Vallée Blanche Guided Freeride/Off-piste skiing
Vallee Blanche is an incredible area for freeride and off piste skiing, and on this 1 day trip one of our IFMGA certified mountain guide, Vladimir wants to guide you through it.
Group
Alps
1 Day
Jan - Mar
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Ski and explore the fantastic area of the Vallée Blanche
- Experience a dramatic 2,000-meter elevation drop, with diverse snow conditions
- Traverse stunning glaciers like the Glacier du Géant, Glacier du Tacul, and Mer de Glace
Description
The Vallee Blanche is a fantastic area for freeride and off piste skiing. It offers a very long descent that can be done in equally amazing sections.
The Vallée Blanche is one of the most iconic freeride routes in the Alps, located in the Mont Blanc mountain range. Starting at an altitude of 3,800 meters, you’ll reach the beginning of the descent via the Aiguille du Midi cable car—an experience worth savoring on its own.
The route stretches approximately 15 kilometers, although it's often referred to as a 20-kilometer descent. In recent years, however, limited snow cover has prevented skiers from descending all the way to Chamonix, shortening the route by about 5 kilometers
With an elevation drop of 2,000 meters—from 3,800 to 1,800 meters—the descent is truly remarkable. The dramatic altitude change results in varied snow conditions The slope steepness on the classic route remains moderate, not exceeding 30 degrees. However, for those exploring steeper variations, inclines can reach up to 45 degrees.
The route winds through stunning glaciers, such as the Glacier du Géant, Glacier du Tacul, and Mer de Glace,. Along the way, you’ll navigate around crevasses and icefall sections, making this a thrilling yet technical descent. For your safety and to fully enjoy this incredible experience, it’s essential to ski with an expert guide who knows the terrain inside and out.
The Vallee Blanche is one of the most exciting skiing descents in the world - from glaciers to peaks, you will never forget it. So please, send us a request, and let us guide you on this adventure.
Price includes
Price details
- Included in the Price:
- Guide's fee
- Group equipment
- Guide's cable car tickets
- Not Included in the Price:
- Avalanche equipment, skis, and alpine gear rentals
- Cable car tickets
- Personal insurance
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Off-piste ski run in Vallée Blanche
The group will meet at the ticket office of the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Upon gathering, the guide will conduct a brief introduction, equipment check, and ensure rental gear is ready if required.
The cable car ascent to the starting point takes approximately 20–30 minutes. Once at the top, you’ll prepare for the adventure by attaching your skis and poles to your backpack and putting on crampons. The guide will secure you to a safety rope for a 200-meter walk along the southern ridge, leading to the starting point where we’ll put on our skis.
During the descent, we’ll follow the guide at a safe distance. There will be stops along the way to rest and learn about the surrounding peaks and terrain.
Before concluding the ski descent, we’ll pause in a secure area to enjoy a small picnic and reflect on the experience.
To finish, we’ll remove our skis and climb a 500-step ascent to reach the cable car and train back to Chamonix.
Details
Disclaimer
The guide reserves the right to modify the program as needed based on weather conditions or the physical and mental well-being of the participants, which may include canceling the activity if necessary.
Descending the Vallée Blanche involves skiing on a high-altitude glacier with crevasse risks. It’s crucial to follow the guide’s instructions carefully.
Certain sections of the route may require moving while secured to a safety rope and using mountaineering equipment like crampons and ice axes.
Equipment you will need to bring
Crampons
Ski equipment
Equipment rent on site
FAQs
Do I need an avalanche equipment?
Yes, at the time of meeting you have to have your beacon, probe and shovel, packed in you backpack!
Which kind of ski do I need?
As you are experienced skier (you must be!), I recommend you to bring the large/medium skis for freeride. The conditions of the snow could be sketchy, so the bigger ski gives you better stability.
What else should I have or rent?
Backpack, crampons, compatible with you ski boots, harness.
Do I need to wear a helmet?
I strongly recommend to wear a helmet!
Do I need to bring food?
We can stop at small refuge for a coffee, or have a snacks that you will bring at the end of the tour.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Vladimir
4.6
(3)
Mountain Guide
I spend my time in the mountains since 1993. I love rock climbing and ice climbing. Happy to ski as well. I climb all over the world. My favorite areas are the Alps, Kyrgyzstan, and Nepal. I have been working as a guide since 2019.
Languages
English | French | Russian
Certificates
IFMGA | KMGA
What people are saying about Vladimir
Stephen
Rustom
Yet another outstanding experience booked through explore-share. Your hands on approach with the planning and logistics made the process easy for me and Vladimir was one of the best mountain guides I have ever had the pleasure of climbing with. His talent, knowledge and leadership was inspiring and I definitely left the mountain as a better climber than I was when I arrived. It was a truly wonderful and exhilarating experience which I will not be forgetting anytime soon and would highly recommend to anyone looking for a similar adventure.
Maja
super, super, super !
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