France·December 27 2022 - January 1 2023
SKI TOURING TRIP ACROSS FRANCE AND ITALY
6 days of backcountry skiing between the Ecrins, Col d'Izoard and Italian Piedmont.
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Overview
This is the home of our Azimut friends...so who better than a local can take you to discover the land? You will be based on the Franco-Italian border, allowing you to vary a maximum of terrain, pleasures, and views! Depending on the conditions and desires of the group, you will discover all the descents in the area. You'll always be accompanied by a certified local guide who will help you improve your technique and safety during this tour.
Local Partners
Azimut Team
Azimut is a small outfit with its base camp near Briançon and prides itself on putting the human aspect of work first. They work hard to ensure that all our trips connect with our passions: excellent skiing, great people, fantastic food and comfortable hotels. They provide qualified, certified, expert guides and listen to their advice and feedback to give you the best quality on trips you’ll never forget!
The Experience
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DAY 1
Welcome!
Meeting your guide and aim for the Cima del Bosco (2377 mt) for a good start and revision of the basics of ski touring.
This is the first day so relax and setting up all of your equipment and energy for 6 days of skiing!
DAY 2
Ski touring at Azimut!
The home of Azimut is Cervières so they will take you to discover their home! All the routes that they tested and adapt to you: Cime de la Charvie (2881m), Côte Belle and its ridges, Grand Peygu, Col des Portes...
Enjoy it!
DAY 3
The Mont Chaberton
this French summit bitten to the Italians during the last war dominates the area against its friend Mount Thabor (3178m). A true geological and historical bastion, the panorama and the variety of skis it offers are worth the efforts of the climb! You will do about 1250 metres of elevation gain...a challenging day!
DAY 4
Explore La Vallouise!
The shape of this valley protects it from the wind and sometimes while everywhere else the conditions are not terrible, Azimut get out of the trunk of the still powdery routes. La Blanche (2914m) from Puy Aillaud is a classic for them and they don't get tired of it, you'll understand why!
DAY 5
The wild Clarée Valley
You will be transfer to Névache, a village marking the end of the road in winter! From here you will have several options...like the Grand Aréa (2869m) on the north slope, crossing the very beautiful ridges of the Eichaillon, or towards the Pic du Lac Blanc (2980m) in a loop from southwest to southeast.
You will choose your favourite with the guide and the group and start the adventure!
DAY 6
Last but not least...
A beautiful ascent wait for you! We put on the skins and let's go for the beautiful Morefreddo :)
Panoramic view of the valley and the neighboring mountains guaranteed! End of the ski touring course in the afternoon and then you will be transfer to the accommodation.
Time to say goodbye!
The programme is very flexible to take into account weather conditions, activities level and endurance of the group.
Gallery
Basecamp
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Hotel or Azimut Lodge
Depending on the period, you will stay in a comfortable lodge to a simple hotel. Shared sanitary facilities, towels and showers are provided.
What's Included
What's Included
Accident Insurance
Transfer during activities
All the accommodations
All the breakfast, box lunch and dinner
A certificated local guide
What's Not Included
Flight
Train
Transfer to/from the meeting point
Rental equipment
All drinks
Everything not specified in the paragraph “What is included”.
More Info
Skiing Skills
Due to the nature of this course, concepts of ski touring are recommended. We may also ski on glacier terrain. A good level of fitness is recommended.
Liability
Mapo Tapo selects local partners with the utmost care. For any inaccuracies, however, we can not accept any liability. Ski touring is a risky sport that takes place in nature. Ultimately, you are fully responsible for the choices you make. Mapo Tapo recommends that anyone who does not have sufficient knowledge and skills not go outdoor alone. All our trips include a local certified guide who will take care of your group. Enjoy your adventures safely with first-hand information from the locals.
Travel
Please DO NOT book your flights until this trip is confirmed. Most of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. Wait for the status of the trip to be confirmed and for more information go to the "How it works" section
Blog Posts
Thu 13 Jan 2022 · Climbing Tips
6 reasons why rock climbers should try ski-touring
Are you an avid rock climber looking for a sport to keep you occupied over winter? Here's 6 reasons why you should try ski-touring!
FAQs
What level do I need to be at to participate in this trip?
You will need concepts of ski touring because there will be Possibility of evolution in glacial terrain very easy. Good physical condition 4/6 hours of skiing a day, small climb possible. Positive elevation differences that can be between 800m and 1300m/day.
What group size can I expect?
The trip requires a minimum of 5 participants to let be confirmed and will be capped at 8 skiers.
How do I get there and to the meeting point?
There are two meeting points:
- Briançon station at 8.30 am
- Oulx-Cesana (IT) - TGV station at 9.15 am
What should the day pack look like?
Lightweight bag with simply the things of the day, the picnic, a few snacks and safety equipment.
What is the accommodation like?
Depending on the group's composition, you can be with someone of the opposite sex in a comfortable cottage or simple hotel with half board, common sanitary facilities and showers, bed sheets, and towels.
From January 15, 2023: This trip takes place in our Lodge nestled in the village of Cervières at the foot of the Col d'Izoard. You are taken care of by Isabelle and her team; the welcome is exceptional, and the living space is designed to have a good quiet time. The food is simple, natural and of quality, with a choice of good beers and wines chosen. Outside is a hot bath to relax in the middle of nature. The rental equipment is under the hotel, and our agency and team are a stone's throw away.
What is the required equipment?
- Hiking skis with hiking bindings. We recommend hiking-freeride-type touring skis to make the most of the descents in all snow and in the powder.
- Seal skins
- Knives
- Sticks
- Ski touring shoes
- Helmet (highly recommended)
- DVA (avalanche victim detector): If you have a DVA, a shovel and a probe, report it to us at your registration. If you don't have one, we'll lend you one for free.
- Backpack: capacity about 35L.
Is there a possibility to rent the equipments?
Yes, there is. Azimut will take care of that! (You just need to let them know at the moment of the bookings).