The Vallée Blanche, the Chamonix valley's mythical off-piste skiing area
The Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley, an illustrious venue for off-piste skiing enthusiasts, offers a multitude of ski touring and freerando outings. Renowned for its snow cover and diversity of terrain, it is also famous for offering the world's most emblematic glacial off-piste descent: the Vallée Blanche.
The Vallée Blanche, 20 kilometers of legendary glacier descent
Located in Chamonix in the Mont-Blanc massif, the Vallée Blanche is one of the world's most beautiful off-piste glacier descents. Its traverses offer breathtaking views of iconic peaks such as Les Drus, La Dent du Géant and, of course, Mont Blanc. With over 20 kilometers of descent and a vertical drop of 2,800 meters, the Vallée Blanche is one of the longest itineraries in the world.
The Vallée Blanche epitomizes the spirit of ski-mountaineering: a blend of freedom, challenge and communion with the mountains.
The adventure begins in Chamonix, at the departure station of the Aiguille du Midi cable car (remember to book your ascent). Twenty minutes later, after flying over the forest and the plane of the aiguille, the contrast is striking: welcome to the high mountains!
The temperature may have dropped, but the excitement has risen. A breathtaking 360° view of the Mont-Blanc massif and Europe's highest peak. As in the skip, Chamonix remains cosmopolitan. You'll come across skiers, mountaineers and curious visitors from all over the world. With the help of your guide, you'll equip yourself in the tunnel formed in the ice. To descend safely, you need the right equipment: ice axe, dva, shovel, probe, helmet, harness, rope and crampons are highly recommended.
important information
As you emerge from the tunnel, the immensity of the landscape is immediately apparent. The icy air, the altitude and the breathtaking view set the tone. Ahead of you, a tapering ridge plunges down to the glacier, lined with steep slopes. To make the descent easier and safer, a "Z"-shaped route is laid out every year (not at the start of the season). Rather than a steep, direct slope, this zigzag path allows skiers and mountaineers to descend gradually and with greater stability. Supervised by a guide, each skier attaches crampons to his or her feet and progresses slowly. Each step requires concentration, balance and control. The emptiness on either side demands absolute calm. The snow crunches under the crampons, the eyes fixed on the trail.
After a few minutes of tension, the ridge widens and the long-awaited moment arrives: putting on the skis.
The most beautiful off-piste ski run in the world
Approximately 20 km long, the "classic" Vallée Blanche is the least difficult route. The panorama changes as you descend. At the start, from the Col du Midi and the slopes of the Glacier du Géant, you can enjoy a 360° view. The route winds through glacial scenery marked by crevasses and seracs, satisfying all skiers of a good level in search of unique sensations. For experienced skiers, variants such as the Petit and Grand Envers offer a more technical experience.
Throughout the descent, you'll need to keep a close eye on your guide (never overtake him!) and avoid venturing into crevassed areas at the risk of falling, especially as some crevasses are invisible to the eye of the skier (snow bridges).
Theaiguille Verte (4122 m), recognizable by its slender shape, rises in front of you and remains visible for much of the descent, particularly on the glacier du Tacul. As you leave this area, the Grandes Jorasses appear on your right. Their north face, famous in the mountaineering world, adds a touch of history.
The dent du Géant (4,013 m), a distinctive needle with its characteristic shape, is particularly noticeable as you approach the Gros Rognon or Combe du Géant sectors. The Drus, with their spectacular vertical walls, catch the eye, especially as the descent opens up to clearer views towards the Mer de Glace, which stands out at the end of the route. Framed by moraines and cliffs, it offers a unique perspective on the evolution of Alpine glaciers.
the variants
the "real" vallée blanche
Often confused with the "Classique", this is a specific itinerary that stays close to the center of the Vallée Blanche, avoiding wide detours. After the Aiguille du Midi ridge, it descends directly into the main combe of the glacier, passes to the left of the Gros Rognon and joins the Mer de Glace without venturing into the more technical slopes of the Envers, but access is more delicate due to the numerous crevasses present from the start in the combe.
Le Gros Rognon:
This variant is actually a portion integrated into the Classique or the real Vallée Blanche, but it can also refer to an itinerary that skirts around or passes to the right of the Gros Rognon, a prominent glacial hump on the Géant glacier. On the left, there are slightly steeper slopes exposed to seracs, while on the right (the most common), the route remains gentler and joins the Combe du Géant.
Petit Envers du Plan :
This variant forks left before the Col du Midi (just below the Aiguille du Midi), but does not enter the steepest sections of the Grand Envers. It then descends to the Mer de Glace on moderate slopes, often passing close to the Refuge du Requin.
Grand Envers du Plan
One of the most prestigious and demanding routes in the Vallée Blanche. Heading for the Aiguille du Plan, it plunges down rather steep slopes (30° to 40° maximum). It then joins the Mer de Glace below, often via passages exposed to crevasses and seracs.
These routes vary enormously according to snow conditions, snowpack stability and visibility. If you would like detailed information on any of these variants, please contact the Office de Haute Montagne, where you can consult topos-guides free of charge.
Click here to do the Vallée Blanche!
Safety and precautions before setting off
The aim is to take all the necessary precautions to avoid endangering yourself and others. Knowing your physical and technical abilities and the terrain you'll be riding on is essential, and will help you avoid a large number of accidents.
