Details
Trip Duration
7 days
Mountain Range
Alps
People per Guide
8 people
Trip Level
Sustained
Offer Period
Mar, Apr
Type of Trip
Not specified
When the ski raid season arrives, the mythical traverse between Chamonix and Zermatt is always there. I propose to you a special version of this touring. During this time, we will enjoy above all great ski and the calm of the high mountain. I designed this special route for you to enjoy!
Rather than taking the classic tour, I will take you to beautiful easy couloirs, virgin slopes and uncrowded refuges.
This is the ideal version of the traverse for skiers looking for sensations and authenticity.
During the whole tour, we will privilege the descents. I will guide you through great and varied ski terrain.
Needless to say, the panoramas are breathtaking: between the glaciers and summits, it’s a feast for the eyes!
We will sleep in refuges, including the mythical Grand Saint Bernard.
Does this 7-day tour sound interesting? Then please contact me and let’s start planning. Keep in mind that besides the indicated departures, we can set new dates!
If you are interested, you can also check out this 4-day ski tour in Chamonix!
Price per person
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation
- All meals during trip
- Transport during the trip
- Mountain guide's expenses
What happens if I need to cancel the trip?
If you decide to cancel, you’ll get a 100% refund (minus fees) if the cancellation is notified up to 60 days before the start of the tour, a 75% refund (minus fees) if you cancel between 59 and 30 days before the start of the tour, and a 50% refund if you cancel between 29 and 21 days before the start of the tour. If you cancel less than 21 days before the first day of the tour, you won’t receive a refund.
Take into account, however, that if accommodation, flights or transfers were included in the trip you booked, then a different policy may apply as the guide will be bound by the provider’s cancellation policy.
What happens if the guide cancels the trip because of bad weather/unsuitable conditions?
If bad weather or unsuitable conditions force the guide to cancel the trip, he or she will: a) propose a similar activity at a different place where conditions are better, or b) propose to postpone the activity until a later date, or c) cancel. If you refuse option a), our cancellation policy will apply. Please note, however, that the call to cancel a trip due to bad weather can only be made by the guide (not the client).
What happens if the guide doesn’t show up or cancels for personal reasons?
If the guide cancels for reason of injury or other, you will get a 100% refund on your trip.
Itinerary
-
Day 1:
Saleina refuge
Departure from the Grands Montets cablecar. Descent of the Argentière glacier, then ascent to the Chardonnet pass to reach the unguarded Saleina refuge (2693 m).
D +900/-1300m
-
Day 2:
Fouly
Leaving for the Planereuse pass (3030 m). Descent on the glacier and ascent to the Crête Sèche pass (3024 m), to cross to the Essettes pass (3110 m). A long descent takes us to the Fouly village.
A beautiful mountain stage in wild and alpine corners. A small couloir ascending the Crête Sèche pass and a descent to the magnificent A Neuve refuge. The 1700 m of descent over Fouly are amazing. The village is charming and very Swiss…
D +800/-1800m
-
Day 3:
Grand Saint Bernard
Ascent to the base of Val Ferret to reach the Fenêtre lakes (2495 m) and pass (2695 m). Descent on the Italian side before going up to the Grand Saint Bernard hospice (2460 m).
Quite easy day, and the arrival to the accommodation is superb. On top of it, a very warm welcome.
D +1100/-700m
-
Day 4:
Crête Sèche refuge
Descent of the pass on the Swiss side (2200 m), ascent through the Tcholeire pass to the Menouve south pass (2756 m). Descent to the Eternon village (1280 m). Taxi to the Bionaz village, then ascent to the charming Crête Sèche refuge (2385 m).
A mainly Italian day. The descent of Menouve is very beautiful.
D +1300/-1800m
-
Day 5:
Cabane Chanrion
Acent to the Crête Sèche pass (2896 m). Possible ascent of the Chardonay pass (3183 m). Descent of the north face until the foot of the Ottemma glacier. Short ascent to the Cabane Chanrion (2460 m).
Wild and calm day, with beautiful views over the Valais massif.
D +800/-800m,
-
Day 6:
Pigne d'Arolla - Cabane Vignettes
Ascent of the Pigne d’Arolla (3790 m) by the Serpentine glacier. Descent to the Cabane Vignettes (3160 m). Pigne d’Arolla is a superb belvedere over the entire Valais.
D +1300/-650m
-
Day 7:
Zermatt
Descent to the Charmontane pass (3024 m). Ascent to the Evèque pass (3370 m). Descent to the high Arolla glacier, then ascent to the Mt Brulé pass (3213 m). Traverse to the Valpeline pass (3554 m) by the Tsa de Tsan glacier, to start the long and beautiful descent to Zermatt (1690 m), at the foot of the north face of Matterhorn.
D +1000/-2000m
Other details
Unguarded refuge on day 1, guarded refuges the rest of the trip.
Group size: 5 to 8 people.
If the program is changed, extra transportation is not included in the price.
Level: you need to have good ski touring and all snow ski experience. We may have to go through glacial terrain.
I recommend you to have cancellation insurance. Search and repatriation insurance is mandatory. I propose you to hire insurance through Europ Assistance upon booking the trip with me.
Equipment: skis with ski touring fixations, seal skins, knives, poles, ski boots, 35-40L backpack (ideally freeride, with airbag if possible), AVD, shovel, probe.
I can loan you the safety equipment (AVD, shovel, probe).
If you don't have the necessary equipment, you can rent it with me! Skis (with poles, skins and knifes) €155, boots €65, ski pack (skis, poles, skins, boots) €200, helmet €20, airbag €105, harness €35, crampons €35, ice axe 35, full pack €305.
About the Guide
I enjoy very much discovering and re discovering the most beautiful spots in the world, in the Ecrins mountain range but also all around the planet. With all my joy and my passion, I will share with you unique moments and an amazing journey. From les Ecrins to Chili, from Morocco to Greenland, from Les Gorges du Verdon to Japan, from Italy to Norway… tons of destinations offering all types of mountain activities, different at each season and making me so happy when I can share them with my friends and clients.
In the case you want to join one of the programs I propose and if I'm not available, you'll be going with a colleague of mine, IFMGA certified as well.
What People Say about Stéphane Monari