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Vanoise Ski Tour

The Vanoise Ski Tour makes a circuit of the largest National Park in the Alps and is well known for its abundant wildlife and excellent ski touring terrain, served by a comfortable network of huts. We make a circular tour of the massif, exploring wild valleys and high glacier terrain on this week long classic French ski tour.

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Trip overview

This is a popular classic ski tour in the French Alps, starting in the famous Trois Vallees ski area and covering an excellent variety of terrain along the way. It is a very ‘ski focussed’ week, linking up summits and passes to ski the best descents in the region. Expect plenty of glacier skiing and some roped climbing on a few key passages along the tour. Stable snow conditions are required to complete the whole itinerary, but ski touring is possible in the area in most weather conditions.

Suitability

This is an intermediate level trip . To take part you should be at Fitness Level 3 and Tech Level 3 (see our Fitness/Experience guidelines below). You need  previous multi day hut touring experience   in order to join this tour. As this is a multi day tour, if you haven’t skied with us before, then we may ask for a reference to confirm your experience/ski ability for the trip. The week includes 5-7 hour days with 600-1300m of climb a day, so you can expect to be skinning for 3-5 hours a day.  Type of ascent: some uplift on day 1 , then 100% skinning on this tour – approx 5600m skinning up, 6200m skiing down.

Guiding ratio

One IFMGA guide skiing with 6 clients.

Included in price

• 6 days of guiding
• All guides expenses
• 2 nights accommodation in Brides-les-Bains, including breakfast
• 5 nights accommodation in mountain huts, including breakfast and evening meal

Excluded from price (see factsheet for extra cost estimates)

• Evening meals in Brides-les-Bains
• Cable cars and taxis
• Lunches and drinks
• Travel to resort
• Equipment hire

Our base and meeting point is the Hotel La Belvedere in the alpine village of Brides-les-Bains . The Belvedere is a friendly place, well set up for skiers and close to shops and services in town. Rooms are provided on a twin (or occasionally triple) sharing basis, but if you wish to book a single room please let us know and we will confirm availability. The hotel has ski and general storage facilities, so any extra luggage can be left until your return to resort at the end of the week. Evening meals can be taken in nearby restaurants. Hotel details can be found on our Accommodation page.

For overnights in the high mountains we will use mountain huts. For more info please read the Using Alpine Huts article which provides an overview of typical facilities, average costs to help you budget for lunches/drinks, and general info on hut etiquette. Also, our  Ski Touring FAQs  page answers some of the most common questions we are asked about multi day ski touring and logistics etc.

ABTOT Protected

This trip is protected by ABTOT – Alpine Guides Ltd, Membership Number 5394.  For further information, please visit our Financial Protection  page.

Detailed Itinerary

You should arrange outward travel on Saturday, arriving by 6-7pm latest in time for the briefing at your accommodation. Your guide will run through kit checks and safety routines , as well as hand out any rental equipment, before going on to discuss the current weather and mountain conditions and how these affect our plans. We’ll have maps and guidebooks of the area to show you, so if you’ve any further questions or last minute requests, then this is the ideal time to bring them up. Overnight in the valley.

Val Thorens to Roc de la Peche Hut

A day with more down than up! The tour starts in the Trois Vallees ski area, so we take a taxi from Brides-les-Bains up to Val Thorens and ski through the system to the Col de Thorens, where we set off into the backcountry.  First we skin up across the glacier to the Col de Gebroulaz, which opens up a long glacier descent down to the Peclet Polset Hut and a final schuss further down the valley to the Roc de la Peche Hut (the hut can also be reached from Pralognan if the weather is unsettled).

Lift skiing to start, then 300m ascent, 1500m descent ~5-6hrs.

Roc de la Peche to Dent Parrachée Hut

A big skinning day!  We start with a long, 1000m skin up to the Col d’Aussois, which gives a nice spring snow descent to the Fond d’Aussois Hut.  From here, we then skin up and across the hillside to the traditional and welcoming Dent Parrachée Hut.

1200m ascent, 600m descent ~5-6hrs.

Dent Parrachée to Arpont Hut

Day 3 starts with another long skin, up to the Col de Labby, which often requires crampons on the final steep part.  We then enjoy a brilliant north facing glacier descent, before traversing around to the Arpont Hut via a series of ups and downs.  The hut has recently been refurbished and makes a comfortable base for the next two nights.

900m ascent, 1100m descent ~5-6hrs.

Day Tour from Arpont Hut

Today we make a fantastic day tour up to the Dome des Nants, high on the Vanoise glacier plateau.  This provides us with a big day of glacier skiing and extensive views across the national park.  Second night at the Arpont hut.

1260m ascent and descent ~6hrs

Arpont Hut to Col de la Vanoise Hut.

Another big day traversing the Glaciers de la Vanoise!  We start with a long ascent of the Dome de Chasseforet, which at 3586m marks the high point along the route.  A big, complex descent then follows – skiing northwards past the Dome des Sonnailles to the Col du Pelve and Col du Dard, before finally heading steeply down to the Col de la Vanoise Hut where we spend the night.

1300m ascent, 1100m descent ~6-7hrs

Col de la Vanoise Hut to Pralognan

On the final day we either ski up to the Col de la Grand Casse or the Col de L’Arcelin, before make a big final descent down to Pralognan to finish the week on a high.

600m ascent, 1650m descent ~4-5hrs

PM Taxi or bus back to Brides-les-Bains. Final night in the hotel.

Return travel should be arranged on Saturday morning, after your final nights accommodation.

Location and Travel

Your meeting point for the tour is Brides-les-Bains, close to the popular Trois Vallees ski area in the French Alps. The most convenient way to reach Brides is to fly to Geneva Airport, then take a transfer bus to Brides-les-Bains. Return travel should be arranged on Saturday after your final nights accommodation.

Flights and transfers

• You need to book a flight to Geneva Airport, arriving no later than 16.00 on Saturday (as the final transfer bus to Brides leaves at 18.15).  Similarly, for your return flight home you need to book a flight leaving Geneva after 10.00am on Saturday. Several flights are available from the Uk – check Skyscanner for your best options.
• There are 4 transfer buses to Brides-les-Bains each Saturday, the last one leaving at 18.15 – (2hr journey, ~£100 return). Book tickets on the Bensbus  website – https://www.bensbus.co.uk/
• Four Saturday return buses run from Brides-les-Bains back to Geneva Airport, starting at 6.00am (2hr journey).

Alternatively, hire a car from any airport – driving times to Brides are 2hrs from Geneva, Lyon or Grenoble airports.  NB you   must hire a car with winter tyres or snow chains  – as you will be driving high mountain roads in winter, where special equipment is compulsory.

Other travel options

• Driving from the UK, take the ferry or Eurotunnel to Calais/Dunkerque, then 9-11 hours driving on the French Autoroutes (budget approx 90 Euros each way in tolls).
• Eurostar train from the UK to Moutiers (17km from Brides-les-Bains), then local bus up to Brides.

Further information and travel links can be found on our  Travel Planning  page.

Fitness and Experience

To enjoy this trip you should be comfortable operating at Fitness Level 3, and  Ski Tech Level 3:

Fitness Level 3 You do 3-4 hours cv training/sport per week . At this level you are happy doing a 5-6 hr hillwalk, 40-50ml cycle or 3-4hr mountain bike ride without being totally exhausted. If you are into challenges – then the thought of doing a road sportive, or training to do a 1/2 (or maybe even a full) marathon, wouldn’t seem too ridiculous. On foot: you should be able to do the full Langdale Horseshoe: Langdale – Pike of Stickle – Angle Tarn – Bow Fell – Crinkle Crags – Pike of Blisco – Langdale in a day without finishing up exhausted. On skis : you can skin uphill at 300-400m/hr for 3-4 hrs a day (ie 8-1200m of ascent each day). Tech Level 3 Confirmed Off Piste Skier . You can put down a reasonable set of tracks in powder, but difficult snow types – eg heavy wet snow, crusts, poor visibility or 40dg slopes – can all cause problems (though you can cope with them safely, if not elegantly!) *Equivalent to Ski Club of GB Off Piste Level: Purple – Advanced* Likely to say : ‘I’d like to handle difficult snow/steep slopes more confidently in better style’ Our Advice : Off piste coaching still useful. Intermediate off piste weeks are at your level too. If you want to get into ski touring, try a touring course or intro level ski tour. If you’re an established ski mountaineer, then intermediate level tours are generally suitable.

To view all of our Ski Fitness Levels and Off Piste Technical Levels, please visit our Ski Ability page.

If you need to top up your fitness for this trip, please see our Ski Touring Training Advice page.

Hut to Hut Touring Equipment List

Just remember, every extra kilo on your back knocks 10% off your enjoyment on the descents – so try and keep the weight down!

Technical Clothing

• Waterproof Jacket – preferably lightweight and breathable
• Overtrousers/ski pants – preferably with side zips
• Fleece mid layer – or equivalent
• Socks – specialist ski socks or a warm loop lined pair of mountain socks
• Wicking thermal top – not cotton please…
• Thermal leggings or ski pants
• Thin inner gloves
• Warm ski gloves or mittens, if you suffer from cold hands
• Spare fleece /lightweight duvet jacket

Personal Items

• Water container – at least 1 litre
• Personal medications and blister kit – regular meds, zinc oxide tape, compeed and painkillers etc
• Lightweight head torch
• Ski goggles
• Sun glasses – CE rated 3 or 4 with side protection
• Sun and lip cream – factor 30+
• Wallet, passport, Alpine Club/BMC card (hut discount) and insurance docs

Hut Overnight Items

• Small wash kit
• Spare lightweight t-shirt/socks/pants
• Silk sheet liner
• (Hut slippers for indoor use, blankets/duvets and pillows are provided by the huts)

Technical Equipment

• Rucsac 35/45l – try and avoid ones covered in too many features, just ski and ice axe attachments required
• Ski mountaineering boots
• Skis with touring bindings – some ‘freeride’ bindings are also suitable
• Ski strap – to keep skis together on your rucksack if we need to carry them
• Ski poles – with good size 5cm+ baskets (telescopic poles are not needed)
• Climbing skins – they come with the skis if you hire your kit
• Harscheisen (ski crampons) – they come with the skis if you hire your kit
• Metal snow shovel – must be a full metal shovel (plastic blades don’t work in real avalanche debris!)
• Avalanche probe
• Avalanche transceiver – must be a modern digital model (older analogue models are now obsolete)
• Harness , with 120cm sling and locking karabiner
• Crampons – lightweight model
• Ice Axe – lightweight model
• Ski helmet – a lightweight helmet is recommended for off piste skiing

Your guide will have all other safety kit, first aid and survival equipment.

