SKI TOURING
INTRODUCTION TO MULTI-DAY SKI TOURING
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SKI TOURING
The Gran Paradiso, national park is located in Italy’s Aosta Valley, which is a short drive from Chamonix through the Mont Blanc tunnel. It’s beautiful natural topography and protected wildlife lends itself to being a top, ski touring region. Gran Paradiso itself stands at 4061m and is the highest mountain in Italy. The view from the summit is one of the best panoramas in the Alps, and 90% of the climb is on skis (with a short, easy rocky scramble to the very top). During this 6 day course, we have chosen peaks with high quality skiing and selected our favourite mountain huts. Italian huts are renowned for their good food and hospitality – allow your hard work to be rewarded and let yourself unwind! Aimed as an intro to multi day ski touring, this experience is ideal for those who have previously skied. However, this isn’t necessarily a prerequisite for fit off piste skiers who are keen to explore further afield and spend several nights in mountain huts. Maps Italian IGC 101 and 102 (Valsavarenche and Gran Paradiso)
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This tour is best suited for those fit offpiste skiers who are keen to try their hand at multi day ski touring. We advise some previous experience of day tours. The days are not too long and the packs are relatively light. The ski descents are excellent and there is a welcome hotel night in the middle! This tour will appeal to the more seasoned ski person, as the terrain offers fantastic skiing and views to match with the bonus of skiing the highest peak in Italy. As a minimum guide: INTERMEDIATE: • I am an off piste skier with varying success and have skied at least 1-2 weeks predominantly off piste. • I can link, without traversing, at least 5 – 10 turns together with reasonable control, style and speed, down the fall line, in most snow types. •
Deep/heavy snow and crust are still a problem. I usually don’t fall unless the snow is very heavy/deep or crusty.
• I may not like icy slopes but can ski them in control. FITNESS LEVEL: I can ski all day with only short breaks and can hike/skin for 3-4 hours most days (600- 1000m). DREAM-GUIDES.COM INFO@DREAM-GUIDES.COM . +44 (0) 845 564 52 19
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FRIDAY: Ascend la Tresenta (3600m) and ski to Pont. Return to Chamonix.
Mid March to start May. If you are an existing group of 2 or more people, we can put together a bespoke trip. Prices may vary! Get in touch for more details. MEET: We meet on Saturday evening in Chamonix to deal with any equipment rental and run through the plans for the week. We return to Chamonix on Friday afternoon, and recommend you book your return flight on Saturday morning.
SATURDAY: Depart The above is a typical itenary, however weather or mountain conditions can result in change at the last minute (this is why taxis are not included in the price – the cost can vary). But rest assured there are many good variations we can choose from. We will be looking to make the most of the weather and conditions – it’s what we do best!
GRAN PARADISO – TYPICAL ITINERARY Saturday: Arrive in Chamonix and settle in to the chalet. We meet in the evening to discuss the plans for the week. SUNDAY: Warm up day tour in Chamonix’s Aiguilles Rouges with an overnight stay in Chamonix. MONDAY: Early start and drive to Rhemes in Italy (75 mins). Ascend Punta Pallato (3050m) and descend to Benevalo Hut. TUESDAY: Ascend the Gran Vaudale (3400m) and ski to Rhemes – a great descent! Overnight stay in a hotel in Rhemes – enjoy a meal in a restaurant and wind down. WEDNESDAY: A well-earned easy day. Drive to Pont and ascend to the Vittoria Emmanuel Hut. THURSDAY: Ascend the Gran Paradiso (4061m), the highest mountain completely in Italy and a classic ski mountaineering peak. Ski to the Vittoria Emmanuel Hut.
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Remember to build up your workouts over time. If you are not used to exercising much, allow yourself an advanced time plan for your muscles and joints to avoid injury.
TRAINING FOR GRAN PARADISO SKI TOUR Good fitness will make it more fun and you’ll get more out of your week! Although we will tailor the course to your ability, we definitely recommend getting as fit as possible before you start. The process of training for your goal will allow you to focus on the adventure ahead. Preparation is key and we advise you to reach the best level of fitness that you can achieve. Ski mountaineering is all about being able to exercise at a moderate intensity for many hours (typically 5 to 12 hours) and your training should reflect this. The best training sessions include going on long days hill walking as this simulates the real thing as closely as possible and prepares the mind (exercising for long periods in poor weather requires mental strength!).
Choosing an activity that you enjoy will maintain your focus and motivation levels. Using your local gym will advise you on a plan and schedule to help you achieve your goals. Remember, training does not work overnight! The fittest athletes train as part of their lifestyles and have built up their levels of fitness over a long period of time. We advise you to consider training for a good couple of months before coming out to the Alps and putting your fitness levels to the test.
