UKC

Hi folks.

Off to chamonix next weekend with a couple of mates and keen to get in some off piste/touring done away from the crowds. Whilst I've done plenty ski touring and winter climbing etc in Scotland ive done relatively little in the Alps, so glaciers etc are a bit new to me! Was going to get a guide for a day or so, but wondered if folk had any recommendations for good tours, off piste runs etc that would be good for getting some miles in on?

Cheers!

In reply to dave o:

Firstly, abandon any hope of getting away from the crowds near Chamonix.

For less serious, non glaciated tours look at the the Aiguilles Rouge and tours round about les Contamines.

In reply to DaveHK:
crowds being a relative term! Cheers!

In reply to dave o:

Mont Buet - Perfect for you Dave, its known as the ladies Mont Blanc!

Or head up the arentiere glacier (from Grand Montet lift), lots of options....

In reply to dave o:

Skin across to the Helbronner lift from the Midi then ski the Vallee Noire and/or the Combe de la Viage. Or do away with the skining and head up the Helbronner lift.

We did it 2 weeks ago and there was hardly anyone else doing it. 1 group of 3 were ahead of us on the skin and met up with another group on the descent. So quiet in terms of Cham crowds. But you do then have to join the crowds on the Mer de Glace coming off the Vallee Blance and put up with the traffic jam on the midi ridge.

In reply to dave o:

The Aiguilles Rouges Crochues-Berard is great for a first trip
http://www.chamonix.net/english/winter-activities/ski-touring/routes/crochu...

You're unlikely to be alone though