Chamonix is one of the most incredible and adventurous off-piste ski destinations anywhere in the Alps – or even the world! Imagine first lifts on the Aiguille D’Midi to 3842m, descending a narrow snow arête with the aid of crampons and putting your skis on with over 2000m of vertical descent ahead of you – never mind the incredible scenery and glaciated terrain! Well this is just one of the many off piste descents in the Alps.
Whether your goal is to learn how to ski deep powder or transfer your on-piste skills to off-piste there are plenty of resorts that give lift access to this type of terrain. The options for off piste skiing through out the Alps is vast, with thousands of resorts scattered everywhere…just think of all that space waiting to be explored!
You do require some specialist equipment so check the Skiing Kit List below. For anything you don’t have please get in touch to see if I can help you out!
Ski Touring
Skinning up the mountain in beautiful, impressive surroundings, then skiing down the empty mountain slopes on untouched snow, is an extremely rewarding experience. More and more these days skiers are looking at escaping the crowds and getting those fresh slopes all to themselves. This is the attraction with ski touring, where the effort in equals reward out!
Ski Touring is a great way to explore the freedom of the mountains. Touring is accessible to all ski abilities and offers people the chance to explore remote terrain and summits with amazing descents. Lifts can be used initially to gain some height to start your day and quite often a short skin up will be rewarded with a big, fun descent.
You do require some specialist equipment so check the Skiing Kit List below. For anything you don’t have please get in touch to see if I can help you out!
Ski Kit List
Ski Touring Equipment
- Skis with touring bindings
- Ski mountaineering boots – preferably that have been worn before the trip to ensure comfort
- Ski Poles with normal baskets not small piste baskets
- Skins for skis
- Ski Crampons
- Shovel, Probe, Avalanche Transceiver – these can be hired from the guide.
- Ice Axe, Crampons – these can be hired from the guide if advised in advance
- Harness and screw gate Karabiner – these can be hired from the guide if ordered in advance
- Rucksack – 30 litre for day tours and off-piste skiing 45-50L for multi-day tours. Models that skis can be attached to are best.
At the Hut
- Sheet sleeping Bag
- Head torch
- Paperback book- Kindles are great
- Insurance certificate
- Alpine membership card may give hut discounts BMC
- Cash in local currency
Clothing
- Thermal base layer top, light colours reflect heat best. No Cotton
- Fleece top Soft shell fabrics are also excellent
- Spare Fleece or fleece alternative like a Puffball
- Trousers to wear under waterproofs, Schoeller type fabrics or powerstretch if you have the legs to get away with wearing it in public. No Cotton.
- Waterproof Trousers gore-tex or other breathable fabrics are best
- Waterproof Jacket gore-tex or other breathable fabrics are best
- Gloves Thick and thin pair
- Hat Warm hat and sun hat
- Goggles
- Sun glasses
- Sun cream (I would recommend factor 30 as a minimum)
- SPF lip balm
