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Freeride skiing in Val d'Aoste - Mont Blanc - Italy

6 days from 1495 € per participant

Guaranteed departure from 5 people

Comfort ITSF609
Italie Montagne Maximum altitude 3500 m Skill level : 3 Montagne Stamina level : 2 Montagne Direct train from Paris

Pros

- Fantastic itineraries in a grandiose and diversified setting

- Comfortable accommodation, Italian gastronomy and unforgetable hospitality 

- An opportunity to ski on the Italian side of Mont Blanc

No worries: our minibus takes you around and about over the entire trip; if you've rented gear it'll be delivered at the start of the trip

No booking fees

In a nutshell

When you think of the Aosta Valley, this probably reminds you of the delicious ham* ? Right, same for us ! But that’s not all it has to offer. You’re going to love the trip that we’ve come up with on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc. In fact, we could have called it “pizza & pasta ski trip” because it combines just the things we love when traipsing around and about: amazing freeride skiing on the Mont Blanc slopes and the “Vallée Blanche”, legendary itineraries that take us high up in the mountains above Courmayeur and La Thuile, outstanding routes to skin, and all this topped of with great Italian food. Andiamo !

*Yes Charlie, the Aosta ham, produced in the same way since 1397 comes from this valley where they also make wooden clogs, but they're a little harder to digest.

Friends, family or just colleagues at work ?

You wish to customize one of our trips, among friends and at your own convenience ? No problem, contact us so we can adapt a trip to suit you, right down to the last detail ! Our trips are tailor-made so giving you what you want is as easy as 123.

  • Price (VAT inc)
  • 1495€ per participant
  • 1495€ per participant
  • 1495€ per participant
  • 1495€ per participant
  • 1495€ per participant
  • 1495€ per participant

Day to day

Day 1 - Warm up la Thuile/la Rosière

Get together at  Briançon train station, or directly in Courmayeur.

After meeting the guide, we set off for Courmayeur in the minibus. Today, first day, is easy going, we get to know each other and warm up at La Thuile / La Rosière ski area on the French - Italian border (around the St Bernard mountain pass), a security briefing related to off-piste and freeride skiing is included. No need to overdo it, we'll be skiing all week long.

Meal included: dinner

Accommodation included: hotel

 

Day 2 - Freeride in Courmayeur (1200 m)

The highest point of this ski area stands at 2763 metres high. From the ancient "Arp" or "Youla" cable cars, some amazing itineraries Northernly orientated take us either down the Val Veny (1500 m), where a snow scooter may pick us and take us either to a typical restaurant of this area, or down to Dolonne village (1200 m), from we take the cable back.

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

Accommodation included: hotel 

 

Day 3 - Freeride skiing at La Thuile / La Rosière

From Chaz Duraz (2579 m), a stunning descent takes us down the Pontailles valley from where we climb up onto le Mont Valaisan (2892 m). Followed by a 1h15 min skinning sesssion to reach the stunning Moulins valley above La Rosière.

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

Accommodation included: hotel

 

Day 4 - Freeride the Vallée Blanche

The new Entrèves cable car gives access to the Helbronner (3462 m). From there we head to the famous "Vallée Blanche” from the Italian side, reaching Chamonix with various options for the descent. Minibus transfer back to Courmayeur.

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

Accommodation included: hotel

 

Day 5 - Toule Glacier and Entrèves

From the Helbronner Point we head to the col de Toule via the Col des Flambeaux where a suspended staircase leads up to the glacier. Depending on the conditions, it might be necessary to descend onto the glacier using ropes. A spectacular descent to Entrèves (1300 m), boasts stunning panoramas over the Mont Blanc mountain range.

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

Accommodation included: hotel

 

Day 6 - Off piste Courmayeur

We ski on itineraries in prime conditions, on the South face of the Mont Blanc facing the stunning scenery around the Grandes Jorasses….

Meal included: breakfast 

 

Please note this itinerary is an example of a freeride ski trip around Courmayeur and the Mont Blanc. The guide may adjust certain itineraries and ski areas according to weather and snow conditions as well as participants' abilities. We kindly ask you to respect such decision. We may also change accommodation, maintaining identical standards, according to logistics and availabilities. 

In case practices and customs defined by the local guide authorities change, estimating the reasonable number of clients per guide, for safety reasons, Azimut respects the latter, even last minute decisions. Such cases are rare and mostly related to exceptional conditions in the mountains. Therefore some compensation may be requested from your side due to less participants per guide.

 

 

 

Meeting and leaving

Meeting points

  • Briançon in front of the Train Station

    See on the map

    Meeting time: 6:15 am
    Leaving time: end of the afternoon, at the same meeting place
  • Courmayeur - ski lift booth
    Meeting time: 9:30 am
    Leaving time: in the afternoon, at the same meeting place

Get together - practical information

Please be wearing your ski outfit upon arrival. 

  • We always do our best, but cannot guarantee the exact time of arrival at the train station (due to traffic or weather conditions). 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 Briançonor in front of our accomodation.

Group size

5 to 6 participants

Skiers only. Sorry, no splitboards accepted.

 

Guides and staff

Azimut qualified mountain guide.

