Ski Mountaineering Course in the Aosta Valley

Elevation gain/loss: approximately +800 m / -800 m Duration: around 6 hours

Meet in Val de Rhêmes at around 8:00 a.m. at the café of the Granta Parey Hotel.

After meeting the guide, checking equipment, and reviewing the day’s plan, the group will head towards the Sort Valley. This quiet area on the edge of Gran Paradiso National Park offers several route options, making it ideal for adapting the day to the group.

Main objectives:

• Complete a route around Cima di Entrelor, with at least 800 m of ascent.
• Review the use of the avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe.
• Learn how to interpret the avalanche bulletin and identify relevant snow and terrain conditions in the field.
• Improve route-finding, group communication, and decision-making.
• Work on ski technique both uphill and downhill.

After the tour, the group will debrief over a drink and prepare the following day’s plan.

Overnight and dinner at the hotel in the valley.

Elevation gain/loss: approximately +1,100 m / -1,100 m Duration: around 6 hours

The second day usually involves a slightly longer tour, with the aim of reaching close to 3,000 m. Arp Vieille, in the Valgrisenche area, is one possible objective.

Meet in Bonne, Valgrisenche, at 8:00 a.m.

Main objectives:

• Compare the previous day’s planning with the actual terrain and snow conditions.
• Adapt the route when necessary.
• Practice leading sections of the tour, choosing safe and efficient lines for both ascent and descent.
• Take part in a team avalanche rescue exercise.

After the tour, the group will debrief and prepare the route for the final day.

Overnight and dinner at the hotel in the valley.

Elevation gain/loss: approximately +1,200 m / -1,200 m Duration: around 7 hours

For the final day, the group may move closer to the Mont Blanc massif. Depending on conditions and the group’s energy level, possible objectives include Mont Cormet or Testa di Frà.

The focus of the day is to put into practice the skills developed during the course, with an emphasis on route choice, safety, group management, and independent decision-making.

The trip ends with a final debrief and review of the three days, finishing at around 5:00 p.m.

Depending on snow and weather conditions, the guide may decide to use a ski lift for one section of the trip in order to access the most suitable terrain. If needed, allow up to €35 for lift costs.