The ski promise is unique, the price is in line. At 67 euros per day and 327 euros for 6 days by booking online (full price in high season for 15-64 year olds), Mont Blanc Unlimited is the most expensive ski pass in France, ahead of that of the 3 Valleys ( respectively 63 and 312 euros). It is true that since 2010, the date of its launch, the "MBU" has bet on an original formula, combining ski pass and excursions in the dream environment of Mont Blanc, as well as several reductions on inter-station shuttles or hobbies.
The MBU is primarily intended for ski enthusiasts. And in this area, it covers a unique field of ski areas in three countries, France, Switzerland and Italy. Or, on paper, more than 1000 km of slopes and a face-to-face glide with the vastness of the glaciers, dominated by the highest point of the Alps and Western Europe.
In France, first of all, the MBU allows you to dive into the variety of white circuses of Chamonix (Brévent-Flégère, Les Grands-Montets…), Les Houches, Évasion mont Blanc (Saint-Gervais and Megève), and several beginner areas (Le Savoy and Les Planards in Chamonix, Les Chosalets in Argentière, La Vormaine in Le Tour).
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The package also provides a "ski passport" to cross borders to areas of Italy and Switzerland. But under conditions. To slide to Courmayeur, an MBU of at least 2 days is necessary. As for Verbier-4 Vallées, only a sesame of 6 days or more allows you to enjoy the chic spot of Valais at half price.
So yes, the MBU is the most expensive pass in France but "it offers an exceptional playground for skiing and also on foot," recalls Antoine Burnet, marketing and commercial director of Compagnie du Mont Blanc, the company of Chamonix ski lifts. Its originality is also to include three renowned tourist sites of the massif: the Aiguille du Midi cable car and the Montenvers - Mer de Glace train in Chamonix, and the Mont-Blanc Tramway, in Saint-Gervais .
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"You can very well climb to the Aiguille du Midi in the morning and ski in the afternoon," he illustrates. “For those who wish to do the Vallée Blanche, the MBU covers the ascent by the Aiguille du Midi cable car and the return to Chamonix by the Montenvers train and is cheaper than buying a single ticket (go simple 50.50 euros for Aiguille du midi + Montenvers, 28.50 euros, note) ", he also advises.
What does Mont Blanc Unlimited cover?
The Évasion Mont Blanc area (here Megève) is included in the package. A shuttle bus connects Megève to Chamonix. 53034449 / anshar73 - stock.adobe.com
The MBU therefore costs 67 euros per day, a formula that will especially interest skiers in the region. Its price is slightly decreasing for longer stays: 133 euros for two days, 195 euros for three days, 327 euros for six days. Children from 5 to 14 and seniors from 65 to 79 have a reduced rate (€ 57 per day), while people over 80 pay half the price (€ 33.50).
For good plans, you must conventionally turn to online shopping. “For example, a six-day package is available at the price of five, explains the marketing and sales director of Compagnie du Mont Blanc. For families, the two adults-two children pack costs 1,013.80 euros for six days, and the packages for the third, fourth or fifth child are offered. ” Promotional rates are also issued at the start and end of the season.
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Second point to -well- anticipate, most of the ski areas mentioned are not connected to each other on skis. It is therefore necessary to know the details of what the MBU offers. The shuttle between Chamonix and Megève is for example included by registering a day before on the Compagnie du Mont Blanc website. It also allows you to take advantage of preferential rates on means of transport, like another shuttle, between Chamonix and Courmayeur (€ 15 for a round trip, the price of a one-way ticket). If you drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to get to Courmayeur, a reduction may apply. But to take advantage of it, you must first ski a day in the Chamonix Valley and have an MBU of at least 2 days.
The package combines other benefits depending on the length of stay. With a Mont Blanc Unlimited from 3 to 21 days, entry is, for example, free at the Chamonix ice rink (skate rental included) or at that of Les Houches.
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Our recommendations for making the most of a 6-day MBU package
The new Les Praz-La Flégère gondolas allow skiers to access the Flégère area (1,800 m), departing from the Praz village of Chamonix (1,060 m). Tord Baklund
● Day 1
The new Les Praz - La Flégère gondola lift on the Brévent-Flégère ski area allows you to fully enjoy the panorama, one of the most beautiful in the Alps.
First take the time to savor the breathtaking view of the Mont Blanc range before letting yourself be tempted by one of the superb combes that characterize this south-facing site. In total, 56 kilometers of slopes for a real diversity of routes facing one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Alps.
● Day 2
Direction Les Grands Montets, this area of Chamonix which allows you to ski the biggest vertical drop in the world near the glaciers. An unequaled playground even if the summit is only joined by ski touring since the fire at Lognan's arrival station last season.
● Day 3
You can explore Balme-Vallorcine for skiing in an alpine atmosphere, from the villages of Le Tour and Vallorcine. Another possibility is to go to Les Houches to hit its 27 slopes, including the Verte which, remember, is a black one.
● Day 4
We leave the skis in the locker and we offer a day visit. Direction the Mer de Glace by the little red rack train from Montenvers. Upon arrival, you are projected into a unique glacial universe dominated by the Aiguille des Drus (the Grand Dru peaks at 3,754 meters), and a living witness to global warming. The visit to the Ice Cave, carved directly into the glacier, remains a unique experience to live.
You can also take the direction of the Aiguille du Midi (3,842 meters) and its stunning step into the void. Strong emotions guaranteed with the visit of this glazed space on five sides. Underfoot, over 1,000 meters of elevation.
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● Day 5
Head to Italy and the Aosta Valley, Courmayeur, to enjoy this ski area which nestles at the bottom of a beautiful valley at the foot of Mont Blanc. Its tracks are articulated on two slopes: Val Vény on one side and Plan Chécrouit on the other, culminating at the crest of Arp, at 2,750 meters above sea level.
● Day 6
We finish the ski session with Megève and the Évasion Mont Blanc area (areas of Saint-Gervais, Megève, Les Contamines, Les Portes du Mont Blanc) and its 445 kilometers of slopes which beautifully slalom between forest, alpine farms and sunny terraces on several massifs. Another option is to go to Contamines-Montjoie / Hauteluce, also included in the Évasion Mont Blanc and accessible in 40 minutes by car from Megève.
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TRAVELOGUE
COMING TO CHAMONIX
By train
TER, TGV or Léman Express to Saint Gervais-les-Bains-le-Fayet then Mont-Blanc Express line to Chamonix.
By plane
Geneva Airport (88 km).
By car
Direct access by the white motorway (A40).