Recommendations and Advice Visit the Knowledge Base section of our website, where we publish an annual review of the years best new skis, boots and touring equipment, plus a range of other interesting tips and recommendations. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch!

Purchasing Equipment Backcountry UK in Otley offer an excellent ski touring boot fitting service, one of the best ranges of ski mountaineering equipment in the UK and top notch advice.

Hiring Equipment Please visit our Equipment Hire page for recommended hire shops in your resort, and Alpine Guides hire equipment price list (safety equipment is provided free of charge on certain courses – please consult price inclusions).

For this trip you must have specialist travel insurance providing medical, emergency search/rescue and repatriation cover for off piste skiing and ski touring, as outlined in the trip itinerary. We also strongly recommend that you purchase cancellation cover , in case you’re unable to attend your trip due to personal circumstances or injury. Please arrange your insurance as soon as your trip is confirmed to run.

Further details can be found on our insurance info page.

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Ski touring Vanoise Haute Route

Level 1: You have never practiced.

Level 2: You have some initial experience.

Level 3: You practice occasionally.

Level 4: You practice regularly.

Level 5: You have a sustained practice.

• General information
• Private booking
• Further information

In the spirit of the Haute Route Chamonix-Zermatt, we offer you the chance to embark on roaming ski crossings through exceptional landscapes, ensuring a deep immersion in high mountains and a complete change of scenery. Nestled in the heart of the Savoie region, between the Isère and Drac rivers, and home to some of the finest ski resorts in the Tarentaise region, lies the vast mountain range that houses the very first French National Park: the Vanoise Park. Here, you can ski within a well-preserved wildlife sanctuary and revel in the extraordinary mountain landscapes it offers. With its terrain perfectly suited for ski touring and a network of highly comfortable mountain huts, this ski-touring adventure truly embodies alpine perfection.

The Vanoise Haute Route is only possible for private groups.

A private booking is the historical relationship that binds a guide to his/her client. It allows you to be alone, or in a constituted group, with your guide that meets your specific needs. It is undoubtedly the ideal formula to realize your projects because it guarantees you a maximum of comfort. You are free to choose your departure date (depending on the availability of the huts) and the itinerary can be adjusted, according to your specific expectations

Dates : On request, depending on the availability of the refuges From mid-March to April

Prices 2024 : 2 people : 2335€ per person 3 people : 1710€ per person 4 people : 1395€ per person 5 people : 1210€ per person 6 people : 1085€ per person Included in the package: - IFMGA English speaking mountain guiding service - half-board in mountain huts (dinner, breakfast and night) - ski lift access as per programme - transfers as per programme - rental of full safety kit (avalanche transceiver/DVA, shovel, probe)   Not included in the package : - take out lunches and daily snacks, you can buy it in huts - personal drinks in huts and other personal expenses (we recommend you bring Euros and Swiss Francs) - cost of getting to meeting point and cost of getting back to Chamonix - personal technical equipment  

In this section, find all the information about this activity. To prepare your trip effectively, refer to the guides’ tips . They share their expertise and recommendations, ensuring you have a great experience.

Meeting point : On Day 1, in Moutier, train station. Your guide will precise you the timetable

Physical level : For people participating in regular endurance activities. Vertical ascent of up to 1300m per day. Seven to eight hours of exercise per day. Backpack includes mountaineering equipment (crampons and ice axe). Carrying skis. Altitudes of under 4000m.

Technical level :  For advanced ski tourers . Varied slopes, a few technical sections (slopes up to 35º). Solid technique in all snow conditions. Mastery of basic mountaineering techniques (walking with crampons and ice axe) and kick turns.

Guiding policy : Maximum 6 people per guide. 

Accommodation : Half-board in huts. Before & after the trip: We have some hotel partners in Chamonix with special prices for our customers.

Documentation : Participants must have mountain sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance when you sign up. Participants must also take valid ID with them.  

Documents available for download

• Information sheet
• Guides' tips
• Conditions of sale
• Client rights
• Insurance contract

We recommend you to pay particular attention to the choice of your equipment. It contributes greatly to the success of your stay. Weight is decisive: you always have to evaluate the ratio weight/comfort, to find the best compromise. 

Equipment  - Comfortable frameless rucksack of 35l on which you could fix your skis & ice-axe, - Ski touring skis & shoes, rentable - Adhesive climbing skins & ski knifes adapted to your skis, rentable - A pair of poles with large discs, rentable - A security pack including harness, DVA, shovel & probe - this pack will be lend by your guide. - A pair of light crampons & an ice-axe. rentable   Clothing - Waterproof and windproof, non-insulated parka with hood (Gore-tex or equivalent), rentable - Waterproof and windproof, non-insulated pants, rentable - Thick polar-pile fleece jacket or equivalent, - A light down jacket, - 1 long-sleeve shirt, - Medium weight thermal underwear (top + bottoms, silk or polypro, double as pyjamas), - Warm ski socks, - Warm ski hat and light sun hat with brim, - Warm ski gloves or mittens, - A pair of thiner/finer gloves (in leather or fleece), - Neck protection, - Spare thermal underwear (for sleeping and change).   Accessories - High-altitude sunglasses (grade 4 is recommended), - A pair of goggles, - 1.5L water bottle, - An isotherm bottle, - A mini toilet bag including: sun block for face and lips, aspirin, elastoplast, 2nd skin kit, earplug, toilet paper, - A headlamp with spare batteries, - A cotton or silk sleeping sheet: compulsory in every hut. - Hut provide blankets, slippers or clogs - A plastic bag containing your ID card & Euros for extras.

Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Sanglard Sports , Ravanel & Co &  Concept Pro Shop Our Equipment Partners : Millet , Dynastar , Julbo , Grivel & Monnet  

Moutiers - Refuge Peclet Polset  Transfer by local bus from Moutiers to Val Thorens (1 hour). From Val Thorens, we ride the lift to get to Thorens Pass (3 114 m). After putting our ski-touring skins on, we skin up to Gébroulaz Pass (3 434 m), and enjoy a superb run down the Gébroulaz glacier. We continue towards Lac Blanc and Peclet Polset hut, which was entirely rebuilt recently. Vertical ascent: 320m / Vertical descent: 960m  

Refuge Peclet Polset - Refuge de la Dent Parrachée  Several options can be approached to get to Parrachée Hut. The guide will select the route most adapted to snow conditions and group progression. Two possibilities: Brèche de la Croix de la Rue (2 883 m) or Aussois mountain Pass (2 916 m). We ski close to the Fond d’Aussois hut and we skin up to the cosy Parrachée mountain hut (2 511 m). Vertical ascent: 630m / Vertical descent: 600m  

Refuge de la Dent Parrachée - Refuge de l'Arpont Our day begins with a beautiful tour up Labby glacier to reach Labby pass (3 328 m). Once at the foot of Dent Parrachée we ski down Mahure glacier, and above Arpont lake, to arrive to the Arpont hut (2 309 m), with its typical stone roof. Vertical ascent: 820m / Vertical descent: 1020m  

Refuge de l'Arpont - Refuge Félix Faure We ski tour up to Dôme de Chasseforêt (3 586 m), part of the Vanoise Dômes group. We traverse to the Sonailles Dôme (3 361 m), then to the Pelve pass (2 992 m), and put our skins back on our skis to get to the Dard pass (3 135 m).   A beautiful ski run down Roche Ferran glacier takes us to the Vanoise pass and Félix Faure mountain hut (2 516 m) Vertical ascent: 1420m / Vertical descent: 1220m  

Refuge Félix Faure - Champagny le Haut The Grande Casse mountain pass and glacier allows us to reach the Grande Casse North face (3 855 m). We admire the dramatic looking Couloir des Italiens. We take an easier route to ski to the valley and the hamlet of Champagny le Haut (1 470 m), followed by a taxi ride to Moutiers. Vertical ascent: 580m / Vertical descent: 1630m  

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CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 59 kg . Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity

CO2 emitted per person for this activity & journey(s) = 0 kg In order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology , today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually. , or 5.9€ The price for a ton of CO2 is currently 100€ in the European Union to offset.

Find out more about our zero impact strategy .

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• Essential Information

The Vanoise national park is in the Tarentaise Valley. It is the largest national park in the French Alps and is bordered by several large ski resorts, Les Trois Vallées, Tignes, Val-d'Isère, Les Arcs, La Plagne. It extends onwards to the Gran Paradiso National Park on the Italian side of the border and together, these two parks cover over 1,250 km².

The Vanoise is probably one of the most beautiful areas of wilderness in Europe accessible to ski tourers. Six days of intensive and highly rewarding ski-mountaineering crammed with big ascents and 'out-there' descents plus at least one night in one of the most stunning huts in the Alps! This tour is the jewel in the crown of the Vanoise area and is ideal for experienced ski tourers and mountaineers looking for a challenging yet highly rewarding week.

