BREVENT & FLEGERE
On a blue sky day, after a large dump of snow, the south facing slopes of Brevent and Flegere offer some of the best skiing in the Chamonix Valley and as you look across at the stunning peaks of the Mont Blanc Massif opposite and the Mer de Glace, probably some of the best views too (anywhere in the world).
Brevent (2,525m)
The Brevent Gondola is situated just 5 minutes from the centre of Chamonix in an elovated position overlooking the town. Recently rennovated, it offer rapid ascent to the spectacular slopes above.
On arrival, beginners should turn right for the Piste 2000 (Green) or for early intermediates the Vioz or Blanchots which are relatively gentle and wide blue pistes. Intermediates will probably then want to try something a little more challenging and the Chamois, Comu, and Le Charlannon are nice long runs to enjoy, often in the sunshine.
The more adventurous however may want to keep skis in hand at the top of the Gondola and take the short walk to the Brevent Cable Car (right and just below the Gondola). The sight of the jagged cliffs and fall into Chamonix from the Brevent however has caused many an intermediate to back out at this point, but whilst the top Brevent runs (Variante and the Charles Bozon) are black runs, visitors may be pleased to know that both go behind the cliffs rather than in front of them and are a lot easier than many might at first think, judging by the view from below!
For expert skiers and snowboarders venturing off-piste (qualified guide recommended) the Bozon is well worth a visit as the view are stunning but for the level of difficulty too. Off-piste on the Brevent consisting of the Col and steep couloirs. The Plan Praz cable-car on the way upi highlights just how extreme and difficult some of the skiing actually is.
Flegere (2,500m)
When the sun is shining and the powder is crisp and fresh, few places beat a day at Flegere. South facing it again provides stunning views, possibly even better than Brevent, across at the Aiguille du Midi, Mont Blanc Massif and also the bottom of the Vallee Blanche (Mer de Glace). Again beginners here can turn right for the gentle Green Run that is the Libulles or the other Green run the Trappe. Intermediates and experts will however exit and typically turn left for the six man Index chairlift and long blue (Index), red (Pylones) or black (Janvier). The latter is typically a bump run and if it hasn't snowed for a few days, beware that the moguls can become quite hard and icy and should not be taken lightly as a consequence.
Any intermediate or advanced skier we think should ski the long Lachenal that cuts down what seems like a 'lost valley' as there are no other pistes to be seen, just the Chamonix valley below and beautiful peaks opposite. Take the Index again and turn left at the top. Please note that whilst it is a red, it has steep sections and is best suited to competent intermediates and above. Alternatively our favourite in the whole valley for its spectacular scenery and feel, the red Crochues. Here you exit the Index chair again, turning right this time and then staying left where you will see ahead a short drag.At the top, take the high route, where we would recommend experts resist the temptation to pop down the Floria black, at least once, to enjoy the way the red hugs the mountains and curves round beautiful scenery, eventually bringing Chamonix below back into view.
Off-piste in good snow it is an excellent starting ground and very popular with skiers and snowboarders. The more easily accessible slopes and generally wide and whilst steep in places (a mountain guide is still strongly advisable), not in the death defining way some of the other Chamonix slopes can be. Combe Lachenal is one such example and with good snow and blue skies the camera moments are endless.