Ski Touring and Ski Mountaineering Routes in Chamonix Mont Blanc,
Ski Touring and Ski Mountaineering Routes in Chamonix Mont Blanc
Ski touring (Randonnée) around Chamonix are world class, with some lift accessible and other short ascents to some of the best terrain and descents in the world. Quite aside from the stunning alpine backdrop Chamonix has the benefit of high altitude and the stunning drama of the Mont Blanc and chain of mountains marching around Europe’s highest mountain peak.
Here are some of our favourite ski touring excursions!
1.Vallée Blanche : Classic Route: Starting from Aiguille du Midi, this is the most accessible route down the Vallée Blanche. The 20km descent is a truly unforgettable high mountain experience, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and crevasses.
2.Col du Passon: Starting from the Grands Montets ski area, this route involves a relatively straightforward ascent to the Col du Passon, followed by a spectacular descent to Le Tour.
3.Glacier d’Argentière Tour: This tour covers several glaciers in the Argentière basin. It involves an initial ascent to the Grands Montets, then a traverse of the Glacier des Rognons and Glacier d’Argentière before the descent.
4.Grand Envers du Plan: A more challenging route down the Vallée Blanche, this itinerary should only be attempted by advanced skiers. The Grand Envers offers steeper slopes and requires good snow conditions.
5.Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route: This legendary high mountain tour takes around five days, starting from Chamonix and ending in Zermatt. It covers a variety of terrain, including glaciers, high passes, and spectacular descents.
6.Les Trois Cols (Three Passes) Tour: This challenging route begins from Argentière and crosses the Col du Chardonnet, the Fenêtre de Saleina, and the Col du Tour.
7. Col du Belvédère: This route in the Aiguilles Rouges offers superb views of the Mont Blanc massif. The ascent begins from the Flegère ski area and climbs to the Col du Belvédère, followed by a descent through the Carlaveyron nature reserve.
8. Crochues-Bérard Traverse: This popular route in the Aiguilles Rouges offers an enjoyable ski mountaineering experience with a relatively straightforward ascent and a fun descent into the Bérard valley.
9. Petit Envers du Plan: A less demanding version of the Grand Envers route, this itinerary still provides a thrilling off-piste experience down the Vallée Blanche.
10. Col d’Entrèves: This route starts from Courmayeur and involves a ski ascent to the Col d’Entrèves, followed by a descent on the Vallée Blanche.
Please remember that these routes should only be attempted with adequate preparation and knowledge of the mountain conditions. Always consider hiring a professional mountain guide to ensure safety. The weather and snow conditions in the high mountains can change rapidly, and a guide’s expertise and experience can be invaluable
Ski Areas
Here’s a rundown of the notable ski areas in the Chamonix and Les Houches regions, as of my last training data in September 2021. The precise details may have changed, so please verify all information independently:
1.Les Grands Montets, Argentière: This ski area is well-known for its steep, demanding slopes and its excellent off-piste skiing. The elevation ranges from 1235m at the base to 3300m at the summit, providing a vertical drop of approximately 2065m. It has around 10 lifts and covers approximately 28.6km of marked runs.
2.La Flégère, Chamonix: Accessible from the village of Les Praz de Chamonix, the Flégère ski area offers great views of the Mer de Glace glacier. The elevation ranges from 1030m to 2525m, with a vertical drop of around 1495m. The area has roughly 7 lifts and covers about 20km of marked runs.
3. Les Planards, Chamonix: This is a smaller area, suitable for beginners and families. The elevation is from 1062m to 1242m, providing a vertical drop of about 180m. It features 4 lifts and covers 2.5km of runs.
4.Le Savoy, Chamonix: A beginner-friendly ski area located in the town of Chamonix itself. The elevation ranges from 1049m to 1123m, providing a vertical drop of 74m. It has 2 lifts and offers a small area of easy slopes.
5. Les Houches, Chamonix Valley: This area provides a mix of slopes suitable for all abilities. The elevation is from 950m to 1900m, providing a vertical drop of 950m. It has approximately 18 lifts and covers around 55km of piste.
6. Evasion Mont Blanc, Megeve/Saint Gervais: Not directly in the Chamonix Valley but nearby, this expansive ski area has elevations ranging from 1100m to 2353m, a vertical drop of about 1253m, and roughly 107 lifts. It provides access to over 445km of runs.
7. Balme-Vallorcine, Chamonix Valley: This area at the head of the Chamonix Valley offers a variety of runs. The elevation ranges from 1250m to 2270m, with a vertical drop of about 1020m. It features approximately 11 lifts and covers 29km of marked runs.
8. L’Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix: This is the starting point of the famous Vallée Blanche, an unmarked, ungroomed, and unpatrolled off-piste ski route. The cable car rises from 1035m to 3842m, providing a massive vertical drop. Note that this route should only be attempted with a mountain guide and appropriate safety equipment.
9. Vallorcine, Chamonix Valley: This quiet area is part of the Balme-Vallorcine ski area (mentioned above).
Please note that these ski areas may operate differently depending on the season and weather conditions, and it’s recommended to check the official website of each ski area or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information, including opening times, lift pass prices, and safety information.