{"id":6695,"date":"2015-10-20T16:37:52","date_gmt":"2015-10-20T16:37:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.activeazur.com\/?page_id=6695"},"modified":"2024-01-15T14:38:23","modified_gmt":"2024-01-15T14:38:23","slug":"vallee-blanche","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/skiing\/vallee-blanche","title":{"rendered":"The Vall\u00e9e Blanche Ski Descent in Chamonix"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Vall\u00e9e Blanche, for me, is what skiing is all about. If you\u2019re in Chamonix and you\u2019re a confident intermediate skier, this run is a must. It has everything; it\u2019s exciting, the views are amazing, it\u2019s challenging yet accessible, and although you\u2019re just a cable car ride from the centre of Chamonix, you get that backcountry expedition feel.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of features it has every type of skiing you could possible want: steeps, ice, powder, couloir. You could do the Vall\u00e9e Blanche every single day for a week and never get bored. For most people it takes a full day to get down, and to really enjoy it you need to be quite fit, but honestly it provides most satisfying skiing I\u2019ve ever experienced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/vallee-blanche-ski-descent-1024x642.jpg\" alt=\"Hiking down to the start of the Vall\u00e9e Blanche\" width=\"1024\" height=\"642\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/642;\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/vallee-blanche-ski-descent-1024x642.jpg\" alt=\"Hiking down to the start of the Vall\u00e9e Blanche\" width=\"1024\" height=\"642\"><\/noscript><br><em>Hiking down to the start of the Vall\u00e9e Blanche from the Aiguille du Midi | \u00a9 Patrik Lindqvist<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vall\u00e9e Blanche overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Vall\u00e9e Blanche is a 23 km descent covering a massive 2800 m vertical drop from the Aiguille du Midi (3842 m) back to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/places\/french-alps\/chamonix\">Chamonix<\/a> (1050 m). You can finish the run either at the Montenvers-Mer de Glace mountain railway terminus, or if there&#8217;s enough snow, you can ski all the way back down to Les Planards in Chamonix. Allow plenty of time. If you take regular breaks, the round trip from Chamonix takes from 4 to 6 hours and there can be a fair bit of waiting around, either at the Aiguille du Midi cable car or for the train back to Chamonix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How difficult is the Vall\u00e9e Blanche?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[6695]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty.jpg\" alt=\"Vall\u00e9e Blanche Difficulty\" class=\"wp-image-6702 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty-350x234.jpg 350w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/667;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty.jpg\" alt=\"Vall\u00e9e Blanche Difficulty\" class=\"wp-image-6702\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty-350x234.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If the weather and snow conditions are good, the Vall\u00e9e Blanche is accessible to intermediate skiers and advanced snowboarders. If visibility isn&#8217;t great, it&#8217;s foolish to attempt the descent. Besides the danger, you&#8217;ll miss out on some of the most spectacular scenery that the Mont Blanc massif has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skiers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The classic Vall\u00e9e Blanche route isn&#8217;t technically difficult and the run would be graded red if it was in a resort. If you&#8217;re a confident off-piste skier and you can control your speed and trajectory on steep gradient and varying snow conditions, you&#8217;ll be fine. However, it&#8217;s length means you do need to be physically fit and able to ski for a sustained period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Snowboarders<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/ski-resorts\/french-alps\/chamonix\">Snowboarding<\/a> will generally involve a more direct route to avoid flat sections on the upper part of the mountain. Typically that means you&#8217;ll take the Petit Envers du Plan route, which is a more difficult route than the classic ski run and requires the ability to ride an off-piste black. Make sure your board is waxed and your edges sharpened, as you&#8217;ll want as much glide as possible on flat sections, and you&#8217;ll want plenty of bite on steep icy sections. You&#8217;ll also need to bring a telescopic ski pole to help push along the Mer de Glace section towards the end of the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The Vall\u00e9e Blanche descent is not recommended for young kids, even if they&#8217;re very good skiers, mainly because of the cold and fatigue. Parents should make the call based on the snow and weather conditions, and the skiing ability and physical fitness of their children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you need a guide for the Vall\u00e9e Blanche?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[6695]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6701 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide.jpg\" alt=\"A snowboarder and guide on the Vall\u00e9e Blanche\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide-350x234.jpg 350w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/667;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6701\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide.jpg\" alt=\"A snowboarder and guide on the Vall\u00e9e Blanche\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide-350x234.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><br><em>Snowboarder Pete Murtagh and guide mid-way down the Vall\u00e9e Blanche | \u00a9 Ultimate France<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unless you and everyone in your party are very experienced backcountry skiers, then take a guide. You\u2019ll have way more fun with a guide and you are way less likely to die, both of which are important considerations. You&#8217;ll hear it said that the Vall\u00e9e Blanche is basically a 20 km red run, and it&#8217;s true that the classic route isn&#8217;t technically difficult, but those people are forgetting that this is high mountain off-piste skiing and hazards including avalanches, crevasses and rockfall are very real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your guide will know the terrain well, he or she will assess your ability within the first few hundred metres and tailor the route accordingly. An experienced guide will know every inch of the terrain and they&#8217;ll recognise when there&#8217;s been a shift in the ice and choose a new safer course. They&#8217;re also passionate about the mountains, and a good guide will happily do the geography teacher bit, if you&#8217;re interested. They&#8217;ll tell you about the ice structures, the movement of the glacier, the surrounding peaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A guide will cost about 75 \u20ac per person for a group of four. That&#8217;s a small price to pay for an experience that will stay with you forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Book a Vall\u00e9e Blanche ski guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our ski guiding partners in Chamonix use some of the best local UIAGM-qualified mountain guides with years of experience leading backcountry expeditions in the Mont Blanc range. You guide will draw on their professional experience and local knowledge to tailor the route to the ability of your group and the conditions on the day, enabling you to enjoy the magnificent scenery in safety. A Vall\u00e9e Blanche trip will cost about 300 \u20ac per group of 1-4 people. Take a guide, you&#8217;ll be safer and you&#8217;ll have a lot more fun.