Steeping into skis on the summit is guaranteed to be a memorable experience for any ski mountaineer. Good powder conditions can sometimes be found top to bottom in spring time and the descent offers many good pitches between 25 and 35 degrees. Competent split-boarder mountaineers should not be put off attempting this route but with the caveat of being prepared to deal with a couple long flat sections.

This route is normally done over two days. Starting from the Plan d’Aiguille skin under the north face of the Aiguille du Midi and out onto the impressive Bossons Glacier just above La Jonction. Stepping off the Bossons Glacier, crossing it and getting onto the slopes leading up to the Grand Mulets hut can sometimes be tricky due to crevasses. Most parties spend a night at the stunningly positioned Grands Mulets hut before getting a very early alpine start the next day.

There are two options on the way up. Climbing the North Ridge of the Dôme de Goûter has less exposure to objective hazard and is becoming more and more popular. However, it can sometimes be very icy for a short passage (aluminum crampons are not recommended). The alternative option is to skin up all the way to the Vallot hut by way of the Petit and Grand Plateau. This route is technically easier but far more exposed to objective hazard due to the active serac band on the Petit Plateau.

Both routes converge just below the famous and historic Refuge Vallot, which began life as an observatory and is now an emergency shelter. After climbing this far, most parties take the opportunity to have a rest in the Refuge before climbing the iconic and exposed Bosses ridge to the summit of Mont Blanc.

From the summit of Mont Blanc ski down the north face trending slightly rightwards, and then back left on the ramp. This ramp is the steepest section of the entire descent and soon brings you out beneath the monstrous seracs of the north face. Don’t linger here! Continue the descent on beautiful glacial slopes taking care to avoid the odd large crevasse. Retrace the same route back to the Plan d’Aiguille, transitioning to skins after crossing the Bossons Glacier. If conditions allow (possible in March or April) continue down the Bossons Glacier and down to the Tunnel du Mont Blanc.