Alpine ski touring traverse in the heart of the Beaufortain
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationBeaufortain Massif / Savoy
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions26.56 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
In the heart of one of the wildest mountain ranges in the Alps , this 4-day ski touring expedition offers a gradual immersion in the Beaufortain , a preserved territory with harmonious landscapes. Starting from Arêches , the route crosses snow-covered alpine pastures , isolated valleys and panoramic mountain passes , dominated by the iconic silhouette of the Pierra Menta .
The stages alternate between nights in mountain huts and unguarded chalets , reinforcing the spirit of adventure and self-reliance in the winter mountains . The balanced pace of the trip combines fun skiing , more technical sections, and day trips based around a star dedicated to learning: mastering kick turns , reading the terrain , choosing routes, and managing effort .
The traverse concludes with a long descent into the secluded Treicol valley, the final point of a challenging and well-structured route. An ideal trip to improve and consolidate your ski touring skills, far from the ski resorts, in an authentic and demanding environment.
The highlights
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Explore the vast alpine pastures of the Beaufortain region on skis, beneath the iconic Pierra Menta.
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From the Col du Coin, enjoy an open view of Mont Blanc and the Vanoise
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The experience of an unguarded mountain chalet
Photos
Sport
Level
Ski touring
The expert's opinion
- You are capable of managing 6-7 hour days with 800 to 1200m of positive elevation gain.
- You do a minimum of 3 hours/week of endurance activity (running, cycling, swimming, etc.).
- You already have experience in ski touring and you wish to perfect your technique with the guidance of a competent guide.
- You are proficient in off-piste skiing in all snow conditions.
- You want a balance between physical effort, learning and camaraderie with a motivated group.
In figures
Ski touring
- Average daily elevation gain: 713 m
Management
French
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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Day 1
- Transportation Car - 00h07 - 3km
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet in the morning in Arêches to meet the guide and the group. General briefing, equipment check and final logistical adjustments.
A short carpool takes you to La Mappaz, the starting point of the hike. The ascent begins gently in the unspoiled Poncellamont valley, far from any ski lifts. Gradually, the scenery opens up to reveal Lake Saint-Guérin and the imposing silhouette of the Pierra Menta.
At the end of the day, we arrived at the Coire refuge (staffed). We shared a good dinner and had a briefing for the next day's activities.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, departure towards the Col du Coin. The route crosses vast snow-covered alpine pastures in a calm and wild atmosphere.
At the summit, the panorama stretches from Mont Blanc to the peaks of the Vanoise. A playful descent then leads to the foot of the Pierra Menta, before a final, more sustained climb towards the Col de Bresson.
The day ends at the Presset refuge, ideally located opposite the Pierra Menta. Dinner at the refuge and discussions about managing effort and progress in high-altitude terrain.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Lighter packs for this day dedicated to technical progression. From the refuge, several options are available to the group depending on the conditions: ascent of Mont Rosset to work on rhythm and endurance, or passage via the Col de la Charbonnière to work on switchbacks and careful reading of the terrain.
The varied descents allow you to consolidate your skills and improve your fluidity. Return to the refuge in the late afternoon for a second night with views of the peaks, group debriefing and a friendly atmosphere.
Day 3 -
Day 4
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For the final stage, the group leaves the refuge and enters the Treicol valley, a wild and little-frequented route. After a short climb to the Charmette pass, the final descent stretches over more than 1,200 meters of elevation change.
The perfect opportunity to put the skills learned on the road trip into practice before heading to La Mappaz. Return to Arêches by carpooling and the adventure will conclude with a final shared moment.
Day 4
Note
Walking and activity times are given as a guide and may vary depending on the weather, snow conditions and the pace of the group.
Accommodation
Presset Refuge
Access
We'll meet at 10am in the Serraz parking lot in Beaufort.
Go to the starting point
From Albertville train station , take the local bus line L21 to Arêches-Beaufort. Travel time: approximately 35 minutes by bus to Arêches.
The Serraz car park located in Arêches-Beaufort is free
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be led by an experienced high-mountain guide.
- Accommodation: You will spend the first night in an unguarded mountain hut and the following two nights in a guarded mountain hut (dormitories).
- All meals, from dinner on Day 1 to the picnic on Day 4
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to our meeting point
- Ski touring equipment rental: skis, boots, skins, crampons, poles, avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe (rental option available)
- Day 1 picnic
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Ski touring kit rental - all the essential equipment : CHF237.85 / person
- Additional night before the stay : CHF123.50 / unit
- Additional night after the stay : CHF123.50 / 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.
