Grands Montets Cable Car

At a glance

Type

High-mountain ski area (under reconstruction)

Access

Paid · Skiers only (winter)

Price

AlpiSki AGM ticket: adult 36.80 € (desk) — or Chamonix Le Pass

Duration

Full day (skiing)

Best season

December – early May (ski) · Closed summer 2026

Parking

Grands-Montets car park (chemin de la Glacière, Argentière)

Animals

Animals not permitted

Town

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Official source →

What is Grands Montets Cable Car

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.

Activities

What you can do here

Practical

Practical information

Address

Chemin de la Glacière, 74400 Argentière, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc View on map

Altitude

1,252 m (Argentière) · 2,134 m (Plan Joran) · 3,275 m (Aiguille des Grands Montets summit)

Hours

Winter 2025-2026 (6 Dec 2025–3 May 2026): daily from 8:30. Summer closure (4 May–30 Nov 2026): closed for reconstruction works. Full reopening planned December 2026. Verified on official site 28 April 2026.

Prices

Chamonix Le Pass day pass (includes Grands Montets / Brévent-Flégère / Balme): adult 59.20–74 € depending on period. AlpiSki AGM ski touring ticket: adult 36.80 €, reduced 31.30 € (desk only). Prices verified 28 April 2026.

Booking

Online at domaineschamonix.montblancnaturalresort.com. Also at ticket desks and Pick-Up Box terminals in Argentière.

Parking

Grands-Montets car park, chemin de la Glacière, Argentière

Pets

Not permitted

Pedestrian access

Pedestrians not allowed on Plan Joran gondola in winter (skiers only). Full public reopening planned December 2026.

Reconstruction project

New 3S cable car designed by Renzo Piano. Commissioning planned December 2026. Follow at montblancnaturalresort.com/grands-montets-project.

Contact

domaineschamonix.montblancnaturalresort.com

Access

How to get there

By car

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 Maps

Public transport

Chamonix 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 Maps

Nearest stops

LES CHOSALETS · Chamonix Bus / Cars Région Haute-Savoie · 02, 21, D, N1, V2, Y81 · 578 m
ARGENTIERE - ECOLE · Chamonix Bus · D · 723 m
Argentière · SNCF (TER) · 1032 m

Chamonix Bus · Fare : 2 € (à bord) · 1,50 € (appli) · gratuit avec la carte d'hôte ou un forfait ski · Official fares & timetables →
Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Official fares & timetables →
SNCF (TER) · Official fares & timetables →

Transport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)

When to visit

The Grands Montets is a winter ski destination (December–early May). It is completely closed throughout summer 2026 due to the new 3S cable car construction. Full reopening — including access to the 3,275 m summit — is planned for December 2026 according to Compagnie du Mont-Blanc. For summer 2026, visitors wanting a view over the Argentière glacier should consider the Aiguille du Midi or Montenvers instead.

Nearby

Where to eat, drink, stay

Photos

Gallery

Been there? Share your photos — we'll add them to this page with credit. Tag #loisirs74 or email photos@loisirs74.fr

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is the Grands Montets cable car open in 2026?

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.

What does skiing at the Grands Montets cost in 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.

What are the Grands Montets opening hours?

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.

Why is the Grands Montets cable car closed?

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.

When will the new Grands Montets cable car open?

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.

Can I visit the Grands Montets on foot or in summer?

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.

Is there a restaurant at the Grands Montets?

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.

Sources