Your Ikon Pass already works here. Chamonix, Courmayeur (Valle d’Aosta), and Zermatt are all Ikon destinations with no blackouts. The full Ikon Pass covers up to 7 days at each, and Ikon Base up to 5. The math favors the Alps. A peak-day lift ticket at Vail costs $374 this season, and Beaver Creek tops $390. A 6-day Mont Blanc Unlimited pass ran about €480 last season, roughly $93 a day, and that covers three countries. If you don’t have Ikon, the lift pass for the whole week costs a little more than one and a half peak days in Colorado. It’s closer than you think. Nonstop flights reach Geneva from the US East Coast. From there it’s about an hour’s drive to Chamonix. Leave work Friday and you can be skiing the Alps by Sunday. The terrain is bigger. Alpine vertical, glaciers, and lift-served off-piste on a scale you won’t find on most US resort maps.

Included: Experienced, local IFMGA ski guides with extensive knowledge of the Mont Blanc massif 5-day freeride skiing trip in Chamonix, France, Italy, and Switzerland (5 days of guided skiing) Daily strategy sessions and avalanche protocol briefings with your guides Unlimited access to a premium ski quiver for the whole trip, plus a custom gear-fitting clinic on day one Exclusive welcome kit Add-ons: 2- or 4-star hotel lodging (plus breakfasts), or a private chalet — pricing shown at checkout Tri-country lift tickets can be arranged at an additional cost — leave a note at checkout Ground transport, including airport transfers and border-hop shuttles, can be arranged at an additional cost — leave a note at checkout Not included: Transportation to France Accommodations Meals Lift tickets Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above Insurance — recommended, available at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

Is it better to join a group or go private?

Both options include the same five days of guided freeride across France, Italy, and Switzerland. The difference is who you ski with and when. Join a group — Pick one of the set departure dates and ski with up to five other advanced skiers. This works well if you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or want to meet other skiers. Go private — It’s just your group of three to six people with your guide, on dates you choose. Simply select your preferred dates, add a private chalet to your booking if you’d like, an we’ll arrange an unforgettable custom adventure.

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join this freeride skiing tour, great fitness is required as well as advanced off-piste skiing experience . You should be confident skiing steep, variable, and glaciated big-mountain terrain, and comfortable with five full days of skiing back to back. Days run lift-served, so the effort comes from the terrain and the mileage rather than long climbs. Your guides work on a menu, not a mandate: they pick the objective each morning based on conditions and how the group is moving, so there’s room to build through the week. Cold, wind, and deep snow all add up, and the better shape you’re in, the more laps you’ll get.

Is accommodation included?

Accommodation isn’t included in the trip price, which covers five days of guided freeride skiing . If you’d like your lodging arranged for you, you can choose one of three options at checkout: 2-star hotel — Hotel des Lacs or similar 4-star hotel — Héliopic Hotel & Spa or La Folie Douce Hotel or similar (plus daily breakfasts) Private chalet — for groups of up to 12 Adding accommodation also adds two extra days to your trip, an arrival day and a departure day, so you can settle in before the skiing starts and travel home without rushing. Hotel prices depend on the month you travel and are based on two people sharing a room. Pricing is shown at checkout.

What do I need to bring?

Skis are covered by the quiver access, so you show up and pick your weapon each morning. Everything else on this list is on you. Ski gear: Ski boots you know and trust Ski poles Ski helmet Goggles, plus a spare lens for flat light Sunglasses (glacier days are bright) Avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe Ski touring backpack, 25-35L, with a way to carry skis Climbing harness and a locking carabiner for the glaciated terrain Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L) Clothing & footwear: Waterproof ski jacket and pants Insulated midlayer and a light puffy for summit stops Base layers, merino or synthetic Ski socks (a few pairs) Ski gloves and a warmer spare pair Buff or neck gaiter and a warm hat Comfortable shoes or winter boots for the evenings in town Other: Passport, since the week crosses into Italy and Switzerland Travel insurance documents Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and hand sanitizer Headlamp Snacks for the lifts and the long glacier descents Camera (optional, the media team has you covered) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Can I rent ski equipment?

Yes. Ski rental isn’t included in the trip price, but your guides can arrange it on request. If you’d like to rent skis or other gear, leave us a note at checkout with what you need, and your guides will sort it out before you arrive. Make sure your rental setup is suitable for off-piste skiing. You’ll also need your own avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe , unless you arrange rentals for them too. If you have any questions about gear, contact us before booking.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing: The maximum group size for this Chamonix freeride skiing trip is set at 6 or 12 participants . Six for open-group departures, 12 for private groups. The tour can go ahead even if only one person signs up. Freeride skiing in Chamonix can be arranged for larger groups — contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18 , you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the freeride skiing on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your freeride skiing trip is Chamonix, France . To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport (GVA) . Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make airport transfers hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop Offs —they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount! Ground transport can be arranged as an add-on, so leave a note at checkout if you’d like your guides to sort it out for you.

