The Vallée Blanche continues to offer superb skiing, and we enjoyed a brilliant day out there this week with two separate groups making the most of exceptional conditions.
Two Starts, One Incredible Glacier
One team began their journey from the Skyway Monte Bianco in Italy, while the other took the classic approach from the Aiguille du Midi. The Chamonix based team skied the classic Vallée Blanche variant before putting skins back on and heading towards the Col d’Entrèves.
The glacier is currently very well filled in, with a properly established skinning track making travel efficient and straightforward. After the heavy snowfall of the past couple of weeks, coverage is excellent for this time of year. Crevasses are well bridged along the normal lines, although, as ever on glaciated terrain, proper equipment and experience remain essential.
With clear skies and warm sunshine, the views across the southern Alps were nothing short of spectacular.
Below the Aiguille du Midi. The arete is well equipped, with the Z track in place giving easy access to the glacier.
Snow Conditions – Powder & “Piste” Perfection
The skiing itself was highly enjoyable. On the main track, the snow had that well-skied, smooth “pisted” feel that makes for relaxed, confidence-inspiring turns. Venture just a little further afield, however, and there were still pockets of soft snow offering some quality powder turns.
After the Col d’Entrèves ski descent, we continued up to Col du Flambeau, positioning ourselves perfectly to ski the “Vierge” variation. From there we dropped into the Vallée Noire — the right-bank alternative to the classic line — which skied very well indeed.
The usual slightly exposed exit was in condition, allowing us to traverse across towards the Salle à Manger and rejoin the normal route without issue.
A brief stop on the Vallee Noire. Great snow, and spectacular backdrop. This is harder than the normal route, with an exposed exit where a fall could be nasty, confident skiers only.
The Long Glide to Chamonix – Skiable All the Way
From the Salle à Manger downwards, it was easy cruising. We joined the famous “autoroute” track leading toward the Montenvers train station, passing plenty of teams enjoying sunny picnic stops on the moraines.
Notably, there is currently enough snow to ski all the way down to Chamonix itself — the first time in several years that this has been possible. The recent heavy snow has properly filled in the lower sections.
That said, with the current warm temperatures and strong sunshine, conditions are changing quickly. The valley descent is unlikely to remain skiable for long, so anyone hoping to tick it off should move sooner rather than later.
A steeper exit variation of the vallee noire – a few tight turns required.
Buvette Stop & The James Bond Track
The boot pack up to the small Mottets buvette was straightforward, with a well-defined track in place. A cold drink in the sunshine there felt well deserved before we set off down the “James Bond track” back to Chamonix.
There were only a couple of short sections where skis had to come off — otherwise it was continuous skiing right back into town.
Cold drinks and perfect views at the Mottets buvette.
Final Thoughts – A Classic Done Properly
A great day out on the Vallée Blanche: well-filled glaciers, varied snow, quiet touring sections away from the crowds, and that rare treat of skiing all the way to Chamonix.
As always with the Vallée Blanche, these conditions can change rapidly with heat and fresh snowfall. If you’re considering skiing it soon — especially if you’re hoping for a full valley descent — now is the time to make the most of it.
