Ski Vallée Blanche with a guide

Explore the legendary Vallée Blanche with a professional ski guide! This epic off-piste descent starts at 3,842m in the Mont Blanc range, offering stunning glacial terrain and unforgettable views. A Vallée Blanche ski guide ensures safety and an amazing experience.

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Vallée Blanche expert guided ski tour

Experience the Ultimate Adventure with a Vallée Blanche Ski Guide

Starting at 3,842m from the Aiguille du Midi, the Vallée Blanche offers one of the most spectacular off-piste ski descents in the world. With a vertical drop of about 2,000m over 20km, this legendary route takes you through stunning high-alpine terrain, including the iconic Mer de Glace, before finishing at Montenvers or in Chamonix (snow permitting).

This unrivaled glacial ski itinerary features breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, Les Drus, and the Grandes Jorasses. Accessible via the Aiguille du Midi or the Helbronner cable cars, it’s one of the longest and most accessible glacial descents, perfect for skiers and snowboarders alike.

A Vallée Blanche ski guide ensures a safe and unforgettable experience. As this is not a patrolled or marked route, navigating glacial terrain with crevasses and seracs requires safety gear like harnesses, crampons, and ropes. A guide provides expert knowledge and ensures your safety as you ski in pristine conditions.

Enjoy highlights like a meal at the Requin hut or the final descent through the Mer de Glace glacier to the Montenvers train station. Depending on conditions, ski all the way to Chamonix via forest paths for a perfect finish.

The Vallée Blanche ski season begins mid-January when snow bridges over crevasses are stable. With our experienced UIAGM mountain guides, you’ll explore one of the most thrilling and scenic off-piste descents in the Alps.

There are several different ski routes down the Vallee Blanche

Classic Descent

This itinerary avoids all the steepest descents, making it the easiest way to ski the Valley Blanche. It is suitable for intermediate skiers who have some experience in off-piste skiing. You will ski amongst several stunning 4000m peaks of the Mont Blanc range: Aiguille Verte, Grandes Jorasses, Mont Blanc du Tacul and Dent du Geant. You will ski over impressive glaciers that descend all the way from the summit of Mont Blanc, finishing with the Mer de Glace glacier, which is the longest glacier in France.

Petit Envers du Plan

The Petit Envers du Plan is a truly fun variation of the Vallee Blanche descent. It combines some interesting steeper sections with easy angled sections to give your legs a little rest. You will pass through a labyrinth of magic glacial formations of crevasses and seracs. This itinerary is slightly more demanding and requires good off-piste technique.

Grand Envers

This is one of the steepest and most difficult runs on the Vallee Blanche. It is also one of the most beautiful runs. This itinerary requires you to ski sustained slopes of 40-50 degrees, stopping only on places indicated by your guide. You will need to have good off-piste technique and full control of your skis.

Gros Rognon

This is a small variation on the classic Vallee Blanche. This is a good option if you look for an easy run which has less tracked snow. While some sections are slightly steeper, it is still suitable for intermediate off-piste skiers.

Vallee Blanche on a Snowboard

Valley Blanche is suitable for snowboarders who are experienced in off-piste riding. You have to be able to safely get across all kinds of terrain (traverses, flat stretches, etc) without losing height and without falling – you will be riding on a glacier and taking your snowboard off is not an option! In particular, the final part of the descent is long and flat. You will need a pair of telescopic poles and crampons that fit your snowboard boots (check with us about the crampons). Have your snowboard well waxed and serviced for it to glide well in the given conditions (cold snow and spring snow require differed waxes!).

Please note that while the classic Vallee Blanche is the most popular route for skiers, is not the best route for snowboarders as most of the descent is a very low gradient.

Bad Weather & Snow Conditions

If the weather or snow conditions are not suitable to ski the Vallee Blanche, we will not cancel the trip but we will follow an alternative off-piste skiing program. Chamonix is world-famous for its freeride terrain and there are many options for a great, guided off-piste skiing day.

From: 600 €

Price per guide

Intermediate

You have experience backcountry or side country skiing. You can descend in various snow types, without falling (excessively…) or stopping. You’re comfortable on slopes up to 35°. You have practiced companion rescue, and are familiar with basic traveling methods in avalanche prone terrain.

Fitness level 2/5
Dates on demand
Guide ratio 1:6 maximum
1 day
Available late January – March
Private groups only

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Itinerary

Meeting Point

Your guide will meet you at the Chamex office which is located 100 metres from the Aiguille du Midi cable car station

Aiguille du Midi Cable Car

The start of the day’s adventure is an experience in its own right, with two cable cars taking you up to 3842m. The Aiguille du Midi is very famous and people come from all over the world to see it! Your Chamonix Experience mountain guide will show you around and take you to the best viewing platforms before you begin your descent.

