Ski touring in the Argentière basin - In the heart of Mont Blanc
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationChamonix-Mont-Blanc / Mont Blanc Massif - France
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions20.07 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
(Re) discover the joys of ski touring with this trip to the magnificent Argentière basin. An ideal playground for ski enthusiasts , you'll have ample opportunity to admire the Argentière and Tour glaciers, as well as the legendary north faces of the Alps: Les Droites, the Aiguille Verte, Les Courtes, and the Triolet . Two nights in high-mountain refuges are included in the trip, allowing for exhilarating ascents of mountain passes and descents on glaciers. A truly authentic high-mountain experience awaits you on this 3-day trip, set against the unique and spectacular backdrop of the Chamonix Valley.
The highlights
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The mythical setting of the Chamonix valley
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Warm and comfortable shelters
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A local guide who knows the area like the back of his hand
Photos
Sport
Level
Ski touring
In figures
Ski touring
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 750 m
- Average daily descent: 1084 m
Management
French
Program
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Argentière - Col du Tour Noir
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We start with the Plan Joran ski lift at Grands Montets, taking the ascent to Bochard. We then cross the Lognan Glacier to reach the Col des Rachasses (3037m). Next, we traverse the Rognons Glacier and cross the Argentière Glacier. The refuge is nearby, but we have the option of climbing higher by crossing other glaciers (for example, to the Col du Tour Noir at 3535m).
Day 1 -
Passon Pass – Albert 1er Refuge
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A short descent from the refuge onto the Argentière Glacier, before putting on skins, to climb towards the Col du Passon (3028m). Carrying skis and using crampons to ascend the Col, whose slope is a bit steep but manageable. A beautiful, moderately steep descent from the Col, traversing the Glacier du Tour to the Albert 1er refuge.
Day 2 -
Whitehead Ascent
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 1750 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A gradual ascent up the Tour Glacier to the summit of Tête Blanche (3487m). Magnificent panoramic views of the Swiss peaks. We then descend back into the valley to the village of Le Tour. A beautiful descent along the glacier to conclude our trip.
Day 3
Note
For safety reasons (due to weather conditions or other factors) and in the best interests of the participants, the guide reserves the right to modify the itinerary described above. The mountain refuge may be changed depending on availability.
In case of adverse weather conditions, the guide may have to modify the itinerary or the program of the trip. If it is truly impossible to go into the field, postponing the trip may be considered.
No refund for the stay is possible in case of adverse conditions.
Accommodation
2 nights in mountain huts, and in shared dormitories.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a state-certified High Mountain Guide
- Accommodation for 2 nights in mountain huts and shared dormitories
- Half-board accommodation in mountain huts (dinners and breakfasts)
- Lunchtime picnics and snacks during the day
- The J1 ski lifts
- Loan of crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point (Les Grands-Montets) and from the dispersal point (Le Tour)
- Personal ski touring equipment (clothing, skis, boots, skins, poles, personal first aid kit...)
- A safety kit: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe (available for hire in sports shops)
- Drinks during meals, excluding still water
- Cancellation or multi-risk insurance, to be purchased at the time of registration
- Everything not listed in the price includes
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
Crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness.
Equipment to bring
- Personal ski touring equipment: pair of skis and boots, climbing skins, poles, crampons
- Personal safety equipment for mountaineering: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
- Rental available in sports shops
- 30-40L backpack
- Water bottle of at least 1.5L
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Sleeping bag liner (silk sheet) for nights in mountain huts
- Bath towel
Clothing to bring
Warm, comfortable, and waterproof clothing suitable for ski touring. It's best to layer up and have appropriate clothing for all weather conditions.
- Warm and breathable merino wool base layers, with long or short sleeves
- Fleece and down jacket in case of cold weather
- Waterproof and water-repellent jacket for use in the rain
- Hat, gloves, neck warmer…
They traveled with us
