skiing mont blanc this April

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I am planning to do a ski descent of Mont Blanc in April. Is it possible to descend toward the Col du Midi and then do the rest of the Vallee Blanche on ski or am I going to encounter unskiable sections on Maudit or MB du Tacul ? I ski at ski patrol level of ability, and have some glacier skiing experience, but I am wondering about having to traverse some rock faces. Thanks

-- Jesse Porter (porter@sopris.net), February 22, 1999

Answers

I've been looking into this myself for the same reason. Get the Laband guide book "Ski de Randonee, Haute-Savoie/Mont Blanc".

The Trois Mont Blancs traverse is in the book. 45 degree sections off Mont Maudit and Mont Blanc du Tacul, or a steeper ski or rapell from the Col du Mt Maudit if you avoid climbing it. An alternative route is via the Grands Mulets hut. A lot will depend on actual conditions at the time.

When do you expect to be there?

-- Hugh Grierson (hugh.grierson@clear.net.nz), February 24, 1999.


I was in Argentiere last week. The conditions for the moment seem to be very good. I'm making plans for a ascent and descent of the MB next year. It seems that the north face is the easiest one. I have a book called Chamonix randonne (touring) in this bookare three possible routes for skiing the north face. If you're looking for a good adress for your stay, i could recommend gite le belvedere. It's in the centrum of Argentiere, and full with dedicated skiers and boarders.If you're not sure about route finding on the MB, i think best is to contact the Bureau des guides in argentiere. They can tell you; or you hire a gide there. it's about 250 euro's a day. If it is possible, i would like to know how it was. So let me know by then. Have fun, Patrick

-- patrick dieteren (info@dieteren.nl), March 12, 2002.

Would not recommand the traverese of the 3 Mont Blanc with Skis. It has a lot of exposure and you may have some slabs before Mt Maudit. Also difficult to turn back. Seems to me that North Face, if in condition has best interest. I am going in May for guiding an haute Route via Italie, and should finish by Mont Blanc North face. Still have some spots available, but need expert&fit skiers. Good luck !

-- Bruno BAGNERES (Lbagneres@aol.com), December 23, 2002.

Jesse, did you find your route? I'll be there at the 18th of april (easter) to try to do the same. Maybe contact this guy: http://www.berthon-ski.com/berthon_trip_chamonix.html

Good luck!

-- peter de wit (pmadewit@hotmail.com), February 18, 2003.


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