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
Rock Climbing
Whether you are a complete beginner and want to make your first moves on rock, or if you are an advanced climber and you want to push your grade and take it to another level we can come up with a trip and a plan to make your experience one to remember. Chamonix is a really good place to be based with a huge variety of climbing on the door step. There are lots of crags and big cliffs throughout the valley on a variety of rock types.
Within a few hours drive there is some of the best sport climbing in the world. The south of France is brimming with world class multi-pitch routes.
I also offer rock climbing guiding anywhere in the world and have plenty of ideas for exciting climbing destinations.
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Alpine Rock
Rock climbing in the alpine environment is rewarding and exhilarating. Climbing golden granite in the sun above a glacier is unforgettable. The Mont Blanc massif has a vast range of excellent mountain granite. With splitter cracks, technical slabs and edgy faces there is a bit of everything. You will not be disappointed.
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Alpine Rock Climbing Course Chamonix Example. Intermediate.
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Ratio 1:1 or 1:2
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Multipitch sport climbing In the Arve
The Chamonix valley crags offer a lot of great learning venues to practice skills rope work and movement. Only a short drive away the Arve Valley offers a lifetime of incredible Limestone. There are huge crags with big exposure that are really mini big walls.
I climb in the Arve valley a silly amount and I love inching my up a big limestone cliff on the famous "goute d'eau".
Goute d'eau (water droplet) is the name of the little pockety formations in the limestone that are caused by water drops falling from overhangs high above. The repeated dropping over thousands of years erodes into the limestone and creates these incredible little finger jugs. The goute d'eau are a classic feature on French limestone.
If goutes d'eau doesn't sound like your thing there are some juggier classics and routes that follow cracks, ledges and flakes.
I know the crags very well and know the best routes at all the grades, from grade 5's to 8a's.
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Ratio 1:1 or 1:2
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Irish and UK rock
Climbing in Ireland is very special to me, as it is where I started. Having travelled a lot I really appreciate how unique it is. I have climbed very extensively all over Ireland and the rest of the UK. Venues like Fairhead, the Burren and Donegal are definitely worth a visit and the ambience and vibes of the venues will make an unforgettable trip.
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