The Vallée Blanche ridge will be equipped

Some people say that an equipped ridge makes life too easy for people who don't know the mountains, which leads to accidents. Others says that when the ridge (1500m of void on the left and 200m on the right) is equipped with rope, it can save lives, since people will go down anyway. In 2000, a work-group (Guides, Town Hall, Mountain Rescue, etc.) was created to evaluate Valley Blanche conditions and to decide if and when the ridge should be equipped. Last Tuesday, the work-group convened and agreement was reached. The ridge is to be equipped immediately and will remain so until the end of the season. This is to facilitate an easy, quick and safe descent. It is not intended to encourage more people to ski the Valley Blanche, but to optimize access for those that do. Everyone should know that once you are on the ridge, if it doesn't feel right, you can always turn back. The Cable Car down to Chamonix is free.