Level 1: You have no experience.
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Level 2: You have had at least one previous experience.
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Level 3: You practice regularly.
Body
Located by the Col du Midi and at the foot of Aiguille du Midi, at 3613 meters above sea level, the Cosmiques hut is one of a kind. Second highest mountain hut in France after the refuge du Goûter (3 815m), it once was a laboratory for the study of cosmic rays. The current structure was built in 1991 and is now operated by the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix. In its basement, the refuge still hosts research activities carried out by the National Centre for Scientific Research. A night at the refuge des Cosmiques guarantees a total immersion in the high mountain world, where the sunrise and sunset are unforgettable.
Aiguille du Midi summit - 3842m. A panoramic view on: Mont-Blanc, Grandes Jorasses, Drus and Aiguille Verte… An outstanding landscape boasting glaciers and rocky peaks. The descent from the Aiguille du Midi - equipped with fixed ropes in the winter season - gives access to the Vallée Blanche. A short ski descent will bring you to the Cosmqies hut where you will spend the night. The following morning, 23 kilometres and 2000m of elevation gain in an exceptional glacial universe will be waiting for you. Along slopes and deep valleys, you will ski across seracs and crevasses. In order to reach Montenvers station from the Mer de Glace, you will need to walk 20-30 minutes with the skis on your back to Montenvers station (540 steps plus ski lift) to catch a train to Chamonix. Otherwise - if snow conditions are good - you can reach the Buvette des Mottets (1650m - 200m of elevation gain) to finish the descent skiing all the way to Chamonix.
GROUP BOOKING
The group formula associates people who do not necessarily know each other. It is ideal for people looking for group friendliness and attractive prices.
No snowboarders in group booking, only in private booking
Dates (group booking) : Sunday to Monday, see on-line booking. The date should be read as referring to the night at the Cosmiques hut.
Guiding policy (group booking) : Group from 3 to 6 people per guide
Children, minimum 16 years old accompanied by a parent
The number of participants per guide may vary depending on the glacier
Meeting point (group booking) : 3.30pm at the bottom of the Aiguille du Midi (Info Point)
Price 2023 (group booking) : 385€ per person
This price includes :
- mountain guiding service
- glacier and Avalanche safety equipment (harness,transceiver)
- hut’s fees
- lift passes
This price does not include :
- ski equipment
- drinks at the hut
- snack
- sleeping bag liner compulsory at the hut
Group : The group is assured with a minimum of 4 people, maximum 6 people per guide
PRIVATE BOOKING
A private booking is the historic relationship between a guide and their clients. It allows you to be alone or in a group of friends with your guide where the guide organizes your outing to suit your specific needs. It is undoubtedly the ideal formula to ski the route of your choise.
You can book online your private guide for the Vallee Blanche. Don’t hesitate to ask for every details to be sure that this activity meets your expectations. Your booking and payment commit you to do this activity on the booking date. You will be fully refunded in case the weather does not guarantee the safety of the activity.
For the snowboarders : Due to the natural configuration of the glaciers, the classic route of the Vallée Blanche is not very steep and therefore is not recommended for snowboarders. Several steeper variants (Petit et Moyen Envers du Plan for example) are better adapted for snowboarders. The level required for these variants is equivalent to that of a black slope in off-slope conditions (changing and deep snow). Telescopic poles are mandatory to help your descent on the final part of the glacier.
Dates (private booking) : See on-line booking. The date should be read as referring to the night at the Cosmiques hut.
Meeting point (private booking) : Your guide will call you the evening before your trip around 6.30pm to organize the meeting time and place
Guiding policy (private booking) : Group from 1 to 6 people
16 years old minimum accompanied by a parent
Route (private booking) : On request depending on the conditions
Rates 2023 (private booking) :
Group of 2 people = 605€/pers
Group of 3 people = 480€/pers
Group of 4 people = 415€/pers
Group of 5 people = 375€/pers
Group of 6 people = 350€/pers
The price include :
- guiding service
- safety equipment (harness & transceiver)
- hut's fees
- lift passes
The price do not include :
- ski equipment
- drinks at the hut
- snack
- sleeping bag liner compulsory at the hut
Further information
Find in this section, all the information about this activity. For any further information please contact our advisors (contact details above).
The Vallée Blanche is an off-piste and ungroomed route, taking place on glaciers. Supervision by a qualified guide is the safest way to take full advantage of the activity. The Vallée Blanche is skiable from mid-December to early Mai.
Important information : A night at high altitude can cause inconvenience such as : headache, nausea, insomnia.
Duration : From mid-afternoon to late morning the next day.
Ability level : The descent of the Vallée Blanche is for skiers who can control their speed and know how to skid and make turns determined by the route. The technical difficulties are comparable to those of a black run. In case of fresh snow, the descent of the Vallée Blanche is similar to off-piste skiing in powder snow. It therefore requires adequate experience.
Season after season, global warming profoundly alters the morphology of glaciers. The Vallée Blanche is no exception; if you've skied this route before, you're likely to be very surprised. The crevasses are more present than before and wide slopes have given way to cramped passages. The level required to ski the Vallée Blanche has therefore significantly increased overall in recent years.
Formality : Make sure you have valid repatriation insurance for this activity
Equipment
We recommend you to pay particular attention to the choice of your equipment. It contributes greatly to the success of your stay. In a general way, it is better to pile up several light coats rather than wear one big clothing.
Equipment
- The normal ski equipment is sufficient. Have the bindings checked before departure to avoid any unpleasent surprises !
- A backpack on which you can attach your skis is obligatory. This will also allow you to carry drinks, picnics and clothes that you will take off if it's hot.
- Your guide will provide you the necessary safety equipment : avalanche transiver and harness.
- A pair of crampons adjust on your ski boots (Optionnal)
Clothing
- Clothing should be adapted to the cold and wind that we often have at the start. Gloves, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen with a high degree of protection are essential.
Accessories
- Sunglasses or goggle
- Sunscreen
- Snack
- Camera
- Sleeping bag liner
- Pills against headach
- Toilet set (No shower / water at the hut)
- Sleeping bag liner compulsory at the hut
Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop
Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet
Carbone Calculator
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 13 kg. In order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology, today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually.
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 13 kg. In order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology, today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually.
CO2 emitted per person for this activity & journey(s) = 0 kgIn order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology, today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually., or 0.3€ to offset.
Find out more about our zero impact strategy.
Book your activity
For more information, contact Pôle Ski : +33 (0)4 28 70 28 92
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