Chamonix's Vallee Blanche arret to be equipped all winter

After much debate amongst various interested parties in the Valley, it has been made official : the daunting start of Chamonix’s Vallee Blanche off piste itinerary will be equipped with ropes and guide poles all winter, with immediate effect.

Previously, the timing of when the arret was to be equipped each season was always up for debate. Some believe that by kitting out the steep walk down from the top of the Aiguille du Midi cable car will lead to even more badly informed and insufficiently experienced and kitted out skier venturing on to the glacial itinerary. Others believe that skiers will always be attracted by the infamous off piste route, so anything that can be done to potential protect and save lives is good.

Whatever your thoughts, the facts are clear. Over 80,000 skiers a year descend the magnificent Vallee Blanche and the mountain rescue teams pass pretty much every day to aid and save skiers, boarders and alpinists, indeed there are many deaths, dissppearances and serious injuries every year. The advice is to always take a guide and the well-equipped take an avalanche transceiver, shovel, probes, harness, rope, crampons and ice axe.