France·January 27 - 29 2023
SKI TOURING IN THE ECRINS NATIONAL PARK
3 Days of wild backcountry skiing between Cervières and the Col d'Izoard.
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Overview
Azimut will take you to explore their home land with a certificated local guide. The valley of Cervières and the Col d'Izoard are the playground for skiers of all levels! Between fairy chimneys, cliffs, gentle or steep slopes, blue skies almost all year round here, chamois, history and tradition: this mountain will delight you! 3 days of ski mountaineering with Azimut on easy, wide pistes with an altitude difference of between 800 metres and 1100 metres and the possibility of evolution in very easy glacial terrain!
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
Warm Up in the Ecrins!
After a brief and material check, you ready to go!
The first day is a warm-up and adaptation to the mountain and the snow conditions in the Ecrins where you will do a maximum of 800 metres in height difference.
Skiing around the Serre-Chevalier valley to discover ski mountaineering as Azimut like it!
DAY 2
Up Up Up!
After a big breakfast and a quiet start we will arrive in a magnificent flat area and we start climbing up!
Today, you will climb about 900 metres in height gain, but the magnificent view of the Col d'Izoard will reward you for all the effort!
Time to descent!
DAY 3
Rochebrune day!
After a big and tasty breakfast, we will try to reach the foot of Rochebrune (3320 m) if conditions permit, but the view will worth the diversions!
Last descent! Time to say goodbye!
The programme is very flexible to take into account weather conditions, activities level and endurance of the group.
Gallery
The Écrins National Park - France
Good off-piste skiers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to ski in the freeride capital of the world!
The spectacular Parc National des Écrins is one of the ten French national parks and the second largest after Vanoise. The 1000 sq km protected area straddles the Hautes-Alpes and Isère departments, stretching between Bourg d’Oisans, Briançon and Embrun.
The park’s jagged mountainous terrain is dissected by tumbling glaciers and fast-flowing rivers, which have created steep, narrow valleys... An absolute dream for skiers in winter! Good off-piste skiers shouldn’t miss this opportunity to ski in the freeride capital of the world!
Basecamp
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Azimut Lodge
This trip takes place in Azimut Lodge located in the village of Cervières, at the foot of the Col d'Izoard. You'll be looked after by Isabelle and her team, the welcome is exceptional, and the living space is designed to spend a good time in peace. The food is simple, natural and of good quality with a choice of good beers and selected wines. Outside there is a hot tub for relaxing surrounded by nature.
What's Included
What's Included
Transfer to/from activities
2 night accommodation
All breakfast, box-lunch and dinner
Certified and expert mountain guide
Accidents insurance
What's Not Included
Transfer to/from airport, train station and meeting point
Gear rental if required
Drinks (including those with meals at the hotel)
Everything not specified in the paragraph “What is included”.
More Info
Skiing Skill
Due to the nature of this course, you should be at ease with ski touring techniques and skiing on all types of snow. We may also ski on glacier terrain. You should master uphill kick turns without hesitation. 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?
The slopes are mainly easy and wide but you should be at ease with ski touring techniques and skiing on all types of snow. We may also ski on glacier terrain. You should master uphill kick turns without hesitation.
Good physical condition is required. Ascents and descents vary from 800 to 1100 metres per day.
IMPORTANT: if you don't have the level required, the guide may ask you to leave for the well-being of the rest of the group if necessary. If any doubt, please do not hesitate to ask us!
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?
The meeting places are two:
- Briançon train station at 9.15 am.
- Oulx-Cesana (IT) - TGV station at 8.30 am.
You need to be at the meeting points with your ski clothes on!
What should the day pack look like?
Need to be very light, a simple bag with snacks, a box lunch and safety equipment.
What is the accommodation like?
Two different accommodations depending on what is the date you be leaving.
Before 13.01.2023: Accommodation in a comfortable and straightforward gite in the Briançonnais. Shared rooms for 4 people maximum. Bag sheets to be provided, towels not provided. For double or single-room options, you will need to ask us!
After 13.01.2023: This trip takes place in our Lodge nestled in the village of Cervières at the foot of the Col d'Izoard. The lodge comprises "lodge" rooms for a maximum of 3 people with shared toilets and showers + hotel-type rooms with toilets and showers (single or double room option on request).
Possibility to sleep in a hotel room (WC, bathroom in the room) in the same building as the gîte and subject to availability:
-Hotel single room supplement: 95€/person
-Hotel double room supplement: 55€/person
Important: Depending on the composition of the group, you can be with someone of the opposite sex
What is the required equipment?
- touring skis fitted with touring bindings. We recommend touring skis of the touring-freeride type to make the most of the descents in all snow and powder.
- seal skins
- knives
- sticks
- Ski touring
boots - DVA (avalanche victim detector): If you have a DVA, a shovel and a probe, let us know when you register. If you don't have one, we'll lend you one for free.
- Backpack: capacity 35L.
Safety advice: Airbag bag strongly recommended.
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).