guided mountain adventure
Argentiere is renowned as one of the best off-piste ski resorts in the Alps. It is home to the Grands Montets ski area which has a vertical drop of over 2,000m and access to some of the most challenging off-piste terrain in the Alps. It is also just 10 minutes from Chamonix so access to the other ski areas in the valley is very straightforward. The village itself has genuine mountain charm with a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
| Dates | Accommodation | Price | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Sun 11 Mar 12 - Sun 18 Mar 12 |
7 nights |
£995 |
5 full days off-piste guiding plus 1 'freeskiing' day when no guiding is provided.
The principal aims of this week are:
The week is intended to be fun with lots of thrilling skiing but always directed with maximum attention to your safety and the safety of others.
Itineraries vary depending on the composition of the group and the weather and snow conditions.
The Chamonix Valley runs for 20kms and there are several separate lift systems and mountains which provide enormous variety and all are included on the Mont Blanc pass. Argentiere, the village at the head of the valley (8kms from Chamonix), is an ideal location to enjoy some of the best off-piste skiing in the world. The Grands Montets ski area is accessed in Argentiere and there is easy access to the ski areas of Le Tour, Brevent, Flegere and the Aiguille du Midi (for the vallee blanche).
Some of the very best areas can only be reached with an hour's walk from the pistes. The effort expended is more than rewarded with the awesome skiing across untracked terrain. In addition there are some great new heli-skiing opportunities available just through the Mont Blanc tunnel, only 20 minutes away from the town. These drops are not included in the price. Ask us for more details.
The price includes 7 nights chalet accommodation with daily breakfasts, afternoon teas and 5 evening meals, 5 full days guiding, in resort transfers.
The price does not include lift pass, lunches, personal insurance, equipment hire, travel to/from Argentiere
Single-room occupancy is limited and will incur an additional charge. Contact us for details.
Our Off-Piste Adventure courses are run by our team of IFMGA Mountain Guides led by Olly Allen, Matt Dickinson and Nick Parks. Each course has no more than 6 skiers per guide. Each group can run with up to 12 skiers and 2 guides.
For our Argentiere course we are teaming up with Glenn and his team at Yeti Lodge. This is very comfortable catered chalet apartment accommodation located in a small hamlet overlooking - and just a very short walk away from - the Grands Montets ski area. The chalet facilities include leather sofas, traditional fireplaces, satellite TV & DVD, free WIFI, private car-parking, ski lockers and overnight ski boot warmers. Check out the chalet online at www.yetilodgechaletschamonix.com
You should aim to arrive in Argentiere sometime on Sunday afternoon. There will be an initial briefing with your Mountain Tracks guide on the first evening. This is an opportunity to meet the guide and the rest of the party, to discuss the plans and objectives for the week and to ask any questions you may have relating to the week’s itinerary.
I can ski red and black runs on piste without a problem. I am new to off piste skiing or maybe I have skied a little on the sides of the piste, or even attended a previous off piste specific course. I would like to ski powder snow with confidence and learn to link turns off piste. Learning to vary turn radius and control speed is an important goal. Gaining confidence in a variety of terrain would move my skiing to the next level.
I have at least a couple of weeks off piste skiing experience and/or received some previous instruction on an off piste specific course. I can link at least 8 – 10 turns together in reasonable control, speed and style, following the fall line in most snow conditions. I would like to improve my skiing in deep powder, heavy crusty snow uneven terrain and trees. I am happy to hike or ski tour for short distances to get to the best snow and terrain. I aspire to ski fluidly off piste and to ski steeper slopes. At this level all ski tourers must have some previous experience of using a touring set up, skinning and kick-turns.
I am confident skiing challenging terrain and steeper slopes. I can sideslip forward and backwards, side-step up and downhill and traverse steep slopes with no problems. I am happy to ski tour and hike for 1 – 2 hrs to reach the best snow and terrain. I aspire to ski the best snow available, push myself to ski steeper slopes and extend my ski touring experience. At this level all ski tourers must have some previous experience of using a touring set up, skinning and kick-turns.
