mont-blanc-chamonix-freetouring-ski-trip

Private guided

Ski touring

lvl. 3
Tailor made
Hotel
Day & muti-day hikes
Réf : E289
6 days from 2890 € Ask for a quote

Our trip

  • A flexible and adaptive trip mixed of off-piste ski and ski-touring.

  • Four nights in a cosy hotel at Chamonix close by to the lifts.

  • The Vallée Blanche after a night at the famous Cosmiques refuge.

  • All lifts included in the package.

During this trip, You will enjoy the most beautiful free-ride descents of the Mont Blanc range and several other spots near Chamonix for ski-touring. It is a unique ski experience in the heart of the Mont-Blanc massif, while putting the emphasis on the descent by taking advantage of the lifts. Moreover, you get 4 full days to enjoy the ski areas of the Chamonix valley and some magnifiecent high mountain stations accesible from it. 2 main goals of this trip are: Refine your off-piste ski skills and learn about ski-touring in spectacular natural setting. And to top it all off, a two-day descent of the mythical Vallée Blanche on an original and sporty itinerary.

A journey to suit you
A tailor-made trip that suits you It's all your choices! Your adventure specialist is here to create your own specific adventure, based on your desires and budget. He will guide you through the different options of itinerary, accommodation, transportation, activities... and design for you the trip you've been dreaming of!

Proposal of service and estimated budget

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Itinerary

Level 3: An average of 5 to 6 hours of ski touring per day and/or 500 to 1000 meters of vertical gain. For good skiers in all snow conditions with a first back-country skiing experience, skiing with a 6 to 8 kg backpack. Some technical passages on slopes sometimes exceeding 30 °.
Ski touring : alpine ski touring (or backcountry ski touring) combines the fun of downhill skiing with the rewarding effort of hiking. Whether on your first tour, skiing high-altitude peak, or skinning across a glacier, the excursions we organize provide everyone the chance to discover this strenuous yet exhilarating winter sport.
Duration : 6 days
Luggage transfers : Your main bag stay at the hotel
Lodging : Hotel
Guiding : French, english speaking, mountain guide (UIMGA certified)
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : From January to the beginning of April

Day by day

Itinerary suggestion to be customized to your preferences and budget.
Day 1

Welcome in Chamonix !

Lodging : hotel.
Arrive in Chamonix, a very typical and historical town in the Alps. Settle into your comfortable hotel, stroll through Chamonix's quaint cobblestone streets, and relax before embarking on what will be a truly amazing adventures.
Day 2

Warm up in the Chamonix valley

6 hrs of skiing.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Meet at 9 a.m. at your hotel with your guide. This first day is a gentle way to (re)discover the activity. We take the lifts to reach one of the Chamonix valley ski areas (chosen by your guide according to conditions) to do some off-slopes and normal slopes, to get you back in the ski zone!
Day 3

Les Grands Montets

6 hrs of skiing.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch. Meals not included : dinner.

Day trip starts from the Grands Montets ski area. We take the ski lifts up to the summit of Bochard / La herse, from where we ski to the Col des Grands Montets. We're at the gateway to one of the most beautiful glacier valleys in the Alps, that too of the Argentière, dominated by some of the best-known north faces in the massif! Descend to Chamonix.

Day 4

La Flégère or Brévent - Aiguille du Midi - Cosmiques hut

6 hrs of skiing.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Early departure for the La Flégère ski area to the top of the Index (2,385 m). We let ourselves slide to leave the ski area and afterwards, try to climb up to reach Lac Blanc (2,352 m) in the heart of the Aiguilles-Rouges nature reserve. Our first goal of the day is to climb till the Col des Dards (2,790 m). After a break to watch the exceptional panoramic views of the glaciers of the Mont Blanc massif, we begin a beautiful descent to La Flégère or Chamonix, depending on the snow conditions.In the afternoon, we cross the Chamonix valley to take the famous Aiguille du Midi cable car up to the starting point of the Vallée Blanche itinerary. We make our last effort to reach the Cosmiques refuge (3,580 m).

