Yesterday our Off Piste Advanced group here in Chamonix enjoyed 2 fantastic runs on the Vallee Blanche. After snow on Wednesday it dawned cold and clear on Thursday morning and Olly had planned a trip to the Aiguille du Midi for the day.
After a cold and windy descent of the arête we set off down the Enver du Plan route on the glacier, the snow was perfect and we enjoyed the first two steeper pitches in deep and light powder. With Olly’s skill and knowledge we wove our way around the crevasses and seracs in search of untracked powder and our efforts were rewarded with pitch after pitch of perfect powder snow (see the pictures above).
Arriving at Montenvers perfectly timed to catch the train back down to Chamonix, we stopped for a quick lunch before heading back to the Midi lift station for a second time. Exiting the cable car at 2.45 we set off down the ridge for a second time in the biting wind. This time we were the only ones on it, making the walk down much quicker and easier. Setting off across the glacier towards the Rognan we enjoyed the splendid views up to Mont Blanc the Grand Capucin, Dent du Geant and the Grand Jorasses in the afternoon light. The snow down next to the Rognan was great, soft creamy powder and everyone enjoyed their ski, all be it on tiered legs.
This time we had to make the hike up to the buvette as we were too late for the last lift up to the train station. After a short slide of the glacier and a 15min walk to the track down to Chamonix, everyone enjoyed a quick drink and some chocolate. We then set off down the infamous track to Chamonix in the fading afternoon light, as the sun dipped behind the mountains we negotiated the now ‘interesting’ bermed corners and rocky patches on the path. Arriving at the bottom of the Planards slope just as the last rays of pick glow on the Aiguilles of Chamonix faded into the night sky. Tom from Chalet Lounge was ready to take everyone back to the chalet for a cup of tea and hot bath before dinner and well deserved beer!
Today everyone is off for a ski tour over the back of the Flegere ski area and down into the Berrard Valley to finish at Le Buet. They should have a great day with the sun shining again and the fantastic snow conditions.
If you fancy some of this, we still have places left on our Advanced off-piste course in Chamonix starting on 29th March. For more information click on Advanced Adventure Chamonix 29 March-5 April
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