Ski the Vallée Blanche... Ski the most famous off piste descent in the world...

Vallée Blanche

Ski the Vallée Blanche... The most famous off-piste descent in the world!

The Vallée Blanche in Chamonix is the most famous off-piste ski descent in the world, and for good reason! It's 22km long and has a vertical descent of over 2,700m. The descent is entirely off-piste and travels through some of the most spectacular glaciated scenery in Europe. Surrounding the glaciers are several stunning 4,000m peaks: Mont Blanc, Mont Blanc de Cheilon, Mont Maudit, Grandes Jorasses and Aiguille Verte.

The ‘Vallée Blanche - Classic Route’ is suitable for intermediate skiers. However, there are many variations for more advanced off-piste skiers, the best known being the ‘Petit and Grand Envers’. It is also possible to ski the Italian side of the Vallée Blanche from the Helbronner lift station, which is accessed from Courmayeur.

The Vallée Blanche is a fantastic day out for all intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders and Mountain Tracks' team of IFMGA Mountain Guides will make this the highlight of your Chamonix holiday!


	Vallée Blanche (Intermediate)	The Vallée Blanche is the most famous ski descent in the world. The classic route is 22km long and has a vertical descent of over 2,700m. The descent is entirely off-piste and travels through some of the most spectacular glaciated scenery in Europe. Surrounding the glaciers are several 4000m+ peaks: Mont Blanc, Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit... view

Skill Level Overview

Introductory

I can ski red and black runs on piste without a problem. I am new to off piste skiing or maybe I have skied a little on the sides of the piste, or even attended a previous off piste specific course. I would like to ski powder snow with confidence and learn to link turns off piste. Learning to vary turn radius and control speed is an important goal. Gaining confidence in a variety of terrain would move my skiing to the next level.

Intermediate

I have at least a couple of weeks off piste skiing experience and/or received some previous instruction on an off piste specific course. I can link at least 8 – 10 turns together in reasonable control, speed and style, following the fall line in most snow conditions. I would like to improve my skiing in deep powder, heavy crusty snow uneven terrain and trees. I am happy to hike or ski tour for short distances to get to the best snow and terrain. I aspire to ski fluidly off piste and to ski steeper slopes. At this level all ski tourers must have some previous experience of using a touring set up, skinning and kick-turns.

Advanced

I am confident skiing challenging terrain and steeper slopes. I can sideslip forward and backwards, side-step up and downhill and traverse steep slopes with no problems. I am happy to ski tour and hike for 1 – 2 hrs to reach the best snow and terrain. I aspire to ski the best snow available, push myself to ski steeper slopes and extend my ski touring experience. At this level all ski tourers must have some previous experience of using a touring set up, skinning and kick-turns.

Expert

I can ski fluidly and autonomously on all terrain. I often ski couloirs and gullies and seek out steep slopes to ski. I can jump turn in narrow couloirs and have experience of abseiling and side-slipping on steep terrain. I dream of skiing powder snow, I can ski fast, fluid “freeride” style turns, I can jump off small rocks, ski trees and challenging terrain with no fear or problems. I will often hike and ski tour to reach the best snow and terrain. I am familiar with using ice axe and crampons and some basic rope techniques. My aim is to push my skills and challenge myself further.

Stamina Level Overview

Level 1

I am fit enough to ski all day from the first lift, only taking short breaks every so often. When preparing for this trip aim for activities that increase your heart rate and build your aerobic levels e.g. running, cycling and swimming.

Level 2

I can ski all day with only short breaks and can hike up to 2 hours a day (600m of uphill).
When preparing for this trip aim for activities that increase your heart rate and
build your aerobic levels e.g. running, cycling and swimming.

Level 3

I can ski all day with only short breaks and can hike/skin for 3-4 hours most days (600-
1000m vertical). Endurance fitness is valuable so aim for longer training periods of walking, running,
cycling and swimming.

Level 4

I can ski all day and hike/skin for 4-5 hours every day (1100-1500m vertical). A prolonged period of cross training will help build endurance with 3 training sessions per week of at least 2 hours including sessions of walking, running, swimming and cycling.

On the arete at the top of the VB	Klemen on the Vallee Blanche	Coming down from the Aig du Midi on the VB	Blue sky day on the Vallee Blanche
Skiing the Vallee Blanche	Vallee Blanche Chamonix