5 days from 1595 € per participant
Guaranteed departure from 3 people
- Ascent of several summits standing at more than 4000 metres high, offering panoramic views over the Swiss and Italian Alps
- A ski touring safari for experienced skiers only
- Small groups
- A progressive itinerary allowing for time to acclimatize
- A new itinerary around the Monterosa
- Easy access on the Paris - Milano TGV, then minibus transfer
- No booking fees
Off we go for a truly sublime journey high up in altitude with breathtaking skiing opportunities starting off at the foot of the Matterhorn on the Italian side, travelling between the Monterosa and the glaciers at Zermatt. You’re guaranteed a taste of high altitude for 5 days long, rubbing your shoulders with 4000 m summits and even climbing up them ! The Monterosa stands right in the heart of the largest concentration of 4000 meter summits in the Alps and offers a stunning panorama over the entire mountain range.
The itinerary is progressive and has been made so that you can gradually get used to the altitude, without stress, allowing time for breaks in mountain huts. Some great skiing awaits you including a breathtaking descent into the Aoste, Gressoney and Zermatt valleys. A one-of-a-kind trip, high up in the mountains in a relaxed and Italian-style welcome, with unforgettable views.
Get together at Briançon or Oulx-Cesana (TGV) train station or directly in Cervinia (Aosta valley).
Meet up with the guide, gear check, safety briefing related to off piste skiing. Once we're all geared and set, a cable car ride takes us up to La Testa Girgia. Warm up with the ascent of the Breithorn (4160 m). Descent to the Val d'Ayas mountain hut.
This is our first day together, we have no major ambitions today besides allowing you time to get to know each other and time for an relatively easy warm up. There'll be plenty of time for heaps of skiing all week long, no worries !
Ascent/descent: +/- 700 m
Meals included: picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: mountain hut
We skin up to the top of the Castor (4228 m). After a long descent we reach the Quintino Sella mountain hut. We take time to review safety and glacier rescue techniques at the hut.
Ascent/descent: + 800 m / - 700 m
Meals included: breakfast, picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: mountain hut
Departure for an West / East outing to the top of the Lyskamm Naso peak. We cross the Felik Glacier and reach the Lys Glacier at the Southern point of the two Lyskamms, begin a diagonal climb on the Western side of the nose until we reach the top of it. From here we keep to the left and climb up the snowy ridge, then climb up another snowy/rocky ridge to reach the summit (4272 m).
Ascent/descent: + 700 m / -800 m
Meals included: breakfast, picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: mountain hut
Very early breakfast and start today: Punta Zumstein and Punta Gnifetti (4563 m) are the possibilities depending on how the group feels. The arrival at the top will take your breath away, not to forget the descent ! Picnic at the Gnifetti hut before go back down on the Swiss side, to the Monterosa hut, and its huge glacier, you may expect awesome skiing !
Ascent/descent: + 1100 m / -1700 m
Meals included: breakfast, picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: mountain hut
Breakfast, then departure for the Jägerhorn (3970 m), a beautiful itinerary offering a panorama over the Northern side of Monterosa, then a long descent to Zermatt where we take the cable cars to get back to Testa Grigia. We finish the trip with a descent on the Southern face of the Matterhorn, our departure point.
At the end of the day, transfer back to Oulx-Cesana and Briançon.
Ascent/descent: + 700 m/ - 2100 m
Meals included: breakfast and picnic
Please note this itinerary is an example of a ski touring trip around the Monterosa. 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 !