Sainte Foy, France

Splitboarding Camp Ste Foy

This is an introductory level splitboarding course designed to take intermediate and advanced off-piste snowboarders out of the resort and into the backcountry on specialised splitboarding equipment. If you have wanted to try splitboarding and are interested to see what backcountry riding is all about, this is the perfect course for you.

You’ll learn about the different kit used for splitboarding. We’ll help you get your setup dialled in before heading out with your guide for a day’s riding like you’ve never had before.

Our base for the week Sainte Foy, nestled in the French Alps close to Val d'Isère offers amazing backcountry powder days. Lifts take you up to 2,550 metres and the Col de l'Aiguille, the launchpad for much of the backcountry access for which Sainte Foy has earned its reputation.

Each course is a mix off-piste instruction, sessions on mountain safety and awareness, combined with splitboarding skills and technique, presented by BASI 4 instructors and experience backcountry experts guaranteeing they are informative, educational and a lot of fun.

With up to 6 in a group, you will get excellent individual attention as well as enjoying loads more snowboarding, minimal waiting and safer experience on the mountain.

Our courses don’t just run for 6 hours during the day: we do our best to ensure that your group will really gel over the week. We use chalet-style accommodation with comfy areas to relax and all meals are taken as a group (including one evening meal out during the week). So even if you come on your own, you are sure to meet loads of other snowboarders and have a great time.

You’ll leave the course not only with new mad skills with a new group of friends for future splitboarding trips.

This course will be based in Chalet Auberge sur la Montagne

Day Itinerary

  • Travel out day

    You should aim to arrive in Ste Foy by late afternoon. There will be a welcome meeting and briefing at 7pm

    We offer a group transfer to Ste Foy from Geneva airport (The group will meet at 2 pm for a 2:30 pm departure) or a pick-up from Bourg-st-Maurice for anyone travelling by train. 

  • THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES 5 FULL DAYS OF OFF-PISTE AND SPLITBOARDING TOURING TECHNIQUE INSTRUCTION

    The course has been designed by our team and is concise, complete and unique. During the course, we use template analysis to give you a clear understanding of snowboarding technique and ensure you know exactly what you need to focus on to improve - providing you with a precise roadmap relevant to your ambition.

    We include off-piste and mountain safety skills and depending on your previous knowledge and skill level, we ensure you understand and are practised in the use of transceivers as well as effective use of shovel and probe.


    IN ADDITION, OUR COACHES WILL:

    • provide an informative talk on mountain awareness and avalanche safety
    • involve you in decision making so that you can learn the craft of finding the best conditions on the mountain and where to avoid
    • create scenarios so that you can experience working as a team with your safety kit

    The week will be spent chasing the best backcountry conditions we can find, each day your instructor will brief you on the plan for the day. You'll learn on the job while enjoying a completely new out of bounds experience. 

     

  • The last snowboarding day is a free day with no instruction.
  • DEPART AFTER BREAKFAST

The price includes

  • 5 full days guiding and instruction
  • 7 nights half-board accommodation (6 evening meals) in a fully catered chalet on a twin share basis
  • daily transfers in private vehicle
  • group transfer from Geneva airport or pick-up/drop-off at Bourg St Maurice (for ski-train)



The price does not include:

  • Lift pass
  • lunches
  • personal insurance
  • equipment hire
  • international travel

 

 The supplement for a room on single occupancy is £295 and is subject to availability. Contact us for details.

 

 

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

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Ski Club Winter Arrangements limited (trading as Mountain Tracks)
Registered in England No. 2099115. VAT No. GB 461 5692 34

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We accept the following payment methods

 

 

  • When choosing clothing for a day of touring in the mountains you want to think light, warm and versatile. During the trip weather conditions will change and you’re likely to go from warm afternoons where you’ll be carrying most of your gear in your rucksack, to icy-cold mornings when you’re wearing everything to keep warm! Getting hold of the best and lightest kit available is always worth it and most of the major brands will be able to supply a suitable kit.

    This season, we’ve partnered with Ortovox to provide us with the very best safety kit and clothing. Our guides will all be decked out in the latest Ortovox jackets and trousers and will keep warm, dry and comfortable thanks to their technical wool base- and mid-layers. Our guides couldn’t recommend their kit more highly.

