Get ready for an epic ski touring adventure in Briançon and its stunning Alpine surroundings! A cozy lodge, nestled right by the French-Italian border, will be your base for hitting top ski spots like La Grave and Ecrins. Picture yourself gliding down untouched slopes, soaking in jaw-dropping views, and feeling the thrill of adventure—all while mastering ski touring with a seasoned guide. After exhilarating days on the snow, kick back in a luxe hotel, enjoying delicious local cuisine and sipping white wine on the terrace. Perfect for seasoned resort skiers eager to dive into ski touring, this trip promises fun-filled days on the snow, lively après-ski evenings, and fantastic company. Come for the adventure, stay for the unforgettable memories!
Discover the ultimate ski touring adventure in Briançon and its stunning Alpine surroundings! Stay at a cozy lodge near the French-Italian border, exploring top ski spots like La Grave and Ecrins. Enjoy guided ski touring, off-piste skiing, and breathtaking views. Relax in a luxe hotel with delicious local cuisine. Perfect for seasoned resort skiers eager to try ski touring, this trip promises exciting days on the snow, relaxing après-ski evenings, and fantastic company. All logistics, ground transfers, accommodation, meals and safety equipment included.
Please note this itinerary is an example of a ski touring course in the Ecrins and La Grave. The guide may adjust certain itineraries and ski areas according to weather and snow conditions as well as participants’ abilities. Please respect such decisions. Ski touring may take place in both France and Italy. Accommodations may also change, maintaining the same standards, according to logistics and availability.
Upon arrival at the Briançon train station, you will be picked up and transported by minibus to Clavière (Italy) or Montgenèvre ski area on the France-Italy border. The first day is dedicated to easing into the adventure with gear distribution, off-piste sessions (in the resort), and a short ascent in skins. This warm-up day focuses on assessing everyone’s level, learning or revising safety techniques, and getting to know each other. In the late afternoon, we transfer to the village of Cervières to settle into our lodge, located conveniently next to the agency and all equipment. Here, enjoy the relaxing evenings by the fire and unforgettable encounters.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Ascent/Descent: +50 m / 164 ft ; -1,500 m / 4,921 ft
We start the day with a gentle uphill through larch forests, gradually making our way up to enjoy superb views of Arpelin, Côtebelle, and Rochebrune. The serene atmosphere here is truly unique. We then climb to Col Perdu, where a breathtaking panorama awaits us. For those looking for a bit more adventure, there is an option to ascend an additional 120 m / 394 ft to the summit of Arpelin. The descent offers a mix of terrains, perfect for warming up our ski legs and enjoying the spectacular surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Ascent/Descent: +/- 700 m / 2,297 ft
After a short transfer to Pont de L’Alpe on the other side of the Lautaret pass, we embark on one of the local classics and favorites: the ascent to Aiguillette du Lauzet mountain pass (2,537 m / 8,323 ft). This route offers various options to suit different skill levels. As we climb, we are treated to incredible views, culminating at the foot of the impressive Tour de l’Aiguillette du Lauzet. The descent is a delight, with a variety of slopes and snow conditions to choose from, ensuring there’s something for everyone. After a rewarding day, we head over to the hot springs at Les Bains de Monêtier for some well-deserved relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Ascent/Descent: +/- 800 m / 2,625 ft
Today, we head to the renowned La Grave cable cars for an off-piste skiing special. This area is famous for its diverse snow conditions and challenging terrain, including glacier skiing if the weather permits. La Grave is a world-renowned off-piste mecca, and we’ll have the opportunity to tackle some of its iconic itineraries. If the cable cars are closed, which can happen before Christmas, we’ll find equally thrilling skiing at a neighboring area. The day promises exhilarating runs and unforgettable experiences in one of the most legendary off-piste locations.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
This morning, we stay close to our lodge and explore the large, sunny valleys near Col d’Izoard. This magnificent area offers vast slopes perfect for free skiing on the way down. As we climb to the summit of Col des Ourdeis, we’ll be able to appreciate stunning views over the Queyras massif. The descent is equally impressive, with wide-open spaces allowing us to carve through fresh snow. After our ski adventure, we can relax on the terrace at the lodge, soaking in the serene mountain atmosphere.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Ascent/Descent: +/- 700 m / 2,297 ft
We depart for the village of Puy Chalvin, set against the stunning backdrop of the Ecrins. Our climb takes us up the Combes valley into the Partias nature reserve, culminating at the Col de Serre Chevalier. Here, a gigantic panoramic view awaits us, offering a perfect spot for a picnic. This area is often sheltered from the wind, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy our lunch. In the late afternoon, we return to Briançon and Oulx-Cesana for our final goodbyes, wrapping up an unforgettable ski touring adventure.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Ascent/Descent: +700 m / 2,297 ft ; -900 m / 2,953 ft
Included:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
Not included:
The slopes may include some short, steep sections, so you should feel confident with ski touring techniques and comfortable skiing on all types of snow. Glacier terrain might also be part of the route, which requires mastering uphill kick turns without hesitation. A good level of physical fitness is important, as some uphill sections may need to be completed on foot, with daily ascents and descents typically ranging between 800 and 1,000 meters. If your skill or fitness level does not meet the requirements, the guide may ask you to step back for the safety and enjoyment of the group. If you have any doubts or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Here’s a list of the ski touring equipment (can be rented) you need to bring:
Here’s a list of clothes that you need to bring:
Other things you need to bring:
Group sizes and pricing
Ski touring in Briançon, La Grave, and Ecrins areas of the French and Italian Alps can be arranged for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Briançon, the starting point of the tour, most people fly into Turin Airport or Grenoble Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service. Given the limited train and bus connections to Briançon, the most convenient option is often a private transfer.
You will meet your guide at the Briançon train station around 8am on Day 1. Keep in mind that you should be wearing your ski outfit. We recommend arriving in Briançon at least one day prior to the tour to allow yourself time to rest and recover if you are traveling from a distant location.
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.
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
