Chamonix Freeride
Dates
April 10-15, 2023
Price
$3100CAD
Group Size
Skill Level
Chamonix Freeride
Freeride skiing camp in this ski mountaineering mecca...
Sample some of the best steep skiing around Chamonix with an experienced guide. This Spring ski mountaineering program is a progressive steep skiing course. It is intended for advanced downhill skiers/riders wishing to experience steep skiing without going extreme.
On this program you will learn steep skiing skills such as; how to handle all types of terrain, how to ski safely down couloirs, how to perform jump turns on steep faces, how to control your speed on icy snow, how to use your skis as an anchor, how to rappel and much much more. We’ll also cover essential off-piste skills that could save your life such as avalanche safety, glacier travel and crevasse rescue.
After a progressive skill building start, our guides will take you to some of the most sought after ski descents in the Mont Blanc Massif. Exact ski lines will depend on current conditions. Some possible classics include: Couloir des Marbrées, Couloir des Poubelles, Couloir Rectiligne, Couloir de l’ENSA, Col du Belvedere, Col de La Floria, Couloir du Chapeau, Couloirs de Trient, La Nord-est des Courtes, Couloir Gervasutti (Tour Ronde), Le Couloir Macho, Couloir Jager, etc.
The itinerary for this 6 day program will vary greatly depending on the conditions. We will meet in Chamonix at a pre arranged hotel location the evening before the trip starts for equipment check, weather and conditions update.
The first few days will be town based. The second half of the week will be hut or town based depending on the objectives and conditions.
This is an advanced program. Guests are responsible to self evaluate their skills as groups need to be matched together based on previous experience and ability. Ability to link turns in variable steep snow conditions is essential.
Previous ski touring and ski mountaineering experience is mandatory. Prior experience with Summit Mountain Guides is an asset as it helps you anticipate the difficulty and style of our program. Please contact us to discuss your specific ski background.
The group will be meeting with the guide in Chamonix the day before the trip start. We will go over last minute equipment issues, review the planed itinerary and update you with present conditions.
Chamonix is located 80km Southeast of Geneva. Geneva is the best and nearest international airport for folks to fly into. It is a 1hour shuttle ride from Geneva to Chamonix. The train is also an option but much longer and more circuitous.
Spring mountain weather in the Alps can vary wildly from -15C to +10C in the day . Visibility may be poor with whiteout conditions when snowing heavily or clear on bluebird days.
Ensure you are dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind and precipitation can change within the day.
- Pre-trip planning support for skiing, accommodation bookings, travel route
- Fully certified IFMGA guide service and guide costs
- 6 night B&B accommodation in Chamonix
- Half board hut accommodation when in the mountains
- Group safety equipment (communication device, rescue kit, first aid supplies, GPS, maps)
- Use of technical equipment: Harnesses, rope, carabiners
- Alternative plan based on current conditions
Not included in price:
- Personal ski touring clothing & ski equipment including skis, skins, poles, ski crampons, ski tour boots
- technical equipment including boot crampons, avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes *rentals available
- Transportation and lodging costs before and after the trip
- Alcohol & snacks in the valley or at huts
- Lunches and Dinners when Chamonix based
- Trip cancellation, evacuation insurance, medical insurance
- Any lifts, train & taxi costs during the trip
- Gratuities
Alpine Ski-touring or Telemark gear? Which should you use?
If you are a downhill skier then you should use Alpine touring gear. Only if you are already an advanced Telemark skier should you use Telemark gear.
Spring skiing the high alpine of the European Alps offers variable snow conditions. On one particular run things may go from perfect powder to challenging breakable crust and or variable wind affected snow. When compounded, the variable snow conditions, the long ski touring days and the large day packs all call towards the use of an easier skiing set up like alpine touring.
