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l'Aiguille du Midi off the back
© copyright Chamonix Promotion - Maison du Tourisme - Pascal Tournaire
The Vallee Blanche
The classic Vallee Blanche is justifiably the world’s most famous off-piste run. Nicknamed “white gold” by the local guides that escort skiers down in their thousands, it might be straightforward technically but always demands the utmost respect as this is high mountain terrain. I’m always reminded of this when I recall the snowboarder in my group who lost his board down a crevasse above the Geant icefall one foggy January day and subsequently had to jog, roped up, 10 kilometres to the train at Montenvers.
On a sunny day the Vallee Blanche only poses two tricky sections, not including the queues at either end: first the airy ridge at the top, though it’s always well equipped with a gentle path and guard rail ropes; second, the Geant icefall, where the glacier tumbles through a narrowing, and requires a sound side slip to negotiate the gaping crevasses. Fortunately the Requin refuge perches at the bottom end of this obstacle to provide the weary traveller with a welcome break.
Other options off L’Aiguille du Midi
More advanced skiers looking for demanding descents “off the back” of L’Aiguille du Midi will find numerous lines between the top station and Chamonix. Two good options are L’Envers du Plan and the Glacier Rond itineraries.
L’Envers du Plan is an audacious run that weaves its way through a seemingly impregnable maze of glaciers. It contains all the ingredients of high-mountain skiing - serious and complex route finding down sustained pitches which are totally absorbing and unforgettable in fresh powder.
The Glacier Rond is the most demanding descent I’m including: its compelling line should be on the list for all accomplished skiers of steep terrain. It emerges at the Plan de L’Aiguille (the Midi mid-station) from where there are no pistes but two great options down to Chamonix, including the classic Le Pre du Rocher which faces due north and is stunning in powder conditions.
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Avalanche gear
Away from the marked runs, you depend on your friends and your equipment should anything go wrong.
Make sure you have the best gear, available from Facewest.
Make sure you have the best gear, available from Facewest.
Avalanche guide
Some passages in this section are extracted from Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper, Director of the Utah Avalanche Center.
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