Freeriding your way through Chamonix

Known for being surrounded by incredible massifs and the mythical Mont-Blanc, Chamonix is also known to be the mecca of freeriders in the Alps region. The town and its surrounding ski resorts have a worldwide reputation for offering top-shelf skiing and snowboarding conditions for all levels, but it is even more renowned amongst freeriders’ circles for offering some of the best off-piste terrain in the world. Should you check out guided freeriding in Chamonix as your next adventure? Read below to find out. 

What is freeride skiing/snowboarding and who is it for?

If you are an avid skier or snowboarder and would like to take your riding outings up a notch, freeriding might be the option for you. Developed as a response to the highly regulated practice of ski competition, freeride skiing/snowboarding is meant to be performed without any goal or rule and on natural, off-piste terrain. The emphasis of the sport is on the descent, but some hiking might be involved to reach the starting point as ski lifts do not always enable access to these areas. Because the sport is practiced on rugged terrain, the dangers are higher than during regular descents and include trees, cliffs and crevasses, but also avalanches. Avalanche equipment is, therefore, a must, and only skiers with strong skiing/snowboarding skills and off-piste or backcountry experience should attempt the activity. If you have absolutely no experience in off-piste but are confident in your riding skills, hiring a certified guide is mandatory and will also help you in developing your freeride technique. In fact, no matter what your level is, it is recommended to hire a local mountain guide as he or she will be able to help you find the best spots and will be more knowledgeable about the local conditions.

Freeriding in Chamonix

When should I go? 

It might seem obvious, but the best period to go freeriding is during ski season – from December to April in Chamonix. This is the season during which ski lifts will be opened, but also during which you will be more likely to get good snow conditions and stability. These two variables should be checked daily, however, as they can be influenced by a variety of natural factors such as wind, snowfall, temperatures, etc. If you are lucky enough to be in Chamonix after several days of heavy snowfall without any apparent wind, consider yourself lucky! You will be able to freeride on deep powder snow, the holy grail of freeriders.

Guided freeride skiing and snowboarding around Chamonix

Because of the wide array of playground’s choice for freeriders, the town of Chamonix is a hotspot for easily accessible off-piste riding. Indeed, the resort consists of four ski systems, so start your freeriding journey by embarking towards stations of Les Houches, La Flégere-Le Brevent, Grands Montets or Domaine de Balme. The Aiguille du Midi tram will also take you to spectacular heights and even more spectacular freeriding grounds. From easy to challenging, the Valley has it all; and as each location offers a different difficulty level, make sure to discuss this with your guide before embarking on the adventure in order to ensure everyone’s safety. It must be said, however, that Grand Montets seems to be a favorite for all levels as it offers the best chances of powder and over 2000m of downhill runs.

Skiing or snowboarding off-piste in the Chamonix region will most likely take you down glaciers, such as the Argentiere glacier from the Grands Montets lift or the Vallée Blanche from the Aiguille du Midi – check out our article dedicated to downhill skiing on the Vallée Blanche, one of the most famous off-piste runs of the area. This is bound to be an incredible experience, as even having only seen a glacier first-hand is not something that many people can boast about. Imagine the bragging rights that will come with riding down one! 

Off-piste skiing in Chamonix

During a day of guided freeriding, your guide will most likely take you to two different spots – one in the morning and another one in the afternoon – in order to show you the most of the views and thrills the region has to offer. The exact routes will, of course, be dependent on your level and on the mountain conditions. If you are up for a longer expedition, you can also arrange to spend a night in a mountain hut and descend again the next morning. Sleeping in a hut is an adventure on its own, and you will be able to share stories with like-minded mountaineers and skiers. 

If you have a strong love for skiing or snowboarding and want to get a rush of adrenaline, freeriding is the activity for you. Find your guide now and start planning your expedition hurtling down the stunning heights of the Chamonix Valley!