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
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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.
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Ratio : up to 1:6
Pricing : from €400
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Off Piste adventure and day tours
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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.
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Ratio: up to 1:6
Pricing : From €400
JOHN MCCUNE MOUNTAIN GUIDE
Introductory Alpinism
For people who want to get a taste of alpinism we can arrange introductory courses covering the very basics of alpine mountaineering, with the end goal being an easier summit that can be achieved without any serious or difficult climbing. I really like teaching skills and watching people become more competent in the mountains. On an introductory course I teach basic glacier ropework, ice axe and crampon use, mountain navigation and route finding.
There is a lot to learn and what can be taught totally depends on your level and everyone comes from different back grounds. The main aim is that you would learn something and climb some mountains putting all your skills to use. A few classic introductory alpine peaks are Grand Paradiso, Aiguille de tour, Pigne D'Arolla, Monterosa, Alaininhorn.
Course Example 5 Days.
Day One- Meet in Chamonix and Check equipment and Gear. Hike up to Albert Premiere Hut. Descend onto the Le tour Glacier and do a glacier skills session, looking at cramponing, and using ice axe, rope work. Stay overnight in the hut.
Day Two- Climb Aiguille du Tour 3540m. Look at glacial rope work in action, and how to use the rope on scrambling terrain. Descend to Chamonix
Day Three- Introductory rock climbing at a valley crag looking at rope work, and learning some good climbing movement technique. Introduction to abseiling.
Day Four- Drive to Italy and hike up to Chabod refuge. Rock Climbing around the hut.
Day Five- Summit Grand Paradiso 4061m bringing together skills learnt through the whole week and return to Chamonix.
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Pricing
€500- 600 euros per day, depending on the group to guide ratio, plus guides expenses.
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