Ski Summits
Glacial Ski Ascent High in the Swiss Valais Alps
Late in the ski season. The valleys have turned to spring and the winter snow pack is stabilising. This is the time for the ski mountaineer to head high in to the mountains. By using the efficiency of ski touring travel with some of the skills of mountaineering we are able to combine the double pleasures of a journey and a summit. We are in the realms of true ski mountaineering country where both the efforts involved and rewards gained are high. The setting for this course is the Western Alps with Chamonix as a base and an aim to ski in the French, Swiss and Italian Alps throughout an action packed week.
Course Aims
- Ski some classic summits (ideally including three 4000m peaks) in the Chamonix Valley & Swiss / Italian Alps according to conditions.
- Spend a couple of nights in mountain huts allowing early starts for longer summit days
- Improve your ski mountaineering skills
- Meet up with like minded ski mountaineers
Sample Itinerary - Flexible according to weather, conditions and group aims
- Day 0. Arrive in Chamonix, sort equipment.
- Day 1. Meet early for equipment check, introduction to the week ahead and set off for a day of ski mountaineering and training in the Chamonix Valley. This is an opportunity to refine your equipment and receive some training to prepare you for the week ahead. We will aim to complete a good ski tour in the process.
- Day 2. Approach a mountain hut in the Italian Valle d'Aoste as a base for skiing the Gran Paradiso (4061m) next day. Time for further training or a run down the Glacier de Toule on the way.
- Day 3. Ski the Gran Paradiso and return to Valsavarenche / Valle d'Aoste. Return for overnight in Chamonix.
- Day 4. Drive east into the Swiss Rhone Valley and the famous resort of Saas Fee. Take the high 'Metro Alalin' lift and ski the Allalinhorn (4027m). Overnight at the Brittania Hut,
- Day 5. Early start to ski The Strahlhorn (4190m). Ski back to Saas Fee and return to Chamonix to celebrate a great weeks ski mountaineering.
Fitness, ski & mountaineering experience pre-requirements:
A good general fitness is required to complete some of the longer summit days (an ability to comfortably maintain an ascent rate of 300m/hr on skins for up to 5 hours). Effective off-piste skiing ability is required. This involves being able to make linked short radius turns in a variety of steep off-piste snow conditions up to the off-piste equivalent of black runs. Some ski touring experience is also required so if you don't have this check out our introduction to ski touring course. Some mountaineering experience with ice axe and crampons would be useful but not essential.
2012 Dates
5 Days, 16-20 April, Monday - Friday Inclusive Places Available
Course Cost
£655
Minimum group size 3, maximum 4
What’s included in the Price?
- 5 full days ski mountaineering with an International Mountain Guide (IFMGA)
- Loan of transceiver, shovel, probe, crampons, ice axe and any other mountaineering equipment required
- Travel from Chamonix to ski venues during course
What’s not included?
- Accommodation. We recommend that you stay at the Hotel Chaumiere in Chamonix. If this is full or you would like an alternative style of accommodation please see our recommended list for places to stay in Chamonix.
- Mountain huts & lift passes, for you and the guides. Allow about 50 euros per night half board accommodation and about 40 euros for 2-3 days for lift passes. The guides expenses are split between the group members and are discounted in huts and on lifts. Often the base way to deal with these expenses is to make a communal group 'kitty'.
- Food and drink during the course
- Ski equipment. Check the kit list below
Course Notes
- Please note that the detailed kit list, given via the link below must be followed and all hire kit including boots, skis, skins, ski crampons, poles, transeiver, shovel, probe must be hired in advance or arranged in advance with us.
Ski Mountaineering Kit List
Please use this list in a modular form according to what type of ski mountaineering you are doing e.g non glacial tours may not require harness, ice screws etc. Aim to 'pack light' and ski with a small, light pack as mu... more>
- Please note that we can provide this course for small groups or individuals on a private basis. Please contact us to discuss dates.
Making a Booking & More Details
For more details on our terms & conditions, to fill in a booking form and make a payment, please visit our booking page via the link below:
Contact
We are always delighted to hear from past, current and future clients so whether you have a booking enquiry, want a conditions report, or some mountaineering advice please do get in touch.
In the meantime, Good climbing / skiing ! Rob.
High Mountain Guides
Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France
Mobile: + 33 (0) 670 819 250
Tel: + 33 (0) 450 53 56 08
Email contact via the form below
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