Cold Weather Survival Course in Savoie - 3 days
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationVanoise Massif / Savoy
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions2.4 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Immerse yourself in a snowy environment to acquire the essential skills of winter survival . Over three days, you will learn how to navigate, find shelter, stay warm, and hydrate , while anticipating the risks associated with cold and altitude . This course also prepares you to organize a safe bivouac , manage the wait for rescue, and move effectively in snowy terrain. Guided by a specialist, you will progress in a supportive atmosphere, combining practical application with technical learning . Physically accessible, this trip can become quite challenging depending on the weather conditions : a formative adventure, ideal for those who wish to strengthen their self-reliance in the mountains and experience an extraordinary challenge .
The highlights
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Survival course in a snowy environment
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Night in an unusual shelter (quinzee, Jurassic shelter, cold pit)
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demanding internship
Photos
Sport
Level
Bushcraft
The expert's opinion
This course is physically accessible, but physiologically and mentally demanding: depending on the weather conditions, temperatures can drop to -12/-15°C at night. Prepare yourself with all your motivation to face a true adventure!
Management
French
Certified guide (CQP) in local hiking and orientation, First aid in remote areas level 2, PSC1
Program
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Arrival
- Activity Snowshoes
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The meeting point is at 5 PM in the town of Planay (73350) in the small parking lot in front of the church. After introductions, we'll begin with a bag check. We will provide all the necessary equipment for the three days.
We then set off for a moderate snowshoe hike, punctuated by workshops spread over the 3 days.
The evening takes place around the campfire and provides an opportunity to discuss any topics you'd like to explore further. The first night will be spent in a tipi, communal tents, or under a tarp, depending on your preference.
Day 1 -
Survival and other workshops
- Activity Snowshoes
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Moderate snowshoeing, interspersed with workshops spread over the 3 days:
- Identifying priorities in a survival situation
- Putting together a survival kit: "the 6 Cs" and the kit system
- Staying hydrated in a snowy environment
- Getting around: reading the terrain and using a map in snowy mountains
- Build a snow shelter and choose your bivouac site
- Starting a fire in all conditions, without a lighter or matches (and why not use them?)
- Optimizing your equipment for the night
- Alert emergency services on the scene, stabilize a victim
- Preventing and managing hypothermia
- Cold-related illnesses
- Crossing rugged terrain (abseiling or zip-lining depending on the terrain)
- Snow science: the study of snow and avalanche risk management
The evening takes place around the campfire and is an opportunity to discuss any topics you would like to cover further.
The second night takes place in the shelter you will have built yourself (quinzee, Jura shelter, cold pit...). A warm spot (heated tent + unheated permanent shelter) is accessible during the experience in case of fatigue or cold.
Day 2 -
End of stay
- Activity Snowshoes
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The return to the parking lot is scheduled for around 2:00 PM for the return of equipment and the debriefing.
The internship ended around 2:30 pm.
Day 3
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
A WhatsApp group has been set up to facilitate carpooling arrangements.
Price details
The price includes
- Management
- Provision of equipment
- Educational materials
- Snowshoe rental included
- Snow shovels
The price does not include
- Meal
- Travel to the meeting point
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