Day Itinerary

We meet for our first evening in Brides-les-Bains which is a little less than two hours by road from with Geneva airport. There will be a welcome meeting and briefing with your Mountain Tracks guide at 7pm in the hotel.

Brides-les-Bains will give us access into the huge Trois Vallées ski area and we start the tour by taking the long Olympic gondola direct from Brides to Meribel. We ski through the Trois Valley system to the Col de Thorens (3100m). From the col we begin a relatively short skin to the Col de Gebroulaz (3417m). From here a long north facing descent down the Glacier du Gebroulaz takes us past the Refuge de Péclet Polset (2450m) and on to the Refuge du Roc de la Pêche (1880m). Here we stay the night.

Today the route begins with a relatively long ascent to the Col de la Aussois (2914m). Then a long but fairly gentle descent takes us past the Refuge du Fond d'Aussois and a short skin up to the Dent Parrachée Refuge (2516m). This is a rustic hut with great food and atmosphere.

Leaving the Dent Parrachée Refuge we ascend in a northerly direction to the Glacier de Labby, and on to the high and exposed Col de Labby (3324m). Sometimes it is necessary to climb the last steep section with crampons.  On the other side is the Glacier de la Mahure. This long and exciting descent leads down and around a shoulder past the Lac de Arpont (2600m) and on to the Refuge l'Arpont (2310m)

Today we ascend steeply on to the Glacier de Vanoise leading to the Dome de Chasseforet (3586m), this is a relatively long skin of up to 4 hours. From the top, an exciting North facing descent leads to the Col de Pelve and Point Ouest du mont Pelve (3000m). We ascend with our skins to the Col du Dard (3170m) before crossing to another glacial plateau. Finally we descend steeply to the Col de Vanoise and the Refuge Col de la Vanoise (2500m)

Heading east down the valley from the Felix Faure we arrive at the Torrent de la Leisse (2099m). We ascend on skins to the Refuge de la Leisse (2487m) and on to the steep Col de Pierre Blanche (2842m). Switching to downhill again we travel east finishing at the beautiful and remote Femma Refuge (2352m) where we spend the night.

Today we head to Val d’Isère north east via Pointe de la Sana (3463m) and the Col des Barmes de Lours (3077m) or east via Pointe de Mean Martin (3300m). These peaks forming the backdrop to the Val d’Isère ski area give long and exciting descents. The final run along the Manchet valley into the bustle of Val d’Isère feels like a final homecoming after a long voyage.

We return to Bride Les Bains by public transport or private taxi for our last night.

Depart after breakfast

The price includes:

• 6 days with IFMGA guide
• all guide's fees & expenses
• 2 nights B&B hotel accommodation
• 5 nights half-board accommodation in mountain huts 

The price does not include:

• lunches and beverages
• personal insurance
• hire of ski equipment
• local transfers and uplift costs
• travel to/from Brides Les Bains
• 2 evening meals

*Single rooms subject to availability and supplement.

We proudly offer our returning customers and the Ski Club of Great Britain members a discount.

The promotion is valid for qualifying bookings made before the end of October 2024 using the discount codes provided at the checkout.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

Your Financial Protection ATOL £2.50 per person of the cost of any air package is paid to the Civil Aviation Authority to provide ATOL Protection to you. This means the money paid for these arrangements is fully protected. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2911. For more information see our booking terms and conditions. ABTOT ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in Holiday Information. Ski Club Winter Arrangements limited (trading as Mountain Tracks) Registered in England No. 2099115. VAT No. GB 461 5692 34

We accept the following payment methods

This is an extensive list of the recommended clothing and equipment you will need if you are coming to one of our Ski Tours.

During the tour you will be staying most nights in catered high mountain huts and will need to carry all the equipment and clothing you require for the duration of the tour. The huts are comfortable but basic with limited facilities. 

Any clothing or other items not required on the tour can be left in a travel bag at your first hotel ready for your return on the final night.

We recommend keeping the weight of your pack as light as possible. If you are new to alpine multi-day ski touring, try taking your pack out on the slopes before the tour to see how it feels. You quickly realise the benefit of ‘skiing light’.

If you are uncertain or need further information, don't hesitate to contact us.

When choosing clothing for ski touring you want to think light, warm and versatile. During the trip weather conditions will change and you’re likely to go from warm afternoons where you’ll be carrying most of your gear in your rucksack, to icy-cold mornings when you’re wearing everything to keep warm! Getting hold of the best and lightest kit available is always worth it and most of the major brands will be able to supply a suitable kit.

This season, we’ve partnered with Ortovox to provide us with the very best safety kit and clothing. Our guides will all be decked out in the latest Ortovox jackets and trousers and will keep warm, dry and comfortable thanks to their technical wool base- and mid-layers. Our guides couldn’t recommend their kit more highly.

• Roll neck rather than a scarf. We use and recommend the ‘Buff¹ ¬ a light, stretchable tube. Excellent despite the name! They do both a fleece/cotton version for warmth or just a cotton one (to keep the sun off).
• Headwear to include warm hat and sun-cap or wide-brim hat for extra protection from the sun. Mountain Tracks fully supports the wearing of helmets for skiing, although not mandatory for any of our trips we do recommend them.
• An outer shell jacket made of waterproof and breathable material like Gore-Tex or similar with a built-in hood. The lighter the better and so a shell is recommended rather than an insulated jacket.
• 1-2 thin fleeces - rather than a thick layer between your skin and the outer shell - an approach which gives better heat retention and good flexibility. These tops are known as ‘mid layers’. The principle of ‘layering’ e.g. allowing you to easily add/remove layers depending on the temperature and the activity is recommended to ensure comfort on the mountain.
• Insulation layer like a down or Primaloft jacket is a good item to have ready to wear in the event of cold weather, it can live in your rucksack as a spare layer and can come in very handy for sudden changes in the weather.
• For the lower half it’s essential that you have a pair of thermal base layer pants (long johns).
• These can then be combined with either:
• (a) a good pair of ‘technical shell’ pants in a waterproof and breathable fabric like Gore-Tex (b) a pair of mountain or alpine pants in a softshell material together with a pair of lightweight, breathable over trousers with long side zips.
• Top and bottom underwear made of a synthetic, wicking material. Very popular at the moment are the wool based layers from companies such as Ortovox . They are comfy, breathable and warm when needed and can be worn for days without your friends catching a whiff!
• Good quality Gore-Tex gloves or mitts and a thin pair of softshell or fleece gloves for when it is hot and for ski touring in. Silk inner gloves can be useful if the weather is cold and you suffer from cold hands.
• Technical Socks - Investing in good quality ski socks will improve fit, warmth and feel when skiing for long periods. Bring along a few pairs.

For all touring trips it is essential you ski with an all-mountain/freeride type skis, ski touring boots and ski touring bindings. If you have your own skis but they do not have ski touring bindings then you will need to rent skis. The same applies if you have downhill ski boots, you will need to rent ski touring boots. Skis

This winter our lead guides are using Elan skis . Praised by magazine testers and professional skiers alike for its unique blend of lightweight performance, the Ripstick 96 is proven to be the ultimate freeride ski in all snow conditions. The Ripstick 106 is the ultimate freeride ski for any terrain. From boundary line to the base lodge, peak to the parking lot, and trailhead to tailgate this ski excels in all conditions. The new Ripstick Tour 94 is designed on a wider platform, enabling the skier to float better, ski faster, and turn easier in backcountry conditions.

It is built to blend high performance at a low weight, for the perfect mix of freeride downhill performance and efficient ascending capability. With Ripstick Tour 94, the confidence to conquer long ascents and charge challenging descents is the name of the game.

There are many ‘all-mountain/freeride’ skis to choose from and we also recommend skis from Salomon, Dynastar, Movement, Black Crows, Trab Skis, Scott and Volkl.  Look for a ski that is the right size for your height, typically the tip of the ski should be somewhere around your nose height.  As for the width of the ski or “side cut” a mid-fat ski – 90-110mm under the foot is a good place to start; this offers plenty of flotation off-piste while remaining suitable for day tours and they should also handle reasonably well on piste and mixed terrain.

Elan Skis: www.elanskis.com

Dynastar Skis:  www.dynastar.com

Movement Skis: www.movementskis.com                                        

Black Crows Skis: www.blackcrows-skis.com/

Trab Skis: www.skitrab.com/en-us/

Scott Skis: http://www.scott-sports.com

Volkl Skis: http://www.voelkl.com

There are plenty of other great skis to choose from so if you’re planning on buying skis for ski touring or general skiing and have any questions do not hesitate to call us, or Lockwoods, to discuss the options available.

If you are planning on buying skis for ski touring and general skiing and have any questions do not hesitate to call us to discuss the options available to you. Boots

It is essential that you have ski touring boots for these trips as walking uphill is much more comfortable in these types of boots with a walk mode and great flex; a dedicated touring boot or a hybrid hike & ride boot is best. 

Our guides are using ROXA boots. They recommend R3 ski boots , the lightest high-performance alpine ski boot in its class. The 110 TI is geared for big mountain chargers who may use “Tech” and/or Alpine bindings and often hike or skin to find their lines . The RX Tours is targeted toward skiers who prefer to blaze their own trail and leave the lift lines behind.

Scarpa has led the way in touring boots for many years but they have been joined by other manufacturers like Dynafit, Salomon, Scott, Black Diamond, Dalbello and K2; all producing their own versions of ski touring boot.