     

    • Roll neck rather than a scarf. We use and recommend the 'Buff' a light, stretchable tube. Excellent despite the name! They do both a fleece/cotton version for warmth or just a cotton one (to keep the sun off).
    • Headwear to include warm hat and sun-cap or wide-brim hat for extra protection from the sun. Mountain Tracks fully supports the wearing of helmets for skiing, Mountain Tracks guides are allowed to enforce helmets if they think it is required if you are unsure please contact us to clarify. 
    • An outer shell jacket made of waterproof and breathable material like Gore-Tex or similar with a built-in hood. The lighter the better and so a shell is recommended rather than an insulated jacket.
    • 1-2 thin fleeces - rather than a thick layer between your skin and the outer shell - an approach which gives better heat retention and good flexibility. These tops are known as ‘mid layers’. The principle of ‘layering’ e.g. allowing you to easily add/remove layers depending on the temperature and the activity is recommended to ensure comfort on the mountain.
    • Insulation layer like a down or Primaloft jacket is a good item to have ready to wear in the event of cold weather, it can live in your rucksack as a spare layer and can come in very handy for sudden changes in the weather.
    • For the lower half, it’s essential that you have a pair of thermal base layer pants (long johns).
    • These can then be combined with either: (a) a good pair of ‘technical shell’ pants in a waterproof and breathable fabric like Gore-Tex (b) a pair of mountain or alpine pants in a softshell material together with a pair of lightweight, breathable over trousers with long side zips.
    • Top and bottom underwear made of a synthetic, wicking material. Very popular at the moment are the wool based layers from companies such as Ortovox. They are comfy, breathable and warm when needed and can be worn for days without your friends catching a whiff!
    • Good quality Gore-Tex gloves or mitts and a thin pair of softshell or fleece gloves for when it is hot and for touring in. Silk inner gloves can be useful if the weather is cold and you suffer from cold hands.
    • Technical Socks - Investing in good quality ski or snowboard socks will improve fit, warmth and feel when skiing for long periods. Bring along a few pairs.
  • For all splitboarding trips, it is essential that you riding a fully functional splitboard. Snowshoeing is not suitable for multiday hut to hut touring. 

    Splitboarding is still gaining traction in the rental market. This means that currently many resorts around the alps have little or no splitboard rental options. We are always on the lookout for rental options and are happy to help you find a solution if you are having trouble finding rental equipment. 

    Splitboard

    Splitboards come in many different shapes, sizes, configurations and weights. For hut to hut touring you should always look for a lighter weight setups or easy to use hardware. If you are joining a day touring trip or off-piste adventure advanced course where you will be doing short tours with a focus on powder hounding - surf or fish style boards are sensational, as will be any all mountain or freeride designed split. 

    There are lots of different brands on the market. Currently, the quality of build, uphill and downhill performance can vary and the price isn't always a direct indicator or performance. With such growth in the industry, we recommend you get in contact with us if you have any questions about purchasing a splitboard. Our team has a huge amount of splitboarding experience and we love to talk kit!

    The length of your ride is a pretty personal choice. For backcountry riding, we recommend a board that stands about equal height with your nose with the tail of the board flat against your big toe. Directional flex or a setback stance is beneficial for crushing avalanche debris and generally cruddy snow that you will almost always encounter on long descents. 

    Width should be a major consideration. although a wider board will float better, they can be an utter nightmare in touring mode. The extra width can make it very difficult to hold the inside edge when traversing uphill on firm snow. This problem is amplified by the flexible nature of soft snowboard boots. a board that is too wide will sap your energy and ruin your day. 

    Boots

    There is currently a confusing array of boots on the market. It is important to note that you do not need splitboard specific boots, but they do have some benefits. Any stiff all mountain or freeride snowboarding boot will do the job, If your boots are soft or flexed out from a few seasons use you may want to consider a new pair. 

    Splitboard specific boots are typically very stiff, they have sole which is suited to scrambling uphill on snow and rock. The sole is often wider and with a square edge to help you gain a mechanical advantage over the waist of your ride while in uphill mode. Finally, they may have a lip on the heel of the boot which is suitable for semi-automatic crampons. If you boot cannot take a semi-automatic crampon you can simply use something like a Grivel G-10 as an alternative.

     Hard-booting is becoming more popular each year and is worthy of consideration for any keen hut to hut tourer or aspiring splitboard mountaineer. With rapidly evolving tech and fresh ideas each season its best to email us if you have any questions about hard-booting. 

    Bindings

    Splitboard bindings have advanced in leaps and bounds in recent years. In this instance, you typically do get what you pay for. Cheap binding conversion kits are okay but not great and we really don't recommend these. Bindings form a critical part of your setup and it is worth investing time into researching the different configurations and considering how they will work for you when you are deep in the backcountry. Every gram of weight matters, the lighter the weight the higher the price is the general trend, the prices can be eye-watering but it if your serious about where your ride will take you, it is worth it. 

