Program

- Meeting point at the Skyway cable car departure point in Entrèves at 8.30/8.45 am
- Participants will be provided with harness and avalanche transceiver
- Briefing on the schedule for the day and cable car ride up to Punta Helbronner (3466 mt)
- Visit to the view terrace of the cable car station to enjoy the stunning vista of the surrounding Aosta Valley summits

- Walk to Col Flambeaux with our skiing gear for about 15 minutes
- From here, ski descent to the Vallée Blanche along the “Mer de Glace” glacier. Arrival in Chamonix approx. 5 hours later. Scheduled stops to snap pictures of the unique scenery, have a packed lunch, and enjoy the sun
- If the snow conditions and the participants’ skill level allow it, ski descent directly into Chamonix. If not, arrival to Chamonix by the little Montenvers train (the 30,00€€ fair is not included in the program price). In both cases (descent by ski to Chamonix or descent by train), it will be necessary to walk uphill 15 to 20 min to reach from the bottom of the glacier the downhill piste, or the Montenvers train station.
- After a glass of beer in Chamonix ‒ a must-do ‒ return trip to Courmayeur with a 35-minutes bus ride (the fair is included in the collective price) through the Mont Blanc Tunnel
- Arrival in Courmayeur between 4pm and 5pm.
- Remember to take your passport or ID cart
- In case of deep snow the wide skis are Mandatory

Equipment

PERSONAL TECHNICAL GEAR
- 30 liters backpack on which you can attach your skis
- Skiing gear: snowboard and 1 pole or freeride skis. Please indicate if you are with skis or snowboard. In the collective we don't mix skiers and snowbaorders.
- Security kit: avalanche transceiver, harness
- Helmet

CLOTHING AND USEFUL GEAR
- Glacier glasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Wool cap
- Neckwarmer
- Ski gloves + 1 pair of lighter gloves
- Breathable T-shirt
- Fleece
- Waterproof jacket
- Down jacket
- Ski pants
- Ski socks
- One extra T-shirt
- Ski goggles
- Camera  
- Paper handkerchiefs
- Cap
- Sandwich, small water bottle, chocolate bar
- Remember to take your passport or ID card
- In case of deep snow only with wide skis

Rates

You can choose to perform the trip in a "Collective Group" or with a "Private Guide"

COLLECTIVE
You'll be added to a group with other people.
Groups:
- Group from 4 to 6 people per Mountain Guide 
The trip will be confirmed ONLY by reaching the number of 4 clients. If not, the Guide Office will suggest you some alternative ski trips.
15 years old minimum accompanied by a parent with good level on black slopes and off piste.
In the collective we don't organise mixed groups of skiers and snowboarders.
Cost per person: 155,00€
The price includes:
- the assistance of the Mountain Guide
- security kit: avalanche transceiver and harness
- bus ticket to come back to Courmayeur
The price does not include:
- The SkyWay Monte Bianco cableway ticket: 50,00€ per person or 45,00 € per person if you buy the ticket online
- Montenvers train ticket 33,00€ per person (the use of the train to go down to Chamonix depens by the snow coverage)
- Montenvers train ticket for the Mountain Guide 22,50€ has to be payed by the group
- the insurance for the activity

PRIVATE GUIDE
You can book a private Mountain Guide at disposal of your own group.
10 years old minimum accompanied by a parent with good level on black slopes and off piste. 
Cost for private group:
1 person: 430,00€
2 people: 460,00€
3 people: 495,00€
4 people: 550,00€
5 people: 600,00€
6 people: 675,00€    
The price includes:
- the assistance of the Mountain Guide 
- security kit: avalanche transceiver and harness
The price does not include:
- SkyWay Monte Bianco cableway tickets 50,00 € per person or 45,00 € per person if you buy the ticket online
- Montenvers train tickets 33,00€ per person (the use of the train to go down to Chamonix depends by the snow coverage)
- Montenvers train ticket for the Mountain Guide 22,50€ has to be payed by the group
- The cost of a private bus to come back to Courmayeur (on Friday, Saturday and Sunday we cannot always guarantee private taxis, the alternative is with local transport departing from Chamonix at 4.15pm and arriving in Courmayeur at 5pm)
- The insurance for the activity

NOTE Reservations are valid only and exclusively upon payment by sending the bank transfer receipt.

