France — At the top of many European skiers’ bucket lists is the longest lift-served run on the continent.
Vallée Blanche is a backcountry run that starts at the top of Mont Blanc. From there, you ski thousands of vertical feet down. However, climate change has fundamentally altered the experience, including glacial decline and a permanently affected entrance.
Last week, YouTuber Chamonix Ski Bum revealed that the Aiguille de Midi ice tunnel has permanently closed. Crews had to destroy the tunnel because of rapid melting and the risk to the public. They did so because of the risk of collapse.
For skiers, this means the route to Col du Midi and the Vallée Blanche is harder to reach. Guests reach the Vallée Blanche by cautiously stepping their way down the mountain, which was made easier by an ice tunnel. While going to Vallée Blanche isn’t impossible, it’s become much harder. A new route to get there seems likely, although it’s unclear how long it would take to build. For more information on the impacts, check out the videos by ChamonixSkiBum.
About Vallée Blanche
Regarded as arguably the longest lift-served ski run not only in Europe, but the world, Vallée Blanche has a vertical drop of up to around 9,000 feet. However, warm weather in recent years has affected the journey, including skiing in the lower sections.
The journey features many risks, including the possibility of getting caught in a crevasse. Prior to this collapse, it was recommended that you go with a guide. Because of recent changes, skiers and riders will likely need to take more precautions.
Image/Video Credits: Krzysztof Kowalik, Chamonix Ski Bum, Mediocre Amateur, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
