Introduction to ski touring at the Grand-Saint-Bernard pass
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationGreat St. Bernard Pass / Swiss
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions25.81 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Over four days of ski touring , you'll explore a pristine mountain environment in the heart of the Great St. Bernard Pass , nestled between the Swiss and Italian Alps . Ideal for an introduction to ski touring , this trip combines accessible ascents , breathtaking high-altitude panoramas , and the warm atmosphere of mountain huts . Starting from the area around Bourg-Saint-Bernard , you'll traverse the slopes of the Bastillon Pass , Mont Fourchon , and the Pointe de Moline (3,032 m) , all set against a magnificent backdrop. Each day blends progressive exertion , descents in powder snow , and an immersive alpine experience . In the evenings, enjoy convivial gatherings in authentic accommodations, including the iconic Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernard , a place steeped in history and serenity. A well-balanced adventure, combining gentle technical skills , unspoiled nature , and the true spirit of the mountains .
The highlights
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Discover ski touring at the legendary Great St. Bernard Pass
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Progress at your own pace and enjoy powder runs in a wild setting
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Stay at the Hospice of the Great St. Bernard and share a dinner with the monks.
Photos
Sport
Level
Ski touring
In figures
Ski touring
- Average daily elevation gain: 738 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
A passionate mountaineer, I discovered rock climbing in the Bouches-du-Rhône region before immersing myself in ski touring in the Écrins mountains. Since then, I've explored various mountain ranges, from Mont Blanc to Dévoluy, seeking enjoyment and shared experiences. For me, the mountains represent the desire to experience human adventures and to accomplish projects together.
Program
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First steps in the land of the Saint Bernard
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We meet at 9am in Bourg-Saint-Bernard (1918 m), a small Swiss village nestled at the foot of the pass.
After a briefing with the guide and a check of the equipment, we set off for our first outing in the surrounding valleys, ideal for discovering the terrain and soaking up the scenery. The bags are left at the refuge so that we can enjoy the hike more freely.
In the late afternoon, we reach the Plan du Jeu refuge (1990 m), a warm and historic place, where we spend the night.
Day 1 -
Mountain pass ascents and powder descents
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a good breakfast, we set off to climb one of the region's notable peaks or passes, such as the Col de Bastillon or Mont Fourchon. The choice of route depends on the group's level, and each option offers panoramic views of the Swiss and Italian Alps.
Once at the summit, we take the time to admire the view before descending through the powder to return to the refuge, where a convivial evening and a comforting dinner await us.
Day 2 -
Crossing to the historic Hospice of the Great St. Bernard
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we're heading towards the Great St. Bernard Pass. The route crosses a variety of landscapes and reveals viewpoints, notably of the Grand Combin.
At the Great St. Bernard Hospice, we leave our bags, have a picnic, and visit this place steeped in history. In the afternoon, we continue towards the Fenêtre Pass (2695 m) for a final ski ascent before gliding back down to the hospice, where we spend the night.
The evening ends with a dinner shared with the monks.
Day 3 -
Pointe de Moline: the summit at 3000 m
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this final day, we're aiming for the summit of Moline (3032 m). The ascent, gradual and adaptable to the group's fitness level, becomes a bit more technical near the top. It's the perfect opportunity to consolidate our skills and experience one last climb to 3000 m altitude.
We then enjoyed a beautiful descent in powder snow, before returning to Bourg-Saint-Bernard, marking the end of our adventure.
Day 4
Note
Your guide, thanks to their expertise, will adapt the itinerary as needed to ensure you have an optimal and safe experience. The trip may also be adjusted depending on weather conditions.
Accommodation
Game Plan Hut
Hospice of the Great St. Bernard
Access
Go to the starting point
You can get to Bourg-Saint-Bernard by train and bus.
Train:
- Departure station > Lausanne
- Lausanne > Martigny (50 min)
- Martigny > Orsières (30 min)
Finish by taking a bus from Orsières to Bourg-Saint-Bernard.
- Orsières Train Station > Bourg Saint Bernard (35 min)
You can travel to Bourg-Saint-Bernard by car and park for free in the meeting place car park.
If you do not have a vehicle, we encourage carpooling between participants by setting up a WhatsApp group 15 days before departure: a great opportunity to get to know each other even before the start of your expedition.
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by an experienced high mountain guide (UIAGM).
- Accommodation: 3 nights in a warm and comfortable mountain hut. The last hut has a Canadian-style bath (bring your swimsuit).
- Catering: All meals are included from the first evening to lunch on the last day.
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to our meeting point.
- Technical equipment rental: Ski touring equipment, skins, poles, crampons, ski touring boots, avalanche transceiver kit (Available for rent when you book).
- Anything not listed in the “what is included” section.
Options
- Ski touring package rental : CHF251.57 / person
- Night the night before + breakfast before the stay : CHF128.07 / unit
- Extra night + breakfast after stay : CHF128.07 / unit
- 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.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Touring skis and bindings (rental available)
- Ski touring boots (rental available)
- Telescopic ski poles (rental available)
- Lightweight crampons and ice axes (rental available)
- Safety pack: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe (rental available)
- Pair of ski crampons (rental available)
- Water bottle (min 1.5L)
- Energy snacks (bars, dried fruit, etc.)
- Hiking backpack (35 L) with ski and ice axe attachments
- Lightweight silk sleeping bag liner/down sleeping bag
- Charged headlamp
- A picnic
- Reusable picnic kit (Tupperware, cutlery, fabric bag)
- Waterproof plastic for ID, phone, etc.
- Passport or ID
- Credit card and cash
- Insurance card
- CAF / FFCAM / Alpine Club card (if a member)
- Phone and charger
- External battery / power bank
- Book/notebook and pen
- Multitool / Swiss Army Knife
- Compeed or blister plasters
- Adhesive tape (repairs)
- Small personal pharmacy (ampoule kit, headache/nausea medication)
- Toiletries kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs)
- Microfiber towel
- Toilet paper / moist wipes (biodegradable)
- Earplugs
- Card game or small pocket game
Clothing to bring
- Ski touring pants (hardshell or goretex)
- Long-sleeved T-shirt(s) of “microfibre”/merino type
- Fleece (Consider layering)
- Waterproof jacket with hood, "Gore-tex" type
- Down jacket
- Lightweight gloves
- Warm gloves
- Balaclava / Buff
- Beanie (without pom-pom)
- Sunglasses (cat. 4)
- Ski mask
- Hat or cap
- Technical and warm underwear (Merino wool)
- Warm socks (wool)
- Running tights or long underwear
- Swimsuit ((the last refuge has a Canadian bath)
- Change of clothes
- Comfortable evening clothes + slippers