Free
High-altitude lake at 2,352 m in the Aiguilles Rouges reserve, facing Mont-Blanc massif. Access via Flégère or Col des Montets, Chamonix.
The legendary Grands Montets ski area (3,275 m) above Argentière is being completely rebuilt after the 2018 fire. The new Renzo Piano 3S cable car is scheduled for December 2026.

The Grands Montets is Chamonix valley's most technical ski area, above the village of Argentière. It spans 1,235 m to 2,800 m (summit Aiguille des Grands Montets at 3,275 m) and is world-renowned for black pistes and off-piste terrain beside the Argentière glacier. Since the August 2018 fire that destroyed the original Lognan cable cars, access has been via the Plan Joran gondola (2,134 m), with skiers only permitted on board.
In 2024, Compagnie du Mont-Blanc launched a major reconstruction: a new 3S cable car designed by architect Renzo Piano, linking Argentière to Lognan and the 3,275 m summit, with commissioning planned for December 2026. As a result, the Plan Joran gondola is closed from 4 May to 30 November 2026 for construction. The site is therefore inaccessible in summer 2026. In winter (December–early May) the area operates for skiers via Plan Joran.
From central Chamonix (~8 km): take the Argentière road (N506) to the village of Argentière, then follow chemin de la Glacière to the Grands-Montets car park. From Geneva (~1h15): A40, exit Chamonix, then the Argentière road.
Open in MapsChamonix Bus local service, stop Grands-Montets in Argentière. Mont-Blanc Express train: Argentière stop, then 10 min on foot to the Plan Joran gondola base station.
Open in MapsTransport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)
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The ski area is accessible in winter (6 Dec 2025–3 May 2026) via the Plan Joran gondola (skiers only). It is closed from 4 May to 30 November 2026 for the new 3S cable car works. Full reopening is planned for December 2026.
The Grands Montets is included in the Chamonix Le Pass: adult day pass 59.20–74 € depending on the period. An AlpiSki AGM ski touring ticket is also available at 36.80 € for adults (desk purchase only). Verified 28 April 2026.
Winter 2025-2026 (6 Dec–3 May): opens daily at 8:30. Closed May–November 2026 for construction. Reopening planned December 2026. Verified 28 April 2026 — subject to changes.
The original cable cars (Lognan I and II) were destroyed by fire in August 2018. A new 3S cable car designed by Renzo Piano has been under construction since 2024, linking Argentière to the 3,275 m summit. The Plan Joran gondola provides interim winter access.
Compagnie du Mont-Blanc targets December 2026 for the commissioning of the new Renzo Piano 3S cable car, linking Argentière to Lognan and the 3,275 m summit. Follow progress at montblancnaturalresort.com.
Not in summer 2026: the Plan Joran gondola is closed from 4 May to 30 November 2026 for construction. In winter, pedestrian access is not permitted on Plan Joran (skiers only). Full public reopening is planned for December 2026.
A restaurant operates at the Lognan level (2,134 m) during the winter ski season. Facilities at the summit will be part of the new station opening in December 2026. Check the official site for current service availability.
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.