Ski touring

The Chamonix valley has plenty to satisfy the most ardent “I’m not on a walking holiday” skier, but refusing the short walk means turning your back on even greater opportunities, with no crowds. Skiing is not just seen as a downhill-only sport and more people are sampling the joys of ski touring. The Chamonix valley has great routes that deliver the ultimate in touring: maximum skiing after spectacular climbs.

Vallee Blanche
Across the top of the Vallee Blanche, Glacier de Toule and La Vierge: L'Aiguille du Midi short hike/day tour

Les Grands Montets
Excellent day tours in Les Grands Montets: the Col du Passon and the Aiguille d’Argentiere: Les Grands Montets short hike/day tour

La Flegere
La Flegere is the departure point for some of the best ski touring in the Chamonix valley: La Flegere short hike/day tour

The Aiguillette des Houches from Le Brevent
Two things strike the budding off-piste skier without touring equipment on their arrival at the summit of Le Brevent cable car. Firstly, the view of Mont Blanc opposite and secondly, that it’s a shame there are no lifts to the west where the slopes look fantastic. The ski tourist, on the other hand, admires the view and promptly ducks under the rope to enjoy those same slopes.

Having skied down about 400m you can either retrace your turns or head up to the Aiguillette des Houches, the most southerly peak of the Aiguilles Rouges, and descend its southern slopes to the hamlet of le Coupeau. This wonderful short tour captures the essence of backcountry skiing: the freedom of skiing the whole mountain, picking your own route, unconstrained by piste markers or ski lifts.

Important: do not be tempted after the initial descent to continue downwards to the north into the Gorges de la Diosaz - there is no route this way.

More Information

• Mountain tracks