The Western Alps offer ski mountaineers a combination of terrain, snow reliability, hut infrastructure and route variety that draws mountaineers and skiers from around the world. From the Écrins and Vanoise in the south to the Mont Blanc massif, the Valais and the Urner Alps, the range of high-level ski touring here is extensive, with routes to suit all levels of ability and ambition. This Cicerone guidebook covers the finest high-level ski tours and ski mountaineering routes in the Western Alps across France, Switzerland and Italy, written by an IFMGA-qualified mountain and ski guide with extensive experience of the region. The routes described range from multi-day traverses to single-day high-level tours, providing a substantial programme of ski mountaineering across the full extent of the Western Alps. The classic Haute Route, the celebrated ski mountaineering traverse from Chamonix to Zermatt, is described in full, alongside the Verbier High-Level Route and the Arolla High-Level Circuit in the ValaisTours in the Écrins include the Écrins Haute Route; the Vanoise is covered by La Poulé High-Level Circuit; the Gran Paradiso Haute Route crosses into Italy; and the Haute Maurienne Traverse covers one of the more remote areas of the Western AlpsHigh-level day tours in the Mont Blanc massif and the Zermatt and Saas Fee 4000ers are described for those wanting shorter objectives within a longer stayEach tour is supported by detailed route descriptions, mapping information and hut details, with practical information on centres, access and the best times of year for each routeA comprehensive introduction covers ski mountaineering skills, equipment, avalanche awareness, mountain weather, crevasse rescue and the practicalities of planning a Western Alps ski tour A detailed and authoritative guide to ski mountaineering across the Western Alps, from classic traverses to high-level day tours.
