Vallée Blanche

Vallée Blanche

CATEGORY

Backcountry Skiing

DIFFICULTY

ELEVATION GAIN

DURATION

Day trip

SEASON

Winter

LOCATION

Mont Blanc

Overview

La Vallée Blanche is a truly breathtaking descent in the Mont Blanc massif:

A route starting from Punta Helbronner in Italy, descending along the majestic Mer de Glace glacier to reach Chamonix in France. The trail winds through granite spires, towering seracs and stunning panoramas that speak of the rich history of the glacier and mountaineering. While taking place in a very wild and challenging high-mountain environment, it is not too demanding from a technical standpoint.

Required level: Intermediate to good skiers capable of tackling all types of slopes and with a little off-piste experience. Due to the presence of crevasses, excellent control over your skis and speed is essential. 

Programme

We meet in Courmayeur at 8:15 am. After checking our equipment and transceiver functions, and having a brief briefing, we take the Sky Way cable car up to Punta Helbronner at 3462 m. Once we have put on our harnesses, we begin our descent along the Mer de Glace in the Mont Blanc massif, skiing past granite spires and towering seracs, with breath-taking views of the peaks that have shaped the history of mountaineering.

If snow conditions permit, we can ski all the way down to Chamonix. To do this, once we reach the "caves", we will climb (using skins or the cable car) to the train station and from there access the ski runs. Alternatively, if there is not enough snow, we will take the Montenvers train. Upon reaching Chamonix, we return by bus through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Courmayeur, arriving around 5:00 pm. The Tour des Périades is also available upon request. 

This technically more demanding route connects the Aiguille du Midi area with the Italian side across the spectacular Périades ridge. The itinerary offers exposed sections and extraordinary panoramic views across the entire Mont Blanc range, making it a complete alpine experience with snow, ice, and mixed terrain. 


SEASON: Variable depending on the year, usually from January to May. 

1 Participant

€430

Per person

2 Hikers

€460

Per person

3 Participants

€495

Per person

4 Hikers

€550

Per person

5 Participants

€600

Per person

6 Participants

€675

Per person

The price includes: 

  • Guidance by an IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide.

  • Safety kit: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe and harness. 

The price does NOT include:

  • The Skyway lift ticket up to Punta Helbronner:

    https://www.montebianco.com/it/info/tariffe-skyway-monte-bianco 

  • The Montenvers train ticket of €33.00 per person (use of the train to reach Chamonix depends on snow conditions)

  • The cost of the Montenvers train ticket for the Mountain Guide (€22.50) is to be shared among the participants.

  • The cost of public transport departing from Chamonix (arriving in Courmayeur at 17:00) is to be shared among the participants.

The most common questions

The most common questions

The most common questions

What to know before you set off

Mountaineering is by its very nature an adventurous activity. The Monte Rosa guides, all of whom are UIAGM certified, are dedicated to doing everything possible to minimise any hazards, but a element of risk is always present and should be embraced as part of the adventure before signing up for our activities.

The Monte Rosa Guides will always do their utmost to help you achieve your personal goals and ensure you have the best possible experience in nature. However, you must agree to trust their professional judgement whilst in the mountains and respect any decision they make, including turning back, should it be deemed necessary. Being well-prepared and maintaining a good level of physical fitness is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey on all our excursions. If, due to fitness levels or any other reason, your guide feels you are not quite ready for your chosen activity, they will happily suggest alternative adventures beautifully suited to your current level of preparation.

Mountaineering is by its very nature an adventurous activity. The Monte Rosa guides, all of whom are UIAGM certified, are dedicated to doing everything possible to minimise any hazards, but a element of risk is always present and should be embraced as part of the adventure before signing up for our activities.

The Monte Rosa Guides will always do their utmost to help you achieve your personal goals and ensure you have the best possible experience in nature. However, you must agree to trust their professional judgement whilst in the mountains and respect any decision they make, including turning back, should it be deemed necessary. Being well-prepared and maintaining a good level of physical fitness is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey on all our excursions. If, due to fitness levels or any other reason, your guide feels you are not quite ready for your chosen activity, they will happily suggest alternative adventures beautifully suited to your current level of preparation.

What to pack

  • Avalanche rescue kit (shovel, transceiver, probe).

  • Ski touring (or alpine skiing) equipment.

  • Harness.

  • A lanyard with a locking carabiner.

  • Crampons (and suitable approach shoes).

  • Avalanche rescue kit (shovel, transceiver, probe).

  • Ski touring (or alpine skiing) equipment.

  • Harness.

  • A lanyard with a locking carabiner.

  • Crampons (and suitable approach shoes).

insurance

Insurance for clients of Aosta Valley mountain guides

GET IN TOUCH

Get in touch to plan your adventure

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GET IN TOUCH

Get in touch to plan your adventure

Tache (Church square and Town Hall), Gressoney-La-Trinité

I have read and accept the privacy policy

GET IN TOUCH

Get in touch to plan your adventure

Tache (Church square and Town Hall), Gressoney-La-Trinité

I have read and accept the privacy policy

Guide office

Tache (Church square and Town Hall), Gressoney-La-Trinité

Community

Copyright © 2026 All rights reserved

Guide office

Tache (Church square and Town Hall), Gressoney-La-Trinité

Community

Copyright © 2026 All rights reserved

Guide office

Tache (Church square and Town Hall), Gressoney-La-Trinité

Community

Copyright © 2026 All rights reserved