Vallée Blanche, Off-piste ski route in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France.
Vallée Blanche is an off-piste ski route that begins at the Aiguille du Midi station at 3842 meters and descends through glacial terrain to Chamonix at 1050 meters. The route covers around 20 kilometers across open glacier terrain with varying snow conditions and crevasse fields.
The first documented ski descent occurred in 1927, marking the start of high-altitude skiing in the Mont Blanc massif. This pioneering run opened the way for exploration of other alpine routes throughout the range.
Mountain guides share traditional alpine knowledge with skiers, teaching glacier navigation techniques and safety protocols developed through generations of experience.
Skiers need specialized equipment including harness, rope, and avalanche beacon, and must demonstrate advanced abilities comparable to black-piste level. Access is by cable car to Aiguille du Midi, and the best conditions come during stable weather periods away from heavy snowfall times.
The route begins with an exit through an ice tunnel at Aiguille du Midi, followed by a traverse across a narrow ridge with steep drops on both sides. This dramatic gateway immediately shows why this descent attracts experienced skiers seeking something beyond regular trails.
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