Vallée Blanche Ski Descent – Courmayeur

The Vallée Blanche from the Italian side, starting at Punta Helbronner at 3466m off the Skyway and skiing the length of the Géant, the Tacul and the Mer de Glace into the Chamonix valley. This is glaciated high mountain terrain, not a marked run: crevasses, seracs and a route that changes through the season. The guide picks the line on the day, and there is a short roped section off the arête at the start before any skiing begins. Why start from Italy: Three reasons. You ski more, because from Helbronner you cross the full length of the Géant glacier, a section that skiers starting from the Aiguille du Midi miss entirely. You skip the Midi arête, the narrow ridge every Chamonix-side group has to downclimb with skis on their pack, which is often hard and icy, frequently queued, and is the part of the day that worries most people. And the Italian side sees far less traffic, so after a snowfall the Géant is usually still holding untracked lines long after the Midi side has been skied out. On a snowy day this is the better bet for fresh snow. Outline: Meet at the Skyway base, transceiver check and safety briefing, lift to Punta Helbronner, the descent across the Géant, Tacul and Mer de Glace glaciers with a lunch stop, then out to Chamonix on skis if the snow reaches, or via the Montenvers train. Full itinerary below. Who it's for: Confident red and black piste skiers who can also ski off piste in variable snow, including crust, wind slab and slush in the same run, with a pack on. You are not making turns all day, but you need to be able to keep going for 20km and around 2800m of descent without falling repeatedly in exposed places. Expect 7 to 8h door to door. Getting there and back: The day ends in Chamonix, not Courmayeur. If you are coming from the Chamonix side, take the morning bus over to Courmayeur and finish your day back in Chamonix, which saves you the return transfer entirely. If you are based in Courmayeur, budget for the bus or a shared taxi back through the Mont Blanc tunnel at the end of the day. Gear: Glacier safety equipment, harness and rope are provided. You bring your own skis, boots, poles, helmet and avalanche safety kit, all of which rent in Courmayeur. Skis you can handle in bad snow matter more than skis that are fast. Conditions: The route can be modified or called off for snow, weather or avalanche conditions, and the Skyway has to be running. Late in the season the Mer de Glace often does not ski out to the valley, in which case we finish at Montenvers and take the train down.

• All mountain or freeride skis and boots

• poles

• helmet

• transceiver

• probe

• shovel

• rucksack 20 to 30 L that carries skis

• waterproof jacket and trousers

• warm midlayer

• insulated jacket

• gloves and a spare pair

• hat

• sunglasses and goggles

• high factor sun cream and lip balm

• packed lunch and water

• charged phone

• small personal first aid kit

• cash or card for the Montenvers train and the transfer back

• Guides on Oak are verified by Oak, but users should independently confirm a guide’s qualifications.

• Participants are responsible for ensuring their skill level and fitness are suitable for the activity.

• Individuals should only attempt techniques or terrain they feel personally confident with.

• All instructions and safety guidance from the guide should be followed at all times.

• Users must ensure their own equipment is appropriate and in safe working condition.

• Mountain activities carry inherent risks, and participation is at the user’s own discretion.

• Adequate insurance covering mountain travel and rescue is essential.

• Relevant medical information should be shared with the guide.

• Plans may change due to weather or safety considerations, and users should be prepared for this.