6 days from 1245 € per participant
Guaranteed departure from 5 people
- A charming and comefortable hotel with double rooms
- Stunning itineraries off the beaten path
- Descover the unspoilt Queyras valley
- Easy access: take the TGV Paris-Milan and get off at Oulx then we'll pick you up in our minibus
- No worries: We use our minibus to take you and your gear wherever you need to go; if you've hired equipment we'll deliver it to you at the start of the trip.
- No extra administrative fees
The Queyras is a breathtaking natural park near the Franco-Italian border in the Southen Alpes. What a lot of people don't know is that, in Winter, it's a snow-trap with monstrous amounts faling from the East. We've even been trapped in a small valley and skied all day, alone on the station.
No fear ! On this week long course, you learn essential freeride ski off piste techniques and benefit from advice and knowledge from our expert guides. Those ill-fated ski lessons you took back in 1985 with the misanthropic instructor who loved smoking his pipe and hitting you with his ski poles when you got it wrong will soon be a distant memory. On this trip you learn good techniques, correct positions, and skiing in all types of snow whilst having a good time and discovering different areas chosen according to conditions by our guide who knows the area like the back of his hand.
As far as ski-lifts are concerned, we'll used the ski skins every day to make the most of the search for the perfect spot. The places we've chosen to stay are homely and known for their warm welcome! A great skiing experience in a relaxed ambience, the best kept secret in the Alpes! Come and join!
We’ll meet you at the train station in Oulx-Cesana (Italy) Briançon, or Montdauphin-Guillestre. Then you’ll meet your guide and be taken to the ski station at Vars-Risoul. This first day is a perfect way to cut your teeth on the slopes and gives the guide a chance to asses everyone’s capabilities. We’ll also go over how to use the safety equipment (avalanche detector, shovel and tracking probe). At the end of the afternoon we’ll head to Abriès where we’ll set up base for the next few days.
Meals included: Diner
Lodgings included: hotel
From the ski-lifts at Abriès we’ll ski up to the crest at Gilly an incredible belvedere that stands between Mont Viso (3841m) and Bric Bouchet. Then, a breathtaking descent to the small hamlet of Valpreveyre (1850m) before climbing back up to reach l’Epiol (2550 m) a stunning summit that boasts a magnificent descent into the forest. After which, we’ll head back to Abriès in the minibus.
Meals included: breakfast, diner
Lodgings included: hotel
We’ll head of to Saint Véran a superb village that’s known for being the highest in Europe (2040m). The day will be entirely devoted to off-piste skiing with the help of the ski-lifts. We’ll work on your skiing technique and try to fit in as many runs as we can in this superb setting. The conditions will dictate where we ski.
Meals included: breakfast, diner
Lodgings included: hotel
The ski lifts at Saint Véran we’ll allow us to reach the peak at Château Renard (2988 m) very easily. After absorbing the breathtaking views we’ll ski off piste, via the valley towards the chapelle des Clouzis (2350 m). After that, a short uphill climb will allow us to reach the col du Longet and if the weather is right we’ll head up to the Pic Traversier which offers a magnificent and accessible descent through the larch forest leading to the valley of Fontgillarde.
Meals included: breakfast, diner
Lodgings included: hotel
We’ll head off to the ski station at Ceillac and from there make our way to Lake St. Anne. From there we’ll head up to the summit of the Tête Girardin (2866 m). Situated between Ubaye and Queyras this is the westernmost point of the mountain and there is a notable change in the landscape under the pic de Font Sancte (3385 m). From there, a descent allows us to reach the vallon du Mélézet and Ceillac. In the afternoon we’ll take those who came by TGV to Oulx-Cesana Montdauphin-Guillestreor as the magnificent trip draws to a close
Meals included: breakfast
Please be wearing your ski outfit upon arrival.
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 and Oulx (both unattended) or in front of our accomodation.
5 to 7 participants
Skiers only. Sorry, no splitboards accepted.
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.
Meet our guides just around the corner.
Skill level *
Accessible to the average skier with no previous freeride (off piste) skiing experience. You be capable of skiing black or red level slopes, course 3 ESF. Does not accept ski beginners, as it is not ski lessons.
Stamina level **
Good physical condition, 4/6 hrs skiing per day, small uphill section on foot or with skins for max 45 min per day.
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 !
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.
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.
The price includes
The price does not include
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 often 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 !
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: € 305 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: to boost your energy we've chosen to provide Mulebar, tasty and great quality organic energy bars, without additives, nor coloring nor conservatives.
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 a night before or after the trip. All accommodation listed is close to the meeting points. You may often benefit from preferential rates.
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.
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) |
215 € |
Skis (skis, skins, poles, ski-crampons) |
175 € |
Shoes |
68 € |
Airbag Backpack |
120 € |
Helmet |
30 € |
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
Toiletries and first aid kit
- Personal toilet bag
- To make up a first aid kit, please find all relevant information on the Ifremmont website.
If you book a trip with Azimut, you'll get a 15% 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:
Official partner and service provider for Terres d'Aventure
Don't forget to
See you on the slopes !
Have great runs with AZIMUT !