A classic steep couloir in an utterly wild corner of the French Alps, this is ski touring heaven. The route is clear, consistent, fun and aesthetic - a pretty decent combination by any standard!

The Trou de la Mouche - or Flyhole - ski tour involves 1,100m of ascent up the Grand Crêt combe. The 'summit' is a spectacular hole in the Aravis limestone that you pass through before making the descent back down the combe of Paccaly. The tour starts at the Confins car park which is located about 5km from the nearby ski resort of La Clusaz. It is an extremely popular route and can be busy during weekends and peak holiday periods.

Despite being surrounded by some of the most popular and famous peaks in France, this route is rarely busy and, as an added bonus, enjoys one of the finest summit panoramas you will find anywhere. The tour starts in the tiny village/ski resort of Romme and although you can skin directly from the village, a one way ticket to the top of the resort's main draglift costs 2 (yes, you did read that right) Euros and saves a tedious slog up the pistes.

Something of a hidden gem, this line should see more traffic given just how good the skiing is in it. The line can also be combined with one of the other wonderful tours here, such as the Col de la Fenêtre or Col de la Ciecle. It can also be accessed from Les Contamines village via the first half of the Col du Bonhomme tour. As such, the line here begins at the Chalets Refuge du Balme, where all these potential approaches converge.

The Trappier is a stunning and broad couloir of moderate steepness, highly visible from the Chamonix town center. With 800 meter slopes averaging 38 degrees (maximum 45 for a short section) and a predominantly shady aspect, this line simply calls out to be skied. However, a word of caution; both the approach and descent are in serious avalanche terrain with significant terrain trap hazards. A good understanding of the snowpack and thorough assessment of the conditions are needed.

This ultra-classic ski mountaineering itinerary gives one of the longest possible descents in Europe. It is also the only way to ski Mont Blanc from its summit without engaging in true extreme skiing. This route is very popular when in condition, however it should by no means be underestimated.

This is a classic extreme skiing line, not only in Chamonix, but across the Alps. 900 meters of sustained and serious terrain between 40-50 degrees; enough to get anyones heart pumping.

The classic ski-mountaineering trip of the area, taking in some mind-blowing scenery.