Skiing the Vallee Blanche

Before you reach the start of the Vallee Blanche you will be roped up to descend the arete, a narrow snow ridge that leads from the Aiguille du Midi lift station to a wide col. The ridge is always a bit of a worry for clients simply due to its sense of exposure, but it is actually not a problem and is very safe, as it is equipped with big ropes and steps that are dug into the ice to make walking down easier. It usually takes 10-15 minutes to get down to the start of the ski descent, where you will put your skis on.

There are several routes down the Vallee Blanche, each varying in difficulty but all equally stunning. The easiest is the classic route, well within the capabilities of competent intermediate skiers when the conditions are good. For better skiers, the Vallee Blanche offers a variety of more challenging routes: Rognon, Grands Envers, Moyen Envers, Petit Envers and Vraie Vallee. Your mountain guide will select a suitable option, depending on the ability of the skiers in the group.

The Vallée Blanche can present the entire range of off-piste conditions, from deep powder to varying degrees of crust and even hard-pack. As such, you should be a confident skier on red runs at the least. If you are in any doubt, or just want to brush up your technique, we recommend our 2 day course – the first day is spent at Les Grands Montets practising off-piste skiing with an instructor, so that you are ready to ski the Vallee Blanche on day two.

Lunch options

You have two choices for lunch: bring a packed meal and enjoy a scenic picnic among the glaciers, chosen by your guide, or stop at the Requin hut. This mountain refuge, located beside the glacier, offers hearty dishes and drinks. Its beautiful terrace overlooks the Salle à Manger, an impressive area filled with seracs and ice formations, making it an ideal spot to relax on a sunny day.

Finish of the ski run

Depending on the snow conditions, it’s sometimes possible to ski the Vallée Blanche all the way to Chamonix, passing “La Buvette des Mottets” and following an old forest trail. However, this route is seldom skiable these days. Typically, the descent ends at the Mer de Glace, where we take a lift to Montenvers. From there, we can enjoy a scenic 30-minute journey back to Chamonix on the historic Montenvers rack-and-pinion train.

Level requirements

Technical level

The Valley Blanche is an entirely off-piste descent; there is not a bit that is groomed. The difficulty of the descent depends on the snow conditions; the snow can be nicely compacted giving similar skiing to that of a blue piste, however, there can be more than knee deep powder snow or wind blown crust up there in which case you will have to have good off-piste skills to ride down safely.

Once you descend down the Aiguille du Midi ridge you are committed to ski all the way down and, unless you have ski touring equipment, there is no possibility of turning back.

As a rule of thumb, if you are comfortable to ski black runs full of moguls, you can ski the Vallée Blanche in most conditions. Powder skiing requires a specific technique and we recommend that you contact us about the snow conditions prior to booking this trip, so that we can advise you on what to expect.

If you are not sure about your ski level then we recomend to hire a guide for a day of skiing prior the Vallee Blanche. Our off-piste ski guide will practice off-piste skiing techniques with you on the first day, usually at Les Grands Montets; the Grands Montets ski area offers the perfect off piste terrain to perfect your skills and gain confidence. You will then be ready to ski the Vallee Blanche on the second day with no hesitation! Please contact us at info@chamex.com for more information about private ski guiding and preparing for the Vallee Blanche.

Physical fitness

You’re in good physical shape. You can ski with a backpack carrying backcountry essentials (shovel, probe, water, snack.)

Equipment

Included or not

Additional services

Lift Passes

CHAMONIX LIFT PASSES – FREE BOOKING & COLLECTION SERVICE

You will need 1 day unlimited pass for the Vallee Blanche ski trip. You can easily avoid the morning queue for the lift tickets – order your lift passes with us and then just pick them up the day before! We’ll collect your lift passes and have them ready for you, free of charge.

Mountain rescue insurance

We don’t include mountain rescue insurance in any of our courses but we strongly recommend that you have it. Mountain rescue may be very expensive, particularly if helicopters are involved. Check with your travel insurance provider if you are covered for the specific activity you are going to do with us.

However, we can organise the mountain rescue insurance for you. Details of the insurance cover are different for EU and non-EU residents; please contact us for more information.

FAQ

Q: How difficult is the Vallée Blanche?

There are several routes to ski the Vallée Blanche. The easiest and longest is the classic descent. For most of the time, you’ll manage if you are comfortable skiing groomed red runs and can handle black run moguls in a controlled manner.

However, after fresh snowfall, you’ll need to be an advanced off-piste skier, as this descent is entirely off-piste with no groomed sections.

Q: What skis are best for the Vallée Blanche?

Most of the time, all-mountain skis are ideal. On powder days, wide powder skis (100mm+ underfoot) can be a great choice. Regular piste skis are not suitable for this terrain.

Q: How difficult is the Aiguille du Midi ridge?

