Ski Touring Routes in Domaine de Balme
Transfrontier backcountry routes from Le Tour and Vallorcine
In one moment you can be skiing in France, the next in Switzerland, there are very few other ski resorts that can offer the same in backcountry riding.
There are several excellent guidebooks with descriptions of the many possible routes both within and beyond the lift areas. There are two published by Vamos called Mont-Blanc Ski tours (ISBN 2910672085) and Chamonix Hors pistes-Off piste (ISBN 2910672107); these books are bilingual, in English and French. A more extensive guidebook with more difficult routes is Mont-Blanc et Aiguilles Rouges à ski (ISBN 2960025520), written by Anselme Baud and published by Nevicata; it’s only available in French but is worth struggling through even if your French isn’t so good as it gives very accurate descriptions and has good explanatory photos. But remember, in the backcountry there are many dangers not least from cliffs and avalanches so you should always hire a Chamonix guide.
A favourite ski-tour is the Grands Autannes. See the route below:
It’s best to set off as early as possible because the slopes of the Grands Autannes are steep and catch the sun in the afternoon. Take the gondola up from Le Tour then the Autannes chairlift. Next comes the hard part; either on snowshoes or skins start the ascent up the slopes in front of you. Sometimes it’s best to go up onto the ridge and follow it along to the couloirs, at other times if it looks safe it’s easiest just to head straight up the couloirs. It’s a deceptive climb as it doesn’t look very steep from below, but the upper section by the GAZEX tubes can be intimidating and you need crampons for the last section. At the first saddle, head to the right up the last short rock scramble to the small peak. Once at the top you’ll realise it’s worth the climb, as you have a great view over the back to the Trient glacier.
For the descent to Trient, stay high and traverse skier’s right, avoiding the rock bands below until you reach the open bowl. From there it’s open powder all the way. If you look left you can see the Col de Balme and the restaurant there. Below that is the long gully that leads to Trient. There are several small and steep chutes that lead into the main gully or you can pick your way through the bushes. The chutes are better, but beware of wind-loading, as you can set off small slab slides. Don’t hang around in the main gully, because it is a serious avalanche channel. After a big snowfall this place is extremely high risk. Follow the big gully down, and head left at the bottom into the meadows. Follow the ski de fond trail to Trient and have a beer at the café while you wait for the bus. Job done, powder run completed.
PS. Don’t forget to take your passport on this trip as you may be asked for it when you head back over the border into France.
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Private Ski Lessons & Instructors in Chamonix
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Private ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
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Private ski lessons
The perfect choice for private ski lessons in the Chamonix Valley if you're staying in Vallorcine, Le Tour or Montroc, or would like to discover the beautiful Balme ski area at the top end of the valley.
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Private ski lessons
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
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Private ski lessons
Chamonix Sport Aventure is one of Chamonix's leading ski and snowboard schools offering a personalised service to maximise progress and fun in the mountains.
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Private ski lessons
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
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Private ski lessons
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in private lessons.
Beginner areas in [locality]
Ski School Lessons in Chamonix
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Private ski lessons
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
-
Group ski lessons
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
-
Private ski lessons
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
-
Group ski lessons
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in group classes.
-
Private ski lessons
The perfect choice for private ski lessons in the Chamonix Valley if you're staying in Vallorcine, Le Tour or Montroc, or would like to discover the beautiful Balme ski area at the top end of the valley.
-
Group ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
Beginner ski hire
Ski Hire in Chamonix
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Munari Sport
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the NetSki Munari Sports store!
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Cham'Sport Mummery
One of several Cham'sport shops, Cham'sport Mummery is located in the Mummery building, between the Folie Douce Hotel and the Alpina Hotel. Save time and money by booking all your ski and snowboard gear online, and collect easily before hitting the slopes.
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Sportech
You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, they’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Argentière!
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Skiloc
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the NetSki Skiloc in Chamonix!
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Ravanel & Co Praz
The shop in Les Praz is most conveniently located at the edge of the car-park at the foot of the Flegere cable-car. All members of staff, including the owners, who are also qualified instructors, guides and national coaches, actively pursue the sports they stock equipment for.
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Michel Croz
Ski & Snowboard Rental in the centre of town that has been newly renovated for the 2015/2016 winter season. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
Beginner ski lessons
Ski School Lessons in Chamonix
See all Ski School Lessons in Chamonix-
Private ski lessons
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
-
Group ski lessons
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
-
Private ski lessons
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
-
Group ski lessons
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in group classes.
-
Private ski lessons
The perfect choice for private ski lessons in the Chamonix Valley if you're staying in Vallorcine, Le Tour or Montroc, or would like to discover the beautiful Balme ski area at the top end of the valley.
-
Group ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
Off-piste areas in [locality]
Mountain Guides Chamonix
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Mer de Glace glacier trek
Strap on your crampons for a scenic stomp across the frosty wasteland known as the Mer de Glace.
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Off-piste and ski-touring guides
ESF Chamonix together with Mont Blanc Ski and Guide Compagnie offer off-piste and backcountry guided skiing and snowboarding in the Chamonix Valley, Courmayeur (Italy) and Verbier (Switzerland).
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Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialises in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism. Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.
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Mountain guides
Trust this local team of High Mountain Guides (UIAGM), ski and snowboard instructors, all of whom have the highest level of state qualifications.
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Mountain guides
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of expert mountain guides is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
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Mountain guides
These mountain guides are the perfect choice if you're staying in Vallorcine, Le Tour or Montroc and want to explore the valley off the beaten track.
What should I wear when skiing or snowboarding?
Ski Hire in Chamonix
See all Ski Hire in Chamonix-
Munari Sport
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the NetSki Munari Sports store!
-
Cham'Sport Mummery
One of several Cham'sport shops, Cham'sport Mummery is located in the Mummery building, between the Folie Douce Hotel and the Alpina Hotel. Save time and money by booking all your ski and snowboard gear online, and collect easily before hitting the slopes.
-
Sportech
You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, they’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Argentière!
-
Skiloc
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the NetSki Skiloc in Chamonix!
-
Ravanel & Co Praz
The shop in Les Praz is most conveniently located at the edge of the car-park at the foot of the Flegere cable-car. All members of staff, including the owners, who are also qualified instructors, guides and national coaches, actively pursue the sports they stock equipment for.
-
Michel Croz
Ski & Snowboard Rental in the centre of town that has been newly renovated for the 2015/2016 winter season. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
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