Note

- The Vallee Blanche descent is suitable for good skiers who use to ski on all kind of slopes with parallel skis and a good skis control. Please be aware that It is an off-piste route. 
- the Ski descent of Vallée Blanche is an OFF PISTE descent: we suggest freeride ski equipment!
- In case of bad weather, we will suggest an alternative day to perform the same trip
- The 3-day or more Courmayeur, VDA and Mont Blanc Unlimited skipasses include the SkyWay cable car fares
- As this trip begins at an altitude of  3466m, you are required to inform our office about any respiratory or heart diseases upon booking the trip.

IT'S REQUESTED A VALID EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (EHIC) TO HAVE A PERSONAL HEALTH INSURANCE

Multimedia

Photo

Video

Evaluate your Level

Physical condition levels

TIME REQUIRED	HEIGHT GAIN PER HOUR	MAX HEIGHT GAIN
1 From 1 to 2 hours	100m	100 / 300 m
2 from 3 to 4 hours	200m	400 / 600 m
3 from 4 to 6 hours	250m	700 / 1000 m
4 from 6 to 9 hours	300m	1000 / 1300 m
5 from 9 to 12 hours	400m	1300 / 1800 m

Skiing and ski-touring Technical Ratings

LEVEL	INFO
1	Introduction to off-piste skiing. On-piste skiing level required: red piste.
2	Skiers with basic off-piste experience. On-piste skiing level required: black piste. Routes on max. 30 degree slopes, SM/BS difficulty, possible short climbing passages with crampons.
3	Expert off-piste skiers, able to ski in all snow conditions on steep slopes. Routes on max. 40 degree slopes, BSA/TBSA difficulty, climbing passages with crampons and ice axe.
4	Excellent skiers on steep slopes, with climbing experience.

Alpinism and ice-climbing technical ratings

LEVEL	INFO
0	Walking on marked trails. Multi-day hikes or glacier walks.
1	First ascents at altitude, use of crampons and ice axe, basic rope work, rock and ice climbing techniques, and via ferratas.
2	"F easy ascent". Snow or ice slopes, 40 degrees max. Easy rock climbing with sections up to grade III max.
3	"PD slightly difficult ascent". Snow or ice slopes, 45 degrees max. Rather easy rock climbing with sections up to grade IV max.
4	"AD Fairly hard ascent". Snow or ice slopes, 60 degrees max. Rock climbing with sections up to grade V max.
5	"D sustained and difficult ascent". Snow or ice slopes, 70 degrees max. Rock climbing with sections up to grade 6a (French grades).
6	"TD/ED extremely difficult ascent, with sustained climbing and high commitment". Snow or ice slopes up to 90 degrees. Rock climbing with sections from 6a further on (French grades).

Booking

Bookings must be made via email at info@guidecourmayeur.com providing:
- Name and surname of the participants;
- Phone number, residential address, tax code;
- Technical level;
- Date and chosen program;
- Authorization for minors.
For further information, you can contact our office by phone at +39 0165842064.

After arrangements with the secretariat, a deposit must be paid (via bank transfer) equal to:

1 – 50% of the total program cost for the ascent to MONT BLANC and MONT BLANC STAGE (summer programs). The balance of the total amount must be paid within 30 days before the start of the chosen program.

2 – The TOTAL cost for all other activities.

No booking will be accepted before receiving the required payment.

Bank details: Account holder: SOCIETA' GUIDE ALPINE COURMAYEUR

IBAN: IT10N0858731560000200100250
BIC: CCRTIT2TVAL
Banca di Credito Cooperativo Valdostana Scrl
Viale Monte Bianco, 30
11013 Courmayeur (AO)

The transfer must be made with SAME-DAY VALUE DATE and not postponed. Bank fees for international transfers (and currency conversion) are borne by the SENDER. Otherwise, the bank fees must be reimbursed to the secretariat before the start of the chosen program.
Administrative fees, fixed at 5% of the activity price, are never refundable.

