We like to take the first day of any Haute Route trip to ski in the Chamonix Valley area. This serves as a shakedown day and an opportunity to get a bit acclimated to the altitude. Most typically we ski the Vallée Blanche or one of its variants.

Starting from téléphérique which leads form Chamonix to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi, we have many options. There are several ways to ski the Vallée Blanche, some more difficult than others but all of them spectacular. We'll choose the best route based on the group, weather and snow conditions. Many of the routes lead to a great descent past the Séracs du Géant to the lower glacier. We'll usually may make a stop at the Requin Hut for lunch before continuing our descent down to the more gentle slopes of the Mer de Glace.

In mid-winter, one can often ski all the way into Chamonix. But by April often the snow has melted in the valley and we usually take the train back to town from Montenvers.

We return to Chamonix in the afternoon, with enough time to make final gear adjustments, and enjoy a fine meal.

Day 1 - Vallée Blanche Ascent 50 meters 164 feet Descent 1866 meters 6120 feet Kathy after a big dump of new snow in the Vallée Blanche.