Chamonix is arguably one of the best ski resorts in the world for experienced and advanced skiers. Les Grands Montets ski area in particular offers some challenging black runs and plenty of off piste. There are also off piste runs of varying difficulty from L'Aiguille du Midi including the glacier, the 22km Vallée Blanche run, which can be managed by intermediates too depending on snow conditions and the route taken.
Make sure you have checked weather conditions and avalanche risk, then go out and discover the vast expanse of pistes and off piste that are out there waiting for you:
From the back of Le Tour, head over towards Switzerland for a run down open snow bowls to the village of Vallorcine. Rarely skied, you can make your own tracks on a great, gentle trip through the woods. In the right conditions this is ideal for perfecting your powder skiing.
Known for its abundant snow, challenging reds, advanced black runs and legendary off-piste routes. Take the Herse chairlift and follow the old Variante de l'Hotel route for a drop of 2000m and the possibility of some good moguls; only one lift and few other skiers. The Lavancher bowl, the Canadian bowl, the Italian bowl and La Pendant are all within your capabilities. Great snow and plenty of exhilaration.
There are plenty of runs to get the adrenaline pumping in all the other main skiing areas, especially Le Brévent. Try the Charles Bozon black run from the top of the Brévent cable car, two routes from the top, one with steep moguls and the other slightly less challenging.
For those of you with a spirit for real adventure try a day's heliskiing from the Valgrisenche base in Italy. Make life easy on powder skis with this perfect approach to off-piste!
In Chamonix the list is endless but here are a few ideas. Make sure you are always equipped with a beacon, a shovel and a snow probe before going out of bounds. Even better - let Collineige organise a mountain guide who will open up the possibilities to you.
Les Grands Montets - a warm up. From the top of the Bochard and the Herse, ski all the variantes and the little gullies away from the mainstream. Maybe the Canadian bowl from the top of Bochard and perhaps even ski the Lavancher bowl right down to the village to finish.
La Vallée Blanche - This famous off-piste ski descent of 23 km, surrounded by stunning glaciers, blue crevasses and close up views of Mont Blanc. It starts at 3812m from the ridge at the top of the Aiguille du Midi, takes you through the Mer de Glace and down to Chamonix at 1035m. High mountain skiing at its most breathtaking. Fresh tracks through bowls of powder sometimes up to your knees. Ski across snow bridges and through crevasses (requires a qualified mountain guide). In fresh snow you will never forget this one no matter wherever else you've skied in the world
The Italian side (late season). Through the tunnel and up the brand new Skyway cable car brings you up Helbronner, opposite the Aiguille du Midi. Ski back down into Italy on the Marbree. Very steep at the top followed by bowl after bowl of exquisite spring snow.
Ski back to Chamonix from Helbronner for a demanding but fabulous day’s skiing.
How are the legs? How about something different? Ski touring in Chamonix is limitless - so why not try a day trip. Get away from all the other skiers and really appreciate the peace of the mountains. Climb to the top of Les Grands Montets or the Col du Passant and ski the Glacier d'Argentiere and even the Glacier du Tour, or one of the many high-level routes from the Aiguille du Midi. If you enjoy it come back and try the Haute Route - Chamonix to Zermatt, 6 days across the Alps!
