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Skiing & Snowsports in ChamonixFR
The world capital of alpinism under Mont Blanc: home of the oldest guide company on earth and the Vallee Blanche, the most famous lift-accessed off-piste run in skiing.
Why here
The Vallee Blanche is the most famous off-piste run on earth: 15 kilometers and about 2,000 vertical meters of glacier skiing from the 3,842-meter Aiguille du Midi, down through the Geant icefall and the Mer de Glace, terrain that legally sensible people ski only behind a guide because the crevasses are real and unmarked. That requirement is the product: the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix, the oldest guiding company in the world, founded 1821, runs daily descents at up to six skiers per guide, matching route variants, the classic, Petit Envers, Grand Envers, to ability. A strong resort intermediate with solid off-piste form can ski the line they have seen in every ski film.
Best months
The glacier route runs roughly January to early May depending on conditions, with February to April the reliable core. The exposed arete descent from the lift station is the psychological crux; guides rope it. Harness and transceiver required, provided by guides.
Getting there & around
Fly to Geneva (GVA), 75 minutes by transfer. The Aiguille du Midi cable car leaves from the town center; book guides and the first bin days to weeks ahead in peak season.
Skill levels: intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (2)
Chamonix Experience
GuideAn English-speaking Chamonix guide outfitter running Vallee Blanche day descents with IFMGA guides.
Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix
GuideFounded in 1821, the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix is the oldest mountain guide company in the world and the original from which all others descend. Its guides hold the French Brevet d'Etat and are IFMGA/UIAGM certified to the international standard for high-mountain guiding. Programs span Mont Blanc ascents by multiple routes, technical rock and ice climbing in the Massif, ski mountaineering, and multi-day alpine traverses across all difficulty levels.