Weekend introduction to ski touring in the Beaufortain
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationBeaufortain Massif / Savoy
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions38.15 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Ski touring in the Beaufortain is a true institution! This Savoyard mountain range, renowned for its exceptional snow cover, is the ideal playground for beginners far from the crowds. Leave the ski lifts behind to make your first tracks in the powder and enjoy an authentic setting. Between the effort of the ascent and the pleasure of gliding down, experience an unforgettable weekend in this little corner of paradise.
The highlights
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Peaks for beginners in ski touring
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A mountain range in Savoy with exceptional snow cover
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A charming village in a magnificent setting
Photos
Diane - verified review - march 2025
Diane - verified review - march 2025
Marie-julie - verified review - march 2024
Marie-julie - verified review - march 2024
Sport
Level
Ski touring
In figures
Ski touring
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 734 m
- Average daily descent: 1367 m
- Maximum altitude: 2686 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
This course is supervised by a high mountain guide who will provide you with the technical elements necessary for the smooth running of the stay.
Program
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Ascending the Grand Mont (2686m)
- Transportation Minibus - 00h40 - 30km
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 1700 m
- Maximum altitude 2686 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
📍 Meet in Albertville early in the morning. Transfer by minibus with the guide to Arêches Beaufort . Equipment rental if needed, briefing on the weekend's schedule, and distribution of picnic lunches.
After taking the ski lifts up to 2000m, we'll spend this first day safely close to the slopes, heading towards the Col de la Forclaz. We'll then leave the resort and make our way to the Grand Mont (2686m), where a 360° panorama awaits us in good weather. We'll then enjoy a long descent back to the base of the resort, perfect for some short turns, before a minibus transfer to our weekend accommodation.
Day 1 -
La Roche Parstire (2109m)
- Transportation Minibus - 00h40 - 40km
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Maximum altitude 2109 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we're heading to the charming, authentic hamlet of Boudin, high above Arêches. From there, we'll set off eastwards to reach the Col du Pré at 1703m, where the breathtaking view overlooking Lake Roselend will delight us. From the pass, the slope leads south to the ridge: we'll need to follow it, removing our skis for a short section , to reach Roche Parstire at 2109m. The 360° view is magnificent : a cascade of peaks with Mont Blanc as a backdrop – what more could you ask for!
Day 2 -
Pointe du Dard (2489m)
- Transportation Minibus - 00h40 - 30km
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 1600 m
- Maximum altitude 2489 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We'll depart by minibus towards Arêches to catch the ski lifts again and head towards the Col de la Grande Combe. A first descent is necessary to reach Lac de Brassa. We'll put our skins back on to continue our ascent for the day towards the Pointe du Dard . At the summit, another spectacular panorama awaits! We'll enjoy this final descent before returning to Albertville in the afternoon for the end of the day's activities.
Day 3
Note
A minibus is provided for the group so that your guide can suggest the best possible ski touring routes based on the current weather conditions. Transfers of approximately 30 minutes are to be expected during this trip.
This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions, weather or the physical condition of the participants require it.
Accommodation
The two nights will take place in the same gîte in the Beaufortain valley in shared rooms for 6 to 8 people.
The cottage where you will spend three days is a haven of peace. Sébastien, your host, will ensure you have an enchanting time in the heart of his gem, by the fire.
🚌 You will then travel each day by minibus to the starting point of the different routes proposed/chosen by the guide.
You will need to bring your own towels, as well as sheets or a sleeping bag (blankets are provided on site).
Access
Go to the starting point
🚌 Meet in Albertville early in the morning and transfer by minibus with the guide to Arêches Beaufort.
🚘 Possibility of parking at the gîte where you will sleep or leaving the car in Albertville (in the France Travail parking lot for example).
Price details
The price includes
- The technical organization of the internship
- Supervision by a high mountain guide
- Half-board accommodation in a gîte from the evening of day 1 to the morning of day 3
- Picnics
- Minibus transport from Albertville train station to the various hiking spots
- The specific collective technical equipment for the stay
- Safety equipment: avalanche transceiver (batteries not included), shovel and probe
- The ski lifts on days 1 and 3 (no lifts planned on day 2)
The price does not include
- Individual ski equipment: boots, skis, skins and crampons, poles (rental available, please specify when registering)
- Batteries for the avalanche transceiver (4 AAA LR03 batteries)
- Race snacks (cereal bars, dried fruit, chocolate bars, etc.) as you wish
- Drinks and personal expenses
- The J2 ski lift (if the program changes)
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
- Group equipment (ropes) is provided if necessary.
- Personal safety equipment (avalanche transceiver without batteries, shovel, probe) is provided if necessary - please let us know if you have your own.
- Slippers are available at the refuge.
- At the refuge, blankets and duvets are provided: remember to bring your own sleeping bag liner for hygiene reasons.
Equipment to bring
Equipment can be rented at Skinium in Arêches.
Skis:
- Pair of touring skis
- 1 pair of touring ski boots with Vibram soles
- 1 pair of self-adhesive climbing skins suitable for skis
- Knives adapted to the bindings
- Sticks with wide washers
- A 25/40 liter backpack with a ski rack strap is preferable for ease of use.
- Ski helmet
Others :
- Safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe
- Survival blanket
- Pocket knife
- Thermos or water bottle
Nights in a gîte:
- Bag sheet
- Towels
Clothing to bring
In the mountains you will carry your day's belongings and equipment in a 30-35 litre mountaineering backpack, with ski attachments.
Your personal belongings that need to stay at the cottage can be transported in a second bag (travel bag type).
Head :
- Windstopper beanie
- "Buff" neck warmer
- Sunscreen (very high protection factor) and lip balm
- Category 4 sunglasses + ski goggles
Upper body:
- 2 long-sleeved, breathable technical underwear like "Carline" (not 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)
Lower body:
- 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