• Scarpa’s Freedom boots are their Hybrid offerings, with great ski performance, a walk mode and Vibram sole. Their Maestrale (men’s) and Gea (women’s) boots are also highly recommended. • The Scott Celeste and Cosmo boots have stood the test of time and are good all-around choices. • Salomon’s Quest Max series offer boots with a walk mode in various flex’s with good downhill performance. • Dynafit offer the Mercury or Vulcan boots plus a range of lightweight options like the TLT6. The best of the rest are: Fischer - Transalp Black Diamond – Quadrant and Factor K2 – Pinnacle boot Dalbello – Lupo or Sherpa Langue – XT series offer a ski boot with a walk mode in various flex options Boot Liners These days many manufacturers offer ‘thermo-fit¹ liners as standard equipment. You may also want to consider a custom liner as these are heated and molded to your foot and boot for a perfect fit. They can make all the difference especially if you have trouble finding really comfortable ‘off-the-shelf’ boots. Zipfit liners are a great option for anyone seeking total customisation in fit and comfort. They will replace the original liner. Custom Footbeds Essential kit – to provide additional comfort and ski control. If you want to get footbeds made or a pair of new boots fitted then we suggest you visit somewhere like Profeet for a professional fitting. Don’t forget if you have footbeds in your downhill boots but need to rent touring boots then you can bring the footbeds with you and put them in the hire boots. Bindings For all ski touring trips ski touring bindings are essential. Fritschi and Marker both make excellent ski-touring bindings and you have a few different options to choose from. Many more people are seeing the advantage of the “pin” binding system now offered by a number of manufacturers as these are light and offer ever-improving security despite their minimalist looks!

It’s essential you have ski touring bindings on your skis. Although Pin bindings have been around since the Dynafit Low Tech bindings over 30 years ago since their patent expired the technology has advanced substantially. Salomon, with their Shift Binding, are at the forefront; they’re ‘multi norm compatible’ so fit a selection of boots and are lighter than most freeride bindings. Our lead guides are using the Shift binding this winter, so if you’d like to know more about them give Lockwoods a ring. Ski Poles We recommend telescopic poles. They must have wide powder baskets (4-5 inches/100-120mm diameter) otherwise you’ll be up to your armpits on the ascents. Go for an alloy rather than carbon poles which are lighter but have a nasty habit of snapping near the basket due to ski edge nicks. Rucksack For most ski tours especially multi-day hut-to-hut tours you will need a 35 - 40 litre rucksack . You might get away with a big 30 liter pack if you are an experienced ski tourer and know what to pack. Most people will find a 35-40 liter pack is a good size for touring. Key features of a good ski touring pack:

• a method of attaching your skis in either an A-frame (one either side) or both together on a diagonal ski carriage
• easy access into the main compartment without having to empty the sack to get something at the bottom
• separate pocket for avalanche shovel, handle and probe
• small top pocket for items like wallet, sunglassed/goggles etc; an ice axe loop
• built-in rain cover and a secure method of attaching/stowing a ski helmet 
• good hip/waist belt and adjustable shoulder straps

Ortovox Haute Route 40 rucksack will be a good choice for ski touring trips. 

Avalanche airbag rucksacks can be used for touring but they are heavy, adding somewhere between 5-8kg just for an empty pack plus canister. So unless you are sure you can carry it and fit all you need in, we do not recommend you use one. 

Over a long multiday tour, every gram of weight is important as you have to carry and move it yourself. Carrying a heavy pack will hinder and tire all but the most experienced and fit ski tourer.

• Ski Skins – these are skins which, now made of artificial fabric, stick to the bottom of your skis and allow you to walk up hill. They must be cut to fit your skis exactly, so if you are bringing your own skis you must provide your own skins.
• Ski Crampons (aka couteaux) - most ski touring bindings have ski crampons specifically designed for the binding. We always carry these just in case. Again if you are bringing your skis and touring bindings you must provide your own ski crampons. 
• Ice Axe - general lightweight mountaineering / alpine pick. Ideally this needs to be short enough to fit in your pack.
• Boot Crampons - ideally lightweight aluminum ones although steel crampons are required for more demanding tours
• Climbing Harness - a simple lightweight harness. The key feature is that it should have fully adjustable leg loops for putting on over ski boots, crampons, etc.
• Helmet - Some people choose to ski tour with a helmet, this is up to you. If you bring a Normal ski helmet they are heavy to carry. Many manufacturers now have lightweight ski touring helmets that work well.

The “Safety Trilogy” - required on all our ski tours and off-piste courses.

• Avalanche Transceiver/Beacon
• Snow shovel
• Avalanche probe

We recommend Simple and intuitive ORTOVOX AVALANCHE RESCUE KIT 3+ 

Remember it is not enough just to carry this equipment; you have to know how to use it. 

How about joining one of our specialist avalanche courses – check out  www.mountaintracks.co.uk/activity/avalanche-training

• Good pair of ski goggles with a lens for low light is essential in the event of snow and poor visibility
• Good quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection
• 35 – 40 liter rucksack
• 1 – 1.5 Liter water bottle – we don’t recommend hydration systems (e.g. camelbak) in winter as they can freeze.
• Food – bring some of your favorite hill nibbles (chocolate, energy bars)*
• Suncream and lip salve
• Camera with a large capacity memory card!
• Money – most hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but not all the alpine huts do. You should allow about 30-40 Swiss Francs or 20-30 Euros per day for lunch and drinks (amount approximate and depends on consumption)
• Lightweight sleeping bag liner – now compulsory in most huts.
• Wash kit with small personal first aid items – should include:
• Toothbrush and paste - a mini one is ideal
• Anti-bacterial hand cleaner
• Wet wipes – essential to try to maintain hygiene
• Tissues and toilet roll
• Plasters – of various sizes and possibly some adhesive wound dressings.
• Pain Killers – aspirin or Paracetamol/Nurofen
• Antiseptic cream or wipes
• Blister kit – compeed and elastic tape to hold it in place (essential)!
• (Note: Guides will have comprehensive first aid kits and are qualified in mountain first aid)
• Small light quick dry towel e.g. a Lifeventure Soft fiber towel
• Most huts have limited washing facilities
• Earplugs – it can get quite noisy!
• Headtorch - lightweight and carry spare batteries.
• Book, pack of cards and or Ipod/MP3 player – It’s nice to have something to read or listen to when you are in the huts or to challenge your fellow travelers to a game of card. These items are not essential but if you have space you might appreciate them.

Food and Water We suggest you bring with you or buy in resort snack food that you can take out on the hill with you each day. Things like cereal bars, dried fruit and nuts, chocolate, sugary sweets or your favorite hill snacks. When you’re staying overnight in huts its best to take supplies for the days you are away. Huts do sell food but it’s expensive and sometimes stocks run low. If you have any food allergies or dietary requirements especially if you are a Coeliac (Gluten free) or have a dairy allergy we strongly recommend you bring some food with you that you can supplement your dinners with. The huts are fairly good at providing for vegetarians but less so for other dietary needs. You have to buy bottled water in the huts as usually any running water is non-potable. Bottled water is expensive in French and Swiss huts; you can be paying upto 12-16CHF per 1.5L bottle of water. So please ensure you budget for this cost.

• Ski Touring - Hiring Most resorts have ski shops that hire ski equipment and we try to provide relevant contact details for all our courses and tours. Prices do change by resort/country, but here’s an approximate guide to hire costs for 6-days hire: Touring Skis plus skins and ski crampons €150-180 Touring boots €80-90  Boot Crampons €45-50 Ice Axe €30-40 Harness €20-30 Helmet €20-30 Transceiver/shovel/probe €75-80 Our guides also generally have additional sets of safety equipment (transceiver/shovel/probe) which they hire out to clients for €65 for 6 days hire. Must be booked in advance.

Vanoise National Park

Map of vanoise national park.

It is a condition of booking that you are insured for your chosen activity and the cover must include medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, third party risks and rescue (including helicopter rescue). You are strongly advised also to take out cover against cancellation and curtailment.

For UK residents Ski Club Travel Insurance may be a suitable option.

For more details and to purchase a policy online visit http://www.skiclubinsurance.co.uk/ If you need assistance arranging your personal insurance please let us know.  

The nearest airports are Geneva and Lyon (both 3 hour transfer times). For transfers to Bride Les Bains from the airport we recommend using Bens Bus. For information on their transfers click on http://www.bensbus.co.uk/ski-transfer/brides-les-bains-ski-transfers/ The Eurostar train has a direct service to Moutiers from where you could get the local public bus or a taxi to Bride Les Bains.

From 2024, travellers heading into the Schengen Area under a British passport will be required to complete an Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) clearance before travelling

The ETIAS pre-clearance system is similar to systems already in place in the USA and Canada (the ESTA and eTA systems, respectively). It serves to enhance security by checking the details of those wishing to travel to the Schengen Area before they arrive.

All persons travelling under a British passport, or a passport of another country where entry is permitted into the Schengen Area without a visa, need to complete the ETIAS process. If you hold an EU or Schengen Area passport or hold a valid EU or Schengen Area visa, you do not need to complete the ETIAS process.

An ETIAS will cost a 7EUR processing fee, although this is waived for those under the age of 18 or over the age of 70. ETIASs will be valid for a period of three years from application, provided your passport remains valid during this period; a new passport will require a new ETIAS.

What will I be asked on the ETIAS application form?

As a pre-screening check, the ETIAS online application form will ask for basic personal details to establish your identity.

This will include:

• Valid passport / Travel document information
• Current address
• Citizenship status
• Preferred gender
• Dual citizenship status
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Date of birth
• Final destination member state
• Educational background
• Occupational background

During the ETIAS application or appeal process, you may be asked about your:

• Criminal history
• Past incarceration
• Felon status
• Past European travel
• Health history

How much does it cost to submit an ETIAS application form?

The ETIAS application process requires an application fee of 7 (EUR) euros. Payment is required to complete the application process. ETIAS will only accept electronic payments from your debit or credit card.

