And then there’s the actual skiing! The route down to Montenvers from the Aiguille du Midi is normally known as La Vallee Blanche (“the white valley”). This takes skiers and snowboarders down from the upper slopes and onto the notorious Mer du Glace (the “sea of ice”). The views here are genuinely incredible - make sure you take your camera with you. It really is even better than all the hype. If you are up to it, then it is definitely worth the trip.There are actually a number of routes down and some offer tremendously challenging technical skiing, while others provide a far more relaxed pitch for the less aggressive skier. If you can ride red and black pistes safely, then you are good enough to take on the ‘Classic Route’.However, BE WARNED – you should always book a High Mountain Guide to do this descent. The Vallee Blanche is all on glaciated terrain and navigating the correct course down requires expert knowledge. The crevasses and bergschrunds are deadly and claim the lives of a number of skiers and snowboarders each winter, normally the under-prepared and the unwary.The Mountain Guide will ensure you have the right kit (harness, transceiver, crampons, etc) to deal with any eventuality and also ensure that you follow the safest route down for your ability level. However, their expertise is not all about self-preservation – it also means that they will find you the best snow and help you to have the most fantastic off-piste experience of many people’s lives.Top Tip: If considering the Valley Blanche run book your guide in advance for a day towards the end of your break when you have had the time to acclimatize to the altitude. If possible aim for March and April when the weather is better.