Ski touring and overnight stay in a mountain refuge in the Aravis
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationLe Grand-Bornand / Aravis mountain range
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AgeFrom 18 - 85 years
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CO₂-Emissions10.05 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Getting started with ski touring has never been so accessible. This 2-day tour , designed specifically for people with little or no experience , takes place in the magnificent setting of the Aravis mountain range .
Under the watchful and professional eye of our experienced guides , you will progress safely at your own pace. This training course is the perfect opportunity to learn essential progression techniques and master the use of avalanche rescue equipment .
The adventure continues with an overnight stay in a mountain refuge in the heart of the Alps. Perched at an altitude of 2,164 meters, the Gramusset refuge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand-Bornand valley. To complete this authentic experience, the wardens extend a warm welcome with delicious dishes made from local products , perfect for recovering after a beautiful day of hiking.
The highlights
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An authentic immersion with an overnight stay in a mountain refuge
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A legendary peak in the Aravis mountains
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Guided by experienced local guides
Photos
Sport
Level
Ski touring
The expert's opinion
Level S3 - Intermediate
Technical level in downhill skiing: I ski in all terrains, including crusty and powder snow. I ski down slopes up to 35–40°.
Ability to ski in all types of snow: Good control in varied snow conditions (tracked, moguls, powder, crusty).
Technical level on the ascent: I already practice uphill ski touring and I know how to do kick turns (or almost).
Physical level: I can walk for 2 to 4 hours with equipment and a 4-5 kg pack, or even more. Estimated ascent speed: 300 to 400 m/h.
General experience and frequency of practice: Several ski touring outings. Regular practice of a sport.
Type of outing: Examples: Combe des Aravis, ascent to Gramusset, La Mandallaz.
Approximate duration: Up to 6 hours including ascent and descent
In figures
Ski touring
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 500 m
- Average daily descent: 900 m
- Maximum altitude: 2500 m
Management
French
English
The stay will be supervised by a UIAGM high mountain guide.
Program
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Skiing in Grand-Bornand and climbing to the Gramusset refuge
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Maximum altitude 2164 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The group is welcomed at the village café, where we pack our bags and check our equipment over coffee. We then begin the day by taking the ski lifts, followed by a pleasant 900-meter descent along the slopes. This will be an opportunity to familiarize ourselves with our gear. Finally, it's time to attach our skins to our skis and head towards the Gramusset refuge, leaving the beaten track behind. This ascent, with 300 to 500 meters of elevation gain depending on the chosen route, allows us to learn the specific techniques of ski touring. After a well-deserved break at the refuge, we take advantage of the end of the day to learn or review the use of avalanche rescue equipment. And why not extend our climb a little further? We end the day enjoying the warm and friendly atmosphere of the refuge. After a meal prepared with delicious local products, a restful night is guaranteed.
Day 1 -
The Pointe des Carmélites (2477 meters) or the Col des Verts (2499 meters)
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Maximum altitude 2500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Two options are available to explore the area around the Gramusset refuge and consolidate your skills. We can choose between climbing the Pointe des Carmélites (2477 meters) or the Col des Verts (2499 meters), both offering exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the majestic Mont Blanc. Both routes will allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery, put the techniques learned the previous day into practice, and end the day in style on the slopes of the Grand-Bornand ski area. Imagine yourself at the summit of the Pointe des Carmélites or the Col des Verts, gazing at Mont Blanc stretching across the horizon – an unforgettable experience guaranteed! The trip ends around 3 pm.
Day 2
Note
As a mountain professional, the guide reserves the right to adapt, modify or shorten the itinerary according to weather conditions and/or the level of one or more participants.
Day 1: We'll welcome the group, check our equipment, and pack our bags over coffee. After a ride up the ski lifts, a 900m descent will allow us to familiarize ourselves with the equipment. We'll then put on our climbing skins to reach the Gramusset refuge (300 to 500m of elevation gain), learning the basics of ski touring. At the end of the day, we'll have an introduction to or review of avalanche rescue equipment, followed by a friendly evening at the refuge.
Day 2: From the refuge, ascent of either the Pointe des Carmélites (2,477 m) or the Col des Verts (2,499 m), depending on conditions. This outing allows you to put your newly acquired skills into practice while enjoying exceptional panoramic views of the Aravis mountain range and Mont Blanc. Return via the Grand-Bornand ski area.
Elevation changes: Day 1: +300 to 500 m / -900 m • Day 2: +500 m / -900 m.
Accommodation
Refuge de la Pointe Percée – Gramusset (FFCAM): mountain comfort & real refuge cuisine.
Perched at 2164 m, the Refuge de la Pointe Percée – Gramusset is a warm stop in the heart of the Aravis: an ideal spot to recover after the climb, enjoy a mineral sunset… and set off again the next day with top energy!
Access
Transportation to the meeting point is not included in the service and remains the responsibility of the participants.
The meeting point is at the Joyère cable car parking lot, in Chinaillon , 74450 Le Grand-Bornand .
Go to the starting point
From the train station to the cable car:
- By bus: From Annecy bus station (next to the SNCF train station), take the Alpbus/Cars Région regional bus (Line Y62 or Y63) to Grand-Bornand bus station. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes. The Joyère gondola lift is then just a 5-minute walk (approximately 400 meters) from the village bus station.
- By taxi / private hire vehicle: The journey takes approximately 40 minutes from Annecy train station (estimated fare between €80 and €110 depending on the day, time and traffic conditions).
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a UIAGM high-mountain guide.
- Half-board accommodation within the refuge (breakfast and dinner included)
- Lunch on Day 2 (hot meal or picnic depending on the weather)
- The ski lift pass for day 1
- The possible loan of the avalanche safety pack including avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Lunch on Day 1 (hot meal or picnic)
- Mineral water, drinks, race snacks and extras
- Anything not mentioned under "Price includes"
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 to bring
Touring skis with suitable bindings.
Sealskins, knives and sticks.
Ski touring boots adapted to the bindings.
1L thermos (no water bladder / CamelBak).
Headlamp.
Sunglasses (ski goggles are recommended in case of snow or wind) and sunscreen.
Snacks for small hunger pangs (cereal bars, dried fruit, etc.).
Toiletries (bare minimum).
Clothing to bring
Gore-Tex or Softshell hiking pants, with thermal tights underneath, or ski pants.
Waterproof hiking jacket ( Gore-Tex type) or ski jacket.
Warm and breathable underwear.
Polar or equivalent intermediate layer.
Warm down jacket for breaks and evenings.
Buff -style hat and neck warmer to protect the face from the cold.
Spare underwear so you can dry off in the evening.