Once payment is completed, most applicants will receive approval within minutes. An approved ETIAS visa waiver will be valid for three consecutive years upon issuance.

Apply for ETIAS approval  to ensure you can include your favourite European destinations in your travel plans.

More information on the ETIAS system is still to be confirmed by ETIAS authorities, including when and how applications will be accepted. We have provided this handy FAQ on the ETIAS system to help you understand how to navigate the ETIAS system when it goes live. 

Useful links: https://www.skiclub.co.uk/etias-information

https://etias.com/

All our ski tours are led by our team of IFMGA Mountain Guides. The team is led by Olly Allen, Matt Dickinson and Nick Parks. 

You will spend the first and last nights in a hotel in Brides Les Bains and 5 nights in comfortable traditional mountain refuges where you are provided with substantial breakfasts and evening meals. 

• 6 days ski touring with IFMGA Mountain Guides
• Guided on a maximum 1:6 ratio
• Wild and beautiful National Park

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Skills & Stamina

Skill level.

Off-Piste Coaching 

Our Introductory level is suitable for people who can ski red and black pistes in resorts without problems and you can deal with moguls and some ice. You will be new to off-piste skiing or maybe have dabbled a little on the sides of the piste or even attended a previous off-piste specific course. You would like to ski powder snow with confidence and learn to link turns off-piste in a variety of terrain as well as being able to control your speed and adjust your turn radius.

Ski Touring

Introductory level ski touring trips are appropriate for people looking for their first touring experience. The pace is relaxed and typically we skin for 2-4hrs per day so ascents are about 500 - 800m vertical. You need to be a reasonable off-piste skier (at our Off-Piste Development level), able to link controlled parallel turns in powder snow and ski through trees in control. You need to be prepared to hike short sections on foot carrying your skis on your rucksack (though you won’t need any specific mountaineering knowledge, so crampons and an ice axe are usually not required).

Off-Piste Coaching and Adventure  For our Intermediate graded off-piste ski courses and trips you will have at least a couple of weeks off-piste skiing experience and /or received some previous instructions on an off-piste specific course. You can link 10-12 turns together in reasonable control, speed and style, following the fall line in most conditions. If you’re looking to improve your technique in deeper snow and steeper slopes then our Off-Piste Coaching Development trips are for you. These are instructor-led courses.

If you want to get some miles under your skis then look at our Off-Piste Adventure Intermediate trips which are led by our team of Mountain Guides. On the Adventure courses you can expect to hike or ski tour short distances to get to better snow and terrain, although no  previous ski touring experience is required.

These tours will involve around 3-5hrs of skinning per day, achieving around 800 – 1000m of vertical ascent. We would expect you to be able skin to a pace of 300m of vertical ascent per hour. You need to be able to execute good uphill kick turns on steeper slopes and have some familiarity with use of crampons and ice axe. You need to be a reasonably strong off-piste skier able to deal with a variety of snow conditions (powder, crust, slush) and able to ski on steeper and narrower slopes with the requisite ability and confidence for exposed sections.

For our Advanced Off-Piste Coaching courses you should be an excellent piste skier and have many years experience of skiing off-piste. You should be able to ski off-piste in most conditions linking controlled parallel turns, ski bumpy terrain, trees, narrow gullies and enjoy pushing yourself to achieve new things. Your skiing should be reasonably fluid and autonomous i.e. you can already adapt your turn radius and speed to the terrain and snow conditions off-piste. This course will focus on the technical and tactical skills to ski steep terrain, jump turns and line choice as well as refreshing your avalanche skills and mountain safety. The mission is for your skiing to become more dynamic and reactive!

You are an experienced and confident off-piste skier able to handle most snow types and conditions, you can ski steep slopes (30 degrees+) and make short turns in gullies and ski through trees. These skills have been learned over a number of years of skiing off-piste with mountain guides or experienced groups of friends. You are happy to ski tour to access descents and better snow, so you will have previously used ski touring equipment and can do effective and safe uphill kick turns. You aspire to ski the best snow available and are happy to push yourself to reach the best snow and terrain.

Advanced-level tours are for experienced ski tourers who’ve previously completed another hut-to-hut trip or multiple day tours. A large proportion of the terrain may be steep and exposed; thus confidence in your uphill kick turns on 35+ degree slopes is a must, as is your ability to ski slopes of 40 degrees. You will be a strong, fluid off-piste skier able to handle all conditions. You will be confident of using crampons and an ice axe and happy scrambling/climbing on snow and rock on short climbs to summits, and in gullies to gain a col.

You can ski fluidly and autonomously on all terrain. You often ski couloirs and gullies and seek out steep slopes and you can jump turn in narrow couloirs and have experience of abseiling and sideslipping on steep terrain. You can ski fast with fluid ‘freeride’ style turns and can jump off small rocks and ski trees with no fear or problems. You are happy to ski tour and hike to reach the best snow and terrain and you should have some basic knowledge of using crampons and ice axe. Your aims are to push your skills and challenge yourself further.

Expert level ski tours are pure ski mountaineering journeys in the high mountains. You must be confident skiing steep exposed terrain and ski touring for at least 5 hours per day with long ascents. You will be expected to climb on your feet carrying your skis on your pack to summit mountains above 4000m in altitude. You must be completely confident with your crampon placement and use of an ice axe and you will have some basic rope skills and be happy walking along exposed ridges on mixed terrain to gain the summits of peaks.

Stamina Level

• Level 1 You are fit enough to ski all day with only short stops for food and drink. You can ski off-piste all day without being too tired at the end of the day; you can ski in this way for multiple days on your holiday. You can also hike or ski tour for around 2 hours per day. You’re used to doing cardiovascular exercise 3 to 4 times a week (bike, run, gym) to maintain your fitness, and you’re able to push yourself if needed for short periods of time at a higher rate than usual.

You can ski all day comfortably off-piste with only short stops for food and drink, you can do this for multiple days on your holiday. If necessary you can ski tour for around 1-2 hrs up hill plus your happy to do a few short hikes to access good snow with your skis on your shoulder or rucksack. Your stamina and endurance fitness is good and you work hard to maintain a good level of fitness. You will be exercising 3-4 times a week and also at the weekend; thus running a half marathon, doing a 50 mile cycle ride, 3-4 hours on a mountain bike or a full day’s hill walk would all prove possible with this stamina level.

You can ski all day comfortably and will be expected to ascend on skis at around 400m/hr and be able to skin for at least 5hrs with up to 1000m to 1300m of ascent per day. Your stamina and endurance fitness is good and you work hard to maintain a good level of fitness. You will be exercising 3-4 times a week and also at the weekend; thus running a half marathon, doing a 50 mile cycle ride, 3-4 hours on a mountain bike or a full day’s hill walk would all prove possible with this stamina level.

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IFMGA / UIAGM / IVBV

The IFMGA / UIAGM / IVBV symbol is the logo of the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association.

Nick, Olly and Matt are all fully-qualified UIAGM Mountain Guides and members of the British Mountain Guides Association.

The International Ski Instructors Association is the world body for professional ski instructors.

The ISIA was formed in 1971 and there are currently 39 member nations representing the very best in ski instruction around the world.

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Vanoise Ski Tour

The Vanoise are a National Park home to secluded villages, wildlife and large glaciers.

The Vanoise (or Tarentaise) lie between the Mt Blanc Massif, the Grand Paradiso and Ecrin. They are home to hundreds of alpine peaks many over 3000m and are glaciated by a huge ice cap. The huts in this region have retained their charm and are part of the experience of touring here. The area is easily accessed via a number of places including the Three Valley resorts, Pralognon or Modane (Aussois). Days are typically 5 – 7 hours long and involve around 1000m of ascent which give you plenty of time to relax and rest in the huts. The crossing of the Glacier de la Vanoise however is a bigger proposition and involves around 1500m of ascent and takes around 9 hours.

Sample itinerary

Day 1. Warm up in Pralognan before skinning up to the Roc de la Peche hut. This refuge is well known for its luxuries such as hot tub, steam room and showers. We can revisit transceiver skills here.

Day 2. Refuge de la Dent Parrachee via the Col d’Aussois. A non glacial but never the less big day. The Guardian here is a stand up comedian.

Day 3. Refuge D’Arpont via the Col du Labby or Col du Moine. Both give access to the Glacier de la Mahures. The Moine is a little steeper on the descent ( a rope can be helpful) but more direct.

Day 4. The Col de la Vanoise Refuge via the Dome de Chasseforet, col du pelve and Col du Dard. This is a big day which takes in one of the famous Vanoise ‘Domes’. The day involves around 1500m of ascent but often you get a good ski to a great hut.

Day 5. Refuge de la Femma via the col de la Pierre Blanche. The descent to the Vallon de la Leisse is an intricate line and can be serious. A longer alternative can be taken along the valley floor.

Day 6. Val d’Isere via Pointe de la Sana and the col des Barmes de LOurs. This peak gives a great descent at a good angle. The descent into Val d’Isere and the Manchet valley is interesting following the Ruisseau du Pisset.

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Ski touring trip in Vanoise

Prestigious ski touring.

The first national park to be created in France, the Vanoise National Park offers a vast, varied and unspoilt mountain area between the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys. Your mountain guide will take you on a 3-day ski tour through the unspoilt landscapes of the Vanoise massif.

This programme is particularly suited to ski tourers looking for a change of scenery and light logistics, thanks to a star-shaped raid itinerary. Your base camp? The Femma refuge, at an altitude of 2252m, which offers a warm welcome in a setting that only the mountains can provide. The stages are flexible, depending on your motivation, and vary in altitude from 850m to 1200m, with even a ski-mountaineering option to reach the summit of the Pointe du Chatelard for the more adventurous. After the effort of the ascent, you can enjoy the panorama in a different way during the long, beautiful descents before reaching Val d'Isère at the end of your stay. And for those who want a little more, your guide will even suggest continuing the adventure with a 4-day, 3-night package. Information and technical details on request.

