Guides & Tours in Chamonix — 5 of Our Favourites

A ski-guiding service whereby you can explore the wonders of the Mont Blanc range across the French, Swiss and Italian borders on half-day or full-day expeditions.

Their guides will take you alone or with a group of your friends or family to go off the beaten track and discover some of the most beautiful spots on the mountain. They will tailor the trip to whatever you want to do, and will both guide you and give you some great ski advice and tips to help you progress off-piste.

If you would like to discover the off-piste that the Chamonix Valley has to offer, ESF Vallorcine mountain guides will show you the best spots for safe powder filled descents. You can even have a go at ski touring or do the famous Vallée Blanche off piste itinerary with them.

Vallée Blanche

Access is via the Aiguille du Midi cable car and from there follows the fabulous off-piste glacial descent down to Chamonix itself, snow conditions permitting. 

If it is not possible to ski all the way back to town then you'll ski as far as the Mer de Glace ice caves and take the historic Montenvers railway. This outing is not exclusive to expert skiers,­ if you are a good confident skier on varied terrain, in good physical condition and looking for a challenge, you too could make this dream a reality!

The Vallée Blanche is one of the most enticing off-piste routes in Chamonix, suitable for both those experienced in off-piste skiing and those less experienced, looking to try out some accessible yet challenging off-piste terrain.

The Vallée Blanche is accessed via the Aiguille de Midi cable car, where you will meet your guide on the morning of your trip. Your guide will lead you from the top of the lift (at 3,812m) and down the 20km off-piste, glacial route which finishes in Chamonix town centre (snow permitting). The whole trip usually takes between four and five hours, depending on snow conditions and whether you decide to stop at the popular Requin refuge for a pick-me-up lunch.

All their guides are all fully qualified and hold the UIAGM certification and have each been recruited for their specialist skills. They are experts in creating beautiful experiences on the world’s highest mountains.

3-Day Ascent

You must have previous alpine climbing experience (e.g. Grand Paradiso), or have climbed other peaks using Ice Axe & Crampons (with or without a mountain guide) before you aim for the 3 day Mont Blanc course. Please note that there is no training / no acclimatization, we go straight to the summit!!!

We take the classic "Gouter" route, via the tramway to the Nid d’Aigle (Eagle’s Nest), from where we will climb up to the Tete Rousse hut.

The Mont Blanc summit bid will either be from here or the Gouter hut.

You will need to bring an identity card or passport.

Your high mountain guide:

• High mountain guide (alpinism state qualified)
• English & French speaking
• 1 guide between 2 clients

5-Day Ascent

The preparation for the course is done in the most spectacular environment within the Mont Blanc range, the Tour glacier.

Their 5 day course is designed to allow highly motivated people, with an excellent fitness level, to reach the summit of Mont Blanc - the highest point in Western Europe.

Days 1, 2 are dedicated to mountaineering and technical preparation (snow, ice and rock), done on and around a glacier, including the climb of the Aiguille du Tour, 3540m. Sleeping in a high mountain hut also helps you get acclimatized.

Days 3, 4 and 5 are focused on climbing the Mont Blanc, 4810m: tramway up to the Nid d’Aigle, then climb up to the Tete Rousse hut. Upon conditions the summit of Mont Blanc can be done either from this hut on Day 4 or the Gouter hut on Day 5.

You must have an identity card or passport with you.

Your guide:

• High mountain guide (alpinism state qualified)
• 1 guide for 4 clients for DAY 1+ 2 -  training days
• 1 guide for 2 clients on DAY 3, 4, 5 - Mont Blanc ascent

For further information and a detailed itinerary, click on the “Enquire” button at the top of the page.

They are all fully qualified and hold the UIAGM certification and have each been recruited for their specialist skills. 

They are experts in creating beautiful experiences on the world’s highest mountains. Their guide's combined experience and skills have aided them in creating original routes that take you off the beaten track.

Small groups ensure more personal attention and a higher level of safety and enjoyment. Their guides teach a respect for the natural world and their passion for the mountains is truly infectious!

They are equally comfortable in guiding groups of amateurs or leading experienced mountaineers. The possibilities within the Chamonix Valley are endless so why not book a guide and experience the mountains knowing you are in safe hands.

Schedule:

Day 1:

• depart for Mont Blanc from "Les Houches", by taking the "Bellevue" cable car and the Mont Blanc train between Col de Voza and Le Nid d'Aigle
• hike to the Tête Rousse refuge at 3,167m where you will spend the night

Day 2:

• early start to climb to the refuge du Goûter, by the Gouter ridge, up at 3,815 m
• ascend to Mont Blanc by the the Bosses Ridge (the same day)
• spend the night at the Gouter refuge

Day 3:

• return to the Valley from the Goûter refuge

This three day activity is for people who already have a good experience in mountaineering and using crampons, are in good physical condition, but who wish to take their time on the climb by doing it in three stages with two nights in refuge.

Chamonix guides are working in the mountains nearly every day, and have the knowledge to read and understand the terrain and what it is doing. Advised and encouraged by your high mountain guide, you will find the energy to reach the coveted summit.