Chamonix -The Vallee Blanche – This is one of the longest off piste runs in the Chamonix Valley. Starting from the Aiguille de Midi, the famous Vallee Blanche run allows you to ski directly through the heart of the glaciers and granite rock spires of Mont Blanc. There is even a stone hut half way down with a sunny terrace where you can eat and drink Savoyard Specialties…fondue and wine of course. This one run takes all day and allows you to glide on snow for over 12 miles with 10,000 feet of vert. With its’ many variations, this run is suitable for all levels of skier.
Pas de Chevre
This historic line descends faces and couloirs for over 4000 feet onto the Mer de Glace glacier. It starts from the summit of the Grand Montets ski area actually gives you over 7000 feet of skiing-you’ll click off your skis in downtown Chamonix where you can have a beer and hang with the Swedes at Chambre Neuf, the most happening après ski bar in town.
ENSA Couloir
One of the many easily accessible descents on the Aiguille Rouge side of the valley. You start at the sunny Le Brevent ski area and have access to many moderately steep slopes such as the ENSA, the Pente d’Hotel, and the Col de Belvedere. This is the perfect place to fine tune your steep technique and learn new tools such as rappelling.
Verbier
A trip description will be coming shortly.
Zermatt
Zermatt also holds great off piste skiing potential. With the Matterhorn as a backdrop, you can ski the famous Schwartztor (Zermatt’s version of the Vallee Blanche, but a little steeper). Or, take a ski tour across the glacier and up the lower slopes of the east face of the Matterhorn. Here you can picnic at the base of the historic Hornli Ridge of the Matterhorn; then ski down the opposite side of the ridge for a long descent back to Zermatt. Also in Zermatt, heli skiing can be scheduled at a moments notice, to take advantage of a great powder day and log lots of vertical on a big mountain such as Monte Rosa.
Italy
A trip description will be coming shortly.
