My first ski touring trip in the Beaufortain
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationBeaufortain Massif / Savoy
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions19.47 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on an extraordinary adventure, discovering a pristine mountain range with gentle slopes and exceptional snow conditions : the Beaufortain . This 3-day mountain hut-based ski tour will allow you to experience the authenticity of an alpine route, where each day of skiing brings you a little closer to the summits , while offering breathtaking panoramas of the Northern Alps . Whether you're looking for tranquility , adventure , or simply new sensations , this trip immerses you in the heart of a preserved mountain environment , ideal for a first-time ski touring experience . Accompanied by a passionate and experienced guide , you'll progress safely on sometimes untouched slopes , while enjoying the warm and friendly atmosphere of the mountain huts . Far from the crowds , in a magnificent natural setting , this tour is the perfect opportunity to progress safely while experiencing pure ski touring , far from the marked trails. You will be immersed in the wild beauty of the Beaufortain, between forests , snow-covered ridges and majestic peaks .
The highlights
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Ideal for a first alpine trekking experience
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Immersion in the wild Beaufortain massif
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Isolated shelters for overnight stays
Photos
Sport
Level
Ski touring
The expert's opinion
Having already completed an introductory course in ski touring is essential.
In figures
Ski touring
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 690 m
- Average daily descent: 974 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
This course is led by a high-mountain guide, who will provide you with the essential technical skills to fully enjoy your stay. Their expertise guarantees a safe and adaptable experience, tailored to the conditions encountered.
The guide may need to modify the program to ensure safety depending on the weather and snow conditions of the mountain or the physical condition of the participants.
Program
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Meeting and first day in the mountains
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You'll meet in Albertville early in the morning , before transferring with your guide to Arêches-Beaufort (in your own car). If needed, you'll collect your ski equipment before attending a briefing on the weekend's activities. Once your bags are packed with your personal belongings and food for the evening, you'll put on your skis and head up a wild valley towards Lake Saint Guérin .
You'll be hiking in an alpine setting, surrounded by majestic peaks that hint at the wonders to come. At the end of the day, you'll reach an unguarded mountain hut at the foot of the Cormet d'Arêches pass , where your place in the dormitory will be reserved. This comfortable, though secluded, hut welcomes you for a convivial evening of self-sufficiency. Together, you'll prepare a hearty meal around the wood-burning stove before enjoying a well-deserved night's rest.
Day 1 -
From the Coire refuge to the Presset refuge
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 770 m
- Negative elevation 420 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from the Refuge de la Coire , you begin the ascent towards the Col du Coin at 2406m, traversing magnificent landscapes where endless slopes stretch as far as the eye can see. Once over the pass, you enjoy beautiful descents and carve your turns at the foot of the famous Pierra Menta , an emblem of the Beaufortain region.
In the afternoon, a final climb takes you to the Col de Bresson at 2477m. From there, you reach the Refuge de Presset , ideally located in the heart of the mountains. You spend the night there in a warm and comfortable atmosphere, perfect for recharging your batteries after this beautiful day.
Day 2 -
Return to Arêches
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 1700 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Starting from the Presset refuge , you begin this final day with a magnificent descent towards Lake Roselend , passing through the Treicol valley . The route then leads you to a climb towards the Charmette pass , offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
To conclude this adventure, a final descent brings you back to Arêches in the late afternoon, where this wilderness trek ends. A memorable day to conclude this alpine journey!
Day 3
Note
This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions, weather or the physical condition of the participants require it.
Splitboard? In order to maintain a consistent daily rhythm, splitboards are not suitable for this trip.
Accommodation
In mountain huts, dormitories accommodate 8 to 10 people and are equipped with blankets or duvets for the night (bring your own sleeping bag liner for hygiene reasons). Slippers or Crocs are available in the huts; there's no need to bring sneakers. Showers are not available, and there is no running water in the huts .
No power outlets , so bring a spare battery for your camera and turn off your phone during the day. For added comfort at night, bring earplugs or other noise-canceling devices.
Access
Meet in Albertville early in the morning then transfer with the guide to Arêches-Beaufort (using the group's personal cars).
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- The technical organization of the internship
- Supervision by a high mountain guide
- Half-board accommodation in a mountain refuge (dormitory style) from the evening of day 1 to the morning of day 3
- Picnics
- The specific collective technical equipment for the circuit
The price does not include
- Individual ski equipment: boots, skis, skins and crampons, poles
- Safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
- Race provisions
- The ski lift (if the program changes)
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- The sleeping bag liner for the nights
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.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- The necessary group equipment such as ropes
- In the mountain huts, slippers are provided for your comfort.
- Blankets and duvets are also provided
Equipment to bring
1 pair of touring skis (in order to maintain a consistent daily rhythm, splitboards are not suitable for this trip)
- 1 pair of ski touring boots (preferably with VIBRAM soles for good grip)
- 1 pair of self-adhesive climbing skins suitable for skis
- Knives adapted to the bindings
- Sticks with wide washers
- Avalanche transceiver (DVA) , shovel, probe
- A 25-40 liter backpack, preferably with a ski carrying strap for ease of use.
- Ski helmet
- Survival blanket
- Pocket knife
- Thermos or water bottle
- Bath towel
- Sleeping bag liner for mountain huts, as it's very important
Clothing to bring
- Windstopper Beanie
- "Buff" style neck warmer
- Sunscreen (very high protection factor) and lip balm
- Category 4 sunglasses + ski goggles
- 2 long-sleeved, breathable technical underwear like "Carline" (avoid cotton, which dries too slowly)
- 1 technical and breathable base layer
- 1 thick fleece jacket
- 1 windproof and waterproof Gore-Tex type jacket
- 1 pair of Windstopper mittens (fleece or wool)
- 1 pair of Windstopper gloves (fleece or wool)
- 1 pair of breathable technical tights, "Carline" type
- 1 pair of comfortable mountain pants
- 1 pair of windproof and waterproof Gore-Tex type trousers
- 2 pairs of socks: 1 thin and 1 thick
They traveled with us
