Off piste and freeride
Based in the Chamonix valley I offer off piste ski guiding throughout the winter. Chamonix has some of the best lift accessible terrain in the world. This makes it an incredible freeride playground. The famous Aiguille du midi cable car takes you up to an altitude of 3800m. From the top there is only off piste adventure to return back down to the valley base. All the skiing from here is on glacier and skiing with a guide is highly recommended unless you are a competent with glacial saftey, crevasse rescue and avalanche awareness. The Vallee Blanche is the very famous decent which delivers 2000m of vertical descent over 20km. It should not be thought of one run, but a valley full of runs. There are many variations, covering every angle. The scenery is outstanding and it is an unforgettable experience.
Grands montets and the aiguille rouges offer many great lines and couloirs with a short skin opening up endless options.
Vallee Blanche
Ski from the summit of the Aiguille du Midi 3842 m. The scenery is amazing ! At your feet, the famous snow arete, then THE descent ... 23 km and 2,000 vertical meters to be enjoyed along the slopes of this mythical glacier.
The Vallee Blanche is a wild ski run that will take you deep into the Mont Blanc range. The variety of the scenery and sheer size and length makes this run a very unique experience. In a magical world, where you ski between seracs and crevasses, before a lunch break at the Refuge du Requin or a picnic on the mountainside. This high altitude route follows glacier off-piste and ungroomed terrain, therefore requiring extreme caution. At the bottom of the Mer de Glace, a 20 minute walk (with your skis attached to your backpack) is necessary to reach either the Montenvers train or the Mottets hut before heading to Chamonix either by train or by skis.
There are many variants and depending on your skill level and the current conditions your guide will make the best choice for you.
Ratio : up to 1:6
Pricing : from €400
Off Piste adventure and day tours
I have been skiing in Chamonix for 10 years and know the valley very well. As I am based here throughout the winter skiing most days, I am up to date with conditions and know where to find the best snow. I can help you find some great powder and take you to the best parts of the mountain.
Whether you want to ski some mellow powder on beautiful hidden slopes, or tackle steep couloirs I can help you find and guide you through your perfect adventure.
Ratio: up to 1:6
Pricing : From €400
JOHN MCCUNE MOUNTAIN GUIDE
Hello, I am John McCune. I am an IFMGA mountain guide, rock climber, alpinist and skier. I am originally from Northern Ireland but I currently spend most of my time based in Chamonix in the French Alps. I love climbing and skiing and it's a privilege to be able to work in the big mountains guiding and sharing my knowledge and experience with others.
I would love to find out about your summit goals, dream climbs and ski trips and make them happen. As an independent guide I freelance for a number of different guiding agencies, and I also create and tailor private-guided trips to help you work towards achieving your objectives.
I have climbed all over the world and particularly enjoy free climbing good rock and inspiring lines. I climb as much as I can and usually go on trips somewhere else in the world between the seasons. These are some of my memorable climbing achievements:
Voie Petit, (8b, 400m) on Grand Capucin | Tresor de Romain (8a+ 400m) on Grand Capucin | Castapiagne rouges (8a 200m) Verdon Gorge | Freerider (5.13a 1000m) on El Capitan | North Face of the Eiger | North Face of Grands Jorrasses | North face and west face of Les Drus | Divine Providence ABO/7c | Divided Years E8/9 Mourne Mountains | Bachar/Yerian 5.11X Tuolumne Meadows | South Tower of Avellano E5 6a, First Ascent, Patagonia | Sport Climbing redpoints up to 8b+ and 8a flash | Bouldering Font 8a | Lots of trad first and second ascents in Ireland up to E7 | Skiing some epic lines and classic steeps all around the alps and Mont Blanc Massif.
I learnt to ski when I was 13 and I was delighted to be able to ski once a year with my father and brother in either the Alps or in Scotland.
I ski throughout the winter and I have skied extensively all over the Alps. I love skiing powder snow, and exploring big lines in the mountains and combining all the elements of mountaineering, skiing and climbing into all round alpine adventures.
I am very proud to be a member of the Scarpa UK team, equipping me with the absolute best footwear available for climbing, skiing and mountaineering. Mountain boot company support me with a range of the best equipment with Grivel, Eidelweiss ropes, Deuter packs.
I am also delighted to be skiing with Ogso and equipped by Montane.
