Photos
Vallee Blanche (6 photos)
Available trips
| Trips can be arranged to take place from Sat 10th Jan 09 to Fri 17th Apr 09, please indicate a preference for a starting date on the booking form. | ||
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Skill: *
For the classic route on the Vallee Blanche, the minimum standard would be a competent red-run skier. You must be able to
parallel turn on moderately challenging ground.
If you are a snowboarder you must be able to hold an edge and traverse without losing a great deal of height. We recommend telescopic poles for boarders on flat sections.
Stamina: **
You need to have good all round fitness and stamina. Generally the fitter you are, the more fun you will have.
The Vallée Blanche is the most famous ski descent in the world. It is 22km long and has a vertical descent of over 2700m.
The descent is entirely off-piste and travels through some of the most spectacular glacial scenery in Europe. A descent of the
Vallée Blanche should be high on every skier and snowboarders list.
Surrounding the glaciers are several 4000m metre peaks: Mont Blanc, Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit, Grandes Jorasses and
Aiguille Vert.
The ‘classic route’ is suitable for intermediate skiers. However there are many variations for more advanced off-piste skiers,
the best known being the ‘Petit and Grand Envers’. It is also possible to ski the Italian side of the Vallée Blanche from the
Helbronner lift station which is accessed from Courmayeur.
Itinerary
THE CLASSIC ROUTE
The route begins from the summit of the Aiguille du Midi (3842m), which is accessed by a very spectacular cable car ride.
This is a famous view point and we take time to take in the surroundings, which include a great view of the summit of Mont
Blanc and other ranges including the Gran Paradiso in Italy and the Monterosa in Switzerland.
We begin the journey on foot down a snow arête (sometimes wearing crampons for additional safety). This section is high and
exposed and each member of the group will be equipped with a harness and roped up.
At the Col we put on skis and ski down a fairly steep slope to the first section of glacier that leads us under the South
face of the Midi and Mont Blanc du Tacul. Several kilometres of spectacular but fairly gentle skiing lead us to the Geant
Icefall. This is the most difficult section which involves steeper slopes and views of huge tumbling ice falls.
Once the steepest part is behind us, we join another easy angled glacier, the Mer du Glace. Here it is possible, simply to
cruise and enjoy the view. Lunch can be taken in an area called the ‘Salle a Manger’ (the eating room). Alternatively we can
traverse across to the Refuge du Requin which sits above the Mer de Glace and has stunning views of the séracs du Géant, the
arête des Périades and the Dent du Géant.
The track down Mer de Glace zigzags between the crevasses and covers several kilometres of ground before arriving just below
the Montenvers Mountain Railway station. If there is thin snow cover, we negotiate the ladders and finish the journey by train.
But if there is enough snow we continue skiing down the Mer de Glace and make a turn onto forested valley sides (20 min walking
section). The final 600m of descent are made on an exciting switch-back trail, eventually arriving back near the centre of
Chamonix and a drink (or two) in the nearest bar!
TIMING AND CONDITIONS
The round trip from Chamonix takes from 3-5 hours. Mostly we take our time to really enjoy the experience and do just 1
descent. However if conditions are good and the group are up for it, it is possible to do more than one descent.
Usually we will meet up with you on the night before the VB day to discuss the plan for the day and to check you have all
the requisite equipment and clothing. The cable car reservation will be made by our office and your guide will explain what
time you need to be at the base station of the Aiguille du Midi cable car - generally about 30 minutes before our scheduled
lift time.
Conditions on the VB can vary enormously, from powder to hard pack to moguls! The dangers of the high alpine environment are
always present, especially crevasses and remoteness, this means taking a qualified Mountain Guide is essential.
Additional Information
Dates
Vallee Blanche days are available on request throughout the winter.
Price
The price for the day is £280 (or Euro equivalent) for a group of up to 6 participants.
The price includes the guide fees and the hire of avalanche transceiver, harness and crampons.
The price does not include ski pass, ski equipment, clothing, rucksack.
Guide Ratios and Group Sizes
The maximum guide ratio is 1:6. For larger groups we will supply more than 1 guide.
Guides
Our guides are all UIAGM qualified and live and work in the Chamonix valley throughout the year. Most guides are British
although we work with local French and International Guides. All our guides speak good English. The guides are chosen for their
professional approach and friendly personalities. They will ensure you have a fantastic day out.
Ski/Board Standard
For the classic route, the minimum standard would be a competent red-run skier. The skier must be able to parallel turn
on moderately challenging ground. The snowboarder must be able to hold an edge and traverse without losing a great deal of
height. We recommend telescopic poles for boarders on flat sections. Participants must be fit and unless you are a very
experienced skier, we recommend a descent of the Vallée Blanche toward the end of your ski week.
Equipment
Warm, snow-proof jacket and trousers, small back pack, extra clothing layer (e.g. fleece). Snack food, water. Good
quality ski equipment. ‘All round’ skis or off-piste skis are most suitable, but not essential. Goggles, sun cream, warm gloves
and hat.