PROGRAM
A classic route for off-piste skiing enthusiasts: it winds for more than 20 km along the famous Mer de Glace, the spectacular glacier which goes from the Mont Blanc down to Chamonix. Vallée Blanche is one of the most beautiful slopes of the Alps, a wonderful off-piste from Courmayeur to Chamonix, with grandiose landscapes and impressive panoramas! Although the Vallée Blanche offers a number of alternative descents (at least 7!), as well as several ski-mountaineering outings, that can be included in more complex programmes, the classic descent remains one of the most meaningful experiences for those coming from the world of skiing on tracks or ski mountaineering. Peaks of red-orange rock alternate with ice towers that plunge into seracs you turn to in awe as you pass by. The view changes at every turn, giving you glimpses of the mountains that marked the history of mountaineering: from the Grand Capucin to the Jorasses, from Mont Maudit to the Aiguille de Chamonix. A truly unforgettable experience!
Meeting point: we will meet at the cable car station at 8.30 am for an equipment check and short briefing.
We will set off either from Courmayeur, taking the famous SkyWay cable car to Pointe Helbronner (3,466 m), or from the Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m). In either case, we will enjoy a long descent to Chamonix (1,042 m), passing through a fairy-tale landscape of glaciers, seracs and splendid granite needles: 20 km of off-piste downhill skiing amidst the incomparable beauty of the endless Mer de Glace glacier.
Usually, the journey to Chamonix takes four to five hours, including a number of stops (a break for a bite to eat at the “Salle à Manger” being an absolute must).
For those who have already skied the classic route, there are 5 variations to choose from, each as thrilling as the last, even for the most experienced skiers.
Note
In January and February, we generally experience ideal snow conditions over the whole route and it is possible to ski all the way to Chamonix. From the beginning of March and throughout April, the snow changes, while the weather is milder and more reliable, making the descent even more enjoyable. Depending on the snow cover, it should be possible to ski as far as the groomed pistes at Chamonix, otherwise, we can take the rack railway or gondola down to the little square next to the station.
To get back to Italy, we will set off from the station, either by bus or minibus shuttle and head through the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
- Arrival at Chamonix scheduled for 2-3 pm.
- Arrival at Courmayeur scheduled for 3.30-4.30 pm.
Meeting point: we will meet at the cable car station at 8.30 am for an equipment check and short briefing.
We will set off either from Courmayeur, taking the famous SkyWay cable car to Pointe Helbronner (3,466 m), or from the Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m). In either case, we will enjoy a long descent to Chamonix (1,042 m), passing through a fairy-tale landscape of glaciers, seracs and splendid granite needles: 20 km of off-piste downhill skiing amidst the incomparable beauty of the endless Mer de Glace glacier.
Usually, the journey to Chamonix takes four to five hours, including a number of stops (a break for a bite to eat at the “Salle à Manger” being an absolute must).
For those who have already skied the classic route, there are 5 variations to choose from, each as thrilling as the last, even for the most experienced skiers.
Note
In January and February, we generally experience ideal snow conditions over the whole route and it is possible to ski all the way to Chamonix. From the beginning of March and throughout April, the snow changes, while the weather is milder and more reliable, making the descent even more enjoyable. Depending on the snow cover, it should be possible to ski as far as the groomed pistes at Chamonix, otherwise, we can take the rack railway or gondola down to the little square next to the station.
To get back to Italy, we will set off from the station, either by bus or minibus shuttle and head through the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
- Arrival at Chamonix scheduled for 2-3 pm.
- Arrival at Courmayeur scheduled for 3.30-4.30 pm.
DETAILS
RATES
- the assistance of a UIAGM certified Mountain Guide
- liability insurance
- loan of shared safety material
The rate does not include
- research and rescue insurance with UVGAM coverage (recommended): €5 per person for 3 days
- the hiring of any personal equipment (avalanche beacon, shovel and probe): €15/day per person while supplies last
- transfers, meals and accommodation
- the Mountain Guide’s expenses (lifts, transfers and meals) to be covered by participants
- transport (return journey from Chamonix to Courmayeur: €15/20 per person; lifts/cable cars: €37 per person from Courmayeur/€48 per person from Chamonix; Montenvers train: €26 per person – worth considering if the snow conditions prevent us from skiing all the way to Chamonix)
- anything that is not mentioned under "The rate includes"
