France·March 12 - 17 2023
INTERMEDIATE SKI TOURING SNOW TRIP IN FRANCE
6 days skiing and exploring Briançon, Ecrins & La Grave.
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Overview
Come and discover our favourite playground in the Ecrins, get a pleasant dose of physical effort and adrenaline! You will be skiing between the French-Italian border and the mythical Meije. We will alternate from days ski touring near the borderline facing the Ecrins glaciers to days with train skills with our super local and certificated guide, in all kinds of snow so you can enjoy uphills as well as descents. Join Azimut to discover unique and unspoilt environment. They will convince you that ski touring is the way to get around and about the mountains in wintertime. Just enjoy, no more no less !
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
First Day Warm Up
Pick up at Briançon, already dressed up and the adventure starts!
This first day will be on and off-piste sessions enable you to warm up and make the guide understand your level. You certificated local guide will explain safety techniques and introduce you to the use of skins!
...and now the fun begins!
DAY 2
Face to face with the glaciers!
Ready to put on the skins and off we go!
The panorama of the North face of the Meije, the glaciers and La Grave's freeride ski area are simply breathtaking.
Today will start from Ventelon and we head off for the Signal de La Grave!
DAY 3
Tour de l'Aiguillette du Lauzet
A transfer will take you to the other side of the Lautaret pass, ready to go to Aiguillette du Lauzet mountain pass!
The descent is for all difficulty, there is something for everyone! Easy slopes, plenty of powder or nicely transformed springtime snow, we can criss cross the mountain slopes wherever we feel like!
After this long day, a warm bath and a spa will wait for you!
DAY 4
Off piste special
Today is off piste skiing special in all different kinds of snow and possibly glacier skiing in La Grave!
La Grave is a world famous off-piste mecca where you'll be able to experience some of the "must be done" itineraries...time to explore!
DAY 5
Reach the Col d'Arsine!
We hit up a steady slope through the woods that leads up to the Casset Glacier...once we quit the forest, a stunning landscape surrounded by peaks and glaciers emerges!
You'll feel like you're standing in the middle of a mountain range that may remind you of the Himalayas but you will be on the top of Col d'Arsine!
Then and easy and "just enjoy and have fun" descent will wait for you!
DAY 6
Last day up to the Col de Laurichard!
A nice outing that takes us up to the Laurichard mountain pass from where we can admire the fantastic panorama over the Grand Galibier!
Time to say goodbye! You will be transfer in Briançon.
The programme is very flexible to take into account weather conditions, activities level and endurance of the group.
Gallery
Briançon, Ecrins & La Grave - France
Welcome to the French mecca of powder skiing!
Welcome to the French mecca of powder skiing!
La Grave is a classic big mountain with different ski itineraries for all levels, and larch forests surround it with a maximum altitude of 3600! You will discover the glaciers of the Écrins National Park in the heart of an alpine region!
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 during activities
5 night of accommodation
Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner during activities
Certified and expert mountain guide services for 6 days
Extra fees for Xmas & New-Year
Insurance
What's Not Included
Ski lift
Transfer to/from Airport and meeting point
Gear rental
Flight
Train
Anything not mentioned in the 'what is included' section
More Info
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
Ski Levels
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.
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FAQs
What level do I need to be at to participate in this trip?
The slopes may have some short steep sections. 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, some uphill sections may have to be done on foot. Ascents and descents vary from 800 to 1000 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 run, and will be capped at 8 skiers.
How do I get there and to the meeting point?
The meeting point are two:
- Briançon in front of the Train Station at 9.15 am,
- Oulx-Cesana (IT) - TGV train station at 8.30 am
You can choose one of these two 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 picnic, a few snacks and security equipment.
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. Budget approximately € 70 for ski lift fares.
Is there a possibility of having a private room?
Yes, there is. Accommodation is possible in a hotel room in the same building as the gite (with private toilets and bathroom) but is subject to availability. Single supplement: € 140 per person, supplement for a double: € 120 per person.