Ski touring trip between Italy and the summit of Mont Thabor
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationVanoise Massif / Modane
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions21.07 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Set off on a wild and secluded route between France and Italy, with the goal of climbing Mont Thabor (3,178 m). From the Valfréjus lifts, an efficient warm-up propels us into the vast, untouched landscapes. Very quickly, we leave the groomed slopes behind to forge our own path through nature , on often powdery snow, far from the hustle and bustle. Away from the crowds, this trip offers the opportunity to savor the winter calm and the raw beauty of the Southern Alps .
The ascent of Mount Thabor offers a spectacular panorama, and the descent remains a highlight of the trip, with its wide slopes and breathtaking views. The adventure continues on the Italian side, with an authentic overnight stay where you can savor local specialties in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This multi-day trip combines physical exertion, the pleasure of skiing, and cross-border exploration.
The highlights
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Ascent of a peak over 3000m
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Accessible technical level
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A wild valley renowned for the quality of its skiing
Photos
Sport
Level
Ski touring
The expert's opinion
Advanced level required, both physical and technical; regular practice of ski touring preferred
In figures
Ski touring
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 750 m
- Average daily descent: 1100 m
- Maximum altitude: 3200 m
Management
French
High Mountain Guide
Supervision by a high mountain guide.
We work with a wonderful team of guides. We choose them primarily for their friendliness, teaching skills, and organizational abilities. We listen carefully to our guides, work closely with them, and ensure that their working conditions and compensation are the best possible.
Program
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Rise of the treasurer
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 10km
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 6h05
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Maximum altitude 3046 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Welcome at Modane train station. Meet your guide and depart by minibus for the Punta Bagna cable car. From the summit, descend to the Col de Fréjus, then ascend the Argentier (3046m), before descending into the magnificent Font-Froide valley. A final short climb on skins before arriving at the refuge and dropping off our packs.
Day 1 -
Ascent of Mount Tabor
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 7h01
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 1400 m
- Maximum altitude 3200 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Breakfast and departure for Mont Thabor (3178m). Passing through the Col des Méandes and past the Thabor chapel, we'll enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Cerces massif and the Savoie region. From there, we'll head towards the Vallée Étroite via a long and scenic descent, passing by Lac Blanc. Nestled between the Cerces and the Haute-Maurienne valleys, this valley promises an extraordinary atmosphere.
Day 2 -
Return via the Col de Font Froide
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 10km
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Maximum altitude 2600 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast and departure for the Col de Font Froide, which reopens the doors to the Maurienne valley. A beautiful final descent back to our starting point before we can rest.
Day 3
Note
This is an example of a ski touring program in the Thabor massif. Weather and snow conditions, as well as the participants' skill level, may lead the guide to modify the itinerary or to complete certain routes in a different order. We ask that you respect their decisions.
Accommodation
Thabor Refuge
Access
Lodge Le Petit Cerf, Cervières: 7:45 am
Briançon train station: 7:45 am
Modane, Train Station: 9am
End of stay in the afternoon
We do our best, but we cannot guarantee arrival time at the train station (traffic jams, unforeseen circumstances, snow conditions). We advise you to purchase flexible train tickets. On the last day, return to Modane is possible but not guaranteed by 5:00 PM.
Go to the starting point
Modane, Train Station: 9am
End of stay in the afternoon
We do our best, but we cannot guarantee arrival time at the train station (traffic jams, unforeseen circumstances, snow conditions). We advise you to purchase flexible train tickets. On the last day, return to Modane is possible but not guaranteed by 5:00 PM.
Price details
The price includes
- The organization
- All travel from one of the meeting points
- Half-board accommodation in a mountain refuge for 2 nights, and packed lunches for 3 days
- Training/refresher course on the use of safety equipment
- Three days of guiding by a high mountain guide and all their expenses (accommodation, meals, transport, lifts)
- Loan of safety equipment (shovel, probe and avalanche transceiver with batteries provided), if people are not equipped
- High-quality cereal bars
- The Welcome Pack
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to one of the meeting points
- The possible rental of equipment
- The ski lifts
- All drinks, including those with meals, and extras in the accommodations are not included.
- Personal expenses, your personal insurance
- And anything not listed under the heading "the price includes".
Options
- Equipment rental - Complete package (skis, boots, skins, poles and crampons) : CHF150.94 / unit
- Equipment rental - Skis (skis, skins, poles, crampons) : CHF123.50 / unit
- Equipment rental - Shoes : CHF41.17 / unit
- Equipment rental - Airbag bag : CHF68.61 / 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 equipped with touring bindings. We recommend freeride touring skis to make the most of descents in all snow conditions and powder.
- Seal skins
- Knives
- Sticks
- Ski touring boots
- Harness + lanyard with screwgate carabiner
- Avalanche transceiver (DVA): If you own an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe, please let us know when you register. If you don't have any of these, we will lend you one free of charge.
- Backpack: capacity 40L.
- Safety tip: Airbag backpacks are highly recommended. Airbag backpacks are a significant safety advantage. In the event of an avalanche, the airbag allows you to stay on the surface, thus reducing the risk of burial. Guides use these backpacks. Encouraging the use of safety equipment, we can rent you this type of backpack at a very competitive price.
Clothing to bring
- Warm hat or headband / Neck warmer or Buff
- Ski goggles and sunglasses with UV4 protection lenses. The photochromic lenses adapt to the light and vary from category 2 to category 4 to optimize visibility in both shade and sunlight. Very practical
- Ski helmet ( highly recommended )
- Technical underwear: long-sleeved top and tights for added warmth under the pants. Tip: Merino wool has the advantage of being very breathable and antibacterial, so it retains less odor than synthetic materials.
- Lightweight fleece jacket / Synthetic down jacket with hood to wear under the Gore-Tex for extra warmth during breaks / Jacket with waterproof and breathable membrane (Gore-Tex type) or softshell, lightweight and compressible to reduce bulk in the backpack
- Trousers with a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type membrane. Models with leg vents are recommended for ascents.
- Lightweight gloves (fleece or softshell) + warm gloves with a waterproof and breathable membrane like Gore-Tex + silk liner gloves. Mittens are a good solution for very cold days or for people sensitive to the cold.
- Ski socks. Merino wool has the advantage of being very breathable and antibacterial, so it retains less odor than synthetic materials.
- If needed, shin protection patches
- 1L water bottle, thermos or Camelbak, pocket knife, duct tape, SPF 50 sunscreen
- A sturdy 90L duffel bag is required; please leave it at your accommodation or in your vehicle. No hard-shell suitcases are permitted.
- Toiletry bag with personal essentials
- First aid kit
