Ski Mont Blanc
Ski descent of the highest peak in western Europe
The round 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. This intersection of several glaciers has produced some of the most spectacular glacial structures you will ever lay eyes on, with deep crevasses and towering seracs.
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 group’s 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 need to have a high level of fitness and previous ski mountaineering experience.
Trip Details
Duration: 6 Days (Monday to Saturday)
2012 Dates:
April 30 – 05 May
Group Size: 2-6
Ratio: 1:6 day 1-4 and 1:2 day 5-6
Included: 6 days skiing and ski touring with IFMGA guide, 2 nights accommodation in mountain huts with breakfast and dinner, local transport, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, group equipment.
Not included: Personal equipment, mountain rescue insurance, airport transfers, accomodation in Chamonix, uplifts (approx. 180€)
Equipment: See Equipment List or contact our office.
Price: 1615€ per person
For Whom: Advanced off-piste skiers with previous ski touring and mountaineering experience. We recommend that you do the Ski Touring Intro Course and/or the Haute Route first and that you ski tour on a regular basis through out the winter.
