Ski touring discovery in Bessans
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationBessans / Vanoise Massif
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AgeUp to a 90imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions37.78 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Put on your skis for an exceptional adventure in the heart of the high mountains. This trip is for skiers comfortable on red and black runs, offering a true immersion in the world of ski touring .
Starting Sunday afternoon, participate in preparing for your week while learning the fundamentals of mountain safety , including avalanche transceiver search and the CRISTAL method. Led by high-mountain guides , you will hone your technical skills on routes of 3 to 5 hours of skiing per day , accumulating between 400 and 600 meters of daily elevation gain up to 3000 meters altitude .
The highlight of your getaway remains the crossing to the Évettes refuge for a memorable night, surrounded by a spectacular glacial cirque , followed by the discovery of the sublime Grand Méan lake .
After your workout, return to the comfort of the center in the late afternoon. Recharge your batteries with the spa area , fitness room, and friendly evening entertainment. A perfect balance between pushing your limits and well-being .
The highlights
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Introduction to ski touring in Haute Maurienne Vanoise
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Accompanied by a qualified high-mountain guide
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Spa area, fitness room within the holiday village
Photos
Sport
Level
Ski touring
The expert's opinion
This trip is for skiers comfortable on red and black runs. You will be accompanied by high-mountain guides on routes of 3 to 5 hours of ski touring per day. You will cover between 400 and 600 meters of vertical gain daily, reaching peaks of up to 3,000 meters in altitude.
In figures
Ski touring
- Average duration/day: 6h
Management
You are supervised by state-certified instructors.
Program
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Arrival at the holiday village
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
12pm: Arrival at the holiday village and lunch on site
1:45 PM: Welcome meeting in the Charbonnel room
Afternoon :
- Introduction of the Guides and Monitors and the week's program.
- Equipment check.
- Review of the BERA (Avalanche Risk Assessment Bulletin).
- Overview of avalanches.
- Presentation and operation of the avalanche transceiver (DVA), and practical application in the field
- Good Practices and the Cristal Approach.
Day 1 -
Day trip
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Avérole Valley:
- Ascent towards the Col de la Bessanèse or the Col d'Arnes: teaching the basics
- DVA Exercise
Day 2 -
Day trip
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Ouille du Midi (3042 m):
- Ascent from the top of the Vallonet chairlift
- Lower Vallonet Glacier Cave
- Evettes Refuge
- Night at the Evettes refuge
Day 3 -
Day trip
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Grand Méan Lake:
- Ascent from the refuge
- Descent to Bonneval-sur-Arc via the Gorges de la Recullaz
- Back to the holiday village
Day 4 -
Departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Morning: End of stay after breakfast.
Day 5
Note
Important : The destinations for these outings are given as a guide only. Each week we vary the activities depending on the weather conditions so that people who stay for several trips can discover new sites.
Please note that we may sometimes need to make slight changes to the program: this could be due to organizational issues, weather conditions, snow conditions, the group's skill level, exceptional circumstances such as a pandemic, etc. Rest assured, these changes are always made in your best interest, for your safety and comfort!
Participant level : Our instructors are the best judges of participants' skill levels. If a participant does not meet the required criteria, the instructor may suggest a more suitable course. The holiday village cannot be held responsible for any insufficient skill level observed during the stay.
Accommodation
The holiday village offers 95 rooms, spread across three buildings, which can accommodate from 1 to 3 people depending on their configuration.
By staying at the centre, you have access to all the spaces available.
You will spend a night at the Evettes refuge to experience an overnight stay in a mountain refuge!
You will spend a night at the Evettes refuge to experience an overnight stay in a mountain refuge!
Access
Check-in at the holiday village begins at 12:00 PM, and rooms are available from 5:00 PM on your arrival day. For your departure, rooms must be vacated by 10:00 AM, as your stay ends after breakfast.
Go to the starting point
Modane TGV station (Paris-Modane 4h30 by TGV), then a 45-minute bus ride to the stop in front of the holiday village. Bus reservations can be made online at www.altibus.com or by calling +33 4 79 68 32 96.
A43 motorway towards Turin (Fréjus Tunnel, Italy), Exit No. 30 – Modane/Haute Maurienne, departmental road D1006 (ex-RN6) then D902 (35km) towards Bessans.
Consider sharing your journey by carpooling: www.blablacar.fr.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in the holiday village according to the chosen package
- One night in a mountain refuge
- Full board (including wine) from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 5
- One hot drink per day
- Bed linen and towels are provided in the rooms for the duration of your stay.
- Access to the spa and fitness area
- Activities are supervised by our qualified instructors.
- Monday and Tuesday activities
The price does not include
- Transportation to the holiday village
- Tourist tax: €0.85 per person (over 18 years old) per night (rate in effect in 2026), payable on site
- The ANCEF membership fee (mandatory for guided trips) includes membership and mountain passport (insurance): €26 for adults, €15 for children under 16, and €60 for the Family offer (1 or 2 adults + children under 16) - payable on site
- Toiletries (shower gel, soap, etc.) and a towel for access to the spa.
- Drinks at the bar and extras (shop purchases, additional activities not included in the program…)
- Picnic boxes, cutlery and water bottles
- Ski touring equipment (rental available in Bessans)
Options
- Youth discount (7-13 years old) : CHF-215.44 / person
- Early arrival : CHF62.21 / person
- 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, crampons, climbing skins, telescopic poles and touring ski boots
*If you do not own this equipment, you can rent it. Feel free to ask us for the contact details of the shops.
- Water bottle holder and insulated water bottle (minimum 1L capacity).
- Pair of highly protective sunglasses (CE index 3 or 4 essential), ski mask.
- Tube of sunscreen and lip balm, with a high sun protection factor.
- Camera and binoculars (optional).
- DVA pack, shovel and probe.
Clothing to bring
- Cap.
- 2 pairs of gloves.
- Warm pants + lightweight pants.
- Several pairs of socks.
- Anorak, waterproof rainwear, 1 windbreaker and a fleece jacket or thick sweater.
- Swimsuit and bath towel (or bathrobe) required to access the wellness area.
For your comfort at the centre, please bring casual clothing and indoor shoes or a pair of slippers.
The Julie team
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