Ski touring course facing Monte Rosa
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationMonte Rosa Massif - France / Valais
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions19.38 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Embark on a four-day immersive ski touring adventure in the majestic Val d'Ayas , nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps. Between snow-covered peaks and pristine valleys, each day offers the perfect combination of physical exertion, exploration, and the pure joy of skiing. Accompanied by an experienced guide , you'll traverse a wild and authentic environment, far from the crowded slopes, in complete safety. The Champoluc ski resort area provides an ideal setting for ski touring . The landscapes are spectacular, and the resort's lifts allow you to quickly gain altitude, facilitating access to more remote and wild routes.
Each evening, return to the warm comfort of a traditional mountain refuge , where you can savor delicious local cuisine and share convivial moments immersed in authentic mountain life. A stay combining exertion and relaxation for unforgettable memories in the heart of winter.
The highlights
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Small groups for a more friendly and safe environment
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A short stay in the Val d'Ayas, one of the valleys of Monte Rosa
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Flexibility in route selection, depending on conditions
Photos
Sport
Level
Ski touring
In figures
Ski touring
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average daily elevation gain: 987 m
- Average daily descent: 987 m
- Maximum altitude: 3000 m
Management
English
French
Danilo and his team
Experienced mountain guides Danilo and his team accompany you on all types of terrain: mountaineering, multi-pitch climbs, ski touring, and high-altitude treks. Passionate and meticulous, they prioritize safety, progress, and enjoyment on every outing. With them, every climb becomes a shared and authentic adventure in the heart of the most beautiful mountains in the Alps.
Program
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Meeting with the guide and group evaluation
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet the guide at 1pm in Champoluc.
Equipment check, avalanche transceiver check, assessment of participants' skiing ability.
In the late afternoon, the group reached the hamlet of Crest by taking a ski lift and settled into the refuge.
Preparing for the next day's race with the guide: reading the maps, studying the snow and weather report.
Night in a mountain refuge.
Day 1 -
Ski touring day - Lake Perrin
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 760 m
- Negative elevation 760 m
- Maximum altitude 2647 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From the hamlet of Crest, you ascend the Cuneaz valley before turning onto the north-facing slope to reach the Perrin pass. From there, you descend towards Lake Perrin, nestled at the foot of the mountain of the same name. This route is an out-and-back hike.
At the end of the day, prepare for the next day's race with your guide.
Day 2 -
Ski touring day - bettaforca
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Maximum altitude 2964 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Starting from the hamlet of Crest, this day will take you to explore another classic route in the Champoluc area: the ascent of Mont Bettaforca. This route offers a gradual climb to a summit located on the ridge separating the Val d'Ayas and the Val de Lys.
At the end of the day, return to the refuge and prepare for the next day's race with your guide.
Day 3 -
Ski touring day: big race
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Maximum altitude 3000 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
For this final day, we are planning a more ambitious route, heading towards the Mezzalama refuge or Mont Croce. This stage may require leaving Crest, involving either a car transfer or the use of the ski lifts.
Day 4
Note
OPTIONAL: FREE SKI DAY
For those who wish, Esprit Montagne can book an extra night at the refuge: you can thus enjoy an extra day of free skiing on the Monterosa Ski area.
It is also possible to ask the guide to accompany you for an additional day of ski touring.
Throughout your stay, the guide will choose the routes the day before, taking into account weather conditions, snow conditions, and the group's skill level. The guide's presence at the mountain hut will allow you to discuss the chosen routes and the criteria used to select them. He will, of course, be mindful of your technical and physical abilities and ensure your safety.
Accommodation
Accommodation will be in a refuge located at 1900m in a small hamlet on the heights of Champoluc, with very good food and in traditional architecture, and a beautiful view of the valley, especially from the terrace.
Price details
The price includes
- The supervision of a UIAGM high mountain guide
- Safety equipment
- Accommodation in a mountain refuge, in a shared dormitory
- Half-board from day 1 to day 3
- Training in the use of safety equipment
- The cable car ride up to the refuge on day 1
The price does not include
- Personal technical equipment
- The possible ski lifts
- Drinks
- Lunchtime meals
- Personal expenses
- Transportation to the place of stay
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
- Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe ( unless you have your own )
Equipment to bring
- Touring skis
- Ski touring boots
- A pair of ski touring crampons
- Ski poles
- Your sealskins
- A 40L backpack
- A headlamp
- A sleeping bag liner for nights in mountain huts
- 2 pairs of warm gloves
- A warm hat
- A pair of sunglasses
- A ski mask
- A neck warmer
- 2 pairs of warm socks
Clothing to bring
- Thermal and breathable underwear
- Thermal and breathable tights
- Warm socks
- A warm and breathable technical fleece
- Gore-Tex trousers, windproof and waterproof
- A warm "puffer jacket" type jacket
- A high-quality Gore-Tex jacket or similar, waterproof and windproof
