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Ski Touring
The Chamonix valley and Mont Blanc Massif are excellent for ski de randonnée (ski touring). Ski touring is a great way to access nature as it was intended to be seen. The Massif is a vast area of spectacular, glaciated mountains.
The lifts provide easy access to the mountain wilderness that make this region special. With the necessary equipment and a bit of hard work, riders will be able to escape the crowds on the slopes and find some great skiing.
There are many well known routes. Here we provide a little information about the most popular tours. If you have any doubts about your ability or knowledge of the area, use a guide.
Classic Routes
From the Aiguille du Midi there are numerous routes. One of the most famous descents in the valley is the 17km long Vallée Blanche. This can be skied without touring gear and is often the first off-piste experience for many skiers.
Several itineraries begin at the Grands Montets, certain with itineraries leading into Switzerland. This is the beginning of the classic itinerary, The Haute Route: a memorable trip from Chamonix to Zermatt with an option to continue on to Saas Fee.
Popular, one day, local ski tours include Breche Puiseaux from the Aig. Midi, Col de Passon from the Grands Montets and the Col du Belvedere from Flégère.- Haute Route Chamonix-ZermattSki Touring in the Mt Blanc massifSki Touring in the Aiguilles RougesVallee BlancheVerbier RouteThe 'haute route' or high-level route is a six day traverse across the mountains and glaciers between Chamonix and Zermatt and is sometimes continued to Saas Fee. The route was first crossed on foot by an English party, at the end of the nineteenth century, before being gradually linked together on skis in the first quarter of the twentieth century.
Zermatt is about 70 km from Chamonix, as the crow flies, but the actual route travelled is much further than this.
Most guided parties take the slightly easier Verbier route but the more difficult route around the Grand Combin may be taken if conditions, group size and ability permit. The route has been completed in under 24 hours!
Both routes require a competent level of off-piste ability, fitness,
about one week's touring experience and a guide.
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