Vallee Blanche - Chamonix

KAVO007

A friend and I are planning on doing the Vallee Blanche next year

We have been snowboarding for the last 8 years and want to do something epic.

So we are looking for a good guide to use and also any worth while advice.

I have read the Chamonix thread: -
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055680605

Have sent a request for info from Wilderplaces (http://wilderplaces.com/alpine/winter) but haven't heard back from them. They are a professional guide service.

Probably thinking of doing it late Feb early March.

Thanks in advance,

Kavo

Fattes

KAVO007Robbie and the guys at wilder places come Highly reccomended have never heard a bad word about them!

TrapperChamonix

My advice is that you rent skis for the day (assuming you can also ski) as there's lots of areas where you have to push yourself along. Any boarder I've met have always said it was too much effort on a board.

I'd be interested in what other boarders think, cause I've never stepped on a board in my life and could be talking out my backside.:D

RATM

There was an article in the Irist Times on the Valle Blanche just a few weeks ago but for some reason I cant find it now. Anyway they did an interview with an Irish guy who has been guiding out there for years and knows the hills like the back of his hand.

Ive heard collapsible ski poles are handy for doing it on a snowboard as there are alot of flat sections where you have to push yourself along.

KAVO007

Thanks for the response

I have had no luck getting in contact with Wilderplaces

RATM - I will check the Irish Times online for that article. I wonder was it the same group?

Unfortunately I don't ski yet so it is boarding all the way for me - I have talked with boarders who have done it - it is a pain at the end but I think the overall experience is what I want. I will be getting those [font=&quot]collapsible [/font]ski poles -

We are planning a mid week trip so recommendations for shot stay sccomodation are welcome?

Kavo

a147pro

I don't think you'd go far wrong with a guide from the Compagnie du Mont Blanc, its effectively the local co-op. I'm sure there's also a list of guides in the Tourist information in the centre of Chamonix, they're very helpful.

I drove past this place a number of times and it looked nice and good crack, and is cheap as chips.

http://www.gitevagabond.com/

paddyb

Seb Montaz is really good and he will do photo and videos as well.
Some parts are flat so collapsable poles are a good idea. Any intermediate snowboarder can do it handy enough but just make sure you have a guide.
If you are looking for something epic, just do a backcountry day with him and he will find you the best powder.

a147pro

yeah I'm sure the vallee blanche is fantastic (three trips to Chamonix and I still haven't done it) but there are literally endless off piste opportunities out there. if you ever go up to the higher lifts you'll see groups of locals going off in all kinds of directions, often with full kit. my bro got a guide last time he was out and said it was class, he was offering three days out including the vallee blanche and if i can ever drum up the money and time I'm gone.

KAVO007

I have been to Chamonix twice and it has always been a dream of doing the Vallee Blanche although that walk out will scare the hell out of me.

Great idea of taking in other off piste days - I will be saving my pennies though to get there - it is something I always want to do so I will find the money from somewhere.

Poster King

Lashing rain here in Chamonix again today. I hear there is over a meter of new snow up high but no visibility and very high avalanche risqué so taking day off. Great day in Verbier yesterday. Only took an hour to get over. Ski pass free with a six day chamonix pass. Even had some sun for a while and lots of powder.
Journey back was an adventure. Col de Montets was closed due to too much rain! We got stranded in Valorcine for over three hours. Eventually got thru via railway tunnel. Weird driving through a tunnel on narrow path with railway tracks beside you.

KAVO007

Well just thought I would give an update. I did the trip and it worked out brilliantly.

Conditions were fantastic and hired a great guide Grégorie Sauget (gregsauget@yahoo.fr), he really made the trip. I would recommend him to anybody and is available for private hire rather then going through an agency.

Since I was boarding I bought two telescopic ski poles for €35 in cheap store in the town and they were esstential.

navigator

Consider that you can do the Vallee Blanche also from Courmayeur (on the italian side of Mont Blanc).
For the guide, check
www.guidecourmayeur.com and www.guidealpinecogne.it

a148pro

just did this last week too. meh. overrated imo. nice experience to just be up there though

wing52

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