Heli-skiing weekend in Sestriere - Italy
3 days from 1195 € per participant
Guaranteed departure from 3 people
ITSF06 
Maximum altitude 3000 m
Stamina level : 2 
Direct train from Paris Pros
- 2 helicopter drops are on the menu and will be programmed to ensure the best possible conditions
- The price includes the lending of airbag backpack
- A great off piste expirence with a varied itinirary
- Well placed lodgings with warm welcome and great food
- 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.
In a nutshell
This is an ideal weekend for those who want to go off piste with friends with their partner or with others who share the same passion. The itinerary is flexible and will allow us to make use of the helicopter on the best of the three days. There will of course be two drops on the summits with the helicopter but as well as two days of great off-piste experiences with specifically selected itineraries in and around the Sestrière areas where the off-piste action is at its best. We’ll ski in the forests on the breathtaking slopes and take in the stunning panoramic after all, we are in Italy where there are slopes as far as the eye can see…An ideal spot to satisfy your freeride cravings.
Day to day
Day 1: Warm up
Meet up at the train station in Oulx or Briançon. Meet up with the guide then we’ll head to Sestrière. We’ll spend the first day finding our feet and diving into some descents. There be some exercises on how to use the security equipment. At the end of the afternoon we’ll head to the hotel.
Meals included: dinner
Lodgings included: Hotel
Day 2: Freeride in Pragelato
We’ll have breakfast and head off to the ski station at Pragelato, a real gem far out from the crowds with numerous possibilities in terms of descent. There’ll be explanations of the equipment and a short uphill passage with ski skins in the hivernal silence (duration: 45 minutes to one hour) as there will be the following day.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Lodgings included: Hotel
Day 3: Heliski in the Val d'Argentera
Breakfast and then we’ll head of to the helicopter! The itinerary features two stunning drops; one in the Val d’Argentera and the other on the the pointes Ramière and the Grand Roc or the Val Thuras. The drops will of course depend upon the conditions at the time. The altitude level clocks in at about 3000m. After the helicopter, we’ll head back to the train station at Oulx or Briançon.
Meals included: breakfast
Please note: This itinerary is an example of a heliski trip with Azimut and should only be used as a guide: the weather the conditions on the mountain or the competence of the participants could mean that the guide changes the itinerary, the order of the expeditions or their settings. If the conditions make the helicopter drops impossible, you’ll be reimbursed at a rate of €160 per flight
Meeting and leaving
Meeting points
-
Briançon in front of the Train Station
Meeting time:
Leaving time:
Where do we get together ? Practical information
Please be wearing your ski outfit upon arrival.
We always do our best, but can't guarantee the exact time of arrival at the train station (due to traffic or weather conditions). Therefore we strongly recommend you to buy train tickets that can easily be modified.
Getting there
Train & TGV access: www.voyages-sncf.com
Car access: www.mappy.fr
Car sharing: www.blablacar.fr
Parking
If you come by car, we meet up at one of the indicated meeting points where you can leave your car free of charge for 3 days. We shall let you know where to meet a few days prior to departure, according to conditions.
How technical does it get ? How fit should I be ?
Skill level
You should be at ease skiing on all types of snow. We ski at a good pace all day long. Some slopes may include a few steep sections. We may also do a few short climbs with our skins max. 45 min per day. You do not have to have previous ski touring experience.
Stamina level
Good physical condition is required, we ski approx. 4 to 6 hours per day with gentle climbs on foot or with skins, less than 45 min per day.
Good to know: If you haven't got the level required, the guide will be able to ask you to leave for the well-being of the rest of the group. If any doubt, please do not hesitate to ask us!
Group size
3 to 6 participants
Guiding
AZIMUT certified mountain guide from France
Daypack
Bring a small day pack large enough to carry your personal belongings for the day such as (extra) clothing, a few snacks and security equipment.
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. You should budget approx € 90 for ski lift fares.
Pricing
The price includes
- Trip arrangements & organisation upon arrival
- Minibus transfers upon arrival at one of the indicated meeting points
- 2 nights accommodation (half-board)
- Safety & rescue equipment training/reviewing
- Certified and expert mountain guide services for 3 days (including all his expenses: meals, accommodation, transportation, ski lift fares)
- 2 heli drops
- Avalanche airbag backpack and group's security equipment (transceiver, shovel & probe) are supplied if you don't have your own gear
The price does not include
- Transportation to/from the meeting point
- Ski lift fares
- Lunches, all drinks including those at meals
- Personal extras in the hotel
- Your personal insurance
- 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.
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 !
Accommodation & meals
Hotels and meals during the trip
- Depending on the size of group, you might share a room with someone of the opposite sex
- Accommodation in a 3 star hotel in a double/twin room, with private bathroom and toilets. Bed sheets and towels are supplied. Depending on the number of participants we may use triple rooms.
- Single rooms upon request with a supplement and subject to availability: please contact us
- Breakfast & dinner are served in the hotel's restaurant
- Lunches are free, it's up to the group to choose between the different options and places. Food is one of the highlights on a ski trip in Italy, we know all the good trattorias and hideouts... Just trust us !
Accommodation 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.
Phone, WiFi & Electricity
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.
What should I have in my bag ? Of gear and clothing
Make sure to wear bright colours, it's good for the soul and give photos a funky edge !
Skiing material (all in excellent condition)
- Ski touring skis with appropriate bindings, so you can enjoy skiing on all types of snow - we recommend freeride type skis so you can enjoy descents in powder and skiing on all kinds 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)
- Backpack with 35/40 liter capacity
- Avalanche airbag backpacks are provided
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 expert 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 (skis, boots, skins, poles, ski crampons) |
115 € |
|
Skis (skis, skins, poles, ski crampons) |
95 € |
|
Boots |
40 € |
|
Airbag backpack |
60 € |
|
Helmet |
15 € |
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 good to have with you. You don’t by any means need to have the latest brands nor the latest gear, but if you need to renew your wardrobe, this guide would be a good start.
Headwear
- Warm hat or buff/scarf
- 2 pairs of ski goggles and sunglasses with UV factory 4 protective lenses. Glasses with “transition” lenses adapt to the level of light and are incredibly useful
- Ski 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
- a 1 litre flask (Thermos or Camelback)
- a pocket knife
- duck tape
- factor 50 suncream
- a duffle type bag holding up to 90 litres to leave at the hotel or in a vehicle. No suitcases.
Need to get gear fixed ?
If your gear or even shoes need to be fixed we recommend Yvan Jacques and his “climbing shoe clinic”. You can contact him by email info@clinique-du-chausson.fr or by phone (+ 33) 07 87 96 94 80
Toiletries and first aid kit
- Personal toilet bag
- Basic first aid kit with any medication you usually take as well as: plasters, bandages, disinfectant wipes, a good multivitamin cream, compeed plasters, elastoplast, anti-pain medication (aspro or any equivalent), anti-diarrhea tablets, factor 50 suncream, flagyl and spasfon.
Information about making a first aid kit can be found online on IFREMMONT.
Need new gear ?
If you book a trip with Azimut, you'll get a 10% 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.
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 with us)
- Bring your “carte vitale” and your European health card (EU member states) - if you don't have one you can order one for free 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
- Bring a delicacy from your home country or area to share with the group
- Leave in a good frame of mind: we're going to have a great time even if we may not 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 !