This trek can be organised from March to April in a guarded refuge, or from February in an unguarded refuge. Departures are possible for groups of 2 to 6 people maximum / 1 guide, subject to availability at the time of booking.

Other ski holidays are available here and there! Discover the wonderland of ski touring in Norway; take on the Queen of the Pierra Menta in the Beaufortain or treat yourself to a few days on skis in the Mont Rose massif... There are plenty of options open to you. What's your next winter adventure?

Good to know about the travel Ski touring trip in Vanoise

Activities guides ski touring trip in vanoise, mountain guide, receive the technical sheet by mail.

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Ski tours in the Vanoise Massif

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The 10 most beautiful ski touring routes in the Vanoise Massif

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Vanoise Ski Tour

Coming up in april 2021 – a 5 day guided ski tour of the vanoise national park. .

Under the guise of our super Marmalade guide for the week – Andy Townsend – our intended ski tour travels the quiet and remote backcountry of the 3 Valleys ski area and deep into the Vanoise National Park.

• Starts on Sunday 11th April 2021.
• 6 day guided ski tour with UIAGM guide.
• Max 6 in the group plus one Marmalade instructor for extra guidance and company. 
• First day warm up and preparation day.
• 5 days ski touring, 4 nights in catered mountain refuges.
• Remote mountain cols.
• Snow capped peaks. 
• Classic descents.
• Incredible wildlife.
• Making the most of the terrain to weave a route linking the best descents, whilst staying in traditional mountain huts.

Sample Itinerary

Please Note: This sample itinerary is subject to changes as determined by weather, conditions and the group’s ability.

Meet in the evening for a drink and then to look at the maps and discuss the week ahead. We will of course help you rent touring equipment or check the gear that you have brought with you.

Meribel is blessed with some of the best lift accessed off piste skiing and it would be rude not to spend the first day of our course blowing away the cobwebs and explore the mountains around Meribel and Val Thorens. This is also a great opportunity for us to get to grips with skinning, the dreaded kick turn and to test all of our equipment and make our last minute preparations prior to setting off. It is always a good idea to work through our packing faff before starting a tour.

Monday:  

Day one will start with us heading through Meribel and Val Thorens on our way to the Col de Thorens where the tour will truly start. Skins strapped to the skis we leave behind the ski lifts and head for the Col de Gebroulaz.  After this its downhill all the way, a descent of 1500m to the Refuge du Roc de la Pêche, one of the nicest huts in the Alps with its very own hot tub!

An early start today and a brief retrace of our tracks from yesterday before heading gently up slopes towards the Col d’Aussios. From the summit we now ski down nice slopes past the Refuge du Fond d’Aussois before putting skins back on and making a short climb to the Dent Parrachee Refuge. This is a rustic and traditional French hut run by the inimitable ‘Franc’,who is famous for his excellent food and wine cellar. The hut is perched above the valley floor and watching the sunset from the small terrace with a glass of something is a great way to finish the day.

We leave behind the Dent Parrachee and head north towards the Col de Labby 3328m, from here we will get our first proper views of the massive Dôme de Chasseforêt. Depending on snow conditions we will either be able to ski right onto the Col or have to finish on foot. A short, steep descent leads to the Glacier de la Mahure which gives a fantastic descent before a short skin leads us around a shoulder and a fun ski down to the newly refurbished Refuge l’ Arpont.

We leave the l’Arpont and skin steeply up towards the glacier that will lead us onto the Dome de Chassefort. This impressive broad plateau gives us our first views of the Grande Casse 3855m, under which lies our hut for the night.  The ski down from the summit of the Dome is one of the best of the whole tour, finding our way through the complex glacial terrain on wide slopes is guaranteed to leave long lasting memories and a sense of euphoria that will help tired legs climb to the Col du Dard and our final ski down to the modern Refuge du Col de la Vanoise.

We will leave the hut early in the morning and ski down to the shores of Lac Long before skinning up onto the Glacier de la Grande Casse towards a narrow col. At the Col we are rewarded by impressive views of the North face of the Grande Casse and marvel at Patrick Vallencant’s audacious ski descent in 1971. We make a quick traverse directly under the face and then begin a 1000m descent to just above the closed Refuge de la Gliere. From here we continue to descend the valley down to the high mountain village of Champangny en Haut, where we will will be met by a taxi to whisk us back to to Meribel for a hero’s welcome!

Equipment List:

There is a lot of ski touring equipment in the shops these days, a bewildering combination of different set-ups. We can help steer you to find the right kit to meet your aspirations and long-term goals. You can choose to hire or buy, but one thing that will make or break your enjoyment of touring will be your boots.

It is our recommendation that you get a pair of ski touring boots fitted by a professional and ski with them lots before you set off on the tour. You will be asking a lot of your feet during the week; chilly starts, roasting afternoons, ups and downs and the last thing you want are blister or sores that take away the enjoyment of travelling through the quiet side of the mountains. It doesn’t matter how knobbly or weird your feet are, with a bit of time and effort, a good boot fitter and an understanding mountain guide can find a solution that will work.

Marmalade’s 5 day Vanoise Ski Tour

• Course starts – Sunday 11th April 2021
• 6 day trip.
• 1 day warm up and a get to know your guide session in resort.
• 5 days ski touring through the National Park.
• 4 nights staying in catered mountain refuges.
• Price – €1100

Price includes:

• Lift pass for day 1 and 2.
• All mountain refuges on half board basis.
• Price includes 6 days with UIAGM guide Andy Townsend plus one of our team as an extra helper. 

Price does not include:

• Flights or transfers to resort.
• Accommodation on Saturday, Sunday or Friday night
• Equipment hire
• Please make sure you have the correct level of insurance to undertake such a trip.

We can help point you in the right direction and advise on any of the above to help you make right choices.

For any more information please get in touch – [email protected]

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VANOISE SKI TOUR

A ski tour in France’s oldest National Park

READY TO SKI ?

This tour is in the heart of the Vanoise National Park (Savoie), the first national park created in France in 1963. The park is adjacent to the Italian Gran Paradiso National Park, forming a large area originally dedicated to the protection of the Alpine ibex. The summits are so impressive that in 1859 the Englishman Alpinist William Matthews set off with his brother to summit the Mont Iseran which was shown on some maps as reaching 4400m. Once they arrived at the Col d’Iseran they saw no trace of a peak above! There are however 40 summits above 3200m and we start our circuit on the glaciers of the Vanoise before continuing in the tortured heights behinds Val Thorens. During the week we will perhaps have a chance to see the ibex in these magnificent surroundings.

• Summit the Grande Casse (3855m) • Spend the week within the Vanoise National Park • Spot the Alpine ibex

GRADE : D2 : A2 : F2 see our grade coding here

1450€pp / 1250€pp short week

This price includes :

• 6 days guided ski touring with a qualified UIAGM high mountain guide

• 7 nights accommodation

• All dinners, breakfasts & picnic lunches

• Transfer from/to Moutiers (Salins Brides-les-Bains) train station

• Lift passes

• Hire gear

BOOK NOW AT [email protected] or +33(0)5 62 92 81 52

Transfer from the train station of Moutiers - Salins - Brides-les-Bains to Pralognan-la-Vanoise (40 mins). Transport can be organised from Geneva also. Meet with the guide in our accommodation there to check gear, have a briefing and discussion of the week’s conditions before heading off to dinner.

We depart directly from  Pralognan-la-Vanoise  and use the lifts to head up to the small Barmettes Refuge at 2000m. From here we climb up to the  Refuge du Col de la Vanoise at 2517m, and can then decide to continue on up to the Grande Casse pass at 3091m if conditions are good.

We have an alpine start and traverse th e Vanoise glacier to the Dome des Nants at 3570m. It's a relatively long distance which is rewarded with a wonderful descent to the Refuge de l’Arpont  at 2310m.

A new day and another ascent to the Labby Pass at 3328m. From here we continue to the  Refuge de la Dent Parrachée  at 2515m. We are now in the Maurienne valley.

A short ascent and short descent starts our day and we pass just next to the Refuge du Fond d’Aussois. From here we head up to the Aussois Pass (2916m) and we are then back in the Tarentaise Valley. For the 5 day tour we return to Pralognan from here. For the 7 day tour we continue, and depending on how we are feeling we have a couple of different options to reach the Refuge de Péclet Polset  at 2450m.

We ascend the Dome de Polset (3326m) and have a great descent from there back to the refuge where we collect the remainder of our gear before descending further to Refuge du Roc de la Pêche  at 1903m.

Return to Pralognan via the Vallonnet Pass (2653m). A last north facing descent takes us to the cross country ski pistes from where we can find our way home.

Transfer back to the train station at Moutiers for onward transport. Return transport can be organised to Geneva if necessary.

