Top 5 Longest Runs in the Chamonix Valley

When it comes to skiing in Chamonix–Mont Blanc, the resort isn’t just famous for its dramatic peaks and legendary freeride terrain - it’s also home to some of the longest and most exhilarating ski runs in the world. From epic glacier descents that feel more like a full-day expedition, to sweeping red pistes with jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc itself, Chamonix offers endless opportunities to test your legs and stamina. Whether you’re an adventurous expert chasing vertical drops or an intermediate skier looking for scenic, cruising descents, the valley has a run to suit. Here are the top five longest ski runs in Chamonix you won’t want to miss.

Honourable Mentions / Notes

  • There are plenty of linked runs and itineraries across the Chamonix Valley that allow skilful skiers to chain multiple sectors together, creating long days on the mountain.
  • Additionally, off-piste enthusiasts and guided ski mountaineering groups often establish their own descents—some potentially extending beyond the length of official pistes—though these require local knowledge, timing, and caution, especially in avalanche-prone conditions.

1. Vallée Blanche (Off-piste Classic)

  • Length: ~20–22 km

  • Vertical drop: in the region of ~2,700–2,800 m

  • Overview: Undoubtedly the most legendary descent in Chamonix. Starting near the Aiguille du Midi station and carving through high-alpine glacier terrain, seracs, and crevasses – not a groomed piste and only for those with a guide and advanced off-piste skills.

  • Why it's special: This is truly an epic, high-altitude descent – both long and dramatic. Think of it as more of an expedition than a simple ski run.

  • Best for: Advanced/expert skiers or snowboarders comfortable with off-piste, glaciers, guided only.

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Grands Montets to Argentière Valley Run

  • Length: ~6 km

  • Vertical drop: approx 2,023 m

  • Overview: A pisted descent from high on Grands Montets, down into the Argentière valley. Offers steep terrain, potentially icy or mogul sections, and delivers a serious vertical experience.

  • Why it's special: It's one of the longest maintained on-piste runs in the resort, with a major vertical drop making it exhilarating for advanced skiers.

  • Best for: Advanced and expert skiers comfortable with steeper, steep and variable conditions.

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3. Combined Red/Black Piste Descents from Grands Montets

  • Length: While individual runs may not be extremely long, combining upper red/black runs and connecting to lower pistes can yield extended continuous downhill experiences and significant vertical – potentially 1,200–1,500 m of vertical descent.

  • Overview: You can link several red and black runs from the top stations (e.g., Bochard, Combes) and continue through the valley via lower groomed pistes like Pierre à Ric. These linked routes become some of the more substantial continuous on-piste descents in the area.

  • Why it's special: Offers the option of a long, varied on-piste experience, with multiple terrain types and significant descent.

  • Best for: Intermediate-advanced to expert skiers looking to link high-altitude terrain into a full-day downhill challenge.

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4. Brévent–Flégère Sector Long Red Runs

  • Length: Not precisely documented in one go, but this area features several long intermediate and advanced red pistes and connects between Brévent and Flégère, offering panoramic views of Mont Blanc.

  • Overview: This area provides a mix of sunny slopes and red runs that allow for longer, more leisurely cruising descents. It's one of the main sectors directly accessible from Chamonix town.

  • Why it's special: While not as extreme in drop or length as Grands Montets, it's a great option for those looking for lengthy, groomed intermediate to advanced slopes with impressive scenery.

  • Best for: Intermediate and advanced skiers wanting long, scenic and accessible runs.

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5. Les Houches – Longer Intermediates and Kandahar Course

  • Length and vertical: Several blue and red runs combine to offer decent sustained descent. There's also the Kandahar World Cup downhill course (around a few kilometres, steep and fast).

  • Overview: This sector is more family-friendly, forested, and often a go-to when visibility is poor higher up. The terrain is less extreme, but you can still string together multiple runs for a nice continuous descent.

  • Why it's special: For those less focused on extreme vertical or off-piste challenges but interested in long, enjoyable, safer and scenic runs, Les Houches offers a solid alternative.

  • Best for: Intermediate and family-level skiers.

Which Run Should You Choose?

If you're chasing the longest, most vertical, most dramatic descent, the Vallée Blanche is the crown jewel—but only if you're highly experienced or equipped with a guide. For many skiers, the Grands Montets areas offer the most piste-based vertical and length, with Brévent–Flégère and Les Houches providing more relaxed and accessible alternatives.