6 days from 1195 € per participant
Guaranteed departure from 5 people
- Great itineraries in a grandiose and varied landscapes
- Comfortable accommodation, Italian gastronomy and unforgettable hospitality
- Ski on the Monterosa glaciers
- Easy access: direct TGV from Paris to Oulx (Cesana), where we pick you up with our minibus
- No worries: our minibus is used to get around and about during the entire trip, if you have rented gear it'll be delivered on the spot upon your arrival
- No booking fees
We’re not afraid to say it, this really is the best of the best of freeride skiing ! Such an unusual place with slopes that you’ve never seen before will take your breath away ! We ski different mountain sides everyday, skin up, descend and take lifts back up, and stop off at our mate Daniele’s at the Bettaforca pass where we’re treated like Kings...
Our guides know the area like the back of their hand and definitely know where to find the place to make tracks. We often end up in small charming Italian villages where "la dolce vita" is the way of life and the trattoria is waiting for us. A bowl of home-made cannelloni from the mamma (you'll have to finish your plate !), followed by some local sweets and the ristretto to get some strength and off we go again for the last run of the day, below the glaciers and 4000 m peaks, as the sun sets and we are alone in this world. When it snows here, it's like Xmas for the skier, especially when skiing through the woods ! For this trip you will need previous off-piste and freeride skiing experience but it's not necessary to have skinned before: this is a great opportunity to try freerando skiing. There's always a good reason to go to Gressoney ! And of course to come back…
Get together at Briançon or Oulx (TGV) train stations, or directly in Gressoney-Staffal. Meet up with the guide and transfer to Gressoney. Please be wearing your ski outfit upon arrival. We spend the day warming up on the Gressoney mountain side. Security briefing related to off piste and freeride skiing. No stress, today we just get to learn to know each.
Meal included: dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
A cable car ride up and we set off to discover some unique itineraries around Gressoney-Staffal. A panoramic view shows the slopes that we'll be skiing the coming days.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
We take the cable car and tackle a short section (30 min/+ 150 m) with skins up to Passo Zube (2950 m) before venturing down a stunning descent to Alagna, a small picturesque village nestled at the end of the valley. Other freeride itineraries make up this day.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
The cable car and a short uphill section (20 min/ + 100 m) with skins takes us to the Bettolina passo (2905 m) from where we descend to Staffal. A last climb for the today’s main descent brings us to the Salza valley.
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
A long traverse takes us to the old Indren cable car. Then the awesome Balma route takes us to the charming Pastore mountain hut where we have lunch. Other itineraries complete this day.
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
For this last day freeride skiing, we take the cable car up, and continue with an uphill section (40 min /+ 250 m) with our skins that leads us to a descent taking us to Saint Jacques. Other itineraries will complete the day. At approx 3:30 or 4 pm we head back to Oulx or Briançon. End of trip.
Meals included: breakfast
Please note this itinerary is an example of a freeride ski trip in te Gresonney and Monterosa areas. 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.
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.
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.
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 !
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.
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 equipment is relatively new (less than 3 year old) if not brand new, of good quality, adapted to your choice of activity and from the best brands (Black Crows, Fritschi, Arva, Haglöfs, Anena, Glisshop, Scott).
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 € |
Ski Boots | 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 (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
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 !