day, or simply soaking up the alpine sunshine, La Flégère delivers a balanced, unforgettable mountain experience in the heart of the Chamonix valley. Pack your gear, check the live weather, and let the gondola whisk you to a world where the snow meets the sky.