<\/p>\n\n\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">var SABAI = SABAI || {}; SABAI.isRTL =  false; SABAI.domain = \"\"; SABAI.path = \"\/\";<\/script>\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\njQuery(document).ready(function($) {\nSABAI.init($(\"#sabai-embed-wordpress-shortcode-1\"));\n});\n<\/script>\n<div id=\"sabai-embed-wordpress-shortcode-1\" class=\"sabai sabai-embed\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\njQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n    $(SABAI).bind('sabaipopstate', function (e, state) {\n        if (state.container !== '#sabai-embed-wordpress-shortcode-1' || state.target !== '.sabai-directory-listings-container') return;\n\n        var url = SABAI.parseUrl(state.url);\n        $('#sabai-embed-wordpress-shortcode-1 .sabai-directory-search')\n            .find('input[name=\"keywords\"]').val(url.query.keywords || '').end()\n            .find('input[name=\"address\"]').val(url.query.address || '').end()\n            .find('select[name=\"category\"]').val(url.query.category || 0);\n    });\n    $(SABAI).bind('toggle.sabai', function (e, data) {\n        if (data.target.hasClass('sabai-directory-filters')) {\n            data.target.parent().find('.sabai-directory-listings').removeClass('sabai-col-md-12').addClass('sabai-col-md-8');\n        }\n    });\n    \n    $(SABAI).bind('entity_filter_form_toggled.sabai.#sabai-embed-wordpress-shortcode-1', function (e, data) {\n        if (data.container === '#sabai-embed-wordpress-shortcode-1' && !data.target.is(':visible')) {\n            data.target.parent().find('.sabai-directory-listings').removeClass('sabai-col-md-8').addClass('sabai-col-md-12');\n        }\n    });\n});\n<\/script>\n<div class=\"sabai-directory-listings-container\">\n  \n<div class=\"sabai-row\">\n    <div class=\"sabai-directory-filters sabai-col-md-4\" style=\" display:none;\">\n    <\/div><div class=\"sabai-directory-listings sabai-directory-listings-list sabai-col-md-12\">\n    <div id=\"sabai-entity-content-1659\" class=\"sabai-entity sabai-entity-type-content sabai-entity-bundle-name-directory-listing sabai-entity-bundle-type-directory-listing sabai-entity-mode-summary sabai-directory-listing-featured sabai-directory-listing-featured-5 sabai-directory-listing-claimed sabai-clearfix\">\n    <div class=\"sabai-row\">\n        <div class=\"sabai-col-xs-3 sabai-directory-images\">\n            <div class=\"sabai-directory-photos\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/directory\/listing\/heliski-alpes-heli-skiing-chamonix\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/sabai\/File\/thumbnails\/355c780b43bc29f635a879c901479df6.gif\" alt=\"Heliski Alpes - logo\" itemprop=\"image\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div>        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"sabai-col-xs-9 sabai-directory-main\">\n            <div class=\"sabai-directory-title\">\n                <i class=\"sabai-entity-icon-directory-claimed fa fa-check-circle\" title=\"This is an owner verified listing.\"><\/i> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/directory\/listing\/heliski-alpes-heli-skiing-chamonix\" title=\"HELISKI ALPES - Heli-Skiing, Off-Piste Skiing &amp; Ski Touring - Chamonix\" class=\" sabai-entity-permalink sabai-entity-id-1659 sabai-entity-type-content sabai-entity-bundle-name-directory-listing sabai-entity-bundle-type-directory-listing\">HELISKI ALPES - Heli-Skiing, Off-Piste Skiing &amp; Ski Touring - Chamonix<\/a>            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"sabai-directory-info sabai-clearfix\">\n                <div class=\"sabai-directory-location\">\n                    <span class=\"sabai-googlemaps-address sabai-googlemaps-address-0\"><i class=\"fa fa-map-marker fa-fw\"><\/i> Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Station, Chamonix, France<\/span>                    \n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"sabai-directory-contact\">\n                    <div class=\"sabai-directory-contact-mobile\"><i class=\"fa fa-mobile fa-fw\"><\/i> <span class=\"sabai-hidden-xs\" itemprop=\"telephone\">+33 (0)6 07 33 93 81<\/span><span class=\"sabai-visible-xs-inline\"><a href=\"tel:330607339381\">+33 (0)6 07 33 93 81<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sabai-directory-contact-email\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-fw\"><\/i> <a href=\"mailto:&#99;&#111;&#110;tac&#116;&#64;&#104;&#101;&#108;&#105;s&#107;i-al&#112;&#101;s&#46;c&#111;&#109;\" target=\"_blank\">SEND EMAIL<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"sabai-directory-contact-website\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe fa-fw\"><\/i> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/go\/heliski-alpes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow external\">VISIT WEBSITE<\/a><\/div>                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"sabai-directory-social\">\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"sabai-directory-custom-fields\">\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"sabai-entity-content-851\" class=\"sabai-entity sabai-entity-type-content sabai-entity-bundle-name-directory-listing sabai-entity-bundle-type-directory-listing sabai-entity-mode-summary sabai-directory-listing-featured sabai-directory-listing-featured-5 sabai-directory-listing-claimed sabai-clearfix\">\n    <div class=\"sabai-row\">\n        <div class=\"sabai-col-xs-3 sabai-directory-images\">\n            <div class=\"sabai-directory-photos\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/directory\/listing\/chamonix-sport-aventure-skiing-climbing-canyoning-paragliding\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/sabai\/File\/thumbnails\/430c673484b516424c75ccc869c9cc90.gif\" alt=\"chamonix-sport-aventure.gif\" itemprop=\"image\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div>        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"sabai-col-xs-9 sabai-directory-main\">\n            <div class=\"sabai-directory-title\">\n                <i class=\"sabai-entity-icon-directory-claimed fa fa-check-circle\" title=\"This is an owner verified listing.