• Discover the Haute Maurienne Vanoise
• What to do in autumn Haute Maurienne Vanoise
• The resorts of Haute Maurienne
• Bonneval sur Arc
• The must-haves
• The Vanoise National Park
• The forts of Esseillon
• The Mont-Cenis
• Italy at your doorstep
• Baroque art
• Le chemin du petit bonheur
• Culture and heritage
• Religious heritage
• Rock heritage
• Military heritage
• Scientific and technical heritage
• Environment
• Where to see marmots in the heart of the Alps?
• Agriculture and Beaufort PDO in Haute Maurienne Vanoise
• Hydroelectricity: the energy produced in Haute Maurienne
• Shops and services
• The services
• Bars and restaurants
• Family and children
• To do with the family
• Day care centers and children's clubs
• Tourist offices
• Summer activities
• HMV station activity pass
• Walks, hikes and trails
• Hiking trails in Haute Maurienne Vanoise
• Accompanied outings
• The trail outings
• Hikes at 3000m
• Mountaineering, climbing and via ferrata
• Guides and escorts
• Accrobranches and Tyrolean traverse
• 5 gravel routes in Haute Maurienne Vanoise
• The mountain bike routes
• The mountain bike playgrounds
• The big passes and the cycling routes
• Services and bike rental
• The monitors
• Aquatic activities
• Wellness and rejuvenation
• Where to fish in Haute Maurienne?
• Other outdoor activities
• Indoor Recreation
• Lifts open in summer
• Skiing and snowboarding
• Buy your ski pass
• L'Espace Haute Maurienne Vanoise
• The ski schools
• Freeride skiing

Ski touring

• The playful tracks
• Online booking
• Furnished rentals
• Unusual accommodations
• Guest houses and gites
• Vacation centers and villages
• The shelters
• Youth Hostel
• Campsites and motor homes
• Campsites and caravans
• Motorhome services
• Quality Label Comfort Lodging
• The professionals of stay
• Real estate agencies and reservation centers
• Concierge services
• Tourist residences
• Events calendar
• Calendar of events
• Haute Maurienne Vanoise Cyclo Challenge
• Nordic Walking in the Alps
• Grand course Aussois
• Transmaurienne vanoise
• Festival Camp de base Aussois
• Horseback riding in the mountains
• EDF Cenis Tour
• Tango Festival
• Biathlon Contest
• Alps Enduro Trophy
• Adventure Game La Norma
• Enduro du jeu
• Semaine Grand Nord à Aussois
• Derby La Norma
• La Lekkarod 2024
• Saison culturelle à Val Cenis
• S.N.O.W: Ski Nordique Opening Winter
• Samse National Tour Biathlon Bessans
• SAMSE National Tour - Cross Country Skiing
• Everyone on the track!
• Bessans International Marathon
• La Grande Odyssée VVF
• Val Cenis-Termignon National Accordion Festival
• Grand Parcours, ice climbing event
• Vertical Music Experience
• Grand Parcours, l'Aventure Givrée
• Freeride World Tour Qualifier Bonneval-sur-Arc ***
• Freeride World Tour Qualifier Valfréjus ***
• Spring in Val Cenis
• The Three Wise Men Crossing
• Boarderline: the new ski and multi-slide event in Valfréjus
• Nature and ski in Val Cenis
• Guides and brochures
• Station map (PDF)
• Trail map (PDF)
• Snowshoe itineraries (PDF)
• Mobility Guide (PDF)
• Guide activités (PDF)
• Via ferrata du diable (PDF)
• Plan du chemin du petit bonheur (PDF)
• Agenda culturel : Scènes estivales (PDF)
• Transportation
• Coming in Haute Maurienne Vanoise
• Getting around in Haute Maurienne
• Download the mobility guide (PDF)
• Mobile applications

Home / Ski and snowboard / Ski touring

Enjoy ski touring at Haute Maurienne Vanoise. Ski touring trails are open and marked on the way up at several resorts. Ideal for beginners who want to get the most out of their experience (the descent is on "classic" groomed runs). For those who want to go further and enjoy the wide-open spaces offered by the mountains, before leaving the open, secure pistes and putting on your skins, always make sure you have complied with the safety rules: check the quality of the snow cover with the professionals, weather report, shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver.

Be accompanied and tell at least one person about your itinerary. The easiest way is to call on the professionals, instructors and guides of the resort who will accompany you in complete safety to enjoy the fresh snow and wide open spaces. In the mountains, you must also know how to give up. After a long ski touring ascent, it is sometimes hard to go on a virgin face. But if the safety conditions are not met, always play it safe and turn back or choose a less exposed slope.

• Bonneval-sur-Arc

4-day ski tour in Vanoise National Park

The Vanoise National Park is full of wonderful spots for ski touring. Discover them in this 4-day trip with Sébastien, IFMGA certified mountain guide.

MOUNTAIN RANGES

OFFER PERIOD

Jan - Apr, Dec

FITNESS LEVEL

SKILL LEVEL

PAYMENT METHODS

Credit Card, Wire Transfer and more!

Description

Discover the  Vanoise National Park  during this fun and rewarding 4-day ski touring trip. Located between the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys, this French National Park is a beautiful part of the Alps .

During the trip, we will traverse amazing glaciers. We will also go to two main summits: the Méan Martin peak (3330 m) and the Sana peak (3436 m). The panorama over the Alps is exceptional! Besides, we will sleep in comfortable refuges.

I try to help each participant in particular improve their ski touring skills, so that everyone takes advantage of the trip. You need to be in good physical shape and to have ski touring experience (at least 3-4 previous trips).

During this trip we will cover how to: – Progress ski touring; – Assess and manage the related risks; – Use the AVD, probe and shovel.

Note that you can register alone and I will put a group together. And if you come as a group contact me to check special prices.

Dates departures 2017 – January 20th – February 17th – March 3rd – April 4th Besides these dates, we can go anytime from December to April.

Did you find this trip tempting? Then please contact me, I would love guiding you in the discovery of Vanoise!

If you don't have enough time for this trip, I also offer this other shorter ski touring option in the Vanoise .

Price includes

- Guiding fee

Secure your spot with just 25% payment

48-hour free cancellation with 30-day advance booking

Day 1 : Val d'Isère (1850 m) - Fond des Fours refuge (2537 m)

We meet in front of the Val d’Isère tourism office at 11AM. D +700m

Day 2 : Méan Martin peak (3330 m) - Femma refuge (2352 m)

This ski touring day offers incredible views over the glaciers of Vanoise. D +800/-980m

Day 3 : Sana pass (3072 m) - Leisse refuge (2487 m)

Beautiful and long ski touring day across Vanoise. D +1150/-950m

Day 4 : Sans Nom pass (2999 m) - Grand Pré peak (3059 m)

To end this ski touring stage in Vanoise we have a beautiful descent over Val d’Isère. The trip ends around 3PM. D +580/-1220m

Group size: 4 to 8 people.

I will loan you a harness and a transceiver.

Meeting point

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

About the guide : Sébastien

Mountain Guide

IFMGA / UIAGM Mountain Guide - Sébastien is originally from Toulon. Before he dedicated his time fully to his passion, mountaineering, he has completed a degree in Alpine Geography. His thirst for adventure took him from countries such as Turkey and Peru to the high mountains of Pakistan . Since 2000, he work as a Mountain Guide in Chamonix, La Clusaz and all over the world.

French | English

Certificates

SNGM | IVBV | UIAGM | IFMGA

What people are saying about Sébastien

Super semaine avec Sébastien et Guillaume. Très partant pour refaire un stage!!!

Une page superbe, intéressante, un guide talentueux, sympa et simple avec qui on a plaisir à partager notre passion pour la montagne. Merci Sébastien !

Excellent course. Sebastien tailored the content to my goals and was a great and thorough instructor. A very enjoyable and educational course.

Grâce à Sebastien L vous repoussez vos limites! Exigent mais attentif il vous amènera découvrir des paysages hors des sentiers battus...avec la cool attitude. Bref un super guide!

Una página estupenda, interesante, una guía talentosa, agradable y sencilla con la que nos complace compartir nuestra pasión por la montaña. Gracias Sebastián!

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Val Thorens-Vanoise, a 4 day on « glaciers’ hut to hut ski-tour »

Vanoise is probably one of the wildest and most beautiful wilderness areas in Europe. This is a 4 day on glaciers’ hut to hut ski-tour To the ski tourers and mountaineers, it’s a remote paradise!

Four days of intensive and highly rewarding ski-touring with big ascents and ‘out-there’ descents, and nights in some of the most stunning huts in the Alps like the refuge Col de la Vanoise at  the bottom of the huge highest peak called Grande Casse (alti 3852 m)!

This tour, ideal for experienced ski tourers and mountaineers, takes place in the heart of La Vanoise and makes us cross the glaciers of the crown of the Vanoise national park. This is a short hut to hut ski-tour, in which we will skin up and ski some high passes and big summits of the central Vanoise range, a traverse of the central Vanoise glaciers from Val Thorens-col de Gébroulaz pass, through Champagny, and back to Val Thorens through Chavière glacier opass.. We will ascend and ski down for example the summits of the Gébroulaz pass (col) and peak, the Réchasse peak, sometimes other peaks….

 We will also enjoy the pleasure of the big off-piste skiing in virgin and protected spaces.

 This ski-tour includes A LOT OF SKIING and is accessible to very experienced ski-touring skiers.  Need to be also compulsorily in good physical condition.

The key points of this week ski-tour

• We will do a lot of skiing, § A drop in the heart of the massifs of Vanoise and Gran Paradiso (4061 m), several summits and glacier passes of more than 3 000 m.in middle of magnificent panoramas of glaciers.

Inscription

Skilled skiers used to ski-touring & able to ski off piste everywhere with a rucksack, even in altitude

Need to be also compulsorily in good physical condition

To take advantage completely of your ski-tour, we recommend strongly to practise a sports activity developing the endurance:  walks of 20 km with minimum 400 m OR running for one hour x 2 or 3 times a week.

5 to 7 participants /5 persons/ clients minimum per group

4 days/ 4 nights (or 7 days/ 6nights upon demand, even better with 7 days)

UIAGM mountain guide. Often guided by an UIAGM mountain guide of SAVOIE-Mont Blanc

March, April, until mid-MAY Dates : a tour every week from mid-Mars to mid-May,

770 euros per person (including half-board accommodation for a 6 day-5 night tour) with a minimum of 5 participants/clients per group

We will provide and lend you: DVA transceivers, shovels, pprobes, harnesses (and walking crampons for going down the ridge).

