Ski Touring In Chamonix’s Historic Peaks

The best time for backcountry ski touring in Chamonix is January through March to ensure a proper base-layer and the chance for deep powder runs.

Beginner Chamonix ski touring options are available through the guiding operations we’ve reviewed. If you’ve never been on a set of skis or it’s been multiple years, consider taking a lesson before heading out in the backcountry in order to get the most enjoyment out of a guiding adventure.

For off-piste options, some Chamonix guiding services will accept minors as young as 12, when accompanied by a parent. If you’re travelling with minors, contact us for more details on specific adventures — we’ll answer all your questions and let you know the options available for your whole party.

Group sizes are small, with generally no more than a 1:4 guide-to-client ratio. Pricing is per person and costs can decrease as the group size grows, making it a perfect opportunity to adventure with friends and family.

Each guiding service sets its own cancellation policy. All policies regarding cancellation, rescheduling and trip insurance will be clearly laid out by your guide prior to booking your adventure

Inclement weather can always get in the way of outdoor adventuring. In most cases, if you’re prepared with the right gear, a little bad weather won’t stop the fun. But, if Mother Nature hits you with an unexpected curveball, your guide will know the best course of action to take, determining whether it’s safe to move forward with the trip, switch to a different local spot, or reschedule your adventure for a more favorable day.

As the birthplace of mountaineering, modern skiing and mountain guiding, Chamonix is iconic. Nestled near the highest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc, the French mountain town draws skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers. It hosted the first Winter Olympics, and it draws climbers and mountaineers by the tens of thousands from around the world. Plan accordingly and expect to rise early if you want to beat the crowds to get fresh tracks at one of the 11 resorts. Backcountry is beloved for this reason and many others, so consider hiring a guide to find couloirs, crevasses and multi-pitch runs safely. Avalanches and other errors are not something to risk, especially in unfamiliar terrain.

No permits are required for off-piste adventures. Despite the accessibility, avalanches are a real threat off-piste in Chamonix, as with many mountain destinations. An avalanche transceiver should be switched on and secured under clothing, with quick accessibility. You need to know how to conduct a search using a transceiver and bring a shovel and probe. Rentals from a guide will be available and additional gear can be requested when booking your trip.

Geneva International Airport (GGV) is 1 hour from Chamonix when driving by car. To avoid driving on mountain roads, consider hiring a driver to the site or taking a Shared Transfer in a minibus. Take note, the Geneva airport is also split between Switzerland and France allowing for confusion for first-time fliers to Chamonix. Passengers on flights to or from France don’t need to go through Swiss customs, as long as they remain in the French sector of the airport.

• Alpine tour skis, ski boots and collapsable poles (can be rented)
• Or Splitboard and bindings
• Climbing skins (aka the stick-on type)
• Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood
• Ski pants (Gore-tex recommended)
• Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
• Down jacket or vest
• Either 35-45 litres daypack or up to 60 liter pack for overnight touring
• Change of clothes for overnight trips
• Hat or visor for the tour up
• Helmet
• Thermos flask and/or water bottle (full!)
• Sunblock and lip cream
• Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
• Safety equipment (can be rented):
  • Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver
  • Lightweight snow shovel
  • Avalanche probe
• In most cases, a guiding service can set you up with the equipment and technical gear you need to adventure safely. Prior to your trip, your guide will let you know what equipment you’ll need to bring and what can be provided.