\"><\/i> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/directory\/listing\/chamonix-sport-aventure-skiing-climbing-canyoning-paragliding\" title=\"Chamonix Sport Aventure - Skiing, Climbing, Canyoning, Paragliding\" class=\" sabai-entity-permalink sabai-entity-id-851 sabai-entity-type-content sabai-entity-bundle-name-directory-listing sabai-entity-bundle-type-directory-listing\">Chamonix Sport Aventure - Skiing, Climbing, Canyoning, Paragliding<\/a>            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"sabai-directory-info sabai-clearfix\">\n                <div class=\"sabai-directory-location\">\n                    <span class=\"sabai-googlemaps-address sabai-googlemaps-address-0\"><i class=\"fa fa-map-marker fa-fw\"><\/i> 20 Chemin de la Jonction, Chamonix, France<\/span>                    \n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"sabai-directory-contact\">\n                    <div class=\"sabai-directory-contact-tel\"><i class=\"fa fa-phone fa-fw\"><\/i> <span class=\"sabai-hidden-xs\" itemprop=\"telephone\">+33 (0)6 45 89 28 52<\/span><span class=\"sabai-visible-xs-inline\"><a href=\"tel:330645892852\">+33 (0)6 45 89 28 52<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sabai-directory-contact-email\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-fw\"><\/i> <a href=\"mailto:&#98;&#111;o&#107;i&#110;g&#64;&#99;&#104;&#97;monix&#45;&#115;&#112;&#111;&#114;&#116;-av&#101;&#110;&#116;&#117;r&#101;.&#99;&#111;m\" target=\"_blank\">SEND EMAIL<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"sabai-directory-contact-website\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe fa-fw\"><\/i> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chamonix-sport-aventure.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow external\">VISIT WEBSITE<\/a><\/div>                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"sabai-directory-social\">\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"sabai-directory-custom-fields\">\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sabai-navigation sabai-navigation-bottom sabai-clearfix\">\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-default\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#000000;border-radius:3px\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#333333;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:1px;border-top-right-radius:1px\">This is box title<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:1px;border-bottom-right-radius:1px\">\n<h2>The Aiguille du Midi Ar\u00eate<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[6695]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6700 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete.jpg\" alt=\"Skiers on the Aiguille du Midi Ar\u00eate\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete-350x234.jpg 350w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/667;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete.jpg\" alt=\"Skiers on the Aiguille du Midi Ar\u00eate\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete-350x234.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><br \/>\n<em>Skiers negotiate the treacherous Aiguille du Midi Ar\u00eate | \u00a9 Patrik Lindqvist<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Between the top of the Aiguille du Midi cable car and the start of the Vall\u00e9e Blanche descent, you must negotiate the infamous ar\u00eate. The ridge runs along the north face of the Aiguille du Midi, with its 1500 m vertiginous drop down to Plan d&#8217;Aiguille and Chamonix a further 1000 m below that.<\/p>\n<p>To help the thousands of skiers who descend the ridge to access the Vall\u00e9e Blanche each winter, a path is cut into the snow and a safety rope is rigged up. In good conditions climbing down the ridge requires caution, but with a guide and proper use of safety equipment it&#8217;s quite straightforward.<\/p>\n<p>However, fatal accidents happen every year. On the 18 May 2013 at about 9:00 pm in the evening, two British skiers were trapped in a storm at the top of the Vall\u00e9e Blanche. They alerted the emergency services but the bad weather prevented them from being able to mount a rescue.<\/p>\n<p>Unable to continue down, the two men decided to climb back up the ar\u00eate to the Aiguille du Midi and the safety of the lift station. The conditions on the ar\u00eate were bad. Heavy snowfall meant that the ar\u00eate path was filled in and the safety rope was buried. Strong winds blasted snow over the ridge from the Vall\u00e9e Blanche side and the wind-chill brought the temperature down to -16\u00baC.<\/p>\n<p>One skier, communicating on a mobile phone with the guardian of the Aiguille du Midi, was guided up the summit ridge to the safety of the Aiguille du Midi complex. The second skier suffered a fatal fall down the North Face of the Aiguile du Midi. His body was recovered by the mountain rescue early the next morning during a break in the bad weather. <em>Source: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ledauphine.com\/actualite\/2013\/05\/19\/chute-mortelle-a-l-aiguille-du-midi-un-britanique-devisse-sur-l-arete-en-pleine-tempete\">Le Dauphin\u00e9<\/a><\/em><br \/>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Map of the Vall\u00e9e Blanche Ski Routes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[6695]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map.jpg\" alt=\"Vall\u00e9e Blanche Route Map\" class=\"wp-image-6699 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map-350x234.jpg 350w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/667;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map.jpg\" alt=\"Vall\u00e9e Blanche Route Map\" class=\"wp-image-6699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map-350x234.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>There are 4 routes that are run commercially down the Vall\u00e9e Blanche requiring varying levels of skiing ability and off-piste experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Voie Normale (the classic ski route)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Voie Normale is technically the easiest route and it&#8217;s by far the most popular. It follows the line of least gradient through a labyrinth of glaciers, including G\u00e9ant, Tacul and the famous Mer de Glace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the top of the Aiguille du Midi cable car, it&#8217;s a 200 m climb down the notorious Ar\u00eate before you you put skis on. This is the most dangerous part of the whole trip. The 2000 m drop down the north face of the Aiguille du Midi helps focus the mind! If you&#8217;re with a guide, he or she will be wearing crampons and you&#8217;ll be roped up together. Despite the saftey rope, if your group is attempting the descent without a guide, it&#8217;s wise to do the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the end of the ridge there&#8217;s a flat area where you can put your skis on. With the ridge out of the way, you can now focus on the skiing and you&#8217;ll be filled with excitement as the magnificence of the surrounding peaks and the high mountain terrain ahead takes a grip of your senses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first few hundred metres are magic. You&#8217;ll