Ski Mountaineering Course in Chamonix, France

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • An experienced, IFMGA-certified Mountain Guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 5-day ski mountaineering course in Chamonix
    • Lift passes
    • Ski demos

  Add-ons (available to arrange, let us know at checkout)

  • • Video and photography package
    • Optional heli-ski drop

  Not included:

  • • Transportation to France
    • Accommodations
    • Personal equipment
    • Avalanche gear
    • Meals
    • Anything not listed above
    • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  In order to join this ski mountaineering course in Chamonix, you should be in great physical condition and capable of sustained days of ski touring with ascents of up to 1,000 meters (3,280 ft) in a maximum of 3 hours. You should be comfortable on slopes up to 40 degrees and have experience of skiing deep powder.

  Expect 5–6 hours of skiing and climbing daily in variable snow conditions. This camp is designed for advanced to expert skiers who want to refine their mountaineering and technical skills.

  Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Chamonix tours here!

• Do I need prior ski mountaineering experience?

  Yes, a solid foundation in off-piste and backcountry skiing is required. You should be comfortable skiing 40° slopes and managing mixed snow conditions. Prior experience with basic touring equipment is essential. Your expert guide will adapt the objectives to suit group ability and ensure safety at every step.

• What do I need to bring?

  This is a list of things you need to bring:

  • • Helmet
    • Skis/splitboard
    • Boots and poles
    • Avalanche gear
    • Sunglasses or ski goggles
    • Gloves and hat
    • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Down jacket or vest
    • Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
    • One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
    • Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
    • Water bottle and 1L of water
    • Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
    • Food you can eat on-the-go
    • First aid kit
    • Sunscreen
    • Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack)
    • Camera — optional

  There are plenty of rental shops in Chamonix from which you can rent touring gear. Your guides can also most likely set you up with equipment you need—leave us a note upon checkout whether you need help with gear rental.

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• Can I rent ski equipment?

  Yes, you can! Skip the hassle of dragging your own gear all the way to Chamonix and instead, opt for gear rental. There are plenty of rental shops in Chamonix from which you can rent ski gear. Your guides can also most likely set you up with equipment you need—leave us a note at checkout if you need help with gear rental.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing

  • • For this ski mountaineering course in Chamonix, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1. 
    • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 8 participants.

  Ski mountaineering courses 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 ski mountaineering course in Chamonix 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

  To get to Chamonix, the starting point of your ski mountaineering course in Chamonix, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA), one hour away. Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make the 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!

  Make sure to arrive at least a day prior to Day 1, as you’ll get to skiing with your guide right away! Accommodation during the trip is your responsibility.

• Safety measures and insurance

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. 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.

• Deposit and cancellation policy

  Deposits

  Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% 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.

  Cancellations

  Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

  Basic

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Flexible

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Super Flexible

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.