Safety measures and insurance

Having insurance is mandatory for this adventure. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Official partner

CHAMONIX | FRANCE

Freeride Ski Week in the Alps With Locals

Name: Chamonix Freeride Ski Trip: 5 Days in the Alps
Brand: 57hours
Availability: InStock

5 days | Moderate to Challenging

From $1,915 ()

Book a call

Chamonix is Europe’s freeride capital. It has big glaciers, long descents, and three countries within reach of one valley. It’s our home base every season, and on this trip it’s yours too. You get five days on skis with us, IFMGA guides who ski this terrain all winter. If you add accommodation, you also get two extra days in the valley for a relaxed arrival and departure. Each morning we read the snow and choose where to go, whether that’s France, Italy, or Switzerland. Think of the plan as a menu, not a mandate. We match the terrain to the group and the conditions, so you’re never pushed onto anything you’re not ready for.

This trip is for advanced skiers who are comfortable off-piste and want to ski big-mountain terrain with people who know it inside out. Bring your Ikon Pass. Chamonix, Courmayeur, and Zermatt are all on Ikon with no blackout dates, so your pass covers every day of skiing.

Yann

IFMGA Mountain Guide

Adventure Highlights

We partnered with Faction Skis, a company born in the Swiss Alps — the terrain their skis were built for.

Three countries in 5 days: Ski France, Italy, and Switzerland from one base. Your guides pick each day's terrain based on that morning's snow
The icon: Vallée Blanche: About 20 km (12 mi) of glacier skiing from the top of the Mont Blanc massif back to Chamonix, one of the classic descents in the Alps
Ride with Faction’s award-winning gear: You’ll be set up on Faction skis matched to the conditions and the tour, with the option to switch models as the snow and the plan change

Duration

5 days

Season

January through March

Group size

Up to 12 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

Five ski days, built to get progressively bigger. Choose a set day and ski with up to five other advanced skiers—great fit if you're coming solo, as a couple, or just want to share the slopes with like-minded people. We start in Chamonix with a strategy session, welcome kits, and a gear-fitting clinic to match you to the right skis. We start with Les Grands Montets, dialing in gear and avalanche protocols on legendary steep terrain. Then the Vallée Blanche glacier, followed by a border-hop to Courmayeur for Italian tree skiing and powder laps. We also have a wildcard in between: your guides pick the best snow anywhere in the tri-country area, and we finish with a farewell dinner. Morning laps in the valley before departures. Possible to add accommodation.

Day 0 (optional): Arrival in Chamonix

If you’ve added accommodation to your booking, you arrive in Chamonix the day before the skiing starts. Fly into Geneva and make your way to the valley, about an hour’s drive away. Airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost. Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is yours. Shake off the jet lag, stroll through town, and get your gear sorted. With a relaxed day to settle in, you’ll start the first ski day fresh and ready for big-mountain terrain.

Day 1: Les Grands Montets freeride mecca

Les Grands Montets freeride mecca — Backcountry Skiing in Five days of guided freeride in the Alps: France, Italy, and Switzerland, on a full Faction quiver.

Your first freeride day. In the morning you’ll run through avalanche protocols and transceiver drills with your guides, then ski laps on some of the best lift-served freeride terrain in the Alps. It’s open and fun, and it lets your guides see how everyone skis.

Day 2: The legendary Vallée Blanche

The legendary Vallée Blanche — Backcountry Skiing in Five days of guided freeride in the Alps: France, Italy, and Switzerland, on a full Faction quiver.

Ride to the top of the Mont Blanc massif and ski about 20 km of glacier back toward Chamonix, past seracs, crevasse fields, and the Mer de Glace. Your guides handle the route-finding. You get to enjoy the scenery.

Day 3: Courmayeur and the Italian powder mission

Courmayeur and the Italian powder mission — Backcountry Skiing in Five days of guided freeride in the Alps: France, Italy, and Switzerland, on a full Faction quiver.

Go through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Courmayeur. You’ll ski the trees and chase powder on the Italian side, then stop for a long lunch, because you’re in Italy. Courmayeur is on Ikon through Valle d’Aosta.

Day 4: The wildcard mission

The wildcard mission — Backcountry Skiing in Five days of guided freeride in the Alps: France, Italy, and Switzerland, on a full Faction quiver.

Your guides choose the best snow anywhere across France, Italy, or Switzerland. You’ll find out where you’re going at breakfast.

Day 5: Final laps

It’s our last full day on skis. Where we go depends on the snow and what the group wants from it, whether that’s a repeat of a favorite from earlier in the week or one more new line. There’s a farewell dinner in the evening. If you’ve added accommodation, you have one more night in Chamonix before heading home.