Withdrawal and cancellation due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances

1. The Client retains the right to withdraw, with cancellation of the already confirmed and booked activity, or to request a change of date for the same, according to the compensation (or refund) scheme detailed below:
– 100% Refund, if the cancellation is communicated to the Guide Society in writing via a specific email to info@guidecourmayeur.com at least 60 days before the start date (activity start). The Society reserves the right to retain 5% of the total amount of the booked activity, considered as a non-refundable administrative fee and any non-refundable expenses incurred for the activity.
– 75% Refund, if the cancellation is communicated to the Guide Society in writing via a specific email to info@guidecourmayeur.com between 59 and 30 days before the start date (activity start). The Society reserves the right to retain 5% of the total amount of the booked activity, considered as a non-refundable administrative fee and any non-refundable expenses incurred for the activity.
– 50% Refund, if the cancellation is communicated to the Guide Society in writing via a specific email to info@guidecourmayeur.com between 29 and 15 days before the start date (activity start). The Society reserves the right to retain 5% of the total amount of the booked activity, considered as a non-refundable administrative fee and any non-refundable expenses incurred for the activity.
– No refund (0% refunded), if the cancellation is communicated to the Guide Society in writing via a specific email to info@guidecourmayeur.com less than 14 days before the start date (activity start).

2. In case of withdrawal by the Client, or in case of a request to change the activity date after confirmation of booking, the non-refundable fees deducted from the refunded sums include the following:
• Administrative fees: 5% of the total price (or fee)
• Any non-refundable expenses incurred by the Guide Society for the activity (refuge reservations, administrative fees, organization costs, transfer costs, cable car ticket purchases, equipment rental expenses, etc.), to be defined following the cancellation request from the Client
• Bank fees for payment by credit card, equal to 5% of the amount paid by the Client

3. Considering the unpredictability and variability of weather conditions and their impact on outdoor activities, particularly in mountain environments, the Mountain Guide or Medium Mountain Accompanist (AMM) provides updates on weather forecasts and general conditions for the itinerary (temperature, wind, snow conditions, etc.) in the days immediately preceding the trip.

4. To ensure maximum safety during their guiding activities, it is solely the discretion of the Mountain Guide or Medium Mountain Accompanist (AMM) (not the Client) to decide on the possible cancellation of the activity due to bad weather, forecasts, environmental or meteorological conditions, and/or specific contingent situations deemed unsuitable for the planned itinerary.

5. Specifically, for the 6-day Mont Blanc Stage and the 2/3-day Mont Blanc ascent, if mountain conditions or weather conditions prevent the scheduled program, alternative activities will take place in the Monte Rosa or Gran Paradiso area.

6. In case of bad weather requiring the cancellation of the activity for safety reasons, the Guide Society offers the following options based on the Client’s needs:
– OPTION 1 | Rescheduling of the activity on a new date, subject to the availability of the guide and the Client;
– OPTION 2 | Planning a similar activity with equivalent physical and technical requirements, keeping the original booking date but moving to a different geographical area with better weather conditions to ensure greater safety for the Client;
– OPTION 3 | Issuance of a voucher valid for 1 year from the date of issue, usable for all outdoor activities (private or group tours, training courses, and stages) promoted by Guide Alpine Courmayeur. If the voucher is not used before its expiration date, it will automatically become invalid, and the Client will not be entitled to any refund;
– OPTION 4 | As a last resort, withdrawal from the contract is allowed with no additional costs, and a refund of the deposit or balance paid will be issued, minus the non-refundable fees outlined in point 2.

7. In case of cancellation by the Guide Society due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, the following expenses will not be refunded:
- 5% of the total amount of the booked activity as non-refundable administrative fees, along with an additional 5% of the agreed amount for extra booking services (such as accommodations, lift tickets, transfers, etc.), and any non-refundable expenses incurred for the activity.
- Any non-refundable costs incurred by the Guide Society for booking third-party services (e.g., refuge accommodations, lift tickets, transfers, or equipment rental) due to penalties applied by the suppliers.

8. If the activity dates are rescheduled, the Mountain Guide or Medium Mountain Accompanist (AMM) may be replaced by another team member of the Guide Society.

9. Transfer of booking to third parties
If you are unable to attend the booked program, the Guide Society allows the transfer of the booking to another person (meeting any specified conditions) with at least 7 days' notice prior to the trip's start date and a €50.00 administrative fee.

