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Searching for ski freedom? Off-piste skiing in Chamonix, the birthplace of ski mountaineering, is definitely in a class of its own. Especially with an experienced local guide who knows all the best spots and where to go to avoid the crowds. You can even customize your ski adventure: get in touch with the guide, and select a legendary location of your choice. Pick your high glaciers, your couloirs, your snow-capped peaks reaching bluebird skies. Crowned by the breathtakingly beautiful Mont Blanc massif, and surrounded by iconic peaks like Zermatt, Contamine, and Courmayeur, this Alpine area has it all. But the spectacular scenery is not the end of it: quaint Chamonix offers plenty of leisure activities with some of the world’s best après-ski spots to boot. Learn more about the best backcountry skiing locations in Chamonix. Alpine skiing does not get better than this!
Vast glaciers stretching out before you, wide powder slopes just waiting to be carved up, and steep couloirs for those seeking a thrill
You’ve got Switzerland’s Verbier on one side and Italy’s Courmayeur on the other—like stepping into two different worlds without ever leaving the slopes
After a day of shredding powder, kick back with a cold one at a cozy mountain bar or treat yourself to some delicious French cuisine
Experience the thrill of untouched powder and hidden gems in the Chamonix Valley! From adrenaline-pumping descents to serene tree-lined runs, your local guides will lead you to the best stashes, including the legendary slopes of Grands Montets, the panoramic vistas of Brevent/Flegere Area, and the charming terrain of Les Contamines. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry explorer or just dipping your toes into off-piste skiing, join us for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the French Alps.
Ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of ski touring? Kick things off at the iconic Grands Montets, where you'll learn the ropes and hone your skills amidst stunning alpine scenery. From there, the adventure is yours to shape!
Whether you're drawn to challenging ascents, breathtaking descents, or simply soaking in the beauty of the mountains, your local guides will ensure a safe and rewarding experience every step of the way.
Vallée Blanche might just be the most famous off-piste run in the world. The reason for that is both the stunning starting point at 3,842 m (the top of Aiguille du Midi cable car) as well as the fact that this is a 20-kilometer (12-mile) ski run! That’s right, Vallée Blanche is 20 km long! There are different alternatives depending on your skill level and conditions, but you’ll discuss with your guide what’s best. Alongside an IFMGA guide who also happens to be a local and has spent years on these slopes, you’ll experience the best ski run of your life.
- You’ll meet your guide at the Aiguille du Midi cable car. After a briefing and a check, you’ll take the cable car to the top of Aiguille du Midi at 3,842 m.
- Then you’ll descend down the snowy and sometimes icy ridge of the Aiguille du Midi. You’ll be all roped up and secure while descending down with the help of fixed ropes. This takes anywhere between 20 and 40 minutes.
- And then, the legendary 20-kilometer run begins. All you have to do is follow your guide and enjoy the incredible views around you. At the end of Mer de Glace, you’ll have two options depending on the conditions and your energy levels. Your guides will discuss this with you.
Get ready to summit and ski some of the most thrilling objectives in the Alps! This one is for experienced backcountry skiers looking for a real challenge. With our expert guides leading the way, get ready to push your limits and discover the thrill of ski touring and ski mountaineering in one of the world's most iconic mountain ranges. Depending on the conditions and your skill level, the itinerary can be adapted to explore the following areas:
- Le Col du Belvédère from the Index (la Flégère) is a classic in Chamonix. To reach this iconic col, you’ll need to allow for around 1,000 m of ascending, but there are also plenty of options to head for other objectives, more further away or closer!
- Testa Crocce just above Arpy is a super way to explore the Italian side! An 800-meter ascent makes this one relatively easy and incredibly stunning.
- Le Col du Passon has the best ascent-descent ratio, there’s no doubt about it. You’ll enjoy the glacial environment and experience a fantastic and thrilling descent, almost 2,000 m long!
What you get in this adventure:
What’s not included:
There are several things to choose from when skiing in Chamonix, some more beginner-friendly than others.
In general, to enjoy these off-piste adventures, you need to be in great physical shape. Your guide will tailor the tour according to your preferences and previous experience, but expect to be on your feet for 6-8 hours per day. You will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions and feel comfortable on challenging blue or black-level resort runs. You will also carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.
While Intro to Off-Piste is created for those dipping their toes into the world of backcountry skiing, Lift-Access Skiing can be adapted to any skill level, both to beginners or seasoned skiers. Ski Touring & Ski Mountaineering is ideal for experienced backcountry skiers. For Vallée Blanche Skiing, it’s required that you must be able to ski off-piste with changing snow conditions (fresh snow, powder, crusty, windy, hard…) and that you have a good ski level (at least comfortable on red slopes and have previous experience off-piste skiing. While Vallée Blanche is technically not too difficult, you must have very good physical condition.
Off-piste skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner friendly, meaning anyone with solid blue level resort experience can have fun in the backcountry.
If you’ve never off-piste skied before, heading out with a local skiing guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, like skinning uphill, and teach you how to manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training to keep you safe.
There are several different ski days available, some more beginner-friendly than others. Please let us know if you’re in doubt and need guidance picking out the perfect ski day in Chamonix.
For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
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 gear and equipment you’ll need to bring and what can be provided.
All mandatory gear can be rented from one of the manifold rental shops in Chamonix. if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
Ski rental locations are in Chamonix and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.
Group sizes and pricing:
Ski touring in Chamonix can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Chamonix, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA), one hour away. Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make the airport transfers hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount!
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location.
In general, everything except Verbier & Courmeyer is accessible by bus and gondola. For Verbier and Courmayeur, 1-2 people can drive with the guide. If there are more than 2 people in your group, you’ll need a car or you can contact us to help you arrange transport. Let us know upon booking!
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Chamonix and Mont Blanc, France, please refer to the official advice for foreign nationals in France and sanitary rules in Chamonix and Mont Blanc.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.