Chamonix Off Piste - the Vallee Blanche
The Vallee Blanche is perhaps the world's most famous off piste run - and for good reason. Around 2800m of descent over 17km amongst an unrivalled vista makes this a 'must' for many skiers. There are a number of variations to the Vallee Blanche - the Voie Normale being the trade route of modest difficulty. There are probably a dozen variants again but the Grand and Petit Envers are the most skied. On Sunday I skied with Stu Macdonald and clients. In the morning we got one of the earlier telepheriques and were negotiating the Arete of the Aiguille du Midi in good time. We skied the Petit Envers du Plan variation all the way back to the valley for a break for lunch. In the afternoon we decided to do it all again! This time we headed for the 'Vraie' variation (or the 'Real Vallee Blanche'). Those who have seen this glacier in summer treat it with respect - it has some huge crevassess and some seasons it is not skied at all. As Stu and I had looked at it in the morning we thought we saw a way through. We approached the drop off roped up and fairly gingerly negotiated the crevassed area before having the entire bowl of powder to ourselves - a rare thing in Chamonix. Many whoops later we arrived back in the Valley feeling smug but tired.
Vallee Blan...
Fresh Track...
glacial skiing
Vallee Blan...