The ridge is neither long nor technically challenging, but it is exposed with an airy drop on one side that can be intimidating. Paths are cut into the snow, and ropes are installed on both sides for support. We always recommend wearing crampons for a comfortable and controlled descent. You’ll carry your skis attached to your backpack to keep your hands free for the ropes. Your guide will secure you with a rope where necessary to ensure safety.

Q: Where to have lunch during your Vallee Blanche descent?

We have two options for lunch: either bring a packed lunch and your guide will choose a lovely spot surrounded by glaciers to enjoy a picnic together, or buy lunch at the Requin hut. The Requin hut is a mountain refuge next to the glacier, serving daily dishes and refreshments. It has a wonderful terrace overlooking the Salle à Manger – a stunning area with lots of seracs and ice formations – and is the perfect spot to stop for a break on a sunny day.

Q: Where does the Vallee Blanche finish?

Depending on the conditions, we can ski the Vallee Blanche all the way down to Chamonix, going past “La Buvette des Mottets” and along an old trail through the forest. But this track is rarely in condition these years. In most cases, we finish at the Mer de Glace, where we will a lift up to Montenvers. From here we can ride the historic Montenvers train back down to Chamonix, a lovely trip on an original rack-and-pinion train that takes about 30 minutes.

Q: Can I do Vallee Blanche on a snowboard?

Valley Blanche is suitable for snowboarders who are experienced in off-piste riding. You have to be able to safely get across all kinds of terrain (traverses, flat stretches, etc) without losing height and without falling – you will be riding on a glacier and taking your snowboard off is not an option! In particular, the final part of the descent is long and flat. You will need a pair of telescopic poles and crampons that fit your snowboard boots (check with us about the crampons). Have your snowboard well waxed and serviced for it to glide well in the given conditions (cold snow and spring snow require differed waxes!). Please note that while the classic Vallee Blanche is the most popular route for skiers, it not the best route for snowboarders as most of the descent is a very low gradient.

Q: Why do I need a guide to ski the Vallee Blanche?

The classic route is not very technical, which leads a lot of people to assume that it is safe to do by yourself. However, although the terrain may not be difficult it is most definitely hazardous. Conditions in the mountains change often and quickly; glaciers in particular are subject to constant transformation. Hazards such as crevasses and snow bridges require expert knowledge; our guides are not only experienced in what to look for but they are also up-to-date with the latest conditions on the mountain so that they know exactly what to expect.

Clothing

Warm hat

Clothing

Thermal underwear

Clothing

Fleece or woollen layers

Clothing

Light puffer jacket

Clothing

Windproof and waterproof jacket

Clothing

Windproof and waterproof trousers

Clothing

Warm gloves

Technical gear

Climbing harness

Technical gear

Snowboard

Technical gear

Snowboard boots

Technical gear

Telescopic poles

Technical gear

Ski goggles

Technical gear

Screwgate carabiner x3

Technical gear

Free ride skis

Technical gear

Ski boots

Technical gear

Ski poles

Technical gear

20 – 30 litres rucksack with attachment loops for skis / snowboard

Technical gear

Crampons that fit snowboard boots

Technical gear

Crampons

Safety Equipment

Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe

Safety Equipment

Ski or snowboard helmet

Other essentials

Sunglasses

Other essentials

Water bottle – Ideally two 1L bottles

Other essentials

Sun cream high protection (for lips and face)

Included in price

Guide Fee

UIAGM / IFMGA mountain guide – a fully qualified and experienced Chamex guide will accompany you for the duration of your trip.

Safety Equipment

We can provide the essential safety equipment of harness, avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel if you do not have your own. We can also lend you a backpack with straps for carrying your skis/snowboard on request.

Office Support

Our team is based at the foot of the Aiguillle du Midi cable car and will be happy to help you with any questions you may have before, during or after your trip to Chamonix.

Not included in price

Personal Equipment

Please see the “Equipment” tab to find out what you will need on this trip / course. For private customised guiding, please contact us directly to confirm your personalised kit list.

Lift Passes

You will need a lift pass to access the Aiguille du Midi cable car and the Montenvers train, the Mont Blanc Unlimited is the best option as it covers both. We can have this ready for you on request, please don’t hesitate to ask us to organise it for you.

Insurance

Travel insurance including a mountain search and rescue insurance is mandatory on all our trips (we can organise the mountai search and rescue insurance for you on request). We highly advice to have a policy covering the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

Food & Drink

The price does not include lunch or snacks. You can bring your own packed lunch and we can stop for a picnic on one of the sunny spots with fantastic views of the mountains and glaciers. Or we can stop for lunch at the Requin Hut, a lovely mountain restaurant with a wonderful sunny terrasse overlooking the Salle à Manger. Please make sure that you are carrying sufficient water as we will be on the mountain for a number of hours.