Chamonix’s hardcore reputation as “the Alps on steroids” hangs on the spectacular peaks that surround. But it’s also France, so just because you’re tackling the Vallée Blanche—the classic guided day-long tour that involves some first hairy steps on a fixed rope followed by 22 km of off-piste intermediate/advanced cruising through speech-defying, serac-dappled snowscapes—doesn’t mean you … More »