drop down in front of the south side of the Aiguille du Midi and traverse a wide open powder field in the cusp of the Mont Blanc towards a stack of rock called the Gros Rognon. In the shadow of the Mont Blanc du Tacul, you&#8217;ll turn a sharp left onto the Tacul Glacier and staying well to the left you&#8217;ll ski alongside impressive ice features such as s\u00e9racs, crevasses and ice caves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Traversing north across the Tacul Glacier, the route narrows as you approach the steepest section of the Voie Normale. Snow bridges cover crevasses beneath you and your guide will ask that you stay within his or her tracks. Staying left you&#8217;ll pass beneath the Dent du Requin peak and arrive at the Refuge du Requin (2516 m), a popular place to stop for lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Facing the S\u00e9racs du G\u00e9ant you drop down to a section of glacial moraine named La Salle \u00e0 Manger and here the route takes you back across the Tacul Glacier, passing alongside beautiful s\u00e9racs, to reach the confluence with the Mer de Glace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s an opportunity here to use the gradient to pick up a bit of speed and run out as far as possible without having to push. This is all the more relevant for snowboarders who will want to avoid having to use their ski pole for as long as possible&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The last part of the Mer de Glace consists in skiing through amazing halfpipes sculpted by the flow of melting ice in the summer. Loads of fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From here, there are two options to get back to Chamonix. Either take the gondola up to the Montenvers station (1913 m) and take the mountain railway 20 minutes back to Chamonix, or if snow conditions allow, you can ski for a further hour down to about 1600 m and climb the 50 m up to the La Buvette des Mottets. After a well earned rest and refreshment, follow the forest trail marked &#8216;Sortie Vall\u00e9e Blanche&#8217; back to Chamonix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Petit Envers du Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[6695]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6709 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6.jpg\" alt=\"Skiing a steep powder section on the Petit Envers du Plan\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6-350x234.jpg 350w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6709\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6.jpg\" alt=\"Skiing a steep powder section on the Petit Envers du Plan\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6-350x234.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><br><em>Skiing a steep powder section on the Petit Envers du Plan | \u00a9 Patrik Lindqvist<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Petit Envers du Plan is a more challenging route than the classic run and includes more sustained steep sections that wind through a labyrinth of impressive ice formations. Less frequented, you&#8217;ll have a greater chance of finding untracked powder, all set to a backdrop of the Tal\u00e8fre and G\u00e9ant glaciers. To safely tackle the Petit Envers route, you&#8217;ll need to be a strong and confident off-piste skier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Grand Envers du Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/U3Im3by16gs?rel=0&amp;showinfo=0\" width=\"730\" height=\"411\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Grand Envers du Plan is the steepest and most technical of the commercially run Vall\u00e9e Blanche routes. It&#8217;s also one of the most beautiful. This itinerary requires you to ski sustained slopes of 40-50 degrees, stopping only on places indicated by your guide. You&#8217;ll need to be a solid off-piste skier with full control of your skis over varied terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The top section to be able to ski fully committed on steep slopes up to 45\u00b0. This route is paradise for expert skiers. You&#8217;ll love the combination of skiing steep powder, navigating crevasses and negotiating narrow technical sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;ll ski from the Aiguille du Midi all the way down to Chamonix via the following route:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the narrow ridge that separates the Aiguille du Midi from the Col du Plan you&#8217;ll drop into the first steep slope. Then from Le Gros Rognon (3532 m) you&#8217;ll hit the second steep slope down to the Glacier de l\u2019Envers du Plan and on to the Refuge du Requin where you can take a break and try some local mountain specialities. From the refuge you have the option to ski a number of different couloirs that vary in steepness, before arriving onto the Mer de Glace and joining the classic Vall\u00e9e Blanche route. Finally, after a well deserved refreshment at the Mottets hut and if conditions allow, you&#8217;ll ski the narrow forest descent into Chamonix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Gros Rognon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[6695]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9619 lazyload\" title=\"Mont Blanc du Tacul and the Col Gros Rognon\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche.jpg\" alt=\"Mont Blanc du Tacul and the Col Gros Rognon\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-350x234.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-272x182.jpg 272w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/667;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9619\" title=\"Mont Blanc du Tacul and the Col Gros Rognon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche.jpg\" alt=\"Mont Blanc du Tacul and the Col Gros Rognon\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-350x234.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><br><em>Mont Blanc du Tacul. Believe it or not, people ski the couloir down the middle! | \u00a9 Flickr &#8211; mll<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gros Rognon deviates from the classic route just before the huge stack of rock by the same name. Dropping down more directly towards the S\u00e9racs du G\u00e9ant, you&#8217;ll access less frequented and steeper terrain where there&#8217;s a good chance you&#8217;ll find some untracked snow. Despite the extra gradient, it&#8217;s still suitable for intermediate off-piste skiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Toule and the Vall\u00e9e Noire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[6695]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9620 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul.jpg\" alt=\"Glacier du G\u00e9ant &amp; Mont Blanc du Tacul\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-350x234.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-272x182.jpg 272w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/667;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9620\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul.jpg\" alt=\"Glacier du G\u00e9ant &amp; Mont Blanc du Tacul\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-350x234.