Summary

The Vallée Blanche

From 75€ / people

Ski or snowboard down the Vallée Blanche
With a high-mountain guide
Extraordinary glacial landscapes
Starting from the Aiguille du Midi at 3800 meters
Down to Chamonix at 1000 meters altitude
One-day or two-day option

For further information contact Eric au
07 67 18 08 01

Booking

The detailed program

Ski or snowboard down the Vallée Blanche and the Mer de Glace glacier in Chamonix with a high-mountain guide. This off-piste ski route is world-renowned for its extraordinary glacial scenery. The descent takes you from the Aiguille du Midi at 3,800 meters altitude down to the center of Chamonix.

A total of 2,800 meters of descent awaits you if snow conditions permit. In case of less snow, we will take the Montenvers train back down to Chamonix.

> PROGRAM: 1-DAY TRIP
We will meet around 9:00 AM at the Aiguille du Midi cable car in Chamonix. After a briefing and equipment check, we will head to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi at over 3,800 meters by cable car.

Before reaching the Vallée Blanche glacier, you must descend the Aiguille du Midi ridge. This descent is done roped up and may require the use of crampons and an ice axe depending on the conditions. Once on the glacier, you put on your skis. While it doesn't present any major technical difficulties for skiers, the Vallée Blanche ski descent takes place in a glacial environment with inherent dangers: crevasses and seracs are part of the descent.

The descent to Chamonix takes between 4 and 5 hours in total. Several routes are possible; feel free to read the article dedicated to the Vallée Blanche on the blog: https://www.escalade-montagne.fr/english/skiing-the-vallee-blanche-in-chamonix-with-a-mountain-guide/

A stop at the Requin refuge halfway down is possible to enjoy a snack in a genuine mountain hut. We then return to the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France, which is gradually disappearing (read the article: https://www.escalade-montagne.fr/mer-de-glace-chamonix-climat/). We reach the glacier's tongue below Montenvers at an altitude of 1700 meters.

If there is good snow cover below 1700 meters and if you are physically fit enough, it is possible to ski back down to Chamonix via the Cabane des Mottets. In case of fatigue or poor snow conditions, the return to Chamonix will be via the Montenvers red cog railway. New in 2024: a new cable car will ascend the 200 meters of vertical gain from the Mer de Glace.

PROGRAM: 2-DAY TRIP
To fully enjoy your journey through the heart of the glaciers, starting in February, you can plan a 2-day descent of the Vallée Blanche with an overnight stop at the Cosmiques or Requin mountain huts. This allows you to enjoy the tranquility of the area by departing at a different time than other ski groups. This option also offers the chance to ski the Vallée Blanche at night on full moon nights.

The meeting point is at the Aiguille du Midi cable car in the early afternoon. We finish the descent the following day around noon.

GROUP SIZE
To ensure safety, each group is limited to a maximum of 6 people.

In case of challenging conditions on the glaciers or on the descent of the Aiguille du Midi ridge, the group size may be reduced: please inquire when registering.

> IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER
Descent days are subject to weather conditions and the opening of the Aiguille du Midi cable car. In case of bad weather or cable car closure, an off-piste or ski touring day in the Chamonix Valley will be offered.

> REQUIRED SKILL LEVEL
The Vallée Blanche descent is reserved for experienced skiers. Good physical condition is necessary.

Read the full article on the required skill level (in French): https://www.escalade-montagne.fr/vallee-blanche-quel-niveau-de-ski-snowboard/

If you are unsure of your skill level, I offer a half-day or full-day preparation session at a ski resort. Mastering your skis in all snow conditions guarantees a successful descent in complete safety and with maximum enjoyment.

Note: The Vallée Blanche descent on a snowboard or monoski is possible. Please contact me for more information about this snowboard or monoski descent.

> INSURANCE
Make sure you have personal accident insurance covering off-piste skiing, search and rescue.

What is included

Guided by a high-mountain guide
Safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, mountaineering harness)
Groups of up to 2 people: crampons and ice axe

What you need to provide

A pair of skis, snowboard, or monoski
Poles (telescopic if snowboarding)
Ski boots
Mountaineering or ski helmet
Appropriate clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen
30-liter backpack with ski rack
Ski lifts: Aiguille du Midi cable car and return from Montenvers if needed
Groups of more than 2 people: crampons
Meals and drinks if stopping along the way
Accident insurance covering off-piste skiing
Overnight stay at the Cosmiques or Requin refuge if the 2-day package is chosen

Practical information

Eric Moutain Ski Guide

Eric Moutain Ski Guide (07 67 18 08 01)

I am a High Mountain Guide and I guide you in the Mont Blanc massif, the Aiguilles Rouges, the Fiz, and the Aravis ranges. I take you on ski touring, splitboarding, off-piste skiing, or snowboarding trips to the most beautiful spots around the Mont Blanc massif.

I am a "local" guide, or almost, since I am based in the lower Arve Valley in Sallanches. I ski all winter on the slopes around Mont Blanc. I know the off-piste routes of the Vallée Blanche perfectly.

WINTER 2026 RATES

Private rates for a group of 1 to 6 people**

1 weekday: €450
1 weekend or public holiday: €500

My rates include equipment under certain conditions.

2-day trip with an overnight stay at the Cosmiques or Requin refuge:
Group of 6 people**: €900

**The number of people in the group depends on the conditions on the Aiguille du Midi ridge and glaciers; please inquire when booking.

A booking is confirmed upon receipt of full payment or a 20% deposit of the guide's fee.

See the cancellation policy in the General Training Terms and Conditions.

Season: December to April, depending on snow conditions on the route.

Descent days are subject to weather conditions and the opening of the Aiguille du Midi cable car.

Reservations required.

Environment, public transport and carpooling

One of our goals is to make the right decisions to protect natural sites and limit our impact on ecosystems and the environment.

100% local: thanks to our local presence in Bugey, close to our practice sites, we reduce our travel to a minimum. We use sustainable and environmentally friendly equipment, manufactured in France or Europe. We work with partners located in the areas we visit: restaurants, bars, and accommodations.nWe will suggest taking public transportation to the meeting points (when possible!) or carpooling for outdoor outings.

Protecting the planet: it's natural!

Photos and Videos

Photography and imagery are part of our DNA. Take advantage of our video and photo equipment to take your adventure memories home with you!

After each outing, we'll send you photos and videos of the outing, free of charge and with a smile!

Reservation form

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