Vallee Blanche Equipment List

The following equipment list is a recommendation for clients of IFMGA Mountain Guides who are skiing the Vallee Blanche in season and in good conditions.

  • Skis, Poles, Ski boots (ski touring or downhill boots are suitable for the descent)
  • Ski Clothing including base layer top & bottoms, mid layer fleece and wind/water proof jacket and trousers. Plus one spare warm top layer.  It can be very cold & windy at the top of the Aiguille du Midi but warm and sunny lower on the glacier so it is essential to have a number of layers so you can regulate according to temperature
  • Small Rucksack – around 20 – 35 litres in size.  You will be asked to carry an avalanche shovel, handle & probe so you need to have a small / medium rucksack to put these items in plus snacks and drink etc.
  • Hat or balaclava, buff or neck gaiter also useful.
  • Ski Helmet
  • Ski goggles and sunglasses
  • Sun Cream & lip salve
  • Warm gloves plus ideally bring an extra pair of thinner gloves
  • Harness with 2 screwgate Karabiners, cows tail and ice screw – this can all be provided by the guide
  • Avalanche Safety Kit – Avalanche transceiver, shovel & probe
  • Snacks and drink
  • Ski Strap to tie skis and poles together for walking sections e.g. Black Diamond Ski Strap
  • Mobile phone with the Chamonix PGHM (local mountain rescue) number programmed in: +33 (0)4 50 53 16 89
  • Copy of your insurance documents – see our Insurance FAQ
  • Lift pass
  • Cash for refreshments (Requin Hut / Montenvers / Buvette etc)
Back in the VB! Booted and suited for the descent of the Midi arete…

The Guide will also carry the following items:

  • Rope
  • Crevasse Rescue Kit
  • Crampons & ice axe
  • Shovel
  • Probe
  • Navigation Equipment (map, compass, gps)
  • Spare gloves
  • Skins
  • Group Shelter
  • First aid kit

Take a read of our useful article on What’s in your Rucksack for Skiing Off-Piste & Day Touring?  This also has some packing advice and other top tips!

Ski equipment & boot hire can be arranged directly with Sanglards Ski Shop in Chamonix, Argentiere or Vallorcine.

Please follow our Sanglards Ski Hire link below to access your 15% discount on equipment booked online or tell them in the shop you have a booking with High Mountain Guides for the same discount.

Sanglard Sports, location de matériel de ski, snowboard, skis de randonnées à Chamonix, Argentière, Vallorcine

Velvet fresh tracks in the Vallee Blanche