We use cookies for your comfort.

Alright then Tell me more

initiation,ski,de,randonnée,tout,compris,avec,un,guide,de,haute,montagne,-,learning,skitouring,in,the,alps,with,a,mountain,guide


Discover ski touring in the French Alps

3 days from 495 € per participant

Guaranteed departure from 5 people

Comfort FRSR326 ALP042 FALPSR26
France Montagne Maximum altitude 3000 m Skill level : 1 Montagne Stamina level : 1 Montagne Direct train from Paris

Pros

  • An ideal trip for first timers
  • You'll be staying at our lodge, where you can spend some great evenings and meet some new people (single room available as an option)
  • This mountain range gets heaps the sun, even in winter
  • Expert mountain guide advice, perfect to progress rapidly

In a nutshell

We’ve thought about it for quite a while, and tried to keep the secret but we just had to share it with you. That’s right, THE place where we love to ski when we have time to kill in spring, when a lunchbreak on the slopes turns out into half a day skiing, we just couldn’t keep it for ourselves, or could we?

So, come with us and discover the breathtaking valleys and mountains of Cervières & the Izoard mountain pass near Briançon, where cyclist congregate in the summer, this is where we have fun in wintertime. This one of the most beautiful valleys, it's steeped in tradition and culture where architecture harks back to old days and fortresses tell of conflicts long settled. This long weekend is ideal for those wishing to discover ski touring in an idyllic and unspoilt surrounding.

 

Our lodge: a cosy simple hotel, nestled in the Col d'Izoard valley, in a wild, unspoilt setting. The lodge is mainly dedicated to skiing and mountain biking, with the workshop and stock of equipment just below, the Azimut agency and all the staff not far away (not far from the bar either). The large room downstairs is perfect for chilling out, having a drink by the fireplace or spending a day relaxing in the lounge areas in the sunshine. The cuisine is simple, as local as possible and delicious. Welcome and service are our obsession: you'll be in good hands, trust us... So much so that going home will seem complicated.

The best thing to do when it's snowing: enjoy a glass of white wine with a platter of charcuterie and cheese on the terrace between the river and the lodge, next to the spruce tree.

Friends, family or just colleagues at work ?

You wish to customize one of our trips, among friends and at your own convenience ? No problem, contact us so we can adapt a trip to suit you, right down to the last detail ! Our trips are tailor-made so giving you what you want is as easy as 123.

  • Price (VAT inc)
  • 565€ per participant

Day to day

Day 1 - Lay of the land

Get together at Briançon train station. Then we head off to Montgenèvre ski resort on the France-Italy border. The day will be spent getting the lay of the land; the guide will teach or go over the necessary safety techniques. If weather permits we take an off piste itinerary to reach our gite in Cervières. We picnic at lunchtime and have dinner at the gîte.

Ascent/descent: + 400/- 400 m

Meals included: picnic and dinner

Accomodation included: gîte

 

Day 2 -  Les Ecrins, amazing views

We have breakfast and then jump into the practice! A nice day of ski touring in Serre-Chevalier Valley, facing the National Park of Les Ecrins and its glacier. You will love it!

Ascent/descent: +/- 800 m

Meals included: breakfast, picnic and dinner

Accomodation included: gîte

  

Day 3 - Cîme Saurel 

After breakfast we go touring in the Piemont valleys on the France-Italy border. There we climb up the Cîme Saurel (2449 m) where we have spectacular views over the Fonts valley and its' traditional hamlets and the entire Sestrières valley. Then there's one last descent to wrap up the trip in a truly memorable way. We head back to the gîte to pick up our luggage and take those who have a train to catch back to the station in Briançon or Oulx.  

Altitude variation: +/- 800m

Meals included: breakfast and picnic 

 

Please note this itinerary is an example of a skitouring discovery weekend with Azimut and should only be used as a guide. The weather conditions on the mountain or participants skills and stamina may require the guide changes the itinerary or inverse the itinerary. We kindly as you to request such decision. We may also have to change accomodation, with the same standard, due logistics and/or availability.

Meeting and leaving

Meeting points

  • Briançon in front of the Train Station

    See on the map

    Meeting time:
    Leaving time:
  • Cervières - in front of our Lodge Le Petit Cerf

    See on the map

    Meeting time: 8:10am
    Leaving time: end of the afternoon

Get together - practical information

Arrival and departure

Please be wearing your ski outfit upon arrival. 

