LA MEIJE SKI TOUR

The given itinerary is a program realized with good weather and good mountain conditions. The guide may tailor the program to suit the needs of the group and the weather/ snow…

You arrive in Chamonix the day before starting the trip. In the evening, around 6, a briefing with your UIAGM certified mountain guide and the other course participants takes place in the Chamex office. The guide will present the trip plan, possible options or variations, and answer your questions. The guide will also take the time to verify your equipment and give advice on preparing your backpack for the tour. If you have reserved rental equipment we’ll visit the neighboring ski shop and acquire the needed gear.

Morning departure from Chamonix to maximize our time on the innumerable descents in La Grave- off-piste paradise! The lifts access 100% backcountry terrain (no groomed/ pisted runs on the entire slope). Pure freeride or free-rando (short tours from the lifts) depending on the group’s wishes. Warm hotel and a gourmet dinner in the mountain village of La Grave, at the foot of the Meije glaciers.

From the summit of the lifts in La Grave, we turn our skis toward the southern aspects of la Meije, and plunge into the heart of the Écrins national park. The guide will choose the timing- ideally skiing great snow on the beautiful and sustained slopes of the Selle valley. A traverse with skins and a descent of the couloir from the Brèche du Râteau (gained with ice axe and crampons) into the Étançon valley. The Promontoire hut is here, perched on the Meije’s south facing, sunlit granite. Nathalie and Fredi will reserve a welcome equal to the heights of this majestic hut!

Ascent 1000m / Descent 11000m

A demanding, technical, high alpine mountain day. First business- climb up the Brèche de la Meije and over to the La Grave side. High mountain ambiance awaits- an exposed traverse at the foot of La Meije’s impressive north face. Crampons and ice axes are again needed to climb the narrow Serret du Savon. On the glacier’s other side the mythic Aigle hut awaits, practically floating in the sky. Recently remodeled, but keeping it’s soul and it’s original feel, this alpine sanctuary is one of the oldest in France- and is thus a piece of history. The unique position and the storied nature of the refuge is enchanting- we’re walking in the footsteps of the Alps’ finest mountaineers…

Ascent 700m / Descent 400m

The last day! Departure at first light to climb the Tête des Corridors, a beautiful summit surrounded by the spires flanking the Meije. From here on we turn our tips downhill, toward the 2000m of descent separating us from the comforts of the valley. The Tabuchet or the l’Homme glaciers to choose from- better conditions will dictate our choice. In both cases a fabulous run awaits to close out our trip. We leave La Grave, the skyline filled by La Meije’s striking profile. Return to Chamonix.

Ascent 300m / Descent 2000m

• This trip is for experienced ski tourers who have already done at least one hut-to-hut tour or a multi-day ski tour.
• You have to be good and efficient in your skinning technique and confident moving over a steep and exposed terrain.
• You are expected to be comfortable and safe doing kick turns on slopes of over 35 degrees.
• You have to be skilled using ice axe and crampons and be happy to climb over steep, snowy and rocky terrain.
• You have to be an excellent off piste skier, confident and efficient in skiing in all snow conditions without stopping or losing control over your skis.
• You have to be confident and safe skiing on slopes of 40 degrees. 

You have to be physically fit, ready to hike and ski for up to 8 hours per day without being too tired the next day. You have to be able to move reasonably fast (climb up to 1100m per day at 400m/h). 

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the ski & fitness levels for this trip, we will be happy to help. 

Please see the list of recommended equipment on the other tab. Most technical equipment can be rented here in Chamonix, please contact us if you would like prices and advice on whatever you need. Chamonix has dozens of outdoor shops selling everything from basic head torches to expedition standard sleeping bags, so whatever you don't already have you can find it here.

We highly recommend that you take out specific insurance for mountain activities. We can organise this at a cost of 8€ per day for EU citizens and 12€ per day for non-EU citizens. This will cover you for search and rescue services, evacuation by helicopter and emergency medical treatment. You should also make sure that you have adequate travel insurance that covers you for the usual things such as cancelled flights, lost luggage, hospital treatment, etc. Please contact us to organise mountain rescue insurance for your trip.

If you wish to book accommodation in Chamonix we would be happy to recommend some local hotels, gites, self-catered apartments, or chalets and advise on the best locations. Please contact us if you would like help finding accommodation in Chamonix.

We can help you to organise your transport to/from Chamonix. We work with well-established airport transfer companies which use new and comfortable vehicles and which have the capacity and know-how to handle everything from delayed and cancelled flights, to unexpected traffic jams with professionalism and efficiency.

To book your transfer, we will need the following: 

• Your full name 
• Mobile phone number 
• Email address 
• Your destination address 
• Your flight details (date, time and flight number)

SHARED TRANSFERS:

This is the most economic and ecologically friendly way of travel. The driver will meet and greet you at the airport, gather you and the rest of the passenger group together and then head off to your chosen destination. The door-to-door service means that you will be dropped off and picked up right at your hotel /chalet / apartment. From 40€ per person for one-way and 80€ per person for a return trip.

PRIVATE TRANSFERS:

Private Transfers are the quickest way to get to and from the airport. Your driver will meet and greet you at the airport and guide you to your vehicle. There is no waiting for other passengers. Private transfers are available for one to eight person bookings and travelling together and you are guaranteed sole occupancy of the vehicle for your transfer. And, of course, it's a door-to-door service, so you won't be lugging any bags very far. 250€ per car for one-way and 500€ per car for a return trip.