Courmayeur, Monte Bianco-Vallee Blanche The skiing from Monte Bianco cable car starts in La Palud, a small satellite village of Courmayeur close to the Mont Blanc tunnel. The Monte Bianco cable car here will open up a wonderful world of high altitude skiing adventure.In fact when weather and snow conditions are right, this may well be the most popular ski lift in Europe. Why? Because this is the starting point in Italy to the world famous Vallee Blanche. A stunning 16-km. adventure on skis through some of the world's most spectacular mountain scenery. To experience this first take the cable car from La Palud to Pavillon the mid way stop at 2,100m. Another cable car will take you from there to Point Helbronner at 3,470m. After taking a few minutes to enjoy the amazing vista that surrounds you, set off through the wonderful Mer De Glace, ( in English " sea of ice") on your way down to the famous French resort of Chamonix, 16km. away. A couple of words to the wise here. Please go with a qualified guide, and please, even if it is a hot spring day carry some proper winter clothing with you. This is not what one would term difficult skiing, but remember, it is high mountain skiing and carries with it all of the dangers that go hand in hand with any mountain adventure. There are glaciers and where there are glaciers there are crevasses, and it is not unknown for people to fall into them. That having been said any relatively fit skier with the ability to make good basic moves on skis should not only be able to ski this run, but to actually enjoy the heck out of it. Your journey will take you through all sorts of natural beauty, none of it too steep. In fact there are spots where you will have to pole like mad to propel yourself along. Never mind though, it is well worth the effort, and don't forget your camera. If you do not have a ski pass for the Courmayeur lifts a ticket to paradise via the Monte Bianco lift will cost LIT 120,000 for the day . A qualified mountain guide will cost LIT 0000000000 for the day. This is normally split between all the members of a group. By the way Point Helbronner is also the starting point for the "off again" Summer skiing from Courmayeur. We would be amiss here if we did not mention that many people enjoy skiing back to La Palud vis the daunting Tula glacier.Although this is indeed a distinct and even enjoyable possibility it is best left to those with complete confidence. And, we would even go so far as to suggest a guide, at least for your first attempt. However if adventure is in your should and you like real off piste skiing, and if you are good enough, give it a try. |