With our mountain guides
" A Rendez-vous with the longest ski descent in the world "
24 km of Glacier skiing is an experience not to let pass you by. Chamonix's Aiguille du Midi cable car, which reaches an altitude of 3842 metres in just 20 minutes, is the start out point for the adventure.
On setting foot beyond the ice tunnel at the summit, the view that fills the gap between the sky and ice is of the Alps" most prestigious summits, many of are which tightly entwined with the most beautiful conquests and famous names in Alpine history..
How good do you have to be to ski the Vallée Blanche ?
The Vallée Blanche is not technically very demanding. Most skiers that are confident on Blue and Red runs, who can control their speed and can side slip can come along. It is worth remembering that the Vallée Blanche is an off piste trail at high altitude where weather conditions are unpredictable. The prescence of a High Mountain Guide is necessary and essential.
The Vallée Blanche is generally open to skiers between December and May. There are a number of possible routes to follow, varying in difficulty. Groups of no more than 7 skiers are split up according to skier ability and follow a route according to their group level. The easiest way down is the Traditional route, with the more adventurous taking routes such as the Envers du Plan.
The "Arret" at the departure point signifies the first breathtaking challenge. With everyone being roped to a guide, skis on one shoulder, hand on the guide rope, thrills are assured before the first turns of the day are even made.
Once the skis are slicked on you will feel immediately enveloped in the icey blue world of the glacier, with the red pinnacles of the mountains thrusting upwards all around you. Throughout the journey you will not cease to be amazed by the spectacular scenery of the glacier and mountains, with the last section allowing you to coast along the literal "sea of ice" to the tongue of the glacier.
The day last from 4 to 6 hours, and it is always recommended to play it safe and dress warmly. Everyone should carry a small back-pack for water, sun cream, sun-glasses and the shedding of layers should it be a hot one! Lunch can be enjoyed either in the form of a pic-nic at the bottom of the Glacier du Geant, or with a traditional "Croute Savoyarde" in the Requin hut.
One final thing, don"t forget your camera!
