France·March - April
BEGINNERS SKI TOURING TRIP IN FRANCE
An ideal trip for first-timers in the French Alps.
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Overview
Go with Azimut to discover the breathtaking valleys and mountains of Cervières & the Izoard mountain pass near Briançon...you will not regret it! The particularity of this mountain range gets heaps the sun also during all the winter...perfect spots for those who love snow but hate the cold :) This trip is ideal for first-timers, who have never done ski touring! You will be with the super Azimut certificated guide that will progress you rapidly, thanks also to this mountain range that have descents for all levels. Let's put our skis on and start downhill!
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
Arrival on the land
Get together at the Oulx train station. Then we head off to Montgenèvre ski resort on the France-Italy border and the first day can start!
You will spent the day getting the lay of the land with the help and suggestions of your certificated local guide. He will teach you the necessary safety technique and take you to an off piste itinerary to reach our "gite" hotel in Cervières.
Time to rest for the day after!
DAY 2
Let's take a look from Les Ecrins!
After a good and energy breakfast, we are ready to jump into the practise! A nice day of ski touring in Serre-Chevalier Valley, facing the National Park of Les Ecrins and its glacier. You will love it!
DAY 3
Time to climb up the Cîme Saurel
Today we go touring in the Piemont valleys on the France-Italy border to reach the Cîme Saurel! From the top you will have a spectacular views over the Fonts valley and the entire Sestrières valley!
Don't relax to much, it's time to descent and go home! Hope to see you again in the French Alps :)
The programme is very flexible to take into account weather conditions, activities level and endurance of the group.
Gallery
French Alps
The valleys are known as one of the places with the most breathtaking views
The valleys and mountains of Cervières & the Izoard mountain pass are known as one of the places with the most breathtaking views and the different descents for all the ski levels.
These valleys, it's steeped in tradition and culture where architecture harks back to old days and fortresses tell of conflicts long-settled!
Basecamp
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Hotel
Azimut will organise accommodation in hotels. Depending on the group size, you might end up sharing a room with someone of the opposite sex. Half board in a "gite" Hotel, shared showers and toilets. Bed sheets are supplied, but towels are not provided. It is possible to have a private room with a supplement.
What's Included
What's Included
Transfer to/from activities
2 nights 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
Ski lift
Gear rental if required
Drinks (including those with meals at the hotel)
Everything not specified in the paragraph “What is included”.
More Info
Skiing skills
This snow trip is adaptable for skiers who have never done ski touring. You will need to be able to ski down red or black alpine slopes. You will get technical ski touring training from the guide. It does not fit to ski beginners as it is not a ski lesson.
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
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FAQs
What level do I need to be at to participate in this trip?
For skiers who have never done ski touring. You will need to be able to ski down red or black alpine slopes. You will get technical ski touring training from the guide. It does not fit ski beginners as it is not a ski lesson.
Good physical condition is required, as we expect to climb between 700 & 1000 m per day, approx 3/4 hours skiing per day.
Good to know: if you don't have the level required, the guide will be able to ask you to leave for the well-being of the rest of the group if necessary. If there is any doubt, please do not hesitate to ask us!
What group size can I expect?
The trip requires a minimum of 5 participants to run, and will be capped at 8 skiers.
How do I get there and to the meeting point?
The meeting point are three:
- Briançon in front of the Train Station,
- Oulx-Cesana (IT) - TGV train station,
- Montgenèvre - at the ski lift booth at 9.50 am.
You can choose one of these meeting points based on your preferences, and you can get there by car or train.
What should the day pack look like?
You must bring a small day pack, large enough to carry your personal belongings for the day, such as (extra) clothing, your box lunch, a few snacks and security equipments.
How much does the ski lift cost?
Considering the itinerary may be modified due to mountain and snow conditions, ski lift fares are not included in the price. The definite day to day itinerary will depend on local conditions. For this trip you should budget approx €30 for ski lift fares.
Is there a possibility of having a private room?
Yes, there is a hotel room option with a private bathroom and toilets: subject to availability. Single supplement: € 75 per person, double room supplement: € 35 per person.