Trip duration
6 days
Trip level
Easy
Max people per guide
8 people
Mountain range
Alps
Best period
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec

Description

This is a great ski touring initiation trip at La Meije backcountry. In fact, the beauty of the Ecrins is the ideal environment to learn. Join me on this trip in La Grave! We will enjoy 6 wonderful days ski touring in the Lautaret area and in other fantastic spots nearby.

You will discover spectacular slopes and grandiose belvederes. Ski touring is indeed the best way to appreciate the mountain in winter. Besides, under a relaxed ambiance, in a cozy accommodation, you will make the best of this first approach to ski touring.

The highlights of this trip are the following:
– A first warming up day in Montgenève, a Franco-Italian resort
– A program designed for beginners
– A very sunny location, even during winter
– My guidance, to help you improve your skills
– Possibility to choose a single room (with an extra charge)
– Easy access with TGV

Are you interested in this ski touring initiation in La Grave? Then send me a request and let’s set a date! In fact, I have many available dates already, but if you are a group and you want to choose a new date or adapt the program, it is also possible!

Itinerary

Day 1	Claviere or Mongenèvre Meeting at the train station in Oulx or Briançon. Transfer by minibus to Claviere (Italy) or Montgenèvre resorts. We will ski in the resort and off piste. I will evaluate your level and teach you safety techniques. We make a first small ascent on skins. It’s an easy going day. Later on, transfer to Villar d’Arêne and La Grave.
Day 2	Le Signal de La Grave We go to Le Signal de La Grave (2446 m) from Ventelon. Incredible panorame of the north face of La Meije, its beautiful glaciers and the freeride resort in La Grave. D +/-850m.
Day 3	Pont de l'Alpe - Aiguillette du Lauzet Short transfer to the Pont de l’Alpe on the other side of the Lautaret pass. Ski touring around the Aiguillette du Lauzet. If you want we can enjoy the Bains du Monêtier nearby at the end of the ski day. D +/-800m.
Day 4	La Grave Depart for the famous cablecar in La Grave. Off piste ski day and discovery of glacier skiing depending on the conditions. La Grave is renowned worldwide as a great freeride spot. We will do the classic itineraries. If the cablecar is closed (before Christmas for example) we will go to another resort.
Day 5	Casset glacier - Davin couloir - Arsine pass We go to the beautiful Casset village, at the foot of the Casset glacier. We ascend in a regular slope through the forest towards the Casset glacier and the mythical Davin couloir. Leaving the forest, the scenery is breathtaking: peaks and glaciers surround us. We reach the Arsine pass (2340 m) surrounded by a mountain cirque that reminds of the Himalayas. A great descent follows. D +/-800m.
Day 6	Termier - Tête de Colombe Short transfer to ski at the foot of the Termier towers (3078 m) and the Tête de Colombe (3022 m). Incredible views of the Grand Galibier. D +/-900m.

Price per person

Group of 5	795EUR
Group of 6	795EUR
Group of 7	795EUR
Group of 8	795EUR

Price includes

Guiding fee
Accommodation
All meals during trip
Transport during the trip
Mountain guide's expenses

Other details

Meeting point	At the train station in Oulx or Briançon.
Accommodation	Half board in lodge (towels not included). It's possible to sleep in a hotel room in the same building if there is availability, with an extra charge (140€ single room, 120€ double room). Calculate around 70€ for the lifts, which are not included in the price. 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.
More info	Group size: 5 to 8 people. The price varies between 795€ and 865€ depending on the dates, please contact me for more details. Level: for people that never practiced ski touring but with a red/black piste level in alpine ski. I will teach you techniques for ski touring, safety and use of safety equipment. To carry: a light bag with what you need for the day and a picnic. Equipment: skis with ski touring fixations, seal skins, poles, ski boots, 35L backpack (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) €150, boots €65, ski pack (skis, poles, skins, boots) €195, helmet €20, airbag 60€.
Disclaimer	This is an example of ski touring initiation in the Ecrins and La Grave. The weather and snow conditions, as well as the level of the participants, may make me modify the program or the order of the itinerary. IMPORTANT: if you are joining a group, please be aware that I need a minimum of participants to guarantee the departure. You’ll be notified the latest 21 days before the starting date in case I need to cancel because of a lack of participants. Your money will then be transferred back. This trip is organized by “AZIMUT” - Atout France IM005120010