Office de Haute Montagne
Located on the Place de l'Eglise in Chamonix, the Office de Haute Montagne(OHM) is your first point of contact for all the information you need before setting off.
It's a place where skiers and professionals can discuss conditions and the best strategies for a successful outing. The Vallée Blanche is neither marked nor secured, so before setting off, a visit to the OHM guarantees optimal preparation and a more serene outing.
Why consult the OHM?
You'll get real-time conditions (glacier conditions, crevasses, snow quality), weather and avalanche bulletins (up-to-date information for a safe descent), advice on equipment (avalanche transceiver, harness, rope, shovel, probe) and contact with guides: indispensable for skiers who are not experts in glacier progression.
The importance of a guide
The first piece of advice is simple: never venture into the Vallée Blanche without mountaineering experience!
You're on a glacial route, and the dangers are numerous and often invisible to the uninitiated. An experienced guide knows the current conditions, the safe passages and the areas to avoid. He'll also know how to react in the event of an incident.
Essential equipment for safe off-roading
When off-piste, it's essential to carry an avalanche safety kit with you at all times. It consists of three parts:
-> DVA (Détecteur de Victimes d'Avalanche): This transmits and receives a signal in the event of being buried by an avalanche. Check and test before every outing.
-> Shovel: Indispensable for quickly freeing a person buried under snow. An aluminum shovel is recommended for greater efficiency.
-> Probe: Used to pinpoint the exact location of a victim under the snow following a DVA signal.
If you don't have this type of equipment, you can easily rent it from specialized stores, which you can find here 👇
Additional equipment strongly recommended
Conditions in the high mountains are often changeable. That's why it's important to be well equipped to cope with the cold, wind and variations in visibility. Bring technical clothing based on the 3-layer principle (thermal underwear, fleece or down jacket and waterproof, windproof jacket) to manage heat and humidity. A ski mask and/or sunglasses: The sun's reflection on the snow is intense, so a mask with a suitable screen is essential in bad weather, and category 3 or 4 sunglasses are essential in good weather + sun cream.
Gloves are a must! Temperatures can vary by as much as 20° between the Chamonix departure station and arrival at the top of the Aiguille du Midi. The sun can be deceptive, and if it's 10° below, the temperature can drop to -10° above. So it's important to have suitable gloves. You can also pack a first-aid kit and a survival blanket: in the event of an accident or immobilization, these items are essential for first aid and for conserving body heat.
Finally, before you leave, charge your phone! With the cold, battery life is shorter at altitude, and it will come in very handy if you need to quickly alert emergency services(112).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can I buy my ticket for the Aiguille du Midi?
You can buy your ticket on site at Place de l'Aiguille du Midi (where you will meet your guide) or directly on the Internet by clicking on the following button:
Is the Vallée Blanche a marked trail?
No, it's an off-piste route in the high mountains, unsecured and ungroomed. It runs on a glacier, with risks associated with crevasses, avalanches and seracs.
What level of skiing is required to descend the Vallée Blanche?
You need to be comfortable skiing off-piste, know how to evolve on different types of snow and be able to control your speed on varied slopes. Being able to ski down a red run is a prerequisite (good physical condition is also recommended).
Do I need a guide for the Vallée Blanche?
We strongly recommend that you hire a mountain guide if you're not a beginner, especially to avoid dangerous areas (crevasses, seracs) and to adapt the itinerary to the day's conditions.
When is the best time to ski the Vallée Blanche?
Descents are generally possible from January to April, depending on snow and glacier conditions. The early season often offers the best snow quality. However, in January, the ridge is not always equipped and the descent of the Vallée Blanche is more technical. It's best suited to seasoned skiers at this time of year.
How long does the descent take?
Allow around 4 to 5 hours, taking time to enjoy the scenery and take the necessary breaks. Please note the Montenvers gondola timetable!
What equipment is required?
Safety equipment is essential: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, harness, crampons and rope (in case of crevasse fall).
Do I need specific skis for the Vallée Blanche?
Downhill skis are possible, but not necessarily suitable. For better lift in powder snow, skis with a slightly wider base are recommended.
What's the difference between the classic Vallée Blanche and its variants?
The classic route is the most accessible and popular. The variants, such as the Grand Envers and Petite Envers, are steeper and more technical, reserved for experienced skiers.
Can I snowboard down the Vallée Blanche?
Yes, but you need to be self-sufficient on all types of terrain and at ease in unprepared snow. A splitboard can be useful for the flatter sections. Take poles!
Where can I find out about conditions before setting off?
The Office de Haute Montagne de Chamonix (OHM) is your first port of call. Mountain guides and the bulletin d'estimation des risques d'avalanche (BRA) are also essential sources.
Can I ski-tour the Vallée Blanche?
Yes, but ski touring enthusiasts will prefer more suitable circuits, such as the Argentière basin for glacier itineraries or the aiguilles rouges.
What are the main difficulties on the descent?
The most technical parts of the descent are the Aiguille du Midi ridge (exposure), certain crevassed sections and snow variations that can make progress more complex.
Is the Vallée Blanche accessible to children?
The Vallée Blanche is reserved for very experienced young skiers capable of managing a long and challenging off-piste itinerary. A guide is essential in this case.