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><br><em>Glacier du G\u00e9ant &amp; Mont Blanc du Tacul | \u00a9 Flickr &#8211; Richard Jones<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This route starts on the Italian side of the mountain. It&#8217;s a long and technical route requiring solid skiing ability and endurance. If you have what it takes, you&#8217;ll be able enjoy what&#8217;s regarded as one of the best off-piste skiing itineraries in the Alps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Toule glacier is located on the south face of Helbronner point, right on the France-Italian border and this is the starting point of the Vall\u00e9e Blanche from the Italian side. To get there from Chamonix, you need to go through the Mont Blanc tunnel and then make your way to the Skyway 380\u00b0. This is the Italian equivalent of the aiguille du Midi cable-car and takes you up to Pointe Helbronner (3462 m) in just a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After a short descent, you traverse 100 m to reach the col de Toule. From there, you take the impressive 150 m high metal staircase to reach the start of the Toule Glacier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The descent on the South Face is great fun, never too extreme and with lots of options for carving your own lines in the powder! After a whopping 1300 m vertical drop, the descent finishes at the Pavillon (mid-station).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After a nice Italian lunch at the restaurant on the mountain it&#8217;s time to take on the epic 20 km Vall\u00e9e Blanche descent via the pristine Aiguille Noire route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This itinerary will takes you first down the right-hand side of the Glacier du G\u00e9ant, then to the Glacier du Tacul, and finally you rejoin the classic Vall\u00e9e Blanche route and the Mer de Glace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vall\u00e9e Blanche Kit List<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ideally, you&#8217;ll want to use freeride or all-mountain skis such as Dynastar Cham&#8217;s or K2 Pinnacle&#8217;s. Snowboarders will want to use an all-mountain board that will float through powder and have plenty of glide through flat sections. Make sure your skis or snowboard have recently been serviced and are waxed and edged ready for the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bring a technical backpack that is configured to hold your skis or snowboard. Good ones are the Osprey Kode or Patagonia Snow Drifter. You&#8217;ll need it for the climb down the ar\u00eate, any boot packing you need to do, and the walk up to La Buvette des Mottets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In your backpack you should have plenty of water, energy bars and a picnic, a first aid kit, a head torch and an extra layer of clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your guide will kit you out with a harness so you can be roped up for the Ar\u00eate and in the event of a rescue, and an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your guide will carry a rope and crampons, and depending on the conditions on the ar\u00eate, he or she may ask you to rent some crampons as well. If that&#8217;s the case, think about setting them up for your boots before you get on the mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Snowboarders should also bring telescopic poles for the final push over the Mer de Glace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Please leave a comment below if you need specific advice for your Vall\u00e9e Blanche trip, or if you have any recommendations to help us improve this guide. Happy holidays!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><!-- wp:html --><\/p>\n<div>\n<!-- \/wp:html --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>The Vall\u00e9e Blanche, for me, is what skiing is all about. If you\u2019re in Chamonix and you\u2019re a confident intermediate skier, this run is a must. It has everything; it\u2019s exciting, the views are amazing, it\u2019s challenging yet accessible, and although you\u2019re just a cable car ride from the centre of Chamonix, you get that backcountry expedition feel.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>In terms of features it has every type of skiing you could possible want: steeps, ice, powder, couloir. You could do the Vall\u00e9e Blanche every single day for a week and never get bored. For most people it takes a full day to get down, and to really enjoy it you need to be quite fit, but honestly it provides most satisfying skiing I\u2019ve ever experienced.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/vallee-blanche-ski-descent-1024x642.jpg\" alt=\"Hiking down to the start of the Vall\u00e9e Blanche\" width=\"1024\" height=\"642\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/642;\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/vallee-blanche-ski-descent-1024x642.jpg\" alt=\"Hiking down to the start of the Vall\u00e9e Blanche\" width=\"1024\" height=\"642\"><\/noscript><br \/><em>Hiking down to the start of the Vall\u00e9e Blanche from the Aiguille du Midi | \u00a9 Patrik Lindqvist<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vall\u00e9e Blanche overview<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The Vall\u00e9e Blanche is a 23 km descent covering a massive 2800 m vertical drop from the Aiguille du Midi (3842 m) back to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/places\/french-alps\/chamonix\">Chamonix<\/a> (1050 m). You can finish the run either at the Montenvers-Mer de Glace mountain railway terminus, or if there&#8217;s enough snow, you can ski all the way back down to Les Planards in Chamonix. Allow plenty of time. If you take regular breaks, the round trip from Chamonix takes from 4 to 6 hours and there can be a fair bit of waiting around, either at the Aiguille du Midi cable car or for the train back to Chamonix.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How difficult is the Vall\u00e9e Blanche?<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:image {\"id\":6702,\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty.jpg\" alt=\"Vall\u00e9e Blanche Difficulty\" class=\"wp-image-6702 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty-350x234.jpg 350w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/667;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty.jpg\" alt=\"Vall\u00e9e Blanche Difficulty\" class=\"wp-image-6702\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-difficulty-350x234.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure>\n<p><!-- \/wp:image --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>If the weather and snow conditions are good, the Vall\u00e9e Blanche is accessible to intermediate skiers and advanced snowboarders. If visibility isn&#8217;t great, it&#8217;s foolish to attempt the descent. Besides the danger, you&#8217;ll miss out on some of the most spectacular scenery that the Mont Blanc massif has to offer.