I can ski fluidly and autonomously on all terrain. I often ski couloirs and gullies and seek out steep slopes to ski. I can jump turn in narrow couloirs and have experience of abseiling and side-slipping on steep terrain. I dream of skiing powder snow, I can ski fast, fluid “freeride” style turns, I can jump off small rocks, ski trees and challenging terrain with no fear or problems. I will often hike and ski tour to reach the best snow and terrain. I am familiar with using ice axe and crampons and some basic rope techniques. My aim is to push my skills and challenge myself further.
On all our off-piste weeks you'll be staying in comfortable catered chalets or hotels. When skiing you need to carry just a small day pack, which contains your safety equipment and any personal items you may need.
Possible characteristics might include bib-style front with braces (to keep the snow out), side-openings (useful for when you get hot), breathable fabric (Gore-Tex or similar), stretch knee pads, integral snow-gaiters. Bib-style trousers can be too warm in spring in which case waist-cut trousers would be better.
Made of breathable material (Gore-Tex or similar) and built-in hood. We advocate the ‘layering principle’ so a shell is recommended rather than a padded jacket.
Comfortable underwear with good wicking properties.
An approach that gives better heat retention and good flexibility. These tops are known as ‘mid layers’.
We use a 'buff' - a light, stretchable tube. Consider a fleece/cotton version for warmth or just a cotton one to keep the sun off.
To include warm hat. Mountain Tracks fully supports the wearing of helmets for skiing.
Must be good quality. Mitts are good if you suffer from cold hands.
Optional
Optional, but useful if you feel the cold.
Your best ski choice is a “freeride” style of ski which will give good stability and float in powder and varied snow. You want to be looking at a ski with a waist line of between 85 – 100mm underfoot. Anything wider than this starts to become cumbersome on pistes and narrow tracks and gullies and harder to make short turns on when skiing in the trees.
Expert skiers should be able to use fat powder skis in all types of terrain with no problem, less experienced skiers should opt for a “do it all ski” as described above.
For examples of skis that fit the profile outlined above check out these options:
Ski boot choice – it’s best to have ski touring boots for these trips, although if you only have downhill ski boots then you can use these too. The new generation of “hybrid” ski touring boots, that offer a wrap around shell (like a downhill boot) and greater stiffness in the shell are almost as good as a downhill boot, with the added bonus of a walk mode and a Vibram sole for easy of walking.
It essential you break-in and wear the boots prior to skiing for the first time, even if this is just walking round the house or office.
When buying new boots its imperative you visit a reputable ski boot fitter to ensure the right boot is purchased for your foot and lower leg shape. Not every boot will fit or suit every person and a good boot fitter will be able to select the right boot to suit your foot shape and type of skiing you do. You should always get a moulded insole or “footbed” made to go inside your ski boots. These will help stabilise any unwanted movement and can also correct or help with alignment problems, high or low insteps and other foot related issues.
There will be a limited choice of ski touring boots for hire in most resorts - very often just lightweight 3 buckle boots.
For examples of suitable ski touring boots check out these options:
'Thermo-fit' liners are often offered as standard equipment. Heated and moulded to your foot and boot for a perfect fit, they can make all the difference especially if you have trouble finding really comfortable boots. Zipfit liners are a great option for anyone seeking total customisation in fit and comfort. They will replace the original liner.
Essential kit to provide additional comfort and ski control.
Investing in good quality ski socks will improve fit, warmth and feel when skiing for long periods.
For introductory Off-Piste Adventure ski courses standard bindings are acceptable. For Intermediate, advanced and expert Off-Piste Adventure ski courses ski touring bindings are advised. If you don’t have touring bindings and the guide suggests some touring then you will have to rent suitable skis with bindings in resort. Please remember if you bring your own skis with touring bindings you MUST bring your own skins as it's not possible to rent skins on their own.
As with the boots, the new touring bindings are every bit as safe for downhill as ordinary bindings, yet you have the additional advantage of being able to walk uphill with them to access the real off-piste. Expect to pay a little more but the advantages are huge! The most frequently used ski touring bindings are the Diamir Fritschi Freeride. These are great bindings and very easy to switch between walk and ski mode and they have 3 different riser levels for walking uphill.
Marker make 2 bindings: the Duke and the Baron both are good choices for day ski tours, but rather heavy for any more than a few hours uphill.
