The Valley Blanche is perhaps one of the most famous off piste ski descents in the world. Its ease of access via the Aig du Midi cable car (France) or Helbronner (Italy) has made this route exceedingly popular whenever the conditions are good. A Valley Blanche descent is highly recommended and provides a fantastic and memorable day out.

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At the top of the Aig du Midi we will have time to take in the fantastic views, take photos and maybe a coffee and croissant before we head down the arête. On the arête we rope up for safety and if conditions are icy we will wear crampons for the walk down the arête. This part of the descent is totally safe as there are thick ropes and numerous metal posts driven into the mountain to provide a safe but exposed (good views) path down to the Col where we put our skis on. In January and early February it can be very cold on the arête so mitts and something to cover your face can be well worthwhile.

Once at the foot of the arête we put on our skis on the crowds seem to disappear as there is so much space for everyone and so many different fantastic routes down the Valley Blanche back to Chamonix. The route of the descent can be varied to suit the ski ability of your group.
For the most part of the winter it is possible to ski all the way back to Chamonix giving a descent 2700m of around 18km distance. When it is not possible to ski all the way back to Chamonix because of lack of snow on the lower track we take a 20min train ride down from Montenvers back to Chamonix.

A Valley Blanche descent most of the time is not about ripping up the off piste as you have the risk of skiing into a crevasse if you are travelling too fast.

The Vallee Blanche is about having a great day out on skis with friends, in an awe inspiring mountain environment. Having time to take photos, enjoy the view and having time to chat with your friends. If the conditions are suitable we would normally stop at the refuge or have a packed lunch somewhere and sit in the sun to enjoy the view.

When in the week to Ski the Vallee Blanche?
Most people come to Chamonix for a week’s holiday and spend a few days skiing in the different resorts and plan for a Vallee Blanche descent later in the week this generally means that the busiest days are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.  If it is possible to schedule you Valley Blanche day for one of the other days in the week you will generally have a quieter time.

Which month in the winter is best?
December: Most years it is not possible to ski the valley Blanc.
January: Conditions are usually difficult. There is a low guiding ratio either 1:2 / 1:4
February: Conditions are usually good
March: Conditions are usually very good
April: Conditions can be acceptable but sometimes can be a bit warm.

The first Vallee Blanche ski descent of the season is usually done sometime between mid December and mid January and can result in the group having a bit of an epic trying to find a route through

the crevasses, they will generally report on when it is possible for “normal” people to make a descent.

The conditions change in the Valley Blanche / mountains on a daily basis and at the start of the season there is likely to be poor snow cover; a lot more open crevasses, more ice as a result more difficult skiing, no rope on the midi arête and less people around. This can however give a much greater feeling of adventure and being somewhere really special.

Ratio
If the conditions are difficult the guides will insist on a lower ratio for safety reasons. This could be as low as 1:2.
When conditions are average the ratio will be around 1:6.
The ratio of 1:8 is possible when the conditions in the Vallee Blanche are generally very good all round and all skiers in the group are of a good standard. The ratio 1:8 is not a recommended ratio, but possible some of the time.

What happens is the weather is not suitable for the Valley Blanche descent?

If the conditions are deemed unsuitable for a Valley Blanche descent with your group we will relocate to the Grands Montets ski area or Le Tour ski area for a days off piste skiing.

If these ski areas are closed and there are no other off piste ski options on offer on that day due to ski area closure you will be offered one of the following two options.

1. A Valley Blanche descent on another day if the guide booked for the original descent is able to guide you on another day that is mutually convenient to both parties.
2. A refund of the fee paid less a £20.00 administration fee.

How to Book
Call 0033 450 547 344 or e-mail dave@alpineadventures.co.uk ask for Dave

We only take private bookings for individuals, couples or preformed groups. So if you are a group of 1, 2,3,4, 5 or 6 for example we will not add anyone else to your group to make up numbers. You have made a private booking for a Valley Blanche descent with a High Mountain Guide (IFMGA).

Cost
£240 per group booking 1 to 3 person,
£255 per group booking 4 to 7 person,

Pay by Bank to Bank transfer or Credit Card (+2.5% surcharge)

Including
Avalanche Transceiver, Harness, Crampons for the arête as and when needed, and Straps for holding skis together.

Not included
Ski pass, ski equipment, train, personal clothing and equipment, rucksack for your personal equipment.

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What is the lowest kind of ability and age that you would you need to do a valley blanche day weather permitting?

This is a difficult one to reply to as there are so many variables. Normally I would suggest the following:

The valley Blanche is possible for children but in some circumstances we may require a second guide or ski instructor to assist with the group management or a small group size. With children it is often not their skiing or riding ability it is how responsible they are and if they can follow instructions also if they actually want to ski the valley Blanche for themselves. The Valley Blanche would requires a good level of fitness as it is most likely to be a full day out in the mountains. Generally we would have to decide on a case by case basis (with children less than 18 years). During some parts of the winter or in bad weather the Valley Blanche is not suitable for children.

Is end Jan traditionally a good time to do a descent?

The end of Jan is a perfectly good time for a descent, because it is cold you have the chance of getting powder snow in some sections and fresh tracks depending on the line taken. The following link is to a set of photos I took on the 05/02/06 http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/alpineadventures.co.uk/ValleyBlanche2

The Valley Blanche is obviously conditions dependant but it is usually possible from early January, so the end of Jan should be fine. During the course of the season the crevasses fill in progressively and the depth of snow increases.

Would just an Aiguille du Midi pass be required and do you know how much this is?

For a single pass up to the top of the Aig du Midi the price in winter 2008 is 35 Euro per person (Return 38 Euro). Also if the snow conditions do not allow for skiing directly back to Chamonix it is necessary to take the train down from Montenvers this is 17 Euro for the single ride down.