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
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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
Cascade Ice Climbing
Pure ice climbing is a surreal experience and is generally on frozen waterfalls. Often the routes we climb are beautiful waterfalls in the summer time. Often they are insignificant dribbles or wet streaks. Ice forms in many different ways and creates many beautiful formations. The angle and shapes of these formations can make routes harder or easier. Learning how to climb and move on these features can take a lot of practice. But it is a lot of fun. A lot of the basic movement techniques are the same as in rock climbing. Chamonix has a bunch of valley ice falls and a few brilliant places for learning. There are also a lot of great routes at all grades. There are many venues for day trips. Cogne is a short drive away in Italy and has very reliable ice climbing all through the winter.
Ratio 1:1 or 1:2
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Alpine ice and mixed
Chamonix has a lot of amazing lift accessed alpinism. Icy gullies and neve runnels are great to climb. In wintery conditions these fill in the spaces between faces and corners. The bomber grantie walls offer protection, when the ice on the routes gets too thin for screws. There are 2 whole guide books of mixed climbing with thousands of routes. There are many lines around mont blanc du Tacul that are relatively accessible and offer reliable conditions for a lot of the year. Traditionally ideal conditions are in the Autumn and spring time.
Ratio 1:1 or 1:2
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