1. Les Grands Montets - The Kingdom of Freeride Les Grands Montets is undoubtedly the most famous and highly regarded ski area in Chamonix. It offers intermediate and expert runs, as well as numerous off-piste opportunities. A gondola lift takes skiers to an altitude of 3,300 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif. The trails are long, steep and challenging, making it a paradise for experienced skiers. It is worth remembering that due to the popularity of the place, the queues for the lifts can be long, especially in high season.

2. Le Brévent - Sunny slopes overlooking Mont Blanc Le Brévent, located on the opposite side of the valley from Les Grands Montets, offers fantastic slopes with incredible views of Mont Blanc. It's an ideal place for intermediate and advanced skiers. The trails here are wide and well-groomed, and the southern exposure provides plenty of sunshine throughout the day. The Planpraz gondola lift and then the cable car to the top of Le Brévent (2525 meters above sea level) provide quick access to the slopes.

3. La Flégère - A variety of trails for everyone Station La Flégère offers an excellent mix of trails for skiers of all skill levels. From gentle blue runs ideal for beginners to more challenging red and black runs for advanced skiers. The L'Index chairlift takes skiers to an altitude of 2,595 meters above sea level, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley. La Flégère is also connected to the Le Brévent area, giving skiers access to even more trails.

4. Les Houches - The perfect place for families Les Houches is an excellent choice for families with children and beginner skiers. It offers gentler slopes and wider trails, making it a safe place to learn to ski. There are also several more challenging runs, including the famous Kandahar slope, which hosts World Cup competitions. Les Houches also features scenic trails through the forest, which adds to the charm of the winter landscape.

5. La Vormaine - An intimate resort for beginners La Vormaine is a small but well-prepared ski resort, ideal for beginners and families with young children. It features several gentle slopes and a small snowpark. It's a great place to start your skiing or snowboarding adventure, away from the crowds of larger resorts. La Vormaine also offers night skiing, which can be an exciting experience for the whole family.

6. Le Cornu - A hidden gem for advanced skiers Le Cornu is a lesser-known but extremely rewarding route for advanced skiers. It offers steep descents and fantastic off-piste opportunities. This route is less crowded than the popular Les Grands Montets, allowing for a more leisurely ride and exploration of the pristine terrain. The views of the Mont Blanc massif are equally impressive here, and the sense of isolation adds an extra charm to the trip.

7. Col de Balme - International skiing on the border of France and Switzerland Col de Balme is a unique place to ski on the French-Swiss border. The resort offers a variety of trails, from easy blue to challenging black. Particularly recommended is the route leading to Vallorcine, which offers beautiful views and interesting riding through the forest. Col de Balme is also known for its excellent freeride conditions, especially on the Swiss side.

8. the Aiguille du Midi - For extreme thrill seekers Although not a typical ski run, the descent of the Aiguille du Midi is every advanced skier's dream. A cable car takes daredevils to an altitude of 3842 meters above sea level, from where the legendary Vallée Blanche descent begins - a 20-kilometer route through glaciers and seracs. This is an experience for experts only, requiring proper preparation and a guide, but offering unforgettable experiences and views.

9. Les Planards - The perfect place to learn Les Planards is a small resort located near the center of Chamonix, ideal for beginners and families with children. It offers gentle slopes and a professional ski school. It's a great place to get started with skiing or to hone your skills before hitting the more challenging slopes. Les Planards is also available for night skiing, which can be an exciting experience.

10th Domaine de Balme - Tranquility and beautiful views Covering the areas of Le Tour and Vallorcine, Domaine de Balme offers a quieter alternative to the crowded slopes of Chamonix's main resorts. The slopes here are wide and well-groomed, ideal for intermediate skiers. Especially recommended are the descents through picturesque larch forests. Domaine de Balme is also famous for its excellent freeride and ski touring conditions.

Route comparison: Difficulty: Les Grands Montets and Aiguille du Midi offer the most difficult runs, while La Vormaine and Les Planards are ideal for beginners. Crowding: Les Grands Montets and Le Brévent tend to be the most crowded, while Le Cornu and Domaine de Balme offer a quieter ride. Views: All trails offer spectacular views, but Aiguille du Midi and Le Brévent provide the most impressive panoramas of Mont Blanc. Accessibility: Les Planards and La Vormaine are closest to the center of Chamonix, while Col de Balme requires a longer drive. Prices: passes for single resorts like La Vormaine and Les Planards are cheaper than passes covering the entire Chamonix Mont-Blanc region.

Regardless of the route you choose, Chamonix guarantees an unforgettable ski experience in the heart of the French Alps.

When planning a ski trip to Chamonix, there are a few important things to keep in mind to help you fully enjoy your stay in this Alpine paradise.

Ski passes: Chamonix offers different types of ski passes to suit skiers' needs and plans. The most popular options are:

1. Mont Blanc Unlimited - a pass that covers all resorts in the Chamonix valley and some in Italy and Switzerland. This is the best option for those planning a longer stay and wanting to explore different areas.

2. Chamonix Le Pass - a cheaper alternative covering the main resorts in Chamonix (except Les Houches).

3. One-day or multi-day passes for individual resorts - ideal for those who want to focus on specific routes.

Pass prices vary depending on the season and length of stay. It's worth checking current prices on the official Chamonix Ski Passes website (https://www.chamonixskipasses.com/).

Transportation: Chamonix offers an excellent public transportation system that makes it easy to get around between the various ski resorts:

1. free buses - run regularly between the main ski resorts and are free for ski pass holders.

2. mountain railroad - the Mont Blanc Express connects the various resorts in the Chamonix valley and is also free for ski pass holders.

3. cable cars - a fast and impressive way to get to the slopes, the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi is especially recommended.

Equipment Rentals: Chamonix has a number of ski equipment rentals. One recommended is Ravanel & Co (http://www.ravanel-sportshop.com/), which offers a wide range of ski and snowboard equipment for people of all levels.

Ski schools: For those looking to improve their skills or those starting out, Chamonix offers a number of ski schools. Worth considering:

1. Evolution 2 Chamonix (http://www.evolution2.com/chamonix) - offers lessons for all levels, including freeride and ski touring courses.

2. CHAMONIX SPORT AVENTURE (http://www.chamonix-sport-aventure.com/) - specializes in individual lessons and off-piste expeditions.

Safety: Be aware that skiing off the designated trails in Chamonix can be dangerous. It is always advisable to use a guide when exploring freeride areas, especially on the Vallée Blanche glacier.

Best time to visit: The ski season in Chamonix usually runs from mid-December to late April. The best snow conditions are usually from January to March, but this is also the peak tourist season. For those looking for smaller crowds, consider coming in December or April, although snow conditions may be less predictable.

All in all, Chamonix offers unparalleled opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts. Regardless of skill level, there is something for every skier, from gentle slopes for beginners to extreme runs for experts. Rich infrastructure, picturesque landscapes and the atmosphere of an alpine resort ensure that Chamonix remains one of the best places to ski in Europe.