3 days from 595 € per participant
Guaranteed departure from 4 people
- Magnificent panoramas of the Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles Rouges, the Col du Chardonnet and the Vallée Blanche
- Ski touring and freerando trip focusing on long descents with only short uphill sections (use of ski lifts)
- Accommodation in mountain huts selected according to their location, food and hospitality
- A flexible itinerary to adapt to all levels and all weather conditions
- Any gear that you've rented is handed over at the start of the trip
- No booking fees
We’re not going to bother to tell you why you should ski in Chamonix-Mont Blanc, you probably already know that it's the "Mecca of the mountains" if we can put it that way… However we’re quite happy to tell you what freeride skiing is about: it's all about using ski lifts to get up high, often followed by short uphill skinning sections, before tackling descents in truly stunning settings. This really is a trip from which you return not only with a tan, but you will also see things slightly differently. So, just cancel your package deal on the Costa Brava and come and share this unique experience around Mont Blanc with us. Since itineraries are dictated by the weather, this programme is truly flexible ! In fact, it’s not unusual that we end up quite a distance away from where we first started and that’s where the shuttle buses to Chamonix come in really handy, even at the last minute. Brévent, Flégère, Le Tour, Les Grands Montets, l'Aiguille du Midi, la Vallée Blanche… What more should we say ? Nothing, let's just hope conditions are at their best so we can have a great time. We prepare each day's adventures in the cozy mountain huts where we overnight. This truly unique trip strikes a balance between ski touring and freeride skiing, and is ideal for ski tourers wishing to ski in the Mont Blanc mountain range.
Get together at Chamonix train station. We start off at a leisurely pace with a view over the entire Mont Blanc mountain range. Views are breathtaking in and around the Brévent and Flégère ski areas: Combe Lachenal, Combe des Crochues, Col du Brévent ski areas. In the middle of the afternoon we take the Aiguille du Midi cable car and spend the night facing the Mont Blanc in the comfortable Cosmiques mountain hut.
Meals included: picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: mountain hut
We leave the mountain hut on our skis and will be the first setting skis into the famous Vallée Blanche today. From the Combe Maudite we skin up to the Col des Flambeaux (3407 m). Then we descend the Geant glacier belongside the Aiguille Noire with stunning views over the Chamonix needles all the way down. If there’s enough snow, we ski down to Chamonix. Failing that, we catch the Montenvers train and take the public shuttle bus or train to Argentière. We reach the Lognan mountain hut via the Grands Montets ski area.
Ascent/descent: + 400 m / - 2200 m up to - 3000 m depending on conditions
Meals included: breakfast, picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: mountain hut
No need to tell you more about the Grands Montets as this is one of the world’s best known free riding spot. Stunning itineraries on the glacier sometimes reach 2000 m descent ! We take the ski lifts up to descend onto the Glacier d’Argentière. We set off for the Tour Noir mountain pass and descend back into the valley on the Argentière glacier, boasting some stunning views. The trip draws to a close in the afternoon.
Ascent/descent: + 500 m/- 1500 m
Meals included: breakfast and picnic
Please note: in case of any changes in the itinerary due to snow and/or weather conditions, extra costs shall be borne by the participant.
Please note this itinerary is an example of a ski touring and freeride ski trip in the Chamonix valley. 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 the same standards, according to logistics and availabilities.
Please be wearing your ski outfit upon arrival.
The last day, we try to get back to Oulx by 5 pm to catch the TGV, but we cannot guarantee this (weather, traffic). We recommend you to get tickets that can be changed.
Getting there
Parking
Free public parking can be found in Briançon and Oulx (both unattended) or just in front of our accomodation.
The slopes may have some short steep sections. 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.
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.
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 !
5 to 8 participants
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.
Bring a small day pack large enough to carry your personal belongings for the day such as (extra) clothing, your picnic, 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. Budget approximately € 70 for ski lift fares.
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 that is due latest 30 days prior to departure.
We strongly recommend you to be properly insured for the chosen activity, medical expenses, personal accident & liabilité, third party risks and rescue (helicopter), as well as trip cancellation or curtailment.
Insurance related to repatriation and research 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: we can chat, sleep and listen to our own music !
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 not available.
Poor mobile & 4G coverage.
During the trip
Depending on the size of group, you might end up sharing a room with someone of the opposite sex.
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.
Make sure to wear bright colours, it's good for the soul and give photos a funky edge !
Skiing material (all in excellent condition)
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 systematically 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):
Glacier Package (full pack+ice axe+harness+crampons) |
310 € |
Full Pack (ski, boots, skins, ski-crampons, poles) |
215 € |
Skis (skis, skins, poles, ski-crampons) |
175 € |
Airbag Backpack |
120 € |
Helmet |
30 € |
Ice-axe |
30 € |
Crampons |
35 € |
Harness |
30 € |
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 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
Bodywear
Footwear
Odds & ends
Toiletries and first aid kit
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:
We are members of Entreprises du Voyage and APST.
Don't forget to
See you on the slopes !
Have great runs with AZIMUT !