Activity file

COMPAGNIE DES GUIDES DE CHAMONIX
www.chamonix-guides.com - e-mail : [email protected]
190 Place de l’église 74400 CHAMONIX FRANCE - TEL + 33 (0)4.50.53.00.88
VALLEE BLANCHE DESCENT
1 day
The route
The Vallee Blanche is a wild ski run that will take you deep into the Mont Blanc range. The variety of the scenery
and sheer size and length makes this run a very unique experience. This high altitude route follows glacier off-piste
and ungroomed terrain, therefore requiring extreme caution. The ski run starts on an airy snow ridge. The ridge is
secured with rope hand rails but requires the party to be roped up. The choice of ski route depends on weather,
glacier conditions, and skiers’ ability.
Once at the end of Mer de Glace, skiers need to carry their skis during a short hike (20 min) in order to reach the
Montenvers cog train, or to get to les Mottets refreshment hut before skiing back down to Chamonix.
The Vallee Blanche is skiable from December to May, depending on snow conditions of the time.
Further information
TECHNICAL LEVEL REQUIRED
Skiers must be able to control their speed, side-slip, ski at a safe speed and follow existing tracks. The necessary
skills are comparable to the ones needed to ski a red slope comfortable (single black diamond run).
Note for snowboarders:
The classic way down Vallée Blanche includes long flat sections, and is therefore not recommended for
snowboarders. There are yet several steeper options, such as Petit and Grand Envers du Plan. To enjoy a safe
run down, snowboarders should be skilled to ride off piste black diamond runs, involving steep and changing
snow quality.
We more than strongly recommend the use of a telescopic ski pole to help on the long flat glacier section of Mer
de Glace.
SKI GUIDING
Hiring a qualified mountain guide is the best way to make skiing Vallée Blanche safe and enjoyable. A guide’s
experience and knowledge are essential, and allows the best and safest choice of ski route.
A mountain guide can supervise 6 skiers per group at the most. Please note that now conditions may also
influence group size.
TRIP LENGTH
Depending on route choice, snow and mountain conditions, the trip from Chamonix and back down in the valley
takes 4 to 6 hours on average. We recommend that skiers bring some snacks. Having lunch half-way down at the
Requin hut is also a good option.
COMPAGNIE DES GUIDES DE CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC, 190, place de l’église 74 400 CHAMONIX ; www.chamonix-guides.com
SAS au capital social de 364 400€ - R.C.S Annecy - SIRET 448 519 306 00014 - Code APE 7911 Z
TVA intercommunautaire FR 23 446 519 306 - Immatriculation ATOUT France IM074 150011
Responsabilité civile professionnelle : MMA IARD - 14 Bd Marie et Alexandre Oyon - 72 000 LE MANS - Police 125 901 025
Garantie financière : GROUPAMA ASSURANCE - 5, rue du centre - 93199 NOISY-le-GRAND Cedex - Contrat n 4000713874/1
COMPAGNIE DES GUIDES DE CHAMONIX
www.chamonix-guides.com - e-mail : [email protected]
190 Place de l’église 74400 CHAMONIX FRANCE - TEL + 33 (0)4.50.53.00.88
RATES
- Private group of up to 4 people: 310€ + 15€ each additional person (maximum group size: 6 skiers)
- Collective group (15 years old minimum, with a parent): 87€ per person (min 3 / max 6 people)
Lift tickets are not included:
- Snow conditions permitting : one way up Aiguille du Midi: 49€ /person
- One way up Aiguille du Midi + Montenvers train back down the valley : “unlimited ski pass” 62€/person
SKIING VALLEE BLANCHE
Our prices include mountain guide’s fee, insurance for an evacuation eventually, safety equipment rental
(harness and transceiver) and Aiguille du Midi booking.
BOOKINGS
We strongly advise you to book ahead of time. (Especially for week-ends in March and April).
A credit card number is necessary to confirm the booking for the guide. You’ll pay the guide directly by French
cheque or cash at the end of the descent.
Full payment of rate is required at sign up for group sessions. We accept direct payment at Compagnie des
Guides or distance payment by credit card number. In case of cancellation due to bad weather your deposit will
be refunded in full.
MEETING POINT
At the Compagnie des Guides the evening before your booking, or by phone if you are not staying in the valley.
This meeting is important and allows you to establish contact with the guide.
Meet your guide in the morning directly at the bottom of Aiguille du Midi cable car.
SKI EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING
Regular ski equipment is needed. We recommend to have your bindings checked to avoid unnecessary unpleasant
surprises.
Your guide will provide the necessary safety equipment. Clothing must be warm and wind-proof for the summit
ridge. You will also need googles for windy days, sunglasses, glove and a hat.
A ruck-sack is necessary to carry your snacks, take out lunch, water, a camera, and to pack personal belongings.
COMPAGNIE DES GUIDES DE CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC, 190, place de l’église 74 400 CHAMONIX ; www.chamonix-guides.com
SAS au capital social de 364 400€ - R.C.S Annecy - SIRET 448 519 306 00014 - Code APE 7911 Z
TVA intercommunautaire FR 23 446 519 306 - Immatriculation ATOUT France IM074 150011
Responsabilité civile professionnelle : MMA IARD - 14 Bd Marie et Alexandre Oyon - 72 000 LE MANS - Police 125 901 025
Garantie financière : GROUPAMA ASSURANCE - 5, rue du centre - 93199 NOISY-le-GRAND Cedex - Contrat n 4000713874/1
COMPAGNIE DES GUIDES DE CHAMONIX
www.chamonix-guides.com - e-mail : [email protected]
190 Place de l’église 74400 CHAMONIX FRANCE - TEL + 33 (0)4.50.53.00.88
COMPAGNIE DES GUIDES DE CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC, 190, place de l’église 74 400 CHAMONIX ; www.chamonix-guides.com
SAS au capital social de 364 400€ - R.C.S Annecy - SIRET 448 519 306 00014 - Code APE 7911 Z
TVA intercommunautaire FR 23 446 519 306 - Immatriculation ATOUT France IM074 150011
Responsabilité civile professionnelle : MMA IARD - 14 Bd Marie et Alexandre Oyon - 72 000 LE MANS - Police 125 901 025
Garantie financière : GROUPAMA ASSURANCE - 5, rue du centre - 93199 NOISY-le-GRAND Cedex - Contrat n 4000713874/1