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Ski touring Introduction in the Italian Val Ferret

Duration: 2 days
Level:

Level 1: You have never practiced.

Level 2: You have some initial experience.

Level 3: You practice occasionally.

Level 4: You practice regularly.

Level 5: You have a sustained practice.

Price from: 325€
For more information, contact Pôle Ski :
General information

The Val Ferret borders the Italian slopes of the Mont-Blanc massif. It is well known for the view on the high summits: Mont Blanc, Grandes Jorasses, Dent du Géant… It is also renowned for its remoteness, calm and authenticity. In a unique and exceptional setting, this programme was designed for a gentle introduction to ski touring. You will enjoy gentle slopes perfect for beginners, as well as comfortable accommodation at refuge Bonatti. Your guide will introduce you to the basic techniques such as kick turns. He will also give you personalised tips to improve your descent technique. A summary of what awaits you: great skiing in fantastic scenery plus typical Aosta valley accommodation.

To discover the mountains of Valle d'Aosta, we have developed a series of ski tours and trips in the Italian Valley. These adventures allow you to enjoy the exceptional playground of this area while experiencing high-quality accommodations that live up to the region's reputation. Explore also the Val Magia hut, a hidden gem just a few steps from Aosta. Embark on a ski tour in Val de Rhèmes, which showcases the Italian side of Val d'Isere. Finally, journey into the Gran Paradiso national park and go for the ascent of Gran Paradiso itself.
 

Group booking

Group session associates several people who don’t know each other. It allows for a planned program to benefit from an attractive price on fixed dates. This formula is ideal for people looking for the friendliness of a group.

Dates : See below for the group booking module

Price 2024 : 385€ per person based on minimum of 4 participants
 
Included in the package :
- IFMGA English speaking mountain guiding service
- half-board in mountain hut (dinner, breakfast and night)
- transfers as per programme
- rental of full safety kit (avalanche transceiver/DVA, shovel, probe)
 
Not included in the package :
- personal drinks in huts and other personal expenses (we recommend you bring Euros)
- take out lunches and daily snacks
- cost of getting to meeting point (Chamonix)
- personal technical equipment

 

Private booking

A private booking is the historical relationship that binds a guide to his/her client. It allows you to be alone, or in a constituted group, with your guide that meets your specific needs. You are free to choose your departure date (depending on the availability of the huts) and the itinerary can be adjusted, according to your specific expectations.

Prices 2024 :
2 people : 785€ per person
3 people : 555€ per person
4 people : 440€ per person
5 people : 370€ per person
6 people : 325€ per person
 
Included in the package :
- IFMGA English speaking mountain guiding service
- half-board in mountain hut (dinner, breakfast and night)
- transfers as per programme
- rental of full safety kit (avalanche transceiver/DVA, shovel, probe)
 
Not included in the package :
- personal drinks in huts and other personal expenses (we recommend you bring Euros)
- take out lunches and daily snacks
- cost of getting to meeting point (Chamonix)
- personal technical equipment

 

Further information

In this section, find all the information about this activity. To prepare your trip effectively, refer to the guides’ tips. They share their expertise and recommendations, ensuring you have a great experience.

Meeting point : Meet at 08:30 at the Compagnie des Guides office in Chamonix. Transfer by minibus to the departure point. Return to Chamonix by minibus

Physical level : No ski touring experience necessary but ski off-piste experience is required. Vertical ascent of up to 600m per day. Three to four hours of exercise per day. Altitudes of under 3000m.

Technical level : For piste skiers making their first turns off-piste. Wide, shallow slopes (up to 30°). Good skiing ability in easy snow conditions.

Guiding policy : 4 to 6 people. 

Accomodation : Half-board in Bonatti hut.
Before & after the trip: We have some hotel partners in Chamonix with special prices for our customers.

Documentation : Participants must have mountain sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance when you sign up. Participants must also take valid ID with them.
 

Equipment

We recommend you to pay particular attention to the choice of your equipment. It contributes greatly to the success of your stay. Weight is decisive: you always have to evaluate the ratio weight/comfort, to find the best compromise. 
 
Equipment
- Comfortable frameless rucksack of 35l on which you could fix your skis
- Ski touring skis & shoes, rentable
- Adhesive climbing skins & ski knifes adapted to your skis, rentable
- A pair of poles with large discs, rentable
- A security pack including harness, DVA, shovel & probe - this pack will be lend by your guide
 
Clothing
- Waterproof and windproof, non-insulated parka with hood (Gore-tex or equivalent), rentable
- Waterproof and windproof, non-insulated pants, rentable
- Thick polar-pile fleece jacket or equivalent
- A light down jacket
- 1 long-sleeve shirt
- Medium weight thermal underwear (top + bottoms, silk or polypro, double as pyjamas)
- Warm ski socks
- Warm ski hat and light sun hat with brim
- Warm ski gloves or mittens
- A pair of thinner/finer gloves (in leather or fleece)
- Neck protection
- Spare thermal underwear (for sleeping and change)
 
Accessories
- High-altitude sunglasses (grade 4 is recommended)
- A pair of goggles
- 1.5L water bottle
- An isotherm bottle
- A mini toilet bag including: sun block for face and lips, aspirin, elastoplast, 2nd skin kit, earplug, toilet paper
- A headlamp with spare batteries
- A cotton or silk sleeping sheet: compulsory in every hut. - Hut provide blankets, slippers or clogs
- A plastic bag containing your ID card & Euros for extras

Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop
Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet

 

Itinerary

Day 1

Short transfer from Chamonix to the Val Ferret via the Mont Blanc tunnel. We put on our skis in the small village of Planpincieux (1 580m) then climb up the Val Ferret to the hamlet of Lavachey (1 642m). Our ascent continues through the woods to the Malatra ‘alpages’, or high mountain pastures, from where we glimpse the Bonatti hut (2 025m). The afternoon is devoted to learning basic techniques for ski touring (kick turns) and mountain safety (avalanche rescue).
Vertical ascent: 445m

 

Day 2

Ascending the gentle alpage slopes, we reach a livestock enclosure and then the huge Malatra valley. Depending on the wishes of the group, we can either head for the Col de Malatra (2 928m) or the Col d’Entre Deux Sauts (2 524m). A beautiful descent takes us back down to the hut and then the valley. Transfer to Chamonix, which we reach by mid-afternoon.
Vertical ascent: 500m / Vertical descent: 950m (Col d’Entre deux Sauts) | Vertical ascent: 900m / Vertical descent: 1 350m (Col de Malatra)

 

Booking

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CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 26 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity

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