    Ski Poles

    Poles that collapse into three sections are perfect. Cheap poles can and do fail, freeze, seize and rust. Trust us, if your pole breaks or fails it is a serious problem. When heading uphill the pole needs to hold your body weight and you need to trust it won't collapse or telescope back into a kiddies pole suddenly as this could lead to a series injury, long fall or an uncontrolled slide back down the mountain. 

    Rucksack

    For most trips especially multi-day hut-to-hut tours you will need a 35 - 40-litre rucksack. You might get away with a big 30-litre pack if you are an experienced tourer and know what to pack. Most people will find a 35-40 liter pack is a good size for touring. You should only consider rucksacks which are designed for backcountry and multi day use. 

    Key features of a good splitboarding pack: 

    • a method of attaching your board in either an A-frame (one paddle split either side) or both together on a vertical carriage
    • easy access into the main compartment without having to empty the sack to get something at the bottom
    • separate pocket for avalanche shovel, handle and probe
    • small top pocket for items like wallet, sunglasses/goggles etc; an ice axe loop
    • a built-in rain cover and a secure method of attaching/stowing a ski helmet 
    • good hip/waist belt and adjustable shoulder straps

    Avalanche airbag rucksacks can be used for touring but they are heavy, adding somewhere between 5-8kg just for an empty pack plus canister. So unless you are sure you can carry it and fit all you need in, we do not recommend you use one. 

    Over a long multiday tour, every gram of weight is important as you have to carry and move it yourself. Carrying a heavy pack will hinder and tire all but the most experienced and fit ski tourer.

     

     

     

    • Skins – these are skins which, now made of artificial fabric, stick to the bottom of your board when it is in touring mode, skis and allow you to walk uphill. They must be cut to fit your paddles exactly, so if you are bringing your own skis you must provide your own skins.
    • Board Crampons (aka couteaux) - most bindings have ski crampons specifically designed for the binding. We always carry these just in case. Again if you are bringing your own ride and bindings you must provide your own ski crampons. 
    • Ice Axe - general lightweight mountaineering / alpine pick. Ideally, this needs to be short enough to fit in your pack.
    • Boot Crampons - ideally lightweight aluminium ones although steel crampons are required for more demanding tours
    • Climbing Harness - a simple lightweight harness. The key feature is that it should have fully adjustable leg loops for putting on over ski boots, crampons, etc.

    On some tours in non-glaciated terrain, an ice-axe, boot crampons and climbing harness may not always be required. However, as conditions and itineraries can change we do generally recommend that you bring these items with you. If you do not own these items they can be rented to you by our guides or via one of the local sports shops
Ste Foy.jpg

Sainte Foy

View map

Sainte Foy-Tarentaise (to give it its full name) is a small village just off the main road up to Val d’Isère. The ski area and small resort is another 5 km away and boasts some of the best off-piste ski terrain in the Alps.

For years it has remained relatively unknown - particularly when compared to its more renowned neighbours of Tignes, Val d'Isère, Les Arcs & La Plagne. Its reputation as an off-piste ski area has grown and grown... what was just a Mountain Tracks secret for a while has started to leak out! That said, it remains unspoiled and still offers amazing skiing! Situated just below the famous Espace Killy (Tignes & Val d'Isère) in the heart of the Savoie region and fast building itself as a haven for off-piste skiers.

Sainte Foy boasts superb snow quality, unparalleled tree skiing and is never crowded. Groups will roam the terrain around Sainte Foy itself, Tignes, Val d'Isère, La Rosière and the twin resorts of Les Arcs & La Plagne - all of which provide extensive off-piste descents.

Our top reasons for visiting Sainte-Foy:
  • Small resort but revered by many for the quality of the off-piste skiing
  • Easy access to other world-class resorts: Val d’Isère, Tignes, La Plagne
  • Very good snow record and skiing until mid-April
  • Some of the best day tours and ski safari itineraries anywhere in the Alps
  • North-facing slopes mean good conditions remain after most other resorts are tracked out

Resort Height: 1,550m

Highest Lift: 2,650m

Nearest Airport: Geneva or Chambery

Transfer Options: Geneva is a 2.5-3hr transfer by road. Our accommodation provider offers return airport transfers at fixed times (included in the price of our week-long trips at the Auberge, only between Geneva airport and the chalet), please contact our office to ask more about these transfers. Otherwise, you can get to the resort by road transfer with one of the many companies that offer seats bookable on a shared basis. There is also a public bus service to Bourg St. Maurice and Sainte Foy with Alti bus. If you are travelling from Chambery Airport you can take a train to Bourg St. Maurice and link to the resort with a taxi or bus.