NB: if the Cosmiques hut is unavailable or weather conditions are problematic, you can stay at the Torino hut (3,371 m) or spend an extra night in Chamonix.

Day 5

Vallée Blanche day

6 hrs of skiing.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Early departure to avoid the crowds of other off-slope skiers to experience an original and more "intimate" crossing through the famous Vallée Blanche. It is going to be an uforgettable crossing of the glacier of Géant towards the italian side of the massif.
After this we put on our ski skins to climb until the Col des Flambeaux (3,407 m) and reach till the Combe de la Vierge. This site, protected from the sunlight, often has very good snow to enjoy some fine powder turns during descent. We catch up the classic route to continue this unique descent through the heart of the highest peaks in the Alps!

PS: To ensure the safety of the group, this program may be modified by the guide depending on the level of the participants and the weather conditions.
Day 6

Outward journey

Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.

Enjoy your last breakfast before checking out. Take the time to explore Chamonix before heading off.

The active times are given as an indication and may vary depending on several elements (eg. weather conditions, terrain, etc.). Transfer times may also vary depending on road and traffic conditions. If necessary (eg: weather conditions, decision of local authorities, etc.), we may also be required to adapt the program for the smooth running of your trip and in the interest of the participants.

Estimated budget

Hotel

Hotel

Local guide
The final price of your customized trip will depend on your departure dates, the number of participants, selected services, and any specific arrangements requested. It will be detailed in your quote.

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

The price includes:

  • Professional IFMGA certified guides from 2 to 6 participants.
  • Accommodations: 1 night in mountain huts,4 nights in a 3-star hotel.
  • All meals as described: breakfasts, lunches, dinners.
  • All lift tickets required.
  • Transfers in the Chamonix valley to access the ski lifts.
  • Collective equipment specific to the tour.
  • Loan of a pair of crampons and a harness on glacial terrain.
  • Loan of a safety kit (avalanche transceiver/shovel/probe).
  • Office support.
  • A welcome drink.

The price does not include:

  • Transportation to the meeting point at the start of the trip and from the point where the trip officially ends.
  • Dinners in Chamonix on day 1 and day 3.
  • Ski touring equipment (can be rent in Chamonix with us).
  • Showers in any huts that charge a fee.
  • Drinks, tips, and personal expenses.
  • Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
  • Anything that is not specified in the "included in the price" list.

Currencies

France is part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.
Exchange rate

 

Access

Access

This trip starts and ends in Chamonix Mont-Blanc. The nearest airport for this trip is Geneva Airport. It takes about 1h15 to drive to the center of Chamonix.

If you are flying into Geneva, the easiest way to get to Chamonix is to use an airport transfer service.
We can book this transfer for you, just ask our specialists. Depending on your preferences, we can arrange a transfer by private or shared taxi. Please let us know your flight schedule so that we can organize your transfer as early as possible and in the most suitable time slot.

We have decided not to include the transfer from Geneva to Chamonix (round trip) to give you the greatest possible flexibility on your arrival and departure times (day and night arrival possible).

During your trip

Our team

One IFMGA French, english speaking, guide for up to 6 people from day 2 to day 5 (after dinner).

Transfers

We will use the local buses to access the different lifts.

On day 4 evening we will catch the lift of Aiguilles du Midi to reach the Cosmiques Hut.

Lodging

-  Four nights at the Hotel Faucigny (or similar) in Chamonix center.

The Hotel with decorations and warm spaces of scandinavian inspiration create an unique atmosphere.

After a long day on the skis, enjoy and relax at the Spa. What could be better than coming down from your room in a bathrobe, basking in the large jacuzzi and warming up in the sauna after a hard day on the slopes. Get rid of any niggling aches and pains from skiing!

-  Day 4: You will stay at the Cosmiques Hut, in a shared dormitory. Sleeping bag liner is essential to bring along. Beware, there is often no running water in winter, especially at that altitude because the springs are frozen. You will need to buy the mineral water or hot water for meals and bottled water. Plan your budget accordingly.

NB: if you are arriving the day before or wish to extend your stay, we can book one or more nights for you, ask your specialist.