All our mountain guides are certified. We choose them for their sympathy, their teaching and organisational skills. We stay tuned in, work hands in hands, and make sure their working conditions are the best.

How technical does it get ? How fit should I be ?

  • Skill level 

You should be at ease with skiing on all types of snow. We ski at a good pace all day long. Beware slopes may include short steep sections. Skinning involved will be no more than 45 min to 1 hr per day. We do not expect you to master ski touring techniques. 

 

  • Stamina level

Good physical condition is required, skinning or short ascents on foot will not exceed 45 min/day. You should be prepared to ski all day long at a good pace.

 

Good to know: if you don't have the level required, the guide may 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 ! 

 

Daypack

Bring a small day pack large enough to carry your personal belongings for the day such as extra layers, goggles, your picnic, a few snacks and security equipment.

Ski lifts

Considering the itinerary maybe modified due to mountain and snow conditions, ski lift fares are not included in the price.  They are at your own expense and are to be purchased on site in order to allow for flexibility. Hence in case of bad weather or snow conditions, we can easilier transfer to another spot and do our utmost to find the best conditions. Your guide will advise you on the type of ski lift pass to purchase (6 days of less).

You should budget approx € 200 for a 6 day ski lift pass.

 

Pricing

The price includes

  • Trip logistics & organisation upon arrival
  • Minibus transfers upon arrival at one of the indicated meeting points
  • 5 nights in a hotel on half-board basis
  • Safety & rescue equipment training/reviewing
  • Certified and expert mountain guide services for 6 days (all his expenses are included: meals, accomodation, transportation, ski lift fares)
  • Safety & rescue equipment sets are provided (tracking device, shovel and probe), if you don't have your own gear
  • Harness for glacier use
  • Extra fees for Xmas & New-Year
  • Quality cereal bars 
  • AZIMUT welcome pack

 

The price does not include

  • Transportation to/from the meeting point
  • Ski lift fares
  • Gear rental if required
  • Personal insurance
  • Lunches and all drinks (including those with meals at the hotel) and personal extras
  • Any other expenses not mentioned under the above section “the price includes”

Payment

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. 

Insurance

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

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

Getting around

Azimut's minibus is used throughout the whole trip. Not only does this make the trip easier, but it also makes it more pleasant and open: we can chat, sleep and listen to our own music !

Accommodation & meals

During the trip

Depending on the size of group, you may share a room with someone of the opposite sex.

  • Half board in a 3 star hotel, double room to share, private bathroom and toilets, bed sheets and towels supplied. Depending on the group size, we may use triple rooms.
  • Single supplement: € 140 per person if available
  • Breakfast and dinners are served in the hotel
  • Lunches are open: participants are free to choose where they wish to have lunch. Food is one the highlights of ski trips in Italy and we know all the good trattorias and other small hideouts... Just trust us !
  • Snacks : details are important, especially after such demanding physical effort ! We've chosen to supply tasty, high-quality cereal bars.

 

Before & after ski touring trips

Depending on your itinerary, it may be easier to join the guide at our logistics base in Cervières so that you can use our minibus to get to the starting point of the trip. On request, we can book you an overnight stay before or after your trip at the Lodge Le Petit Cerf, which is our basecamp located exactly at the same place as our agency. 

Telephone and Wifi

In case of emergency or delay, you can either contact your guide (his 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 available at the hotel.

Good mobile & 4G coverage.

Equipment

Make sure you wear bright colours, it's good for the soul and gives photos a funky edge !

 

Technical equipment (all in excellent condition)

  • Freeride skis (or freeride rando skis) with touring bindings
  • Ski skins and ski crampons (aka "couteaux")
  • Poles
  • Ski boots: opt for ski touring boots or freeride boots with good ankle flex and a better range of movement. Regular alpine ski boots will also do the job as climbs are relatively short.
  • Avalanche safety kit: transceiver, shovel and probe (please let us know if you have your own, if not we lend them free of charge)
  • Harness for glacier terrain (if you don't have one, you can borrow one)
  • Daypack: capacity of 30 liters

Security advice: avalanche airbag backpacks are strongly recommended for you safety and security.

They help to stay on the surface in case of avalanche and minimize the risk of burial. Our guides use airbags. 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 gear is relatively new, if not 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):

Full Pack (ski, boots, skins, ski-crampons, poles)

235 €

Skis (skis, skins, poles, ski-crampons) 

210 €

Airbag Backpack

75 €

shoes

68 €

You can choose to rent equipment when booking your trip, or lateron by clicking on “my account”. If any of the equipment 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 materials. Think about them if you need to stock up.
  • Slippers recommended for evening wear. Try charentaises they're really comfortable !

 

Odds & ends

  • a 1 litre flask (Thermos or Camelback)
  • a pocket knife
  • duck tape
  • factor 50 sun cream
  • a duffle bag holding up to 90 litres to leave at the hotel or in the 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. 

In partnership with

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

Official partner and service provider for Terres d'Aventure

 

And last but not least...

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 with us)
  • Bring your “carte vitale” and your European health card (EU member states) - if you don't have one you can order one for free 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
  • Bring a delicacy from your home country or area to share with the group
  • Leave in a good frame of mind: we're going to have a great time even if we may not 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 !

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