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} --><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skiers<\/h4>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The classic Vall\u00e9e Blanche route isn&#8217;t technically difficult and the run would be graded red if it was in a resort. If you&#8217;re a confident off-piste skier and you can control your speed and trajectory on steep gradient and varying snow conditions, you&#8217;ll be fine. However, it&#8217;s length means you do need to be physically fit and able to ski for a sustained period.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} --><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Snowboarders<\/h4>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/ski-resorts\/french-alps\/chamonix\">Snowboarding<\/a> will generally involve a more direct route to avoid flat sections on the upper part of the mountain. Typically that means you&#8217;ll take the Petit Envers du Plan route, which is a more difficult route than the classic ski run and requires the ability to ride an off-piste black. Make sure your board is waxed and your edges sharpened, as you&#8217;ll want as much glide as possible on flat sections, and you&#8217;ll want plenty of bite on steep icy sections. You&#8217;ll also need to bring a telescopic ski pole to help push along the Mer de Glace section towards the end of the route.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} --><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kids<\/h4>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The Vall\u00e9e Blanche descent is not recommended for young kids, even if they&#8217;re very good skiers, mainly because of the cold and fatigue. Parents should make the call based on the snow and weather conditions, and the skiing ability and physical fitness of their children.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you need a guide for the Vall\u00e9e Blanche?<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6701 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide.jpg\" alt=\"A snowboarder and guide on the Vall\u00e9e Blanche\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide-350x234.jpg 350w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/667;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6701\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide.jpg\" alt=\"A snowboarder and guide on the Vall\u00e9e Blanche\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-guide-350x234.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><br \/><em>Snowboarder Pete Murtagh and guide mid-way down the Vall\u00e9e Blanche | \u00a9 Ultimate France<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Unless you and everyone in your party are very experienced backcountry skiers, then take a guide. You\u2019ll have way more fun with a guide and you are way less likely to die, both of which are important considerations. You&#8217;ll hear it said that the Vall\u00e9e Blanche is basically a 20 km red run, and it&#8217;s true that the classic route isn&#8217;t technically difficult, but those people are forgetting that this is high mountain off-piste skiing and hazards including avalanches, crevasses and rockfall are very real.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Your guide will know the terrain well, he or she will assess your ability within the first few hundred metres and tailor the route accordingly. An experienced guide will know every inch of the terrain and they&#8217;ll recognise when there&#8217;s been a shift in the ice and choose a new safer course. They&#8217;re also passionate about the mountains, and a good guide will happily do the geography teacher bit, if you&#8217;re interested. They&#8217;ll tell you about the ice structures, the movement of the glacier, the surrounding peaks.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>A guide will cost about 75 \u20ac per person for a group of four. That&#8217;s a small price to pay for an experience that will stay with you forever.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Book a Vall\u00e9e Blanche ski guide<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Our ski guiding partners in Chamonix use some of the best local UIAGM-qualified mountain guides with years of experience leading backcountry expeditions in the Mont Blanc range. You guide will draw on their professional experience and local knowledge to tailor the route to the ability of your group and the conditions on the day, enabling you to enjoy the magnificent scenery in safety. A Vall\u00e9e Blanche trip will cost about 300 \u20ac per group of 1-4 people. Take a guide, you&#8217;ll be safer and you&#8217;ll have a lot more fun.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:shortcode --><br \/>\n[sabai-directory-listings category=off-piste-guiding address=chamonix featured_only=1 hide_nav=1 hide_pager=1]<br \/>\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:shortcode --><br \/>\n[su_box]<\/p>\n<h2>The Aiguille du Midi Ar\u00eate<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6700 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete.jpg\" alt=\"Skiers on the Aiguille du Midi Ar\u00eate\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete-350x234.jpg 350w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/667;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete.jpg\" alt=\"Skiers on the Aiguille du Midi Ar\u00eate\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/aiguille-du-midi-arete-350x234.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><br \/>\n<em>Skiers negotiate the treacherous Aiguille du Midi Ar\u00eate | \u00a9 Patrik Lindqvist<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Between the top of the Aiguille du Midi cable car and the start of the Vall\u00e9e Blanche descent, you must negotiate the infamous ar\u00eate. The ridge runs along the north face of the Aiguille du Midi, with its 1500 m vertiginous drop down to Plan d'Aiguille and Chamonix a further 1000 m below that.<\/p>\n<p>To help the thousands of skiers who descend the ridge to access the Vall\u00e9e Blanche each winter, a path is cut into the snow and a safety rope is rigged up. In good conditions climbing down the ridge requires caution, but with a guide and proper use of safety equipment it's quite straightforward.<\/p>\n<p>However, fatal accidents happen every year. On the 18 May 2013 at about 9:00 pm in the evening, two British skiers were trapped in a storm at the top of the Vall\u00e9e Blanche. They alerted the emergency services but the bad weather prevented them from being able to mount a rescue.<\/p>\n<p>Unable to continue down, the two men decided to climb back up the ar\u00eate to the Aiguille du Midi and the safety of the lift station. The conditions on the ar\u00eate were bad. Heavy snowfall meant that the ar\u00eate path was filled in and the safety rope was buried. Strong winds blasted snow over the ridge from the Vall\u00e9e Blanche side and the wind-chill brought the temperature down to -16\u00baC.