Meals

Our goal is to ensure that you eat well-balanced meals suited for the effort required each day, and to lighten your pack load as much as possible.
- Breakfasts are prepared by your accommodations.
- Dinners will be take either in Cosmiques hut and in restaurants in Chamonix (exept in day 1 and day 3, giving you the choice of the restaurant!)
- Lunches are pack-lunches either prepared by your guide.

Luggage transfer

Your luggage will remain at the Chamonix hotel overnight.

On day 4 and day 5, you pack a few personal items to spend the night at the Cosmiques hut. The rest of your belongings can be stored at the hotel.

Group composition

You'll be sharing your stay with English-speaking people of many different nationalities: British, American, Australian and many more. Get ready for a truly multicultural experience!

What you need to know

Be prepared for the weather:
The weather in mountains can change very quickly. the weather forecast is quite accurate for the next 3 upcoming days, but not that much further. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoon when the weather is hot, they are very located and show up very quickly. Wake up earlier in the morning when the weather forecast announces it, you will have crossed the high pass before it starts. Passes and ridge are not safe is the case of thunder. Take advice from your host the day before.

Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, but people and wildlife also rely on this environment.

Here are some simple tips:

- pick up any litter along the trail.
- burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source.
- drink tap water instead of mineral water as plastic bottles are an unnecessary waste.
- stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora.
- ensure all rubbish is packed and bring them back down to the villages.

Insurance :
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc. Please ask us for advice.

Final tips!
- To ensure that you have the best time possible, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment.
- Respect privacy when taking photographs.
- Your attempts at speaking some French or Italian will open hearts and break the ice!
- Protect the natural environment, see above.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 3

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking least once per week (around 15km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (250m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity for 1 to 1.5hrs.

Gear list

To make the most of a day in the mountains, there are 3 essential criteria to consider when choosing what to pack.
  • Warmth,
  • Have something to drink,
  • Have something to eat.Basic equipment

Basic equipment:

  • Ski touring with skins (our guides recommend skis 85 to 95 mm at the base and 5 to 10 cm below your waist. They recommend lightweight "low-tech" bindings with ski stops rather than leashes.)
  • A pair of ski touring boots with removable inner liner and Vibram soles.
  • Poles with wide washers
  • Lightweight ski touring or mountaineering helmet
  • A pair of mountaineering crampons
  • Category 4 glacier goggles
  • Technical ski socks or touring socks, depending on whether you're cold or not
  • Lightweight gore-tex pants with zipped vents
  • Cap
  • Thermal undershirt, preferably merino wool, which never smells, even after several days' use
  • Down jacket with hood
  • Gore tex windbreaker with hood
  • A pair of thin gloves
  • A pair of warm, waterproof mittens
  • Your personal first-aid kit.
  • An overnight sheet (prefer silk, which is more compact), only for the night at Cosmiques.
  • A change of clothes for the evening
  • Earplugs
  • Phone and camera charger
  • Headlamp

Your day bag:

  • 40L bag for hanging up skis.
  • Leave enough room to remove layers on the way up.
  • DVA/shovel/probe/survival blanket
  • Water bottle or 1.5 L bottle (water pouch/pipette not recommended, risk of freezing).
  • Thermos jug
  • Ski knives to fit bindings
  • Cash and papers in zip-lock bag
  • Pocket knife
  • Sun cream
  • Picnic and running gear
Mont Blanc Experience provides:

If you don't have any or your equipment is old, Mont Blanc Experience can lend you the following equipment. Don't forget to let us know what you need when you register!

  • Avalanche rescue kit, mandatory for all ski touring outings. It consists of an avalanche transceiver, a shovel and a probe.

Equipment rental:

If you don't have your own equipment, you can ask our expert to book it for you:

  • Touring skis, skins, knives and poles
  • Ski touring boots
  • Helmet
  • A pair of mountaineering crampons
  • Harness

Please specify your height, weight and shoe size.


Note : keep in mind that the weight of your day pack shouldn't be over 12kg.

Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Mont Blanc Experience keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation.

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.