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Ski touring Introduction in the Italian Val Ferret
Duration:
2 days
Price from: 395€
Fitness:
Infobulle physique
Physical Level 1: For individuals who engage in occasional physical activity, positive elevation gain up to 300m.
Physical Level 2: For individuals who engage in regular physical activity, positive elevation gain up to 600m.
Physical Level 3: For individuals who engage in regular endurance activities, positive elevation gain up to 900m or ascents to altitudes above 3500m.
Physical Level 4: For individuals who engage in regular endurance activities, positive elevation gain up to 1300m or ascents to altitudes above 4000m.
Physical Level 5: For individuals who engage in intensive endurance activities, positive elevation gain exceeding 1300m.
Technique:
Infobulle technique
Technical Level 1: For occasional off-piste skiers who want to discover ski touring along the edge of pistes.
Technical Level 2: For regular off-piste skiers, capable of skiing in all snow conditions on wide, gentle slopes, and who want to discover ski touring.
Technical Level 3: For occasional ski tourers (2 to 5 recent outings), capable of skiing in all snow conditions on wide, gentle slopes.
Technical Level 4: For regular ski tourers (5 to 10 recent outings), capable of skiing in all snow conditions on varied slopes with some technical sections, mastering kick turns, and possessing basic knowledge of using crampons and an ice axe.
Technical Level 5: For experienced ski tourers (more than 10 recent outings), capable of skiing in all snow conditions on varied and exposed slopes with technical sections, mastering kick turns and the use of crampons and an ice axe.
General information
Val Ferret borders the Italian slopes of the Mont Blanc massif and is renowned for its breathtaking views of the region’s high peaks, including Mont Blanc, the Grandes Jorasses, and the Dent du Géant. Known for its remoteness, serenity, and authenticity, this exceptional setting is perfect for a gentle introduction to ski touring. This program offers ideal beginner-friendly slopes, combined with the comfort of staying at the charming Bonatti refuge. Your guide will introduce you to essential techniques, such as kick turns, and provide personalized tips to refine your descent. In summary: expect an unforgettable skiing experience amidst spectacular scenery, complemented by the warm hospitality typical of the Aosta Valley.
To discover the mountains of Valle d'Aosta, we have developed a series of ski tours and trips in the Italian Valley. These adventures allow you to enjoy the exceptional playground of this area while experiencing high-quality accommodations that live up to the region's reputation. Explore also the Magia hut, a hidden gem just a few steps from Aosta. Embark on a ski tour in Val de Rhèmes, which showcases the Italian side of Val d'Isere. Finally, journey into the Gran Paradiso national park and go for the ascent of Gran Paradiso itself.
Group booking
Group session associates several people who don’t know each other. It allows for a planned program to benefit from an attractive price on fixed dates. This formula is ideal for people looking for the friendliness of a group.
Dates : See below for the group booking module
Price 2025 : 395€ per person based on minimum of 4 participants
Minors aged 16 and over must be accompanied by an adult
Included in the package :
- IFMGA English speaking mountain guiding service
- half-board in mountain hut (dinner, breakfast and night)
- transfers as per programme
- rental of full safety kit (avalanche transceiver/DVA, shovel, probe)
Not included in the package :
- personal drinks in huts and other personal expenses (we recommend you bring Euros)
- take out lunches and daily snacks
- cost of getting to meeting point (Chamonix)
- personal technical equipment
Private booking
A private booking is the historical relationship that binds a guide to his/her client. It allows you to be alone, or in a constituted group, with your guide that meets your specific needs. You are free to choose your departure date (depending on the availability of the huts) and the itinerary can be adjusted, according to your specific expectations.
Prices 2025 :
2 people : 845€ per person
3 people : 595€ per person
4 people : 470€ per person
5 people : 395€ per person
6 people : 345€ per person
Included in the package :
- IFMGA English speaking mountain guiding service
- half-board in mountain hut (dinner, breakfast and night)
- transfers as per programme
- rental of full safety kit (avalanche transceiver/DVA, shovel, probe)
Not included in the package :
- personal drinks in huts and other personal expenses (we recommend you bring Euros)
- take out lunches and daily snacks
- cost of getting to meeting point (Chamonix)
- personal technical equipment
Further information
In this section, find all the information about this activity. To prepare your trip effectively, refer to the guides’ tips. They share their expertise and recommendations, ensuring you have a great experience.
