Its February in the alps!
The alps at this time of year can be a busy time and Chamonix is no exception. Â French and British school holidays contribute largely to the influx of people at this time of year but also the reliable snow at the “high skiing” resorts such as Chamonix mean people are attracted here rather than elsewhere.
High Skiing doesn’t come much better (or higher) than the famous “Aiguille du Midi” and its Vallee Blanche, a 20+ Km off-piste run that winds its way back down to Chamonix through magnificent scenery and amazing glacial terrain.  With a drop of just under 3 vertical KM’s (and a conveniently situated mountain refuge for lunch) this is a run that can easily take all day!
As i write this on Sunday 17th February the sky is blue, the snow is deep (over 4 meters at 2500m altitude) and the conditions on the valle blanche are perfect. Â Many of the cravasses on the “normal” route are well filled in and skiing right down to town is possible.
Skiing any of the routes down from the Aiguille du midi should not be underestimated and the services of a high mountain guide are strongly recommended.
