Heli-skiing weekend in Gressoney, Italy

Please be wearing your ski outfit upon arrival.

We always do our best, but can't guarantee the exact time of arrival at the train station (due to traffic or weather conditions). Therefore we strongly recommend you to buy train tickets that can easily be modified. 

Getting there

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

Car access: www.mappy.fr 

Car sharing: www.blablacar.fr

Parking

If you come by car, we meet up at one of the indicated meeting points where you can leave your car free of charge for 3 days. We shall let you know where to meet a few days prior to departure, according to conditions.

Skill level 

You should be at ease skiing on all types of snow. We ski at a good pace all day long. Some slopes may include a few steep sections. We may also do a few short climbs with our skins max. 45 min per day. You do not have to have previous ski touring experience.

Stamina level

Good physical condition is required, we ski approx. 4 to 6 hours per day with gentle climbs on foot or with skins, less than 45 min per day.

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

3 to 6 participants

AZIMUT certified mountain guide from France

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

Considering the itinerary may be modified due to mountain and snow conditions, ski lift fares are not included in the price. The definite day to day itinerary will depend on local conditions. You should budget approx € 90 for ski lift fares.

The price includes

- Trip arrangements & organisation upon arrival

- Minibus transfers upon arrival at one of the indicated meeting points

- 2 nights accommodation (half-board)

- Safety & rescue equipment training/reviewing

- Certified and expert mountain guide services for 3 days (including all his expenses: meals, accommodation, transportation, ski lift fares)

- 2 heli drops

- Avalanche airbag backpack and group's security equipment (transceiver, shovel & probe) are supplied if you don't have your own gear

The price does not include

- Transportation to/from the meeting point 

- Ski lift fares

- Lunches, all drinks including those at meals

- Personal extras in the hotel

- Your personal insurance

- Any other expenses not mentioned under the above section “the 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.

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 !

Hotels and meals during the trip

- Depending on the size of group, you might share a room with someone of the opposite sex

- Accommodation in a 3 star hotel in a double/twin room, with private bathroom and toilets. Bed sheets and towels are supplied. Depending on the number of participants we may use triple rooms.

- Single rooms upon request with a supplement and subject to availability: please contact us

- Breakfast & dinner are served in the hotel's restaurant

- Lunches are free, it's up to the group to choose between the different options and places. Food is one of the highlights on a ski trip in Italy, we know all the good trattorias and hideouts... Just trust us !

Accommodation before & after ski touring trips

Once we've received your booking, we'll provide you with a list of accommodation in case you need to book accommodation before or after the trip. All accommodation on the list is close to the meeting points and you may often benefit from preferential rates.

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.

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

Skiing material (all in excellent condition)

- Ski touring skis with appropriate bindings, so you can enjoy skiing on all types of snow - we recommend freeride type skis so you can enjoy descents in powder and skiing on all kinds 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)

- Backpack with 35/40 liter capacity

- Avalanche airbag backpacks are provided

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 expert 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 that it may be good to have with you. You don’t by any means need to have the latest brands nor the latest gear, but if you need to renew your wardrobe, this guide would be a good start. 

Headwear

- Warm hat or buff/scarf

- 2 pairs of ski goggles and sunglasses with UV factory 4 protective lenses. Glasses with “transition” lenses adapt to the level of light and are incredibly useful

- Ski helmet (highly 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 suncream
• a duffle type bag holding up to 90 litres to leave at the hotel or in a vehicle. No suitcases.

Need to get gear fixed ?

If your gear or even shoes need to be fixed we recommend Yvan Jacques and his “climbing shoe clinic”. You can contact him by email info@clinique-du-chausson.fr or by phone (+ 33) 07 87 96 94 80

Toiletries and first aid kit

- Personal toilet bag

- Basic first aid kit with any medication you usually take as well as: plasters, bandages, disinfectant wipes, a good multivitamin cream, compeed plasters, elastoplast, anti-pain medication (aspro or any equivalent), anti-diarrhea tablets, factor 50 suncream, flagyl and spasfon.

Information about making a first aid kit can be found online on IFREMMONT.

If you book a trip with Azimut, you'll get a 10% discount code on your confirmation page that you can use at our friends Glisshop.

Just go straight to glisshop.com ! Established in 1996, our partner stands as a leader for online winter sports equipment. Based in the centre of the volcanoes of Auvergne (France), they help every passionate skier and powder addict to find the gear they need by offering a huge and unique choice of clothing and gear available throughout Europe.

With close to 250 brands and 10 000 items for sale, Glisshop simply is the ideal partner to equip you from head to toe whathever activity may be your preference.

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

Black Crows

Arva

Fritschi Swiss bindings

Haglöfs

Glisshop

Anena

SCOTT

Terres d'Aventure

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 !