Meeting point : Meet at 08:30 at the Compagnie des Guides office in Chamonix. Transfer by minibus to the departure point. Return to Chamonix by minibus
Itinerary : This is provided as a guideline and may be adjusted according to the group's level and mountain conditions
Technical level : Suitable for skiers skilled in off-piste skiing across various snow conditions.
Physical level : Designed for individuals who regularly engage in physical activity. Expect a positive elevation gain of up to 900 meters per day and an effort of 4 to 5 hours each day.
Guiding policy : 4 to 6 people. Minors aged 16 and over must be accompanied by an adult
Accomodation : Half-board in Bonatti hut. Before & after the trip: We have some hotel partners in Chamonix with special prices for our customers.
Documentation : Participants must have mountain sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance when you sign up. Participants must also take valid ID with them.
Documents available for download
Equipment
We recommend you to pay particular attention to the choice of your equipment. It contributes greatly to the success of your stay. Weight is decisive: you always have to evaluate the ratio weight/comfort, to find the best compromise.
Equipment
- Comfortable frameless rucksack of 35l on which you could fix your skis
- Ski touring skis & shoes, rentable
- Adhesive climbing skins & ski knifes adapted to your skis, rentable
- A pair of poles with large discs, rentable
- A security pack including harness, DVA, shovel & probe - this pack will be lend by your guide
Clothing
- Waterproof and windproof, non-insulated parka with hood (Gore-tex or equivalent), rentable
- Waterproof and windproof, non-insulated pants, rentable
- Thick polar-pile fleece jacket or equivalent
- A light down jacket
- 1 long-sleeve shirt
- Medium weight thermal underwear (top + bottoms, silk or polypro, double as pyjamas)
- Warm ski socks
- Warm ski hat and light sun hat with brim
- Warm ski gloves or mittens
- A pair of thinner/finer gloves (in leather or fleece)
- Neck protection
- Spare thermal underwear (for sleeping and change)
Accessories
- High-altitude sunglasses (grade 4 is recommended)
- A pair of goggles
- 1.5L water bottle
- An isotherm bottle
- A mini toilet bag including: sun block for face and lips, aspirin, elastoplast, 2nd skin kit, earplug, toilet paper
- A headlamp with spare batteries
- A cotton or silk sleeping sheet: compulsory in every hut. - Hut provide blankets, slippers or clogs
- A plastic bag containing your ID card & Euros for extras
Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Millet, Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop
Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet
Itinerary
Day 1
Short transfer from Chamonix to the Val Ferret via the Mont Blanc tunnel. We put on our skis in the small village of Planpincieux (1 580m) then climb up the Val Ferret to the hamlet of Lavachey (1 642m). Our ascent continues through the woods to the Malatra ‘alpages’, or high mountain pastures, from where we glimpse the Bonatti hut (2 025m). The afternoon is devoted to learning basic techniques for ski touring (kick turns) and mountain safety (avalanche rescue).
Vertical ascent: 445m
Day 2
Ascending the gentle alpage slopes, we reach a livestock enclosure and then the huge Malatra valley. Depending on the wishes of the group, we can either head for the Col de Malatra (2 928m) or the Col d’Entre Deux Sauts (2 524m). A beautiful descent takes us back down to the hut and then the valley. Transfer to Chamonix, which we reach by mid-afternoon.
Vertical ascent: 500m / Vertical descent: 950m (Col d’Entre deux Sauts) | Vertical ascent: 900m / Vertical descent: 1 350m (Col de Malatra)
Booking
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Calculate your carbon footprint
Discover the carbon emissions of this activity and add your trip to the meeting point.
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 26 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 26 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for this activity & journey(s) = 0 kgIn order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology, today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually., or 2.6€The price for a ton of CO2 is currently 100€ in the European Union to offset.
Find out more about our zero impact strategy.
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