Ski Touring and Ski Mountaineering Routes in Chamonix Mont Blanc

Ski touring (Randonnée) around Chamonix are world class, with some lift accessible and other short ascents to some of the best terrain and descents in the world. Quite aside from the stunning alpine backdrop Chamonix has the benefit of high altitude and the stunning drama of the Mont Blanc and chain of mountains marching around Europe’s highest mountain peak.

Here are some of our favourite ski touring excursions!

1.Vallée Blanche :

Classic Route: Starting from Aiguille du Midi, this is the most accessible route down the Vallée Blanche. The 20km descent is a truly unforgettable high mountain experience, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and crevasses.

2.Col du Passon:

 Starting from the Grands Montets ski area, this route involves a relatively straightforward ascent to the Col du Passon, followed by a spectacular descent to Le Tour.

3.Glacier d’Argentière Tour:

This tour covers several glaciers in the Argentière basin. It involves an initial ascent to the Grands Montets, then a traverse of the Glacier des Rognons and Glacier d’Argentière before the descent.

4.Grand Envers du Plan:

A more challenging route down the Vallée Blanche, this itinerary should only be attempted by advanced skiers. The Grand Envers offers steeper slopes and requires good snow conditions.

5.Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route:

This legendary high mountain tour takes around five days, starting from Chamonix and ending in Zermatt. It covers a variety of terrain, including glaciers, high passes, and spectacular descents.

6.Les Trois Cols (Three Passes) Tour:

This challenging route begins from Argentière and crosses the Col du Chardonnet, the Fenêtre de Saleina, and the Col du Tour.

7. Col du Belvédère:

This route in the Aiguilles Rouges offers superb views of the Mont Blanc massif. The ascent begins from the Flegère ski area and climbs to the Col du Belvédère, followed by a descent through the Carlaveyron nature reserve.

8. Crochues-Bérard Traverse:

This popular route in the Aiguilles Rouges offers an enjoyable ski mountaineering experience with a relatively straightforward ascent and a fun descent into the Bérard valley.

9. Petit Envers du Plan:

A less demanding version of the Grand Envers route, this itinerary still provides a thrilling off-piste experience down the Vallée Blanche.

10. Col d’Entrèves:

This route starts from Courmayeur and involves a ski ascent to the Col d’Entrèves, followed by a descent on the Vallée Blanche.

Please remember that these routes should only be attempted with adequate preparation and knowledge of the mountain conditions. Always consider hiring a professional mountain guide to ensure safety. The weather and snow conditions in the high mountains can change rapidly, and a guide’s expertise and experience can be invaluable