Vallee Blanche
Perhaps the most famous ski descent in the world? Technically moderate but very serious skiing in an absolutely breathtaking setting.
Moderate Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 14 km
- Ascent
- 11 m
- Descent
- 2 km
Petit Rognon south-east
Aiguille du Midi
Chamonix
Skyway Monte Bianco
A steep south facing slope is a great finishing option to the Petit Envers or Envers du Plan.
Freeride Skiing Difficult
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 192 m
- Descent
- 2.2 km
- Low Point
- 1.5 km
- High Point
- 3.7 km
- Gradient
- 40˚
This is a popular freeride skiing route which is generally considered to be difficult. It's extremely remote, it features medium exposure (e2) and is typically done between January and April. From a low point of 1.5 km to the maximum altitude of 3.7 km, the route covers 12 km, 192 vertical metres of ascent and 2209 vertical metres of descent. It's graded 3.2 and Labande grade 4. You'll need rope and crampons to complete it safely.
Description
From the shoulder of the Petit Rognon ski the steep, sunny often crevassed slopes to the right of the Rognon to meet the classic Vallée Blanche line.
Difficulty
Difficult
Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.
Medium Exposure (E2)
As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.
Remoteness
In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.
Best time to visit
Features
- Glacier
Equipment required
- Rope
- Crampons
Similar routes nearby
Vrai Vallée Blanche
A highly crevassed variation of the Vallée Blanche which is not often possible due to the state of the glacier.
Difficult Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 181 m
- Descent
- 2.2 km
Envers du Plan
Great skiing links sections of steeper technical terrain with wide open stretches. Perfect for taking in the view.
Severe Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 182 m
- Descent
- 2.2 km
Petit Envers du Plan
Highly crevassed but good skiing, this is a step up from the Vallée Blanche both technically and in the seriousness of the glacier.
Difficult Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 199 m
- Descent
- 2.2 km
Petit Rognon north-east
A variant finish to the Petit Envers to rejoin the Vallee Blanche above the seracs
Difficult Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 192 m
- Descent
- 2.2 km
Envers du plan glacier
A traversing section that links the Envers du Plan to the Grand Envers and Requin Hut Couloirs exit.
Difficult Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 199 m
- Descent
- 2.2 km
3 m away
Cosmiques Couloir
This is a classic extreme skiing line, not only in Chamonix, but across the Alps. 900 meters of sustained and serious terrain between 40-50 degrees; enough to get anyones heart pumping.
Extreme Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 6.4 km
- Ascent
- 253 m
- Descent
- 1.6 km
71 m away
Grand Envers
A mega classic that links steep sustained pitches before finishing in the requin hut exits couloirs. Incredidble but very serious skiing.
Severe Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 5.2 km
- Ascent
- 19 m
- Descent
- 1.6 km
77 m away
Frendo Spur
This highly sought after mountaineering line is perhaps the most aesthetic ski line on the North Face of the Midi.
Extreme Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 1.4 km
- Ascent
- 2 m
- Descent
- 1.3 km
104 m away
Mallory
Maybe the most coveted line in the Chamonix valley representing the pinnacle in steep and committing skiing, all with a perfect view of the town of Chamonix.
Extreme Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 1.6 km
- Ascent
- 0 m
- Descent
- 1.2 km
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Guidebooks in this area
5 routes · Freeride Skiing · Ski Touring
Chamonix's Ultimate Steep Skiing Ticklist
10 routes · Freeride Skiing
10 of the Best Lift-Accessed Ski Lines in the World
10 routes · Freeride Skiing · Ski Touring
The 10 Best Steep Ski Lines in Chamonix
50 routes · Freeride Skiing · Ski Touring
Charlie Boscoe's 50 Favourite Ski Adventures in Europe
15 routes · Freeride Skiing · Ski Touring
France's Finest Couloirs: An Epic Skiing Roadtrip
10 routes · Freeride Skiing
The Best of the Best: Chamonix's Top 10 Freeride Routes
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