Monte Bianco Skiing & Snowboarding
Monte Bianco looms large down the valley from Courmayeur. A few kilometres up the valley from the ski resort and just near the base station of the Val Veny cable car, one of the world's most impressive ski lifts rises up the flanks of Monte Bianco. Better known as Mont Blanc, on the Italian side the mountain is scaled in comfort on the brilliant Skyway Monte Bianco.
All the ski terrain on the Monte Bianco massif from Punta Helbronner involves glacier travel in an uncontrolled environment. As such it has the associated risk avalanche and crevasse ricks. If one doesn’t have the requisite skills or equipment, get a guide or join a tour with one of our partner operators. The terrain is only suitable for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
From Punta Helbronner the skiing options range from relatively straight forward descents on the Toula (or Toule) Glacier or seriously extreme plunges down chutes that will pucker the sphincter of the most hardcore Powderhound.
Ski Lifts
From the Entreves valley station at 1,306m elevation, the first stage of the Skyway Monte Bianco finishes at Pavillon (2,173m). Passengers immediately notice the clever design features of the cars. Floor to ceiling glass and a full 360o rotation during each stage of the climb, the Skyway Monte Bianco provides unparalleled panoramas of mountain, glaciers, and valleys. From Pavillon, the second stage rises to Punta Helbronner at a lofty 3,466m. The views are stupendous, and it is here that the fun really begins.....
Don’t be taken in by some maps that show a connecting gondola between Punta Helbronner and the Aiguille du Midi. It only runs in summer. For skiers on Monte Bianco it makes no difference though!
Lift Pass
Several lift pass options exist that provide skiers with flexibility. Stand-alone day or multi-day Skyway Monte Bianco passes for skiers & snowboarders are available during the long winter season from the start of December to the end of May. When Courmayeur ski resort is open a combined ticket for both the resort & Skyway Monte Bianco is available and great value. For longer stays and if skiing Courmayeur, Chamonix, Skyway or other nearby resorts on the same day, the Mont Blanc Unlimited ticket may be worthwhile, but it is expensive compared to other alternatives.
Off-Piste, Freeride & Backcountry Terrain
In a good snow year, descents of 2,150m are possible into Val Veny from Punta Helbronner. More usually the terrain is often only skiable to the mid-station at Pavillon, still a tasty 1,300m vertical. Alternatively, the classic Vallee Blanche into Chamonix France is easily accessed from the Italian side of Mont Blanc. The return to Courmayeur is generally by bus or taxi.
Remember that there are NO patrolled slopes or groomed ski trails off the Skyway Monte Bianco. If you are with a guide, and in good snow conditions, a strong intermediate may be able to negotiate the easier routes, however the Mont Blanc is generally only for strong advanced & expert skiers & snowboarders. Without a guide you are on your own. Come prepared.
Prepare yourself for a descent of the Toula Glacier down to Val Veny or perhaps the classic Vallee Blanche into Chamonix France.
Toula Glacier
The classic ski descent on the Italian side of Mont Blanc is from the Col di Toula (3440m) down the Toula Glacier to Pavillon or all the way into the valley, exiting near the entrance to the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Depending on snow conditions, a descent of the Toula Glacier can involve a full 12km & 2000m vertical, taking around 1-1½hr with a guide (longer if doing it yourself for the first time!).
The Col di Toula is a short ski & climb north of Punta Helbronner.
Vallée Blanche
The legendary Vallee Blanche is what skiing in Europe is all about. In good snow conditions it will be an unforgettable day. The full 24km+ descent, 2,500m vertical descent to Chamonix takes around 5hr and can only be undertaken in full winter conditions (i.e. snow in comparatively low elevation Chamonix). A lack of snow near Chamonix will mean some walking near the end. More usually though the descent would involve an early exit and climb up from the Mer de Glace to Montenvers, where the train can be used to reach Chamonix.
From Chamonix, the return journey to Courmayeur is with taxi or bus via the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
Note that if skiing the Vallee Blanche with a guide in a non-private group, insist on being grouped only with skiers & boarders of your own ability, otherwise the descent can be a thing of great misery! (Too many skiers & snowboarders in open groups grossly overstate their ability - don’t be one of them!)
Colouir Marbrées
The lesser known Colouir Marbrées is another descent on the Italian side when snow conditions are good. Heading skiers right from Punta Helbronner across the Geant Glacier, the run starts at the Auguille Marbrees. The 1,800m vertical run is quite steep at the beginning and ends at Rochefort, about 4km walk (or ski) from the base of the Skyway. Allow at least 3hr for the entire journey.
Other Descents & Guides
There are host of other descents from Punta Helbronner, including numerous extreme chutes and steeps. Unless you are a pro, they are best scoped out with a guide. Check out some options for guides on the listings below.
[AdListings collection="Europe" category="Italy Courmayeur" subcategory="Courmayeur Guiding"]
Courmayeur Resort Skiing & Snowboarding
Away from the wild slopes of Monte Bianco, Courmayeur provides diverse on and off-piste skiing. For more information see the Courmayeur Skiing & Snowboarding page.
Monte Bianco Accommodation
The Torino Refuge is spectacularly located below Punta Helbronner at 3400m. Foot access is from the top station of the Skyway Monte Bianco via an elevator and long tunnel. The rifugio was once closed in mid-winter but has recently opened all year round. The rifugio provides comfortable rooms and meals for a great price and in a special area. Check out staying at the Torino Refuge.