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
The Matterhorn. Cervin. AD
The Matterhorn 4478m is probably the most iconic and recognised mountain in the world. Its perfect pointy profile pierces the skyline of the Valais alps, high above the towns of Zermatt in Switzerland and Cervinia on the Italian side. It has 4 long and steep complex ridges which terminate on an exposed and perfect summit. As a mountain its even more impressive because of its prominence standing proudly on its own. It is a great mountain to stand on top of with a challenging and technical climb. There is no easy way and every route requires steady footwork, solid nerve, a high level of fitness and a bit of technical climbing ability. I guide the Matterhorn as a 6 day course with technical training, preparation, and acclimatisation.
Guiding Ratio
1:1 One guide to one client. The Training days can be completed at a 1:2 ratio with an extra guide brought in for the 3 Matterhorn climb days.
Routes
The normal routes on the Matterhorn are Hornli Ridge from the Swiss side, and the Lion Ridge from the Italian Side. There are also a number of famous harder routes such as the Schmidt Route on the North Face and the Schmutt Ridge. The Classic Route is the Hornli Ridge. AD. This involves a lot of exposed scrambling with sections of sustained steeper climb around Diff or 5.6. The steepest sections are equipped with fixed ropes. The top is a steep snow and ice slope which usually involves steep cramponing.
Course Example
Day One- Meet in Chamonix and check equipment. Take the Helbronner cable car up to the Torino Refuge. Traverse the Aiguille de Entreves. A classic introductory AD ridge. Stay in the Torino Refuge.
Day Two- Climb the Dent du Geant 4000m, Tour Ronde 3872m or a similar route. Return to Chamonix
Day Three- A day of technical rock climbing, Multi pitch climbing on the Brevent Crags, or The fantastic Papillion Arete.
Day Four- Drive to Zermatt and Hike up to the Hornli Hut. Hike to the start of the route and study the start of the route.
Day Five- Climb the Hornli Ridge. The climb usually takes between 4-6 hours. The descent is back down the same way and because of the nature of exposed down climbing it takes as long as the ascent. If it takes 4 hours up it will generally take 4 hours to get down. A total of 8 hours exposed and exciting climbing. Usually we hike back down to Zermatt and return to Chamonix. A big Day.
Day Six- A flexible day, Which is often spent doing a multipitch Rock climb, or practicing and consolidations skills learnt during the week.
When to Climb
The season for the Matterhorn is generally from July Through to Mid September. The route needs to be mostly dry. Fresh snow can slow or halt progress. It is possible to climb most of the route in crampons, but it can be tediously slow and more dangerous. In ideal conditions you climb in your boots to the start of the fixed ropes, and from there to the summit with crampons and Ice axe.
Pricing
€550 euros per day plus guides expenses.