First ski touring experience in the French Alps

We always do our best, but we can't guarantee the exact time of arrival at the train station (due to traffic or weather conditions). Azimut is not responsible for the loss of transport tickets in the event of delays. Therefore we strongly advise you to buy train tickets that can easily be modified. If you're travelling by car, we'll meet you at the arrival point, or at one of the drop of points where you'll be able to leave your car for the entire trip.

Getting there

Train & TGV access: www.voyages-sncf.com 

Car access: www.mappy.fr 

Car sharing: www.blablacar.fr

Parking

Free public parking can be found in Briançon or just in front of our accommodation (both unattended).

The slopes may have some short steep passages. You should be at ease with ski touring techniques and skiing on all types of snow. We may also ski on glacier terrain. You should master uphill kick turns without hesitation.

• Stamina level

Good physical condition is required, some uphill sections may have to be done on foot. Ascents and descents vary from 800 to 1000 metres per day. Depending on the chosen itinerary, there may be two outings per day. If you're eager you can continue skiing, if you're tired you can rest and relax.

Good to know: if you don't have the level required, the guide will be able to ask you to leave for the well-being of the rest of the group if necessary. If any doubt, please do not hesitate to ask us !

The price includes 

• Organisation
• All travel by minibus from one of the meeting points
• Half-board accommodation for 3 nights
• Training/revision in the use of safety equipment
• Supervision by a mountain guide for 4 days and all expenses (accommodation, meals, travel, lifts)
• Loan of safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe), if you are not already equipped
• Quality cereal bars
• The AZIMUT welcome pack 

The price does not include 

• A&R transport to one of the meeting points
• Lift passes (approx. €160)
• Any equipment hire
• Lunch
• All drinks, including those at meals, and extras in accommodation
• Personal expenses
• Your personal insurance
• Everything that is not included under the heading "price includes".

A 30% deposit, as well as the insurance cost if you choose to subscribe the latter, is required to secure your booking. You will receive a reminder email 35 days prior to departure for the outstanding balance due latest 30 days prior to departure. 

We strongly recommend you to be properly insured for the chosen activity. You should be covered for medical expenses, personal accident & liabilité, third party risks and rescue (helicopter), as well as trip cancellation or curtailment.

Repatriation and research insurance are mandatory when booking a trip with Azimut. We have a full range of insurances on offer to suit the trip you select and the risks that it may incur. 

Tipping is no obligation. However participants usually hand round an envelope for those who wish to tip the guide.

During the trip

This trip takes place in our Lodge nestled in the village of Cervières at the foot of the Col d'Izoard. The welcome is exceptional, and the living space has been designed to allow you to spend some quality time in peace and quiet. The food is simple, natural and of high quality, with a choice of good beers and wines. Rental equipment is located under the hotel, and our agency and team are just a stone's throw away. 

For this stay, you will be sharing a twin room, with toilet and shower facilities in your room (bed linen and towels provided). 

Depending on the composition of the group, you may be with someone of the opposite sex. On request, it is possible to be upgraded to a single room: 

- Hotel single room supplement: €99/person

Breakfast and dinner are taken in the hotel restaurant.
Lunches are free, leaving the group free to choose between different options or locations. We know all the best addresses for trattorias, nice little restaurants etc... Trust us!
Snacks: The details are important, especially during the effort. We've chosen to provide tasty, high-quality cereal bars.
If the lodge is unavailable, the trip will take place in a comfortable gîte in the area. 

For the single room option, please ask us directly!

Before and after ski touring trips

As soon as you register, we'll send you the contact details of the Lodge so that you can book a night before or after your trip.

• In case of emergency or delay, you can either contact your guide (a phone number will be provided before departure) or contact Azimut on: (+ 33) 04 92 23 07 24.
• Please inform your friends and family with these details before departure.
• Wifi is free of charge in our accommodation.
• Good mobile & 4G coverage.

