|
Courmayeur Monte
Bianco - Valle Blanche
The skiing from the 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 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 Italian starting point to the world
famous Vallee Blanche, and a stunning 16-km. adventure on skis
through some of the world's most spectacular mountain scenery.
To experience this, take the cable car from La Palud to the
Pavillon 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 ("sea of
ice"), on your way down to the famous French resort of Chamonix,
16km. away.
A couple of words to the wise: 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.
By the way, Point Helbronner is also the starting point for the "off
again" summer skiing from Courmayeur.
Note: I hope someone understands “off again” summer skiing
– I don’t
We would be amiss here if we did not mention that many people
enjoy skiing back to La Palud via 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 soul, and you like real
off piste skiing, and if you are good enough, try it.
About Activelifestyle |
About Ski Italy | About Courmayeur.com |
Contact |
