Guidebook

The 6 Classic Routes of the Vallée Blanche

From a gentle cruise to steep couloirs, the Vallée Blanche has something for everyone.

Description

The Vallee Blanche is arguably the most famous off-piste itinerary in the world. Except it’s not one itinerary.

There are a number of different routes down this wild glaciated high alpine valley – from gentle slopes to steep challenging lines, covering 15km and over 2000m of vertical. It’s a wild high mountain environment that travels through some of the most spectacular glaciated scenery in Europe.

Definitely one for the bucket list. Actually, make that 6.

Vallee Blanche
The best Adventures on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Vallee Blanche

Chamonix
2,197 m
31 °
181 m
15.1 km
Perhaps the most famous ski descent in the world? Technically moderate but very serious skiing in an absolutely breathtaking setting.
Moderate
Private
Gros Rognon
The best Adventures on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Gros Rognon

Chamonix
670 m
35 °
12 m
1.9 km
A great variation on the classic Vallée Blanche offering wide open steeper skiing options.
Difficult
Private
Petit Envers du Plan
The best Adventures on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Petit Envers du Plan

Chamonix
2,215 m
38 °
199 m
13.0 km
Highly crevassed but good skiing, this is a step up from the Vallée Blanche both technically and in the seriousness of the glacier.
Difficult
Private
Grand Envers
The best Adventures on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Grand Envers

Chamonix
1,584 m
43 °
19 m
5.2 km
A mega classic that links steep sustained pitches before finishing in the requin hut exits couloirs. Incredidble but very serious skiing.
Severe
Private
Vrai Vallée Blanche
The best Adventures on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Vrai Vallée Blanche

Chamonix
2,197 m
43 °
181 m
13.4 km
A highly crevassed variation of the Vallée Blanche which is not often possible due to the state of the glacier.
Difficult
Private
Vallee Noir via Glacier du Géant
The best Adventures on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Vallee Noir via Glacier du Géant

Chamonix
506 m
34 °
NW
39 m
3.1 km
A moderate and fun line down some serious glaciated terrain on the Italian side of the Vallée Blanche.
Moderate
Private