Ski touring is the best way to travel through the mountains in winter and spring. Touring can be as straightforward as escaping the pisted areas to find fresh powder in a neighbouring valley to a technical ski tour involving climbing, abseils and steep skiing – real ski mountaineering terrain! In spring there is no better adventure than a week long traverse of a mountain range, sleeping in high mountain huts, skiing your first 4000m peak or even skiing from the summit of Mont Blanc at 4810m!
Approaching the Col du Bérard in the Aiguilles Rouges.
Heading into steeper ground in the Aiguilles Rouges
Cost: From €495 / group / day. Ratio: Up to 1:6
Suitability: Ski touring is very varied so suitability for certain trips depends on your previous experience. If you have no previous ski touring experience then you should look at the introduction to ski touring course. If you wish to develop your ski touring and ski mountaineering then this can be incorporated into courses or look at the Ski Touring Autonomy course.
Below are just a few suggestions, please get in touch to discuss ideas for a ski touring trip. We do not run any scheduled ski tours so all of our trips are custom made to suit your level and aspirations and will take into account the current avalanche and weather conditions to ensure you get the best out of your days in the mountains.
CHAMONIX DAY TOURS (December to April):
Crochue-Bérard traverse – the Aiguilles Rouges classic tour, over two cols to reach a beautiful descent to Le Buet. Return to Chamonix by train. +500, -1475m
Col du Beugéant – A good technical tour involving a fine mountaineering traverse to gain the exposed col before abseiling down to a great descent into the Vallon de Berard. +700m, -1700m
Col du Passon – A classic from Grand Montets with a lot of bang for your buck! +750m, -2550m!
Col de Belvédère – For skiers wanting something a little steeper, two abseils from the col give access to 40/45 degree slopes
Brèche Puiseaux – This is a real high mountain ski mountaineering tour with a 300m climb up a 45 degree couloir to gain the col where steep abseils lead to the glacier du Mont Mallet and an incredible descent below the north face of the Grandes Jorasses. +1050m, -3000m
Mont Blanc – At 4810m Mont Blanc is the highest summit in the Alps and can be skied from the very summit. This is a taxing high altitude ski summit with exposed climbing and skiing terrain demanding high fitness, good mountaineering skills and strong skiing and is the high point of many a ski mountaineer’s career! The ascent can be made from late March to June and takes two days but with acclimatisation and preparation this trip is run over 5 days to give maximum chance of success. 5 days. Ratio: 1:1 or 1:2 conditions dependant.
Ski touring takes place off-piste in the mountains and you need to be able to ski to a good standard being comfortable making turns of different radius in variable snow conditions. The course will be physically demanding so you should be prepared for days in the mountains ascending up to 1000 vertical metres a day on skis whilst carrying a pack and safety equipment.
You will require appropriate skis fitted with touring bindings, skins, ski crampons and avalanche safety equipment: Transceiver, shovel and probe. If we head onto glaciated terrain then a harness will also be required. If you have any questions regarding ski touring equipment then please get in touch.
NOT INCLUDED
Travel to and from Chamonix, travel outside the Chamonix valley if conditions dictate a change of course venue
Accommodation in the valley
Uplift costs (including for your Mountain Guide outside of the Chamonix valley area)
Personal mountaineering equipment as required (this can be hired at the prices detailed below)
Personal skiing/ski touring equipment (this can be hired, detailed below)
Personal ski safety equipment; transceiver, shovel and probe (this can be hired at the prices detailed below)
Half board accommodation for any nights in mountain huts (including for your Mountain Guide)
Insurance which must include provision for helicopter rescue (Mandatory). If you require recommendations for insurance providers then please get in touch.
EQUIPMENT HIRE
Ice axe, crampons, harness and helmet can be provided for a hire fee of €15 per day.
Skis and safety equipment can be arranged with Concept Pro in Chamonix. They are located next to the Aiguille du Midi lift and my clients receive a preferential rate on all equipment rented. Pre-booking equipment is essential especially during holiday periods.
INCLUDED
IFMGA Mountain Guide
Arrangement of any mountain huts used for the course itinerary
Provision of group safety equipment for the days on the mountain
Local travel required to complete the course itinerary
Uplift costs for your Mountain Guide (in the Chamonix valley area only)
Assistance in arranging local accommodation