Ski Mont Blanc
6 Days of Ski Mountaineering in the Mont Blanc range
The rounded summit of Mont Blanc is accessible by ski and has become the ultimate objective for many ski mountaineers and backcountry skiers. What could be better than topping out onto the roof of Europe knowing that the real pleasure of nearly 3,000m of ski descent still awaits. During the route you will experience breathtaking scenery as you make your way through the “Jonction” area. The coming together of several glaciers has produced some of the most spectacular glacial structures you will ever lay eyes on, with deep crevasses and towering seracs.
While not technically challenging, ascending Mont Blanc on skis requires a high level of physical fitness and previous experience using crampons and ice axe. You need to be an accomplished off-piste skier with ski touring experience as you will ski a wide range of snow conditions on the descent from Mont Blanc.
The key to success on Mont Blanc is preparation. Weather conditions aside, the physical challenge and effects of altitude will present more barriers to success than any technical obstacles. This course includes four preparation days, the primary goal being to spend as much time acclimatising at altitude as possible. To achieve this, we will be exploring the fantastic high mountain terrain of the Mont Blanc range, ski touring high glacial plateaux and remote cols and spending a night in a mountain refuge to further the time spent at altitude. You will also be taught glacier travel and avalanche awareness techniques to enhance your mountain craft skills in preparation for a safe and successful ascent and descent of Mont Blanc.
The final two days are for the ascent itself. The route we choose will depend on the prevailing conditions, the groups ability and ultimately on the guides’ decision. The classic way to go up Mont Blanc on skis is from the mid-station of the Aiguille du Midi cable car via the Grands Mulets refuge. This route is used less and less in favour of the route via the Cosmiques refuge and the “Trois Mont Blancs”.
The six-day ski Mont Blanc course is for advanced off-piste skiers only. You will need a high level of fitness and previous ski touring experience.
New this year - fully catered chalet accommodation!
We have improved our all inclusive winter courses this year with higher standard and fully catered chalet accommodation at the Yeti Lodge.This comfortable chalet, we have used for the last two years for our summer Mont Blanc courses and we are proud to now be able to included this in our winter packages as well.
The Yeti Lodge is located in the charming village of Argentière, close to our office and sport shop for your convenience. The chalet has superb views of Mont Blanc, sauna and a hot tub. The luxurious and spacious bedrooms are twin or triple bedded, so you should be prepared to share your room with one or two course participants. The comfortable lounge area has a real fire, satellite TV & DVD and free WIFI. There is secure underground car-parking, ski lockers and overnight ski boot warmers in the basement. All meals: breakfast, afternoon tea and three-course dinner, are included and prepared by our hosts, so you can relax and fully enjoy the course.
Duration: 6 Days
You should plan to arrive Sunday before course start date and depart Sunday after course finish date. Accommodation and meals included.
2009 Dates:
April 06 - 11
April 13 - 18
April 20 - 25
April 27 - 02 May
May 04 - 09
Group Size: 2-6
Ratio: 1:6 day 1-4 and 1:2 day 5-6
Included:Guide fee, 5 nights accommodation with breakfast, dinner and packed lunches on a twin or tripple share basis at the Yeti Lodge, all lifts, 2 hut nights with dinner and breakfast, local transport, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
Not included: Personal equipment, mountain rescue insurance, airport transfers
Equipment: See Equipment List or contact our office
Price: 2,295€ per person
10% discount for groups of 4 to 6 booking together
For Whom: Advanced off-piste skiers with previous ski touring and mountaineering experience. We recommend you doing the Ski Touring Intro Course and/or the Haute Route first.