<\/p>\n<p>One skier, communicating on a mobile phone with the guardian of the Aiguille du Midi, was guided up the summit ridge to the safety of the Aiguille du Midi complex. The second skier suffered a fatal fall down the North Face of the Aiguile du Midi. His body was recovered by the mountain rescue early the next morning during a break in the bad weather. <em>Source: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ledauphine.com\/actualite\/2013\/05\/19\/chute-mortelle-a-l-aiguille-du-midi-un-britanique-devisse-sur-l-arete-en-pleine-tempete\">Le Dauphin\u00e9<\/a><\/em><br \/>\n[\/su_box]<br \/>\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Map of the Vall\u00e9e Blanche Ski Routes<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:image {\"id\":6699,\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map.jpg\" alt=\"Vall\u00e9e Blanche Route Map\" class=\"wp-image-6699 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map-350x234.jpg 350w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/667;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map.jpg\" alt=\"Vall\u00e9e Blanche Route Map\" class=\"wp-image-6699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/vallee-blanche-route-map-350x234.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure>\n<p><!-- \/wp:image --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>There are 4 routes that are run commercially down the Vall\u00e9e Blanche requiring varying levels of skiing ability and off-piste experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Voie Normale (the classic ski route)<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The Voie Normale is technically the easiest route and it&#8217;s by far the most popular. It follows the line of least gradient through a labyrinth of glaciers, including G\u00e9ant, Tacul and the famous Mer de Glace.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>From the top of the Aiguille du Midi cable car, it&#8217;s a 200 m climb down the notorious Ar\u00eate before you you put skis on. This is the most dangerous part of the whole trip. The 2000 m drop down the north face of the Aiguille du Midi helps focus the mind! If you&#8217;re with a guide, he or she will be wearing crampons and you&#8217;ll be roped up together. Despite the saftey rope, if your group is attempting the descent without a guide, it&#8217;s wise to do the same.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>At the end of the ridge there&#8217;s a flat area where you can put your skis on. With the ridge out of the way, you can now focus on the skiing and you&#8217;ll be filled with excitement as the magnificence of the surrounding peaks and the high mountain terrain ahead takes a grip of your senses.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The first few hundred metres are magic. You&#8217;ll drop down in front of the south side of the Aiguille du Midi and traverse a wide open powder field in the cusp of the Mont Blanc towards a stack of rock called the Gros Rognon. In the shadow of the Mont Blanc du Tacul, you&#8217;ll turn a sharp left onto the Tacul Glacier and staying well to the left you&#8217;ll ski alongside impressive ice features such as s\u00e9racs, crevasses and ice caves.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Traversing north across the Tacul Glacier, the route narrows as you approach the steepest section of the Voie Normale. Snow bridges cover crevasses beneath you and your guide will ask that you stay within his or her tracks. Staying left you&#8217;ll pass beneath the Dent du Requin peak and arrive at the Refuge du Requin (2516 m), a popular place to stop for lunch.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Facing the S\u00e9racs du G\u00e9ant you drop down to a section of glacial moraine named La Salle \u00e0 Manger and here the route takes you back across the Tacul Glacier, passing alongside beautiful s\u00e9racs, to reach the confluence with the Mer de Glace.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s an opportunity here to use the gradient to pick up a bit of speed and run out as far as possible without having to push. This is all the more relevant for snowboarders who will want to avoid having to use their ski pole for as long as possible&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The last part of the Mer de Glace consists in skiing through amazing halfpipes sculpted by the flow of melting ice in the summer. Loads of fun!<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>From here, there are two options to get back to Chamonix. Either take the gondola up to the Montenvers station (1913 m) and take the mountain railway 20 minutes back to Chamonix, or if snow conditions allow, you can ski for a further hour down to about 1600 m and climb the 50 m up to the La Buvette des Mottets. After a well earned rest and refreshment, follow the forest trail marked &#8216;Sortie Vall\u00e9e Blanche&#8217; back to Chamonix.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Petit Envers du Plan<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6709 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6.jpg\" alt=\"Skiing a steep powder section on the Petit Envers du Plan\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6-350x234.jpg 350w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6709\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6.jpg\" alt=\"Skiing a steep powder section on the Petit Envers du Plan\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ski-vallee-blanche-6-350x234.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><br \/><em>Skiing a steep powder section on the Petit Envers du Plan | \u00a9 Patrik Lindqvist<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The Petit Envers du Plan is a more challenging route than the classic run and includes more sustained steep sections that wind through a labyrinth of impressive ice formations. Less frequented, you&#8217;ll have a greater chance of finding untracked powder, all set to a backdrop of the Tal\u00e8fre and G\u00e9ant glaciers. To safely tackle the Petit Envers route, you&#8217;ll need to be a strong and confident off-piste skier.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Grand Envers du Plan<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/U3Im3by16gs?rel=0&amp;showinfo=0\" width=\"730\" height=\"411\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The Grand Envers du Plan is the steepest and most technical of the commercially run Vall\u00e9e Blanche routes. It&#8217;s also one of the most beautiful. This itinerary requires you to ski sustained slopes of 40-50 degrees, stopping only on places indicated by your guide. You&#8217;ll need to be a solid off-piste skier with full control of your skis over varied terrain.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The top section to be able to ski fully committed on steep slopes up to 45\u00b0. This route is paradise for expert skiers. You&#8217;ll love the combination of skiing steep powder, navigating crevasses and negotiating narrow technical sections.