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
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
Pricing
Please get in touch to discuss prices. They are a general guide, and I will try to facilitate your request. The daily rate changes depending on the size of the group, location, situation and seriousness or difficulty of objective.
1:1 starting at £500 per day
1:2 £550
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Please email me for more information: jmccune56@gmail.com
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-My daily rate includes IFMGA guiding and the use of group safety gear and equipment.
-The fee does not include hut fee’s, out of valley expenses and long distance travel.
-If you need to borrow equipment I will try and supply it as I have lots of spares. Just let me know what you need.
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Accommodation in the Valley
-My prices do not include your accommodation. I am based in the Chamonix which is why I base most of my work around here. I can help and advise you on where to stay if you let me know what your preference is. I know most of the accommodation options in Chamonix. There are many campsites, hostels and hotels, and also plenty of Air Bnbs available. Most clients either hire an Air Bnb for the week or else book into a hostel for the nights.
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-If we are in a different valley or area far from Chamonix and my own home for the entire trip I ask that you cover my accommodation expenses. I am not too fussy and am usually happy to camp.
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Mountain Huts- Accommodation on The Mountain
-Mountain huts are very helpful in getting things done. Many routes require a very early start and sleeping in a mountain hut the night before is often absolutely necessary. A night in a hut at the start of the week is often a very important part of the acclimatisation process.
-During an alpine course there is usually 2 hut nights. A Mont Blanc week usually has 3 hut nights.
-Huts vary in price from €50 to €150 (Matterhorn-Hornli hut)
-Breakfast and evening meal are provided.
-Bedding is in shared dorms, and you have to bring your own sleeping liner, as the bedding is not washed between each guest.
-Guides get a reduced rate, which is payed by the client.
-Sometimes it is possible to use bivouac huts where we bring our own food.
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Travel
In most cases clients meet me in Chamonix. Once here I am happy to use my car as transport for the week, but I ask you to cover my Mileage, and driving costs, eg Tunnels and parking.
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Insurance
I have full professional liability insurance for working as a mountain guide. You need to have your own personal mountain rescue insurance, and I highly recommend that you have holiday insurance as well.
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Equipment Lists
Alpine Courses eg Mont Blanc, Matterhorn.
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-Mountain boots: Broken in! Scarpa Mont Blanc, Scarpa Charmoz, Scarpa Ribelle style boots are great. The boots should be B2 rated as a minimum.
-Gaiters
-Trousers: Soft shell technical trousers
-Waterproof over trousers
-Thermal top: Light colours are best as they reflect the sun.
-A Soft Shell Jacket to use while moving actively through the mountains.
-Duvet Jacket (down or synthetically insulated)
-Waterproof hardshell jacket
-Gloves: A thick pair and a thin pair.
-Hat: Cap and a Wooly hat.
-Helmet
-Head torch with a new battery
-Sunglasses
-Ski Goggles
-Sun cream Factor 30+ and Factor 30+ lipsalve
-Harness
-Crampons that fit your boots
-General mountaineering axe, Eg Grivel Mt Blanc.
-Carabiner X 3, sling, prussick, belay device.
-Rucksack 40liters
-Water bottle / Flask. ​
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