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
Mont Blanc 4810m
Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the European Alps. It is a wonderful mountaineering adventure for any aspiring alpinist. It is a significant challenge with rocky scrambling, steep snow climbing and exciting exposure. Standing on the summit on a clear morning high above the Chamonix valley with epic views across the Alps and the rest of Europe is and incredibly rewarding and uplifting experience. With a glaciated snow and icy summit at 4810m above sea level it is a serious mountain and thorough training, preparation and acclimatising is highly recommended. I guide Mont blanc as the pinnacle of either a 5 or 6 day course, aimed at fit and determined mountain climbers.
Guiding Ratio
The ratio is 1:2. One guide to two clients.
Routes
Mont Blanc, like any mountain, has many different routes to the summit. The 2 easiest and most frequented routes to the summit are on the French side of the mountain. These are the 2 classic guided routes and what most people will climb. They are the Gouter Route, and the Trois Monts. I guide whichever I feel is in the safest condition. In recent years this has been the Gouter Route more often than not.
Course Outline Example
Day One- Meeting in Chamonix and equipment check. Hike up to a mountain hut. Descend onto a glacier and cover essential mountain skills, using crampons, ice axe and basic ropework.
Day Two- With an early alpine start, climb a significant peak, eg Gran Paradiso 4000m or Aiguille du Tour 3540m. Return to Chamonix.
Day Three- A day route using the Aiguille du Midi Cable car, eg Cosmiques arete or Point Lachenal.
Day Four- Climb and hike to the Tete rouse Refuge on Mont Blanc. 3167m. Spend the night and prepare for the climb the next day.
Day Five- A very early start. Climb Mont Blanc 4810m and descend to the Gouter Refuge 3863m.
Day SIx- Descend from the Gouter refuge back down to Chamonix Valley.
When to Climb
Mont Blanc is climbed from June to September. The months of July and August were traditionally the best times to climb but I think the best and most perfect conditions these days can be early season in June, or later in September.
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