Off piste skiing and snowboarding is, to many, the entire reason to come to Chamonix. Classic descents like the Pas de Chevre, with its wicked triptych of couloirs, are a challenging and spectacular day for advanced powderhounds, whilst the stunning Vallee Blanche is accessible if you’re competent on a red run. Alway take a guide when venturing off piste. Chamonet has a really good overview of what’s on offer here
Clouds over La Vallee Blanche
The famous Vallée Blanche off-piste classic is 17km long with a vertical descent of 2800m. Unbelievable views and true wild mountain environment, it’s accessible by intermediate skiers or boarders, but you MUST take a guide as the potential dangers are enormous. If there’s just one or two of you, you can join a guided group. Pistehors has a good overview of the Vallée Blanche. It’s best to wait for a sunny day as the scenery is indescribably spectacular.
The state of the Vallée Blanche varies a lot throughout the year and the standard you need to be varies accordingly, but in general a competent red run skier can do it. For snowboarders the standard is a little higher — you must be comfortable with long traverses and there is a long flat run-out where you need to keep your speed up. It’s prudent to take a ski pole in your backpack to prod yourself out of any sticky spots.
With the Compagnie des Guides
With the Association International Des Guides Du Mont Blanc
Article from MountainZone
