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
"John is one of the nicest mountain guides we ever climbed with! He always makes an effort to find good climbing projects that keep us wanting for more adventures. We climbed together some really amazing routes: Petit Viking, La Pepite, North face of Grand Paradiso, Ski tour up the Gran Paradiso, Pointe Adolphe Rey, ice climbing and rock climbing around Chamonix. John is very passionate about climbing and he is a very good climber, so you learn a lot from climbing with him. Also, he is a very thoughtful guide, he plans well and keeps us safe. John is very good company, he has many friends and nice stories, so it is nice to spend time together over a beer. We definitely recommend you to climb with John!"
Mircea Lazar and Raluca Mihaescu
"I have had the pleasure of climbing with John many many times in various environments and the most notable was the Matterhorn in 2017. The ascent was only achieved by Johns ability to not just get me prepared prior to the climb but to motivate me when at times I felt I may not make it..
Since then I have been with John on more occasions and took my 15 old Son with me. John took him under his wing and has inspired him to have a real passion for climbing which he never had before.!!
In short, if your looking for a world class climber of all conditions, who has a fantastic sense of humour but has safety at the forefront of his mind, then look no further.
It’s always a pleasure to climb with John, a real pleasure....."
Andrew Warman
“John guided me up the Matterhorn last year, which was amazing, I felt fully safe and motivated the whole time, as well as having some great laughs. The funniest thing was, the Horn wasn’t even the best part, we did some sick alpine routes which were easily the best climbing I’ve ever done! Aside from feeling safe and motivated the whole time with John, I learnt more about climbing in a week than I do in a normal year! Even travelling to climbs is great hearing all of Johns tales from the crag”
Nick Whiley
"John has the ability to know you better than you know yourself which when you are a mountain guide is everything. he is humble, fun and talented I look forward every year to our adventures the secret spots of the alps just open up."
David Atkinson
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"Best in the business! John has guided me for 3 separate trips. If John is available I simply will not used another guide, I have tried other guides but none compare! He is very well organised, highly skilled, has a pleasant personality and pushes hard so I climb right to the edge of my abilities & slightly beyond. I have successfully summited every time with John. I could not recommend him enough!"
Tom Nolan
"Had a great trip with John's guidance August 2019
Week of preparation, starting with rock climbing on the Brevent Chamonix on Sunday
Monday heavy rain, thunder & lightning, no climbing.
On Tuesday we moved up in altitude, climbing the Dent du Geant on the Mont Blanc massive.
(this is a peak I have passed on other climbs but thought out of my ability)
Wednesday we travelled to Grindelwald Switzerland for the objective of the trip, climbing the Monch on Thursday and then the Mittleggi ridge of the Eiger on Friday.
John was knowledgeable well organised and good company throughout the trip.
I was particularly impressed with his willingness to help out other climbers on the mountain, not just information and advice but retrieving dropped or forgotten items."
Andy Cutts
