Vallée Blanche Skiing – Chamonix, France Skiing is an extensive, pristine white blanket of snow, a hidden treasure between the high mountains of the French Alps. Being Europe’s longest off-piste descend, it stands above Chamonix, and might just be the most famous ski run in the whole world. The snow-swept ground and the ice-carved mountain peaks standing in every direction add up to give you a unique experience and a shot of adrenaline.
Things to Do
France is known for hiding beautiful places, resembling romance through its art and history. It’s one of the most visited countries in Europe since its attraction goes beyond what you see on the screen.
Mont Blanc
If you consider yourself pretty skillful in skiing, you can plan a trip to the Alpine peaks, perfect for intermediate skiers. Especially the famous Mont Blanc, passing through the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice), a route of snow that comes down like a slide. Get ready to have a full endearing moment with nature in the unique snowy places Chamonix offers.
Cable car to the top
Skiing the Vallée Blanche might seem truly scary at first. Of course, not everybody is born to ski down a 22 km mountain with such a high start. There are around 1100 meters from the ground all the way to the top. But don’t worry, one of the world’s highest cable cars is here to transport tourists both ways.
Even if you’re not up to skiing, getting on the cable car is a chance you cannot miss. From the second lift station, you’re going to feel like you’re taking a really impossible trip to the top. This is a simple, but unbelievably long cable car system. After 5 minutes inside the see-through box, you will be 3820 meters separated from the ground, with the peak of Aiguille du Midi at north. If you glimpse down to the mountain, ski tracks will be on sight, going down to the valley. All of this is surrounded by a panoramic view to the classic Grandes Jorasses, and the distant Italian-Swiss border with its Matterhorn.
The start of your journey
When you arrive at the top, you will walk a neat line escorted by professional guides for security purposes. These guides will fasten your climbing harness and clip it into a rope to avoid accidents. Then, you will enter an ice tunnel to get to the ridge. You will need to go all the way down this thin mountain ridge to reach the next stop. The following path is at a 30-degree angle, with secured ropes on both sides of the handrails. It’s truly understandable that anyone gets goosebumps in this section. At one side of the route, you can see the now-small Chamonix standing 2700 meters below you. However, look to the other side, and a 50-degree hill greets you.
Refuge du Requin
The journey begins at the classic route in Vallée Blanche, as you find your way around the snow-filled holes of Glacier du Géant. This downhill finishes at the Sérac du Géant, an area with caves, sharp ice rocks and blocks of ice in different sizes. As if you were finding a path at an extent maze, you will pick a way through a weird iced landscape. With the help of a guide and a relaxed mind, the passage will surely be easier and more secure to walk on. Just take a deep breath and follow every instruction. Eventually, blue-colored ice will lead you to the Refuge du Requin at 2561 meters, known as ‘Shark’s Refugee’ thanks to its fin shape.
Source by mll on Flickr – Under Creative Commons license
Salle á Manger
Under the hut, a wide serac is the only obstacle to reach the Salle á Manger (Dining Room). It received this title since it’s often described as a perfect spot for anyone who wants to have a picnic over the ice. Quiet and sheltered, it stands beneath the great peak of Grandes Jorasses.
Source by John Johnston on Flickr – Under Creative Commons license
Mer de Glace
The Mer de Glace, the second largest glacier in the Alps, is a dense ice figure spreading down 7 km to Montenvers. A slow and careful walk will be enough to reach this small village that will definitely make you feel welcomed and comfortable after a long day. After going through ice caves and numerous steps, another ride on a cable car will finish the day. Meanqhile, you can’t stop thinking about how fun and diverse taking the world’s largest off-piste was. Although the only world you knew was on-piste.
How to get there
During winter months (November to May) there are four main airports offering flights to Chamonix: Geneva, Chambery, Grenoble and Lyon. However, during summer (June to September), flights only operate to Geneva and Lyon. The quickest way to get to Chamonix from outside of France is certainly flying to Geneva International Airport. Geneva has a variety of airlines operating all year round. At the airport you can choose to hire a car or take an airport transfer to Chamonix.
When to go
For skiing the Vallée Blanche and snowboarding under the best snow conditions, I recommend visiting during winter. Especifically from January to March are the best times.
Inside Information
Above all, I recommend hiring a professional guide that can provide different security instructions and a good educational route. Specialist ski operator Neilson offers a skiing package to explore Chamonix. This package also includes accommodation at their Red Mountain Lodge and a self-made walkway descent through the Vallée Blanche.
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