The Vallée Blanche is one of the great off-piste classics in northerm Alps. Exceptional in its setting, it is also thanks to its easy access from the Aiguille du Midi cable car and the snow ridge that bears the same name. This snow ridge, is a small but serious mountaineering itinary and is accomodated every winter: a path like a "Z" is carved on the actual glacier and special fixed ropes are installed in order to help skiers and mountaineers go path this very airy passageway.
This work is done every year and executed in very tough high mountain conditions with nearly 3800m altitude on a snow ridge that flirts with the amazing and very steep Aiguille du Midi.
Article and photos by Caroline Houal