CHAMONIX SKI TOURING INTRO
France
France
“A pair of skis are the ultimate transportation to freedom.” Warren Miller
“A pair of skis are the ultimate transportation to freedom.” Warren Miller
28 Mar – 4 Apr 2021
Adventure details
Experience Chamonix and learn ski touring skills, avalanche safety as well as techniques to deal with difficult snow conditions.
This trip takes you to the best easy ski tours in the Chamonix valley. Perfect beginner ski tours can be found in the Mont Blanc range with the most spectacular views possible. We also may hop over to Switzerland or Italy with a short drive. Chamonix is a great base for accessing many different terrain types so we try to take advantage of this.
We do day trips with lift access or road accessed ski touring. In the evenings you get to relax in our comfortable chalet in Chamonix and enjoy the good food they prepare. Chamonix centre is a ten minute walk from the chalet so going out to the vibrant town centre is easy.
What you’ll learn:
Most of all enjoy some great days of ski touring.
The trip is always adapted to the group’s capabilities, the week starts fairly easily and builds in intensity.
Arrive at Chalet Les Pelerins and get a briefing from your guide. Sleep at the chalet in Chamonix
Take the lift system up to do some skiing and avalanche partner rescue techniques. Go back to the chalet for Avalanche theory. Sleep at the chalet.
Go on a ski tour adapted to the conditions for the day. Learn ski techniques for difficult snow. Return to the chalet for the night.
Go on a ski tour adapted to the conditions for the day. Learn how to plan a ski tour. Return to the chalet for the night.
Go on a ski tour adapted to the conditions for the day. Learn how to make a skin track and choose a descent route. Return to the chalet for the night.
Go on a ski tour adapted to the conditions for the day. Return to the chalet for the night.
Go on a ski tour adapted to the conditions for the day. Return to the chalet for a drink and enjoy the last night in the mountains.
Return home after breakfast.
Our recommended accommodation in Chamonix is Chalet Les Pelerins. We meet here each morning before heading out skiing. You can also stay in other accommodation of your choice. (Not included in the price, must be booked separately) Chalet Les Pelerins
The living room in the Chamonix Valley accommodation.
The chalet Les Pelerins, the Chamonix Valley accommodation.
The rooms in the chalet in Chamonix.
€1175 per person (Minimum 3 participants for the trip to run)
6 Clients per guide maximum
Beginner
You should have off-piste skiing experience, able to get down in most snow conditions. Ski touring experience is not necessary. Some basic fitness is needed.
The activities will be adapted to the group level.
December to end April
Sunday to Friday
6 Days Guiding
Guiding
In- Valley Transport
Avalanche safety equipment: transceiver, shovel, probe.
Transportation to Alps
Accommodation 7 nights & food
Lift pass (we can reserve a 6 day lift pass for you)
Personal ski equipment: skis, boots, skins, backpack etc. Ski Hire can be arranged.
Geneva
What equipment do I need?
We will mail you an equipment list on booking. Ask us if you have any specific questions.
How dangerous are these activities?
Studies done by the Swiss on annual risk of death in mountain sports compared to annual risk of death in road transport in Switzerland came up with the following conclusions:
(Extract from ‘Sports de montagne d’hiver’ © 2005 Edition du CAS)
A professionally qualified Mountain Guide will try to keep the risks down to what our guides associations consider to be socially acceptable risk levels. We carefully consider the conditions, terrain, group capabilities and aptitudes. We work to reduce the consequences of an accident (e.g. Avalanche transceivers) and build redundancy into our systems (e.g. 2 points on a rock climbing belay)
However, this does not eliminate the risk! Like driving your car, there are residual risks even if your car is serviced, you drive within the laws and take due care, you can still have a mortal accident.
The mountains are not a controlled environment, there are objective dangers. i.e. Seracs, Avalanches, Rock Fall and more.
Anyone considering participation in these activities must understand that these are adventure sports with real risks. You must take responsibility for your own participation.
What if the mountain conditions aren’t good?
Generally it is possible to still have a good day in the mountains when the weather is bad or conditions aren’t optimal.
Skiing in average snow conditions is part of high mountain skiing and often we learn a lot in average snow conditions. We don’t cancel or refund due to snow conditions.
Climbing and Mountaineering courses will always run regardless of the weather or conditions. We will do our best to find appropriate routes for the conditions. We can train skills, do a hut approach, or occasionally indoor climbing if the weather is very bad.
What if I hurt myself half-way through the trip?
We can’t offer a refund due to injured participants. We recommend a good travel insurance that covers such eventualities.
Am I expected to tip the guide?
If you felt a guide went out of their way and gave you a great experience, a tip is much appreciated. Guides don’t expect tips and understand that it’s easier for some guests to offer a tip than for others.
What to do in case of an accident?
It’s good to keep track of where you are on the mountain. Ask the guide questions so as to take an active role in the team and understand where you’re going.
In case of an accident of any kind always think about keeping yourself safe first and then take your time to consider secondary action.
Call: 112 in Europe
Tell the rescuers where you are, what happened, how many victims there are, what the weather is like there. They will generally guide the questioning. Keep calm and speak in short clear sentences.
Often the guide will carry a radio for rescue.
If you have a victim remember: Airway, Breathing, Recovery Position
Then very important: the COLD will put an injured person into a hypothermic state very quickly. Protect them from the elements.
Let us know how many days you have and what you’d like to do in the mountains and we’ll build a program together.
We can arrange everything from short hikes to climbing some of the toughest routes in Europe to skiing the best descents.
Price depends on activity, route and number of participants. Contact us to customise your trip.
Chamonix, Switzerland, Italy
Chamonix, Switzerland, Italy, Norway