Chamonix and the Valley Blanche

Ok, so I think my calling has come. I want to do the Valley Blanche in the next 12 months.
I have read up a lot on it, and I think it has to be something I do.

I can get to Cham, and get a place to stay, no problem. In fact the old skiweekends bus or flight deals might be a good option.

Has anyone done this already, and if so, what do I need to do in order to prepare and organise? I know you need a good weather day, but I cannot control that, so I will take a gamble on dates probably, and look to go around this time of year when it seems to be good snow and sunny days.

I believe you have to do it with a guide?
Whats the best options, how much does it cost, and is it best to prebook or find one when you get there?

Anyone who has experience who can share it, possibly with photos too, I'd be most grateful.


Many thanks

I've yet to ski the VB. I had booked a private Guide through AIGMB on a Easter break a couple of years ago, but 1st the weather was too snowy, we were then told we were not good enough skiers, (I have about 100 weeks exp now) and then finally they simply had no guide available for us, despite having paid them the money in advance. (got it refunded). I've been told since by a Cham resident, that were were probably gazumped by a richer skier. The same Cham resident, a working BASI ISTD, was most surprised that I was told that I was not a good enough skier, he felt that was incorrect.

You don't HAVE to rent a Guide, however it's a glacier, with lots of crevasses. It would be plain daft not to. There are numerous ways down, a few are straightforward, and if you join a group with a Guide, it's likely that you will do the Classic which is of intermediate standard. I was warned off the Classic by a mate who skis with me regularly. He said I'd be bored. For all routes, the scenery is reportedly stunning as you thread your way down the Mer de Glace.

You need a backpack, and ideally a way of carrying your skis on it. Your Guide will rent you a climbing harness which you wear when you walk down the Arete. Your Guide will issue you with a Transceiver, make sure you know how to use it. You may also be issued with crampons for your ski boots. The guide may/not rope your group up for the walk down. The Arete normally has ropes on both sides.

You might try http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/valleeblanche.shtml I've no connection, except through Twitter.

So no, ain't done it, tried our very best, but left without the T shirt.

I've done Valee Blanche in 2008 on a snowboard. If you can link parallel turns properly in powder and follow in a track without hesitation then it is no problem. Technically it is not difficult at all, its just that in places you have to cross snow bridges over the crevices and trying to put in a speed check or going off the line in those places is not a good idea. You will be required to ski with a climbing harness on, and some guides might actually request you wear a helmet! (no kidding!)

In general the gradient on the VB is not too steep. At the bottom its really flat and if the snow is deep you'll have to pole your way out. The normal VB route gets tracked out in no time, and in some cases can be just like riding down a piste. When we did it we had a guide that managed to navigate us through a series of crevices over some snow bridges and then onto an open powder field that did not have a single track on it. I believe this route was a little steeper then the normal route too.

The steepest and possible most difficult part was after the refuge where we had to drop quite a wide and relativly steep gully with really bad snow conditions. This area would be easier in the high season then it was when we did it near the end of the season.

I'm very suprised that you were told you weren't good enough Bandit, it is easier then a lot of inbounds beside the piste stuff I know of in many resorts.

ir12daveor, as you were on a board, did you take a pair of Touring Poles in your pack? Hard work paddling out on a board!

I do think my powder skills have improved a bit of late, out of necessity. If I go back, it certainly won't be to that Agency. I would probably use my local contact for a referral now.

Hey Bandit,
I had poles with me but didn't need them. The very bottom was spring snow and there was enough of a fall to be able to ride right to the steps up to the train station. The snow as far as the refuge was really good, after that it was quite wet and heavy, and the last flat bit was pretty much like a piste when we did it.

Dave.