A combination of one of these bindings and a ski as outlined above gives you the opportunity to ski the whole mountain on and off piste with a downhill and ski touring boot, so you have total flexibility.
Please be aware that renting a fat freeride ski with a touring binding and skins is almost impossible in most resorts.
If you have a set of skis with downhill bindings and you are only likely to be skinning for short periods only then you can use an Alpine Trekker binding adaptor. This is an adaptor that clicks into your binding which you then attach your boot to and it allows you to walk up hill with a free heel. They are only suitable for short tours and not a long term solution but they are worth considering for our off-piste adventure courses.
Most touring bindings have ski crampons specifically designed for the binding. We always carry these just in case they are needed. They are an integral part of the Fritschi ski binding.
You must have skins that fit your skis, it is not possible to rent just skins in resort. They cost around £100 - 150 to buy and the shop can cut and fit them to your skis exactly.
Useful to have 2 pairs on powder days in case of head plants!
Good quality sunglasses - UV factor category 4 recommended
1-1.5 Litre water bottle/nalgene bottle - or water drinking system like Camelbak (can freeze in cold weather)
The guide will carry comprehensive set for emergencies
carry spare batteries as well
The “Safety Trilogy”
Remember it is not enough just to carry this equipment; make sure you know how to use it. If you have never used this sort of equipment before consider joining one of our Winter Mountain Skills courses.
Most resorts have ski shops that hire ski equipment.
Prices do change by resort/country, but here’s an approximate guide to hire costs:
Our guides also generally have additional sets of safety equipment (transceiver/shovel/probe) which they hire out to clients for €60 for 6 days hire. This must be booked in advance.
The town of Chamonix Mt-Blanc is at 1042m (3,396 ft) above sea level. It sits at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe at 4807m (15,770 ft)
It is considered by many as Europe's mecca for outdoor sports.
Unlike many of the purpose built resorts, Chamonix is a proper working town with a large population of about 12,000 inhabitants. This number can be boosted by as many as 80 - 100,000 during the peak months in summer and winter.
As befits a town of this size there are plenty of shops, hotels, cafes, bars, pubs and nightclubs.
The skiing area of Chamonix is generally considered to have some of the best off-piste skiing in the world. Much of this is accessible from the lift systems and includes descents of over 2000m.
The Chamonix valley runs for 20kms and there are several separate lift systems and mountains which provide enormous variety and all are included on the Mont Blanc pass.
Numerous options including:
The Vallee Blanche
The longest off-piste ski descent in the world (24kms).
Pas de Chevre
Ascend to the top of Grand Montets and ski down to the Mer de Glace and on into Chamonix.
Glacier du Toule
You can ski the Glacier du Toule down towards Courmayeur and then catch the cable car back up to the top of the mountain and ski the Italian side of the Vallee Blanche.
Le Tour
From the back of the Le Tour lift system there is fantastic off-piste skiing towards Vallorcine and Switzerland.
Some of the very best areas can only be reached with an hour's walk from the pistes. The effort expended is more than rewarded with the awesome skiing across untracked terrain.
In addition there are some great new heli-skiing opportunities available just through the Mont Blanc tunnel, only 20 minutes away from the town. These drops are not included in the price - ask us for more details.
The easiest way to get to Chamonix from the UK is to fly. The nearest airport is Geneva and the transfer time from the airport is about 75 minutes.
Easyjet tend to have the most affordable flights and a comprehensive service that serves many UK regional airports including Bristol, Belfast, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Luton, Gatwick, Liverpool, Nottingham/East Midlands.
Most chalet operators offer inclusive airport transfers from Geneva Airport to Chamonix.
Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Western Europe. Its height is about 4,810 metres (15,780 feet), but varies from year to year by a few metres, depending on snowfall and climate conditions. The mountain lies in the Pennine Alps (at 45°55′N, 6°55′E) between the regions of Haute-Savoie, France and Aosta Valley, Italy
The first known ascent was made on August 8, 1786 by Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard.
250 York Road, London
SW11 3SJ, United Kingdom
info@mountaintracks.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 8123 2978
Fax: +44 (0)20 7905 0921
