Grands Montets - Argentière (Chamonix)

The reputation rests on freeriding: this is the best lift-accessed off-piste terrain in the Chamonix valley and its largest ski area. The slopes are rated among the steepest and most demanding in Europe, and that is precisely what people come for. The northerly aspect works in the snow's favour, with cover holding into May. The Argentiere glacier, Lognan and the Pendant are three sectors of distinct character with world-famous lines.

The lifts take the flak. After the 2018 fire the upper cable cars stood idle for years, and reaching the very top meant skinning up from the Bochard or Herse lifts, while the replacement took a long time to build. The remaining lines generated queues, with waits on the second section stretching past an hour, and the paid time-slot booking irritated many. Beginners have little to do here, and in midwinter the slopes sit in shade until well into the afternoon.