• Ski touring skis with appropriate bindings. We recommend freeride type skis so you can enjoy skiing powdery descents and skiing on all types of snow
• Ski skins
• Ski crampons (i.e. "couteaux")
• Ski poles
• Ski touring boots
• Avalanche kit: transceiver, shovel and probe (please let us know if you have your own, if not we lend them for free)
• 35 litre backpack

Security advice: avalanche airbag backpacks are highly recommended.

They help to stay on the surface in case of avalanche and minimize the risk of burial. Our guides use them and we highly recommend you to opt for high quality and reliable gear. If you don't have an avalanche airbag we rent them out at a very competitive price.

If you don't have the adequate equipment for the trip, don't worry and travel light: we rent out the required gear and hand it over at the start of the trip ! Our equipment is relatively new, if not brand new, of good quality and adapted to your choice of activity.

Prices of rental equipment during the entire trip (these competitive prices only take into account the number of days of the trip):

You can choose to rent equipment when booking your trip, or lateron by clicking on “my account”. If any of the equipment that you've chosen is out of stock you'll be notified and reimbursed.

Clothes

This list of clothes is designed to give you an idea of clothes it may be a good to have with you. By no means do you need to have the latest brands or the latest gear, but if you need to renew your wardrobe, this guide would be a good start.

Headwear

• Warm hat or buff/scarf
• Ski goggles (2 pairs) and sunglasses: UV factory 4 protective lenses. Photochromic glasses adapt to light intensity and are very useful
• Helmet (strongly recommended)

Bodywear

• Under layer: breathable long sleeved tops to maintain heat. A tip: merino wool is breathable and has anti-bacterial properties and is therefore less likely to smell as opposed to synthetic fabrics. Take this into consideration if you need to update your wardrobe.
• Middle layer: a light polar or synthetic jacket for an extra layer of heat during breaks
• Outer layer: a Gore-tex or similar type of jacket with a breathable waterproof membrane. Make sure it's lightweight and compact so it doesn't take up too much space in your backpack
• Bottom layer: trousers with a breathable waterproof membrane (Gore Tex or similar) with long side zips allowing air to flow, recommended on climbs
• Hands: light fleece or soft shell gloves, a pair of silk glove liners to go underneath, warm gloves with a breathable and waterproof membrane. Mittens are always a good idea for really cold days of for those of you who feel the cold
• Swimming gear: it takes up such little space, it would be a shame not to bring it just in case. Avoid swimming shorts or bermudas, they are not usually allowed.

Footwear

• Ski socks: merino wool socks are breathable and have anti-bacterial properties and are less likely to smell as opposed to those made of synthetic fabrics. Think about them if you need to stock up.
• Slippers / Crocs recommended for evening wear.

Odds & ends

• a 1 litre flask (Thermos or Camelback)
• a pocket knife
• duck tape
• factor 50 sun cream
• a duffle bag holding up to 110 litres to leave at the hotel or in a vehicle. No suitcases.

Toiletries and first aid kit

• Personal toilet bag
• To make up a first aid kit, please find all relevant information on the Ifremmont website. 

Our guides use the following brands for their gear and you'll have the opportunity to test them during the trip:

• SCOTT
• Arva
• Fitschi swiss bindings

Don't forget to:

• Leave contact details with your friends and family
• Bring your papers and I.D. (passport and visa if necessary)
• Bring your contract number and documents related to your insurance (if you've chosen not to have insure coverage through Azimut)
• Bring your “carte vitale” and your European health card (EU member states) - if you don't have one you can order one free of charge online  www.ameli.fr
• Check that you have the right equipment
• Take spare batteries and a charger for your electronic devices (camera, video recorder, tracking devices etc)
• Bring some cash and your credit card
• Leave in a good frame of mind: we're going to have a great time even if we happen to not make it to the summit !
• Before leaving: water the plants, empty the rubbish bin, turn off water and gas, and tell your partner that you're going to have a good time (please not by text message), that you've well deserved... If you don't follow the latter recommendation, you'll most probably kick yourself when you get back !

See you on the slopes ! Have great runs with AZIMUT !