10. Insurance coverage
During outdoor activities, the Client is covered by the liability insurance of the assigned Mountain Guide or Medium Mountain Accompanist (AMM). This policy covers potential damages caused by the negligence or incompetence of the professional. Nevertheless, the Guide Society suggests and advises subscribing to a personal insurance policy for injury coverage during the planned activity, including health and assistance coverage if necessary, to be arranged at the Client's discretion.
For outdoor activity days (daily excursions, stages, or tours), the Guide Society recommends activating a specific rescue insurance for search and recovery in case of emergencies. The temporary “IMPACT MULTISPORTS” rescue insurance policy is recommended by the Guide Society and can be activated by the Client a few days before the trip at the following link. Clients must fill out the form with their personal details, select the duration of coverage based on the planned activity days, and personally finalize the policy with the insurance company by credit card payment. Without the aforementioned insurance, any rescue costs will be solely borne by the Client.
The Guide Society advises Clients with a private insurance policy to verify in advance whether rescue services are included in their policy.

The Guide Society also recommends cancellation insurance for booked outdoor activities.

Awareness Is Safety

Visiting high-altitude mountains is a demanding activity that cannot be undertaken lightly and requires a series of careful evaluations, both of your physical condition and the conditions you will encounter, as well as your own skills and expertise.
High-altitude mountains are magnificent, majestic, and sublime, but they hide risks and demand caution, attention, and skill.
For this reason, the Courmayeur Guides find it appropriate to inform you, through this small guide, about all the situations that may arise during activities in high-altitude mountains.
Let’s look at some aspects that can influence our high-altitude excursions.

Pressure and High Altitude

Atmospheric pressure decreases as we ascend in altitude. At 5,000 meters, it is half the pressure measured at sea level. This has direct consequences on our bodies, which are affected in many ways by this decrease in pressure.

ALTITUDE (m) AVAILABLE OXYGEN (%) 0 m 100% 2000 m 80% 4000 m 60% Mount Cervino 5000 m 50% Mont Blanc

The drop in pressure leads to a decrease in the concentration of oxygen in the air. The lower the oxygen pressure in the atmosphere, the less our lungs can capture it, reducing its concentration in the blood and, consequently, physical performance. The human body, with sufficient training, can adapt and improve its abilities in an environment with thin air, thanks to acclimatization, which must be longer or shorter depending on the altitude we need to face.

Cold and Wind

At high altitudes, the temperature drops by an average of 1 °C every 150 meters. This increases the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.

ALTITUDE (m)	0	1000	2000	3000	4000	5000
TEMPERATURE (°C)	15 °C	9 °C	2 °C	-5 °C	-8 °C	-18 °C

The wind further amplifies the effects of temperature on the body. To survive, the body needs to maintain its temperature around 37 °C.
To keep this in the harsh environment of high altitudes, under exposure to cold temperatures, the body consumes its energy reserves. It is therefore important to follow some principles:
- drink and eat (ensure adequate supplies)
- stay dry (use appropriate clothing and have spare changes)
- protect yourself from the wind with specific clothing
- stay active
In the mountains, the wind enhances its effects. It cools the body by 0.5 °C per km/h and also contributes to dehydration.

Humidity

This is the concentration of vapor in the air. It decreases as altitude increases, which raises the risk of dehydration through both the skin and respiratory system.

Sun and Radiation

Radiation is produced by ultraviolet rays (UVA/B/C) and infrared rays (IR).
UVA and UVB rays are the most harmful to the skin and eyes. Radiation intensity increases by about 1% for every 100 meters of altitude. Snow and ice enhance and amplify its effects. It is therefore necessary to ensure proper protection for the skin and eyes.

For all these reasons, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with high-altitude activities and of our physical condition.
Before undertaking any activity, it is necessary to be sufficiently prepared physically for prolonged efforts, and possibly at altitude.
It is also essential and extremely important to conduct an honest and objective assessment of one’s technical abilities and to be aware that high-altitude environments are hostile and involve unexpected situations that require quick responses.
A good evaluation of our technical skills and physical condition will allow us to face the high-altitude environment and its inherent challenges more confidently.