Day 6 (optional): Departure

After breakfast at your own pace, it’s time to check out and head back to Geneva for flights home. Airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.

The same five days of guided freeride, with an IFMGA guide all to your group of up to six. There are no set dates—book your preferred dates, and we’ll build the trip around you. A private chalet if you’d like one can be added to your booking as well.

Day 0 (optional): Arrival in Chamonix

Day 1: Les Grands Montets freeride mecca

Day 2: The legendary Vallée Blanche

Day 3: Courmayeur and the Italian powder mission

Day 4: The wildcard mission

Your guides choose the best snow anywhere across France, Italy, or Switzerland. You’ll find out where you’re going at breakfast.

Day 5: Final laps

Day 6 (optional): Departure

After breakfast at your own pace, it’s time to check out and head back to Geneva for flights home. Airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.

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Tell it what you’re after. You’ll have a day-by-day trip in a minute, quoted by a certified local guide.

Let’s build your itinerary. What are you into?

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Lodging (optional add-on)

2-star hotel

We can book your stay at the 2-star Hôtel des Lacs, a family-run hotel beside the Lac des Gaillands, about 1 km (0.6 mi) from the center of Chamonix. The same family has welcomed guests here since 1930, and the hotel looks out toward Mont Blanc. Its 23 rooms all have private bathrooms, and the days start with a breakfast buffet. In the evening, relax on the sunny terrace or in the garden, or have a drink at the hotel’s pub.

Note that exact accommodations may vary depending on availability, but will always be of the same standard and comfort.

4-star hotel

For a step up, we can arrange a stay at a 4-star hotel with breakfast included. This will likely be Héliopic Hotel & Spa or La Folie Douce.

Héliopic Hotel & Spa is nestled right at the foot of the Aiguille du Midi cable car and a five-minute walk from the center of Chamonix. Every room has a balcony. The 500 m² (5,382 ft²) spa has an indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, and an ice grotto, which is just what tired legs need.

La Folie Douce Hotel is a former Belle Époque palace a three-minute walk from the center of Chamonix. The spa has an 18-meter (59-foot) heated outdoor pool with views of Mont Blanc, plus a sauna, steam room, fitness room, and massage treatments. For dinner, choose between bistro dining at La Fruitière, shared plates at La Petite Cuisine, and local specialties at Le Mayen, then finish with a drink at one of the two bars.

Note that exact accommodations may vary depending on availability, but will always be of the same standard and comfort.

Private chalet

Sunny day, living room of a chalet in Chamonix

A private chalet in Chamonix suits groups of 3 to 12 who’d like their own base. It’s the most relaxed way to do the trip. You’ll have space to dry your gear, unwind after a big day, and go over the next day’s plan with your guide.

Adventure, packed to go

Freeride Ski Week in the Alps With Locals

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

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Meet your guide

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Yann

IFMGA Mountain Guide

Yann is a Chamonix-based mountain guide, boasting over 20 years of experience guiding mountaineering and skiing in the Mont Blanc area, the Alps, the Himalayas, and beyond. He is the co-founder and the “driving force” behind his own outdoor adventure company, mixing the wisdom and experience of an “old guide” with boundless enthusiasm and creativity.

Things to know

Your Ikon Pass already works here. Chamonix, Courmayeur (Valle d’Aosta), and Zermatt are all Ikon destinations with no blackouts. The full Ikon Pass covers up to 7 days at each, and Ikon Base up to 5.

The math favors the Alps. A peak-day lift ticket at Vail costs $374 this season, and Beaver Creek tops $390. A 6-day Mont Blanc Unlimited pass ran about €480 last season, roughly $93 a day, and that covers three countries. If you don’t have Ikon, the lift pass for the whole week costs a little more than one and a half peak days in Colorado.

It’s closer than you think. Nonstop flights reach Geneva from the US East Coast. From there it’s about an hour’s drive to Chamonix. Leave work Friday and you can be skiing the Alps by Sunday.

The terrain is bigger. Alpine vertical, glaciers, and lift-served off-piste on a scale you won’t find on most US resort maps.
Included:
- - Experienced, local IFMGA ski guides with extensive knowledge of the Mont Blanc massif
  - 5-day freeride skiing trip in Chamonix, France, Italy, and Switzerland (5 days of guided skiing)
  - Daily strategy sessions and avalanche protocol briefings with your guides
  - Unlimited access to a premium ski quiver for the whole trip, plus a custom gear-fitting clinic on day one
  - Exclusive welcome kit
Add-ons:
- - 2- or 4-star hotel lodging (plus breakfasts), or a private chalet — pricing shown at checkout
  - Tri-country lift tickets can be arranged at an additional cost — leave a note at checkout
  - Ground transport, including airport transfers and border-hop shuttles, can be arranged at an additional cost — leave a note at checkout
Not included:
- - Transportation to France
  - Accommodations
  - Meals
  - Lift tickets
  - Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
Both options include the same five days of guided freeride across France, Italy, and Switzerland. The difference is who you ski with and when.
- - Join a group — Pick one of the set departure dates and ski with up to five other advanced skiers. This works well if you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or want to meet other skiers.
  - Go private — It’s just your group of three to six people with your guide, on dates you choose. Simply select your preferred dates, add a private chalet to your booking if you’d like, an we’ll arrange an unforgettable custom adventure.
In order to join this freeride skiing tour, great fitness is required as well as advanced off-piste skiing experience. You should be confident skiing steep, variable, and glaciated big-mountain terrain, and comfortable with five full days of skiing back to back.