Our price includes only : guiding-ski coaching, the loan of collective safety gear like a DVA transceiver for each of you, an a shovel for every 2 persons, plus a probe.

Doesn’t include: skis and personal gear rental, the insurance (R.C. + rescue), the possible fares in taxis,Ski-passes (if any needed), and gear/skis rental at your own expenses

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La Maison des Guides et de la Montagne de Val Thorens is a group of ski instructors and high mountain guides.

We want to share with you the passion of snowy peaks and ski slopes 365 days a year!

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• General Terms

Tour of the Vanoise Self-guided walking holiday

Our Tour of the Vanoise trip is a spectacular high-level route in the French Alps, encompassing the main valleys and mountain passes of the Vanoise National Park. Our 11-stage trip follows the Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise route in the South, as well as our additional Northern sections. The trail runs along sections of the GR5 and the GR55 long distance routes to create its own circuit. Located between the Mont Blanc and the Ecrin Massifs, the Vanoise national park is home to 107 peaks over 3,000m, providing the mountain back-drop to this trip. Our 11-stage tour will take you on an immersive journey through Alpine meadows, past glistening lakes and over the rocky terrain of high mountain passes surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers. This combination of environments, cosy huts, delicious food and varying stage lengths makes for a great walking holiday. Our 11-stage tour stays in 7 traditional mountain huts, adding a remote mountain feel to your trip. Our routecards follow the known Tour of the Vanoise route and describe the trail in detail, allowing you to relax and enjoy the walking. Although we don't include a rest day as standard, we offer the option to add in a rest day in Val d'Isere. If your group would like to hike with a guide, we can also arrange a privately guided trip. We welcome you to get in touch to ask for more details on this option.

• Bespoke accommodation itinerary - tailored to suit your preferences
• Breakfast on every morning
• Dinner and a packed lunch at the huts (7 nights on our normal trip)
• Detailed Routecards TVA1-11 of the Exploratory system , printed on waterproof paper
• The 2 French topographical maps (1:25,000)
• Downloadable GPX Tracks covering the route
• Expert advice and local information
• A comprehensive Season Update following our pre-season recce
• Full support during your trip from the Alpine Exploratory team (9am until 9pm in the Alps)
• Travel to and from Modane
• Local transport during the trip
• Travel insurance
• Snacks and drinks, and lunches and evening meals in the towns (5 nights on our normal trip)

Baggage transfer

If you prefer, please feel welcome to email or call us. Thanks!

Open to the world Since Alpine Exploratory started in 2005 we have loved getting to know our clients from around the world. Along with the UK, our best-represented countries are the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Please use our national-rate numbers for a cheaper call to contact our office in Edinburgh.

Alpine Exploratory Alpine Exploratory is a system of knowledge on the best mountain trekking in our areas, giving clients superb holidays based on this exploration. About us

Trek with us in the Alps, Scandinavia, UK or Ireland. Go self-guided or join a guided trip.

We research and interpret the trail to give you the finest walking holiday.

Alpine Exploratory is a system of knowledge on the best mountain trekking.

Sorties Vanoise

Haute Savoie

Hautes Alpes

Alpes du sud - corse, autres massifs, scandinavie - islande, amérique du nord, amérique du sud.

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Mountain Guides Val-d'Isere   since 1971

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Ski touring around Val-d'Isere

What is ski touring.

Ski touring is one of the most extraordinary means of adventuring out into the mountains in winter. Imagine yourself far from the crowds, with just the sound of your skis gliding rhythmically across the snow to trouble the silence surrounding you. Ski touring is so many things… breath-taking landscapes, a unique opportunity to observe local wildlife and the thrill of leaving your tracks on virgin snow as you make your way down the type of slope that magically erases any memory of the effort involved in getting to the top!

And don’t go thinking that you need to be a brilliant skier to try ski touring; a decent level of off-piste skiing will do the trick. Val d’Isere is the perfect location for ski touring and with its close proximity to the Vanoise National Park the area offers innumerable possibilities for discovering this activity.

Ski touring for beginers and confirmed

It’s possible to head out from the top of the ski lifts for a half-day, a full day or several days of ski touring initiation, to discover an activity that will delight any skier looking for a different approach to the mountains

Ski touring can be enjoyed solo, as a family or with friends, from the age of 12 onwards.

It’s possible to organise an outing over two days with a night spent in a mountain hut, itinerant ski tours or tours over several days skiing out each day from the same mountain hut.

For safety reasons and for greater conviviality we limit our groups to 6 skiers.

 - Alf day for 1 to 2 skiers: 350 €  | for 3 to 4 skiers: 400 € | for 5 to 6 skiers: 450 € 

 - Alf day afternoon ( 13h00 - 17h00 ) 300 € for 1 to 6 skiers

 - Full day for 1 to 2 skiers: 500 € | for 3 to 4 skiers: 550 € | for 5 to 6 skiers: 600 €

A few ideas of ski touring itineraries heading out from Val d’Isère:

• - Tour of Mont Roup
• - Col des Fours mountain pass
• - Col du Montet mountain pass
• - Pointe de la Galise
• - Grande Aiguille Rousse

© 1971-2024 Val-d'Isere Mountain Guides Office

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tde Courses

My first multi day ski tour, tde challenge.

The Vanoise: This is one of the best areas in France for ski touring. It has everything including glacial and non-glacial routes, reliable snow, friendly refuges and good access. Here's a great circuit to consider: Starting in Val d'Isere we take the lifts up to 3200m before skiing down to Pont de la Neige. From there it's skins on and then up 450m to the Col des Fours. After that we enjoy a nice ski down to the Refuge Fond des Fours. The next day we head South and then up to the Col du Pisset at 3000m. We then have the option to either ski down to the Refuge de la Femma, or to make a detour and climb (on ski, but sometimes on foot too) the Point de la Mean Martin 3330m before heading down. If you wanted to extend the tour we could easily spend an extra night in the Refuge are there are plenty of day tours to do from there. The final day sees us climbing from the Refuge at 2350m to the Col des Barmes de l'Ours at 3077m. People still feeling strong can carry on to the summit of the Point de la Sanna (3446m) but there's no obligation to do so. From the col it's a fantastic long descent all the way to Val d'Isere where the group can stop for a cold drink while I take the bus to Le Fornet to collect the car. Les Contamines. Les Contamines in Haute Savoie has long been recognised as a great venue for day tours, but with the building of a new refuge (Refuge du Pres) it now offers numerous options for multi day tours. This area is non-glacial and generally Hospice du Grand St Bernard. The Hospice, or Monastery, as it is often called, is a place steeped in history, and is located on the Swiss/Italian border in Canton Valais. The original hospice was built over 1000 years ago to provide shelter for travellers heading over the high pass. It's been expanded many times and now offers comfortable accommodation with showers private rooms (if requested). From the car park at Bourg St Bernard (1900m) we head up on skins to the hospice in around 2 1/2 hrs. There is the option to climb to the Col Est du Barrasson to increase the length of the day. The following day(s) there are plenty of options including Mont Fourchon (2901m) and the Fenetre d'en Haut before a nice ski back to the car.

Dates, Prices & Availability

Dates and Prices on application.

Please contact me at [email protected] for more details.

Experience Required:

Krasnodar, Russia

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Krasnodar

Here we are in the South of Russia. Welcome to Krasnodar, a major economic and cultural center of North Caucasus, also called “the capital of Kuban”. Krasnodar, perhaps, is one of the most interesting resort towns of the Russian Federation. It is a relatively young city founded by the Cossacks in в 1793 on the lands granted by Ekaterina II (hence its former name was Ekaterinodar). Later, when the Soviet system rose to power, the city was re-named to Krasnodar in 1920, and it preserved this name up to date.

Krasnodar is a center of the Russia’s southern touristic zone, located of the right bank of the Kuban River, 120-150 km from two warm seas – the Black and the Azov. It is an interesting fact that the city is located in the golden section of the Earth, almost in between the equator and the North Pole, right on the 45th parallel, also called “the Golden Line” or “the Life Line”. There exists an opinion that the living conditions in these latitudes are most favorable for human.

In spite of the city’s “youth” Krasnodar has many historical landmarks, while its architectural look is various and represented by different styles from Baroque and Classicism to late Modern. In Krasnodar, there is one of the largest Russian churches – Saint Catherine’s Cathedral, built as early as in 1914 and survived by a miracle under the Soviet power. It is also worth while visiting the Krasnodar main Orthodox Church – Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Interesting and dramatic, was the fate of this, one of the Russia’s most beautiful churches, an example of Russian and Byzantine templar style. Alexander Nevsky Military Cathedral was erected in April 1853, but later on, in year 1932 it was blown up by the Communists. And it was not until May 2006 when the inauguration ceremony of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral built anew took place.

Nowadays the Krasnodar architectural variety combines the harmony of old and modern structures. Now, next to the churches there are also modern high-rise buildings (the Marriott Hotel”), shopping and entertainment centers (“Red Square”), modern concert halls (Palace of Arts “Premiere”), restaurants, and night clubs. The city also strikes with its numerous museums, theaters, art galleries. Particularly, if you find yourself in Krasnodar, we recommend you to visit the Krasnodar Regional Art Museum named after F. A. Kovalenko to enjoy a rare collection of Russian avant-garde and Dutch art of XVI century, and also attend concerts of SSAI “Kuban Cossack chorus” to listen to Kuban Cossack, Russian and Ukrainian folk-songs.

Two Krasnodar unusual landmarks enjoy wide popularity among tourists and local community: the Monument to a purse and the Monument to the doggies in love. Do you want to turn round? Then you are to the purse. It is enough to rub your purse over it, and you will have more money. But if you are unlucky in love, then the loving couple of dogs will help you, you should stroke their small paws and love will certainly come to you.

Southern Comfort Tours

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