However, not everyone has the opportunity to do this and so alternatives such as jogging, cycling and gym workouts are good. The focus should be on training Cardiovascular Endurance for long days in the mountains. Cardio workouts such as cycling/running/rowing machines should be chosen over weight training. We advise you to exercise for up to a couple of hours at a time, and at least 4 times a week. We strongly recommend swimming and pilates to develop core stability and balance. Squats are a good way to strengthen your legs and develop a resistance to the snow. DREAM-GUIDES.COM INFO@DREAM-GUIDES.COM . +44 (0) 845 564 52 19
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Chamonix is at an altitude of 1100m and it is rare that one would suffer from altitude sickness at such a level. However, our Gran Paradiso ski tour takes you up to over 4000m which can have an effect on how you feel. As you climb higher the air gets thinner and so there is less oxygen in each breath we take. The higher we go the less oxygen there is. This makes exercising much harder work than at sea level and so we have to slow down to help compensate. Because we have slowed down, we may feel colder. Because there is less oxygen in the air as we get higher, this can lead to ‘altitude sickness’ or Acute Mountain Sickness which may include headache, nausea, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and can develop into a very serious and even fatal (in extreme cases) problem. In reality on a Gran Paradiso skiing week, it’s unlikely you will have any lasting effects from altitude – however, it’s something to be aware of, and let your guide know if you experience any problems. INSURANCE We strongly recommend getting specialist travel insurance that covers cancellation, medical and mountain rescue. Make sure that it covers glaciated mountaineering and climbing. We recommend the Dogtag (www.dogtag.co.uk) - they have comprehensive policies and a good reputation.
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6. Transceiver, probe, shovel, crampons, ice axe, harness, 1 screw gate karabiner, head torch 7. 2 pairs sunglasses, goggles, sunhat, sunscreen, lip salve/block 8. 3 sets socks and light coloured thermal tops Unfortunately we can’t recommend a specific brand and model for each item on the kit list, as what is available is constantly changing and, of course, different people are different shapes and sizes with different budgets! However, in general, we use and endorse Sherpa and Black Diamond products because in our experience they are excellent… If you go to a good retailers such as Snow & Rock, explain to them you will be back country skiing and they will be able to advise you on what is best for you. Bring this list with you…
9. Lightweight Gore-Tex top/bottoms, warm hat, thick gloves, thin gloves (when skinning) 10. Insulating layers. I use a thin ‘100’ weight fleece and a synthetic duvet jacket (thin). 11. Personal first aid - blister kit, ibuprofen. 12. Sleeping bag liner (you don’t need a sleeping bag as blankets/duvets are provided) 13. Cash (euros) for extra drinks / snacks in huts – allow €20 per hut night Remember kit should be lightweight but functional - you have to carry it! We can help with equipment rental in Chamonix.
Lastly, if necessary it is possible to rent most hardware items in Grindelwald. You can hire boots too, but this is a last resort (no one likes uncomfortable boots). 1. Skis with touring bindings - we recommend skis that you will enjoy skiing on, but are not too heavy, eg Rossignol B2 with fritschi bindings. With skins and ski crampons. 2. Poles 3. Boots - these must fit and be comfortable. We feel it is best not to rent boots if possible. Rather buy some and have them fitted professionally - this will make your week much more comfortable, fun and blisterfree! ‘Fit’ is more important than whether a boot is ‘stiff enough’ or not. I use a touring boot that is designed to ski well, rather than ultra light. 4. Rucksack - 40-50l. with ski straps 5. Water bottle
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CHALET ACCOMMODATION When staying in Chamonix, we stay in one of our comfortable Adventure Base Chalets (www. adventurebase.com), literally 6 minutes’ walk from the town centre’s restaurants and bars. Breakfast and packed lunch are included leaving the evenings free RATIO: 1:6 guide:client for you to explore the delights of Chamonix. Rooms LEVEL: Advanced and Expert Off Piste skiers (see ski are normally on a twin share basis. Have a look here for more details and photos: ability guidelines) http://www.adventurebase.com/sun/ accommodation/slider FULL COURSE PRICE INCLUDES: guiding, guides expenses, twin share chalet accommodation in central WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MOUNTAIN HUTS: Chamonix on a B&B and packed lunch basis (very Huts are basic but comfortable. They can cater for convenient!), mountain hut accommodation on a half vegetarians. Food is usually on a set menu basis (3 board basis, transport (according to itinerary), one course in the evening, hot drink and bread/jam/ hotel night in Italy (half board). cereal for breakfast). Often there is no running water and so you have to buy water to drink and wash with FULL COURSE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: insurance, travel to/from Chamonix, uplifts (minimal), (no showers). You can usually buy tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks, chocolate bars and snacks. Sleeping equipment rental, lunches/drinks/snacks, evening arrangements are normally dormitory style bunkbeds meals in Chamonix (it’s nice to explore the town!) (eg 6 people on the bottom, 6 on the top) with blankets or duvets. Sleeping bags are not required and slippers COURSE ONLY INCLUDES: guiding, guides expenses, mountain huts in Italy ( 4 nights half board) are provided. You can expect a good atmosphere and a only (not including boiled water for drinking) To find stunning view! out more about our course, availability, or to ask any Other Information www.chamonix.net is a good source questions, please get in touch with us by email to: of information about the town, the restaurants and the info@dream-guides.com or by phone on bars. There are many cash points in Chamonix and +44 (0)845 564 52 19 Maestro/visa/mastercard are all readily accepted. You GETTING TO CHAMONIX: Once you have booked will need cash for incidentals (lunches, drinks and snacks) in the huts (Euros) with us and bought specialist skiing/climbing travel and cancellation insurance (dogtag), it is best to book We look forward to seeing you soon! flights and airport transfers well in advance of your departure. Easyjet have many cheap flights to Geneva DREAM-GUIDES.COM from all over Dream Guides - www.dream-guides. INFO@DREAM-GUIDES.COM com - info@dream-guides.com - +44 (0) 845 564 52 19 the UK. Swiss Air have cheap and convenient flights from London to Geneva. Booking a place on a minibus airport transfer service is by far the best way to get from Geneva airport to Chamonix (it takes about an hour or so, is cost effective and is a door to door service). We can book your airport transfers at a competitive rate – just email us with your flight details…
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