Mountain Guides Chamonix — 15 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!

Full-day ski or snowboard tours are a fantastic way to explore the stunning Alpine mountains. English-speaking guides, with years of experience and a wealth of local knowledge, will take you to some of their favourite spots.

Each day offers a new off-piste playground, with a varied programme designed to make the most of the best snow conditions at the time.

Experience the wild beauty of Chamonix and ski legendary slopes such as Le Glacier Rond, Les Marbrées, Le Pas de Chèvre, Le Grand Envers, or the world-famous Vallée Blanche.

You can book a private guide or join a group of like-minded skiers. Please note that these activities are suitable for good to expert-level skiers only.

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.

If you want to explore the incredible off-piste terrain of the Chamonix valley, hiring a mountain guide will help you get the most from your day on the slopes. Guides can meet you at any ski area in the valley, allowing you to maximise your time on the mountain wherever you’re staying.

The team consists of individual experts, each with a world-class background in snowsports. Every guide has extensive experience in their speciality - skiing or snowboarding - as well as a broad knowledge of the sport overall. The international team means you’re likely to find a guide who speaks your language, with fluency in English, French, German, Italian and more.

These guides understand that skiing in fresh, untouched powder is an unforgettable experience, and they aim to make it a highlight of your off-piste adventure.

With the ridge at your feet, every step requires care, with drops on both sides - this excursion is not for the faint-hearted. Further down, you’ll enjoy twenty-three kilometres of skiing through the heart of the massif.

Where off-piste dreams come to life, your experienced and knowledgeable guide will lead you across glacial slopes, weaving between ice and snow towers until you reach the Requin Hut halfway through the descent. Along the way, take in breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles du Diable, the Jorasses, the Drus, and the Aiguille Verte.

Prepare to be dazzled as you lose yourself in the magic of this extraordinary place!

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.

The Mer de Glace or 'Sea of Ice' is one of the most well-known glaciers in the Alps. 

Its source begins at around 3,700m altitude in the Midi basin, and flows down in the direction of Chamonix to around 1,500m. Equipped with crampons, a harness, and ice axes, your guide will lead you to one of the most beautiful phenomena on earth. Marvel at the sea of ice, see giant crevasses, and even have a go at ice climbing.

Programme

• meet in front of the Montenvers train station in Chamonix. Train rides to Montenvers at 1,930m (30min)
• follow the walking path to the equipped section (ladders, cables and chains) and descend onto the glacier (30 min to one hour). Initially, the glacier is covered with scree and stones and a short walk will take you onto the ice. Crampon up and take the direction of the "Moulins" where a canyon has been eroded by the torrent, which disappears into the heart of the glacier (40 min)
• try out some ice climbing or continue in the direction of the junction with the Leschaux glacier. The glacier is quite chaotic here, and it's quite understandable why the glacier got its name. A bit of ice climbing for approximately one hour, before returning to Montenvers.

The whole adventure takes about five to six hours of walking for the longer trek, or about four hours when stopping off at "Les Moulins". The programme can be modified to adapt to the glacier conditions.

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.

Nature reserves, mountain refuges and lakes, wildlife and many, many trails set in the most beautiful alpine scenery, all at your fingertips.

La Floria, Le Glacier des Bossons, Le Chapeau, Le Buet et Cascade de Bérard, and the stunning Lac Blanc are just some of the destinations easily reached in a half or full day hike from Chamonix.

There are also many beautiful hiking trails to discover in the neighbouring valleys of Combloux, Saint Gervais, Les Contamines, Megeve, Italy, and Switzerland.

From beginners to experienced hikers, you will discuss your route with your guide so that it will be designed based on the group's abilities.

Rock climbing ability is an important part of being a complete mountaineer, as well as being a sport in its own right, with the intense pleasure of surpassing your own abilities, while increasing your taste for adventure.

For all abilities

There are local sessions available for beginner to experienced climbers, taking place at Les Gaillands, a rock wall located in a pleasant surrounding between lakes and forest only 2.5 km from the centre of Chamonix. This crag offers a wide range of grades to suit any level of climber.

For experienced climbers

There's the option to hire a private guide for a full day and head out for a full-day multi-pitch climb on the bigger crags and mixed terrain around Chamonix. The itinerary is adapted according to your climbing level.

They have an intimate knowledge of the Chamonix valley and the nearby areas of Aosta and Tarentaise - let them take you to their favourite places.

The mountains are a beautiful place, but conditions can change quickly and knowledge of the area is very important. The guides are working nearly every day and have the knowledge to read and understand the terrain and what it is doing.

Hire your own private guide for a group of up to six people to show you some of the best areas in Chamonix. Guides can be hired for half a day or a whole day to take you off-piste and into high mountain areas and offer you tips to improve technique and safety.

Vallée Blanche

If you're feeling more adventurous and ready to experience the spectacular Mont Blanc range from a new perspective, you can hire a guide in a group or on a private basis to take on this iconic high mountain route. 

Your guide will teach and prepare you for a descent of the Vallée Blanche and its 22km of off-piste over glaciers, with spectacular and amazing views, offering you a mind-blowing day out!

Via feratta is an exciting, but safe way to discover the alpine environment. In the hands of an experienced guide, traverse one of the Chamonix Valley's high mountain passes, with Mont Blanc as your backdrop.

Italian for "iron path", climb peg ladders and cross cable bridges and beams while safely clipped into the steel cable running alongside the entire route.

The via ferrata de Curalla is located in Passy, providing good acclimatisation to heights, whilst being entertaining and physical, allowing you to become familiar with the safety equipment required.

Level required : A little climbing or Via ferrata experience is recommended. 
Timing : depending on your level - approx 20 min walk to the start, 1h30-2h via ferrata, 45 min walkout
Meeting point : Curalla car park at the entrance of Plateau d'Assy (transfer can be organised from Chamonix)

The mountains are a beautiful place, but conditions can change quickly, and knowledge of the area is very important. 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.

Hire your own private guide for a group of up to four people to show you some of the best mountaineering routes in Chamonix. Guides can be hired for a day, or multiple days, depending on your ability and desired route.

Whether you have a personal goal or an idea for a particular summit to climb, on your own or with a group of friends or family, the possibilities are endless in this alpine playground.

Breathing in crisp, cold air and walking through snow covered pine trees - all in an afternoon's snowshoeing in our valley!

Chamonix is home to many kilometres of forest, both at Valley level and also off the beaten track.

You can join a snowshoe group, or hire your own private guide to tailor make your magical day. Group sizes are a maximum of six people.