Le Glacier de la Brenva
The Map
(See Map Legend by clicking on icon in top left corner of map)
The Photos & Videos
Approaching le Tour Ronde while ski-touring La Vallée Blanche,
Climbing up to the Col de Freshfield
Arriving in Italy and approaching Le Tour Ronde
Preparing for take-off on Le Glacier de la Brenva
Aurélie Bessière's excellent video from our completion of Le Glacier de la Brenva VolSkiRando
The Key Info
The Description
An adventurous itinerary which completes a there and back between Chamonix and Courmayeur, and includes some simple alpine climbing requiring crampons.
Use the Aiguille du Midi lifts to traverse La Vallée Blanche and tour up the Italian side to access a steep climb up to the Col Freshfield, next to Le Tour Ronde.
Once at the top of the Col follow the ridge towards Le Tour Rond to find a point where you can start skiing. Some steep skiing is required to access the Glacier de la Brenva.
Several take-off locations possible on Glacier de Brenva. Enjoy the skiing high up and take off before the more exposed terrain lower down.
Land next to the Zerota lift in the Courmayeir ski area and use the ski runs and lifts to get to the Helbronner cable car.
Take the cable car for a second take off on the Glacier du Geant, next to the Helbronner lifts, to return to Chamonix, landing on the golf course next to La Flégère cable care.
Please note a good glide is required to make it back to Chamonix from Helbronner. With katabatic winds a landing on the Mer de Glace may be inevitable, requiring a climb to the Montenvers train or using the Vallée Blanche’s classic ski exit via La Motte.
Wing Used and Why
I used my Dudek Run&Fly 16m2. An excellent ultra light wing weighing just 986g which allowed me to complete the alpine climbing comfortably. Its glide was insufficient to make it to the golf course on the second flight, and I landed on the Mer de Glace, along with a pilot with an Ozone ultralight. A friend with a Skywalk Masala 1 made it to the golf course.