It is also possible to travel by train to Bourg Saint Maurice (with a Eurostar direct day service from London St. Pancras to Bourg Saint Maurice on Saturdays throughout the ski season. Timetables and bookings are available at Eurostar. Bourg St Maurice is only 10km from the chalet and the train offers a viable alternative to a flight and transfer. The chalet hosts provide a twice-daily pick-up and drop-off service at the station.

  • It is a condition of booking that you are insured for your chosen activity and the cover must include medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, third party risks and rescue (including helicopter rescue). You are strongly advised also to take out cover against cancellation and curtailment.

    For UK residents Ski Club Travel Insurance may be a suitable option.

    For more details and to purchase a policy online visit http://www.skiclubinsurance.co.uk/
    If you need assistance arranging your personal insurance please let us know.
     

  • Sainte Foy is accessible by road, rail and air.

    The nearest airport is Chambery with a 90-minute transfer time. Geneva and Lyon are both about 2½ hours away.

    The course fee includes a group transfer to/from Geneva airport.  We meet at 2 pm at Geneva airport on the arrival day so you should arrive on a flight no later than 1.15 pm; on the departure day, we ask you to book a flight that leaves Geneva airport no earlier than 2 pm so there is time to travel to the airport. 

    It is also possible to travel by train to Bourg Saint Maurice (with a Eurostar direct day service from London St. Pancras to Bourg Saint Maurice on Saturdays throughout the ski season. Timetables and bookings are available at Eurostar. Bourg St Maurice is only 10km from the chalet and the train offers a viable alternative to a flight and transfer. The chalet hosts provide pick-up and drop-off service at the station. There will be a supplement payment for transfers to/from Bourg Saint Maurice directly to chalet hosts. 

    Check with our office for detailed travel arrangements.

  • From 2024, travellers heading into the Schengen Area under a British passport will be required to complete an Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) clearance before travelling

    The ETIAS pre-clearance system is similar to systems already in place in the USA and Canada (the ESTA and eTA systems, respectively). It serves to enhance security by checking the details of those wishing to travel to the Schengen Area before they arrive.

    All persons travelling under a British passport, or a passport of another country where entry is permitted into the Schengen Area without a visa, need to complete the ETIAS process. If you hold an EU or Schengen Area passport or hold a valid EU or Schengen Area visa, you do not need to complete the ETIAS process.

    An ETIAS will cost a 7EUR processing fee, although this is waived for those under the age of 18 or over the age of 70. ETIASs will be valid for a period of three years from application, provided your passport remains valid during this period; a new passport will require a new ETIAS.

     

    What will I be asked on the ETIAS application form?

    As a pre-screening check, the ETIAS online application form will ask for basic personal details to establish your identity.

    This will include:

    • Valid passport / Travel document information
    • Full name
    • Current address
    • Citizenship status
    • Sex
    • Preferred gender
    • Dual citizenship status
    • Email address
    • Telephone number
    • Date of birth
    • Final destination member state
    • Educational background
    • Occupational background

    During the ETIAS application or appeal process, you may be asked about your:

    • Criminal history
    • Past incarceration
    • Felon status
    • Past European travel
    • Drug use
    • Health history

    How much does it cost to submit an ETIAS application form?

    The ETIAS application process requires an application fee of 7 (EUR) euros. Payment is required to complete the application process. ETIAS will only accept electronic payments from your debit or credit card.

    Once payment is completed, most applicants will receive approval within minutes. An approved ETIAS visa waiver will be valid for three consecutive years upon issuance.

    Apply for ETIAS approval to ensure you can include your favourite European destinations in your travel plans.

     

    More information on the ETIAS system is still to be confirmed by ETIAS authorities, including when and how applications will be accepted. We have provided this handy FAQ on the ETIAS system to help you understand how to navigate the ETIAS system when it goes live. 

    Useful links:
    https://www.skiclub.co.uk/etias-information

    https://etias.com/

     

     

  • Sainte Foy is accessible by road, rail and air.

    The nearest airport is Chambery with a 90 minute transfer time. Geneva and Lyon are both about 2½ hours away.

    The course fee includes a group transfer to/from Geneva airport. We meet at 2pm at Geneva airport on the arrival day so you should arrive on a flight no later than 1.15pm; on the departure day, we ask you to book a flight that leaves Geneva airport no earlier than 2pm so there is time to travel to the airport.

    It is also possible to travel by train to Bourg Saint Maurice (with a Eurostar direct day service from London St. Pancras to Bourg Saint Maurice on Saturdays throughout the ski season. Timetables and bookings are available at Eurostar. Bourg St Maurice is only 10km from the chalet and the train offers a viable alternative to a flight and transfer. The chalet hosts provide a twice-daily pick-up and drop-off service at the station.

    Check with our office for detailed travel arrangements.

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