We always do our best, but we can't guarantee the exact time of arrival at the train station (due to traffic or weather conditions). Azimut is not responsible for the loss of transport tickets in the event of delays. Therefore we strongly advise you to buy train tickets that can easily be modified. If you're travelling by car, we'll meet you at the arrival point, or at one of the drop of points where you'll be able to leave your car for the entire trip.

The last day, we try to make it back to Oulx by 5 pm, but we cannot guarantee this.

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 just in front of our accommodation.

Group size

5 to 8 participants

Guiding

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.

Getting around

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 !

Daypack

Bring a small day pack large enough to carry your personal belongings for the day such as (extra) layers, a few snacks, your picnic and security equipment. We strongly recommend that you wear an airbag (we rent some if you need).

Ski lifts

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. For this trip you should budget approx  € .... for ski lift fares.

 

How technical does it get ? How fit should I be ?

  • Skill level

The slopes may have some short steep passages. 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.

  • Stamina level

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. Depending on the chosen itinerary, there may be two outings per day. If you're eager you can continue skiing, if you're tired you can rest and relax.

Good to know: if you don't have the level required, the guide will be able to 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 !

 

Pricing and insurance

Price

The price includes

  • Trip logistics & organisation upon arrival
  • All minibus transfers upon arrival from one of the indicated meeting points
  • 5 nights accommodation on half-board basis and picnics for 6 days
  • Safety & rescue equipment training/reviewing
  • Certified and expert mountain guide services (including all his expenses: meals, accommodation, transportation, ski lift fares)
  • Safety & rescue equipment sets are provided (tracking device, shovel and probe), if you don't have your own gear
  • Harness for glacier use
  • Extra fees for Xmas & New-Year
  • AZIMUT welcome pack

 The price does not include

  • Transportation to/from the meeting point
  • Ski lift fares
  • Gear rental if required
  • Personal insurance
  • Drinks (including those with meals at the hotel), personal extras, and any other expenses not mentioned under the above section “the price includes”

Payment

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. 

Insurance

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

Tipping is no obligation. However participants usually hand round an envelope for those who wish to tip the guide.

 

Accommodation & meals

During the trip

This trip takes place in our Lodge nestled in the village of Cervières at the foot of the Col d'Izoard. You will be looked after by Isabelle and her team, who will offer you an exceptional welcome and a living space where you can spend some quality time in peace and quiet. The food is simple, natural and of high quality, with a choice of good beers and wines. Rental equipment is located under the hotel, and our agency and team are just a stone's throw away. The lodge is made up of "lodge" rooms for a maximum of 3 people with shared WC and showers + hotel-style rooms with WC and shower (single or double room option on request).

Depending on the composition of the group, you may be with someone of the opposite sex. 

Lodge (self-catering) on a half-board basis, shared toilets and showers, bed linen provided, towels provided.
Possibility of sleeping in a hotel room (WC, shower room in room) in the same building as the lodge, subject to availability:
- Hotel single room supplement: €120/person

- Hotel double room supplement: €55/person

Breakfasts and dinners are taken at the lodge, with picnics at lunchtime. Our picnics are made up of quality produce, cold meats, bread, cheese, a bar of chocolate, fruit or dried fruit and seeds.
Depending on the configuration of the group and availability, we may use a triple room.

If the lodge is not available, the trip will take place in a comfortable gîte in the area. 

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.

 

Phone & WiFi

  • 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.

 

Equipment - clothing & gear

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

Skiing material (all in excellent condition)

  • Ski touring skis with appropriate bindings. We recommend freeride type skis so you can enjoy skiing powdery descents and skiing on all types 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)
  • 35 litre backpack

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 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):

Full Pack (ski, boots, skins, ski-crampons, poles)

215 €

Skis (skis, skins, poles, ski-crampons) 

175 €

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 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 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 fabrics. Think about them if you need to stock up.
  • Slippers / Crocs recommended for evening wear.

Odds & ends

  • a 1 litre flask (Thermos or Camelback)
  • a pocket knife
  • duck tape
  • factor 50 sun cream
  • a duffle bag holding up to 110 litres to leave at the hotel or in a vehicle. No suitcases.

Toiletries and first aid kit

  • Personal toilet bag
  • To make up a first aid kit, please find all relevant information on the Ifremmont website. 

In partnership with

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

 

And last but not least...

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 through Azimut)
  • Bring your “carte vitale” and your European health card (EU member states) - if you don't have one you can order one free of charge 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
  • Leave in a good frame of mind: we're going to have a great time even if we 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 !

https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1_BVUKeZ7w9yFh6hlMC0muoESH90