Days run lift-served, so the effort comes from the terrain and the mileage rather than long climbs. Your guides work on a menu, not a mandate: they pick the objective each morning based on conditions and how the group is moving, so there’s room to build through the week. Cold, wind, and deep snow all add up, and the better shape you’re in, the more laps you’ll get.
Accommodation isn’t included in the trip price, which covers five days of guided freeride skiing. If you’d like your lodging arranged for you, you can choose one of three options at checkout:
- - 2-star hotel — Hotel des Lacs or similar
  - 4-star hotel — Héliopic Hotel & Spa or La Folie Douce Hotel or similar (plus daily breakfasts)
  - Private chalet — for groups of up to 12
Adding accommodation also adds two extra days to your trip, an arrival day and a departure day, so you can settle in before the skiing starts and travel home without rushing. Hotel prices depend on the month you travel and are based on two people sharing a room. Pricing is shown at checkout.
Skis are covered by the quiver access, so you show up and pick your weapon each morning. Everything else on this list is on you.

Ski gear:
- - Ski boots you know and trust
  - Ski poles
  - Ski helmet
  - Goggles, plus a spare lens for flat light
  - Sunglasses (glacier days are bright)
  - Avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe
  - Ski touring backpack, 25-35L, with a way to carry skis
  - Climbing harness and a locking carabiner for the glaciated terrain
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L)
Clothing & footwear:
- - Waterproof ski jacket and pants
  - Insulated midlayer and a light puffy for summit stops
  - Base layers, merino or synthetic
  - Ski socks (a few pairs)
  - Ski gloves and a warmer spare pair
  - Buff or neck gaiter and a warm hat
  - Comfortable shoes or winter boots for the evenings in town
Other:
- - Passport, since the week crosses into Italy and Switzerland
  - Travel insurance documents
  - Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and hand sanitizer
  - Headlamp
  - Snacks for the lifts and the long glacier descents
  - Camera (optional, the media team has you covered)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Yes. Ski rental isn’t included in the trip price, but your guides can arrange it on request. If you’d like to rent skis or other gear, leave us a note at checkout with what you need, and your guides will sort it out before you arrive.

Make sure your rental setup is suitable for off-piste skiing. You’ll also need your own avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe, unless you arrange rentals for them too. If you have any questions about gear, contact us before booking.
Group sizes and pricing:
- - The maximum group size for this Chamonix freeride skiing trip is set at 6 or 12 participants. Six for open-group departures, 12 for private groups.
  - The tour can go ahead even if only one person signs up.
  - Freeride skiing in Chamonix can be arranged for larger groups — contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the freeride skiing on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
  - If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your freeride skiing trip is Chamonix, France. To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport (GVA).

Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make airport transfers hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount!

Ground transport can be arranged as an add-on, so leave a note at checkout if you’d like your guides to sort it out for you.
Having insurance is mandatory for this adventure. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Secure your spot with a 40% deposit upon booking! The remaining 60% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
- If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
- If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 60% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
- If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
- Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.

Have more questions?

Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.

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Watch our webinar

Backcountry Skiing

The Best Skiing in Chamonix: Local Guide’s Top Tips

Chamonix is easy to want and hard to ski well. The terrain is big, high, and glaciated, and the snow changes by the hour. Locals don’t pick a line a week out—they pick a zone the morning of, and the week falls into place from there. This free live conversation is about how that works. Yann Delevaux has guided the Mont Blanc massif for more than 20 years as an IFMGA mountain guide. He walked through how he reads conditions, why Chamonix sits at the corner of three countries’ worth of terrain, and the lines he keeps coming back to. Josh Cohen, Product Manager at Faction, explained what Alpine terrain like this asks of a ski, how Faction designs for it, and which skis he’d bring for each type of day. You’ll leave with the local beta that usually takes years to learn, and a clear idea of the quiver to ski it.

Book This Adventure for a Private Group

Book a fully private 57hours adventure for your group. We customize dates, group sizes, terrain, guides and accommodations — so your adventure fits your people and your goals.

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