The Col des Montets is the low pass at the head of the Chamonix valley, carrying the road from Argentière over to Vallorcine and on to the Swiss border at Le Châtelard. It is short but scenic, running along the edge of the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve with the Mont Blanc massif opposite. From Geneva Airport, Chamonix itself is about 90 km and 1 h 15 away, and the col lies a little further up the valley; AirportsTransfers.ch chauffeurs drive it for transfers to Argentière, Vallorcine and Swiss Valais.
- Route: Chamonix, Argentière, the Col des Montets, Vallorcine, Le Châtelard
- Altitude: a little under 1,500 m, a gentle pass by alpine standards
- Nature: the Aiguilles Rouges reserve borders the road
- Winter: closures are possible after heavy snow because of avalanche risk
- Border crossing: the route crosses the border into Switzerland beyond Vallorcine
Up the valley from Chamonix to Argentière
From Chamonix the road follows the Arve upstream, passing Les Praz, with its golf course and the Flégère cable car, and Les Bois before reaching Argentière. This upper part of the valley feels quieter and more village-like than central Chamonix, and the views of the Aiguille Verte and the Argentière Glacier are striking. Argentière is the base for the Grands Montets ski area, popular with strong skiers and freeriders, and many visitors choose to stay here precisely for that reason. Beyond the village, at the hamlet of Tré-le-Champ, the road begins its short climb to the col.
The col and the nature reserve
The Col des Montets marks the watershed between the Arve and the valley of the Eau Noire, which flows towards Switzerland. Its slopes form part of the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, a protected area of granite peaks, alpine lakes and larch woods facing Mont Blanc. Near the pass, an information point explains the reserve's geology, flora and wildlife, and an easy nature trail makes a good leg-stretch with children. More ambitious walkers start here for Lac Blanc, one of the most photographed lakes in the region, whose still water reflects the Mont Blanc range. Ibex and chamois are often seen on the surrounding slopes, and marmots whistle from the meadows in summer.
Down to Vallorcine and the Swiss border
On the northern side, the road descends gently into the Vallorcine valley, passing Le Buet, a starting point for walks and ski touring. Vallorcine is a small, traditional village with its own gondola linking into the Balme area shared with Le Tour, which makes it a calm alternative base for skiing in the Chamonix valley. The railway from Chamonix to Martigny runs through here as well. A few minutes beyond the village, the road crosses into Switzerland at Le Châtelard and continues to Trient and over the Col de la Forclaz to Martigny in the Rhône valley. Carry identity documents, as this is an international crossing.
Avalanche closures in winter
The Col des Montets road is exposed to avalanches from the slopes above, and after heavy snowfall the authorities may close it as a precaution, sometimes for several days. When that happens, Vallorcine is cut off from Chamonix by road, and road traffic between Chamonix and Valais must take the long way round via Lake Geneva and the motorways. The railway usually provides a link for passengers during such closures. Information on the state of the road is published locally, and a driver familiar with the area will check before setting off. For anyone staying in Vallorcine in winter, it is worth asking about the forecast before planning a transfer on a stormy day.
Why the road matters
The Col des Montets is the only road link between the Chamonix valley and Swiss Valais, which makes it important for resort-to-resort trips such as Chamonix to Verbier or Champéry, and for day trips to Martigny's museums or Swiss vineyards. In summer it is part of a classic circuit combining Mont Blanc, the Forclaz and Lake Geneva. For travellers flying into Geneva and staying in Argentière, Le Tour or Vallorcine, the final part of the transfer follows this road, so it is useful to understand how the winter closures work.
Booking the upper valley with AirportsTransfers.ch
AirportsTransfers.ch provides transfers from Geneva Airport to Argentière, Le Tour, Vallorcine and across the border into Valais at a fixed price per vehicle, displayed before you pay online by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your chauffeur meets you in arrivals with a name sign, follows your flight in real time and waits if it lands late. Travel by Mercedes E-Class or S-Class, by V-Class with space for skis and up to seven passengers, or by Sprinter minibus for groups. Child seats are fitted on request, skis should be noted when booking, and help is available 24/7 on +41 78 346 56 77 by phone or WhatsApp.