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll ski from the Aiguille du Midi all the way down to Chamonix via the following route:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>From the narrow ridge that separates the Aiguille du Midi from the Col du Plan you&#8217;ll drop into the first steep slope. Then from Le Gros Rognon (3532 m) you&#8217;ll hit the second steep slope down to the Glacier de l\u2019Envers du Plan and on to the Refuge du Requin where you can take a break and try some local mountain specialities. From the refuge you have the option to ski a number of different couloirs that vary in steepness, before arriving onto the Mer de Glace and joining the classic Vall\u00e9e Blanche route. Finally, after a well deserved refreshment at the Mottets hut and if conditions allow, you&#8217;ll ski the narrow forest descent into Chamonix.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Gros Rognon<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9619 lazyload\" title=\"Mont Blanc du Tacul and the Col Gros Rognon\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche.jpg\" alt=\"Mont Blanc du Tacul and the Col Gros Rognon\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-350x234.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-272x182.jpg 272w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/667;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9619\" title=\"Mont Blanc du Tacul and the Col Gros Rognon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche.jpg\" alt=\"Mont Blanc du Tacul and the Col Gros Rognon\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-350x234.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/mont-blanc-du-tacul-vallee-blanche-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><br \/><em>Mont Blanc du Tacul. Believe it or not, people ski the couloir down the middle! | \u00a9 Flickr &#8211; mll<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The Gros Rognon deviates from the classic route just before the huge stack of rock by the same name. Dropping down more directly towards the S\u00e9racs du G\u00e9ant, you&#8217;ll access less frequented and steeper terrain where there&#8217;s a good chance you&#8217;ll find some untracked snow. Despite the extra gradient, it&#8217;s still suitable for intermediate off-piste skiers.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Toule and the Vall\u00e9e Noire<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9620 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul.jpg\" alt=\"Glacier du G\u00e9ant &amp; Mont Blanc du Tacul\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-350x234.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-272x182.jpg 272w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/667;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9620\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul.jpg\" alt=\"Glacier du G\u00e9ant &amp; Mont Blanc du Tacul\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-350x234.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/glacier-du-geant-mont-blanc-du-tacul-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><br \/><em>Glacier du G\u00e9ant &amp; Mont Blanc du Tacul | \u00a9 Flickr &#8211; Richard Jones<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>This route starts on the Italian side of the mountain. It&#8217;s a long and technical route requiring solid skiing ability and endurance. If you have what it takes, you&#8217;ll be able enjoy what&#8217;s regarded as one of the best off-piste skiing itineraries in the Alps.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Toule glacier is located on the south face of Helbronner point, right on the France-Italian border and this is the starting point of the Vall\u00e9e Blanche from the Italian side. To get there from Chamonix, you need to go through the Mont Blanc tunnel and then make your way to the Skyway 380\u00b0. This is the Italian equivalent of the aiguille du Midi cable-car and takes you up to Pointe Helbronner (3462 m) in just a few minutes.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>After a short descent, you traverse 100 m to reach the col de Toule. From there, you take the impressive 150 m high metal staircase to reach the start of the Toule Glacier.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The descent on the South Face is great fun, never too extreme and with lots of options for carving your own lines in the powder! After a whopping 1300 m vertical drop, the descent finishes at the Pavillon (mid-station).<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>After a nice Italian lunch at the restaurant on the mountain it&#8217;s time to take on the epic 20 km Vall\u00e9e Blanche descent via the pristine Aiguille Noire route.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>This itinerary will takes you first down the right-hand side of the Glacier du G\u00e9ant, then to the Glacier du Tacul, and finally you rejoin the classic Vall\u00e9e Blanche route and the Mer de Glace.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vall\u00e9e Blanche Kit List<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Ideally, you&#8217;ll want to use freeride or all-mountain skis such as Dynastar Cham&#8217;s or K2 Pinnacle&#8217;s. Snowboarders will want to use an all-mountain board that will float through powder and have plenty of glide through flat sections. Make sure your skis or snowboard have recently been serviced and are waxed and edged ready for the day.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Bring a technical backpack that is configured to hold your skis or snowboard. Good ones are the Osprey Kode or Patagonia Snow Drifter. You&#8217;ll need it for the climb down the ar\u00eate, any boot packing you need to do, and the walk up to La Buvette des Mottets.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>In your backpack you should have plenty of water, energy bars and a picnic, a first aid kit, a head torch and an extra layer of clothing.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Your guide will kit you out with a harness so you can be roped up for the Ar\u00eate and in the event of a rescue, and an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Your guide will carry a rope and crampons, and depending on the conditions on the ar\u00eate, he or she may ask you to rent some crampons as well. If that&#8217;s the case, think about setting them up for your boots before you get on the mountain.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Snowboarders should also bring telescopic poles for the final push over the Mer de Glace.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>Please leave a comment below if you need specific advice for your Vall\u00e9e Blanche trip, or if you have any recommendations to help us improve this guide. Happy holidays!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:html -->\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \/wp:html --><!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6709,"parent":6437,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Vall\u00e9e Blanche Ski Descent in Chamonix \u2022\u00a0Ultimate France<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Vall\u00e9e Blanche is what skiing is all about. 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