Do you want to really escape the crowds, properly experience the back country and aren’t afraid of a bit of a good workout? Then ski touring is for you!
The Chamonix valley and Mont Blanc Massif are excellent for ski touring. Ski touring is a great way to access nature as it was intended to be seen. The Massif is a vast area of spectacular, glaciated mountains. The lifts provide easy access to the mountain wilderness that make this region special.
Your skis become a mechanism for hiking in the mountains, giving you access to anywhere you want to go. The wilderness, the views, the fresh tracks and feeling of personal achievement is what makes ski touring a true passion.
We stay in a beautiful fully catered chalet in the Chamonix valley.
Our 2 Courses: Introductory Level and Advanced Level
At the Introductory level more time will be spent on developing the techniques and skills needed to become a good ski tourer. As you progress through the levels both your speed and technique will improve and the Advanced course becomes more about exploring with a guide than being introduced to new skills.
Introductory Short Brake Itinerary:
- 1 – Arrive, evening meal and meet with the Guide
- 2 – Head up to Brevent or Flegere ski area. Day trip involving a short hike and developing your back country techniques. Practice with transceivers.
- 3 – Head up to the Aiguille du Midi if conditions permit. Tour over to the Maudite Combe. Learn security on glaciers (crevasse rescue) before heading down the Valley Blanche.
- 4 – Head up onto the Argentière glacier and ascend a route such as the Col du Tour Noir. + 850m
The programme is given as an indication only. Changes and adaptation may be made to suit current technical criteria, safety requirements and weather conditions.
Level
- Advanced piste skier, good off piste experience, new to ski touring. Ideal course as an introduction
Personal Skills & Technique
- Developing your skiing skills onto ski touring platforms learning how to move with ease and control on varying degrees of slopes and snow conditions.
Mountain Skills
- This is all about being safe on the mountains. How to read snow conditions, assess avalanche risks, how to navigate, make sense of the weather forecasts and what they mean to skiers. You’ll spend time practicing with transceivers, to ensure that if the worst happens you have the skills to deal with it.
Learn from a certified IFMGA Mountain Guide
- Ski touring courses are run by a qualified High Mountain Guide, allowing the group to ski on glaciated terrain.
Advanced Short Brake Itinerary:
- Arrival Day – Arrival, evening meal and meet with the Guide
- 1 – Gentle warm up to touring in the Brevent ski area – skin up to the Pointe de Carraye or the Col de la Gliere after a quick reminder on avalanche rescue – + 400m
- 2 – Head up onto the Argentière glacier and ascend a route such as the Col du Tour Noir. + 850m
- 3 – Day trip according to Guides decision such as Col de Passon. Use of crampons required. + 600m
- 4 – Climb up to mountain refuge such as Chalet Loriaz or Bonatti. + 700m
The programme is given as an indication only. Changes and adaptation may be made to suit group ability level, current technical criteria, safety requirements and weather conditions.
Level
- You are a strong skier off piste in all snow conditions. You are physically fit and capable to walk with speed uphill for 1hr without a stop at a good pace. Comfortable with around 800m height climb. Please be aware that this course is by no means an introduction.
Personal Skills & Technique
- Perfecting your skiing skills onto ski touring platforms learning how to move with ease and control on varying degrees of steeper slopes and harder snow conditions.
Mountain Skills
- This is all about being safe on the mountains. How to read snow conditions, assess avalanche risks, how to navigate, make sense of the weather forecasts and what they mean to skiers. You’ll spend time practicing with transceivers, to ensure that if the worst happens you have the skills to deal with it.
Learn from a certified IFMGA Mountain Guide
- Ski touring courses are run by a qualified High Mountain Guide, allowing the group to ski on glaciated terrain.
Our Accommodation: Luxury Ski Chalet
An elegant traditional chalet with great facilities, located in one the most beautiful areas in the Chamonix Valley and within close proximity to the ski lifts.
This extremely comfortable chalet boasts a unique, lounge and entertainment area, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Mont Blanc from panoramic windows and the sun terraces. You can relax in front of the open fire with a glass of wine or enjoy the home cinema with Bose sound.
Tastefully furnished twin bedrooms can be found along with eight Japanese style bathrooms.
This chalet also features a large outdoor hot tub in the gardens perfectly situated to admire the breathtaking views.
