View the trail map One of the coolest places to ski in Chamonix is La Flegere. Not only is it cheaper, but it is also south-facing meaning you can ski in the sun. And, there are many, many hidden off-piste slopes in wide open bowls and through the forest to carve up.

The general ski area of La Flegere has some good, short off-piste runs both on the right and left hand side of the highest lift, "L'Index". Careful of the cliffs and the high avalanche danger though!. If the weather is bad and whiteout conditions prevail in the higher sections, head for the Evettes chairlift and enjoy snowboarding in the trees of the forest The area surrounding the trails Crochues and Floria is beautiful and usually filled with good untracked snow (beware of the avalanche danger, ask the ski patrol before venturing anywhere in this area).
Another good off-piste destination is the Combe Lachenal, a nice bowl off to the (skier's) right of l'Index (Beware of avalanche conditions). To make this run complete, follow the "Praz" all the way to the bottom when the snow conditions allow.

One of the best tours takes you up and over the summit at L'Index, over 2450 meters. Take the lift up to the top, strap on your skins, and climb straight up the face. It is steep, so watch out for avalanches. Once at the top, hook around to the right and traverse and descend your way along the ridge until you can hook around to the right again, bringing you to the last climb and traverse. After that, it is pure heaven as you scream down the expansive, snow-covered bowl to a sleepy little village, le Buet, where you can drink beer, or catch a train back to l'Argentiere in order to make it up the last tram to ski les Grands Montets, or drink a beer and try to catch the train.

And, lastly though not least, La Flegere is an ideal location to head to after an intense powder dump. This goes against all logic since the best skiing in Chamonix is on the Grands Montets. However, since everyone wants to search for freshies at the Grands Montets, La Flegere is usually uncrowded, leaving those who do go there with hours and hours of pleasurable skiing on acres and acres of untracked powder.