SKI MOUNTAINEERING CAMP

La Grave - Les Écrins

Would you like to learn the skills to take you to the next level in the mountains while skiing in one of the best places on earth? Then this Ski Mountaineering Camp is perfect for you!

Located in La Grave, France, we will spend six days skiing big lines while you learn skills on the move and in the terrain.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Everyday is different in the mountains and we let the conditions tell us where to go and what to ski for the day. So while there is a proposed itinerary below, certain days or skills might get moved around to fit the weather, conditions and the group.

Typically we will all meet up the day before the camp starts to enjoy a beverage and get to know each other. We will discuss the current conditions in the mountains and what to expect for the week. And then each day will be decided on a day to day basis to maximize learning and adventure!

Here are the main skills we will cover throughout the week:

Avalanche rescue, terrain assessment, skiing on a glacier, mountain awareness, steep skiing techniques, rope skills, rappelling, anchors, crevasse rescue, ski touring, cramponing and using an ice axe, and much more.

Proposed Itinerary

Day 1: Ski Tour, and Avalanche Rescue Review

We will go up to the nearby Col du Lautaret and go for a warm-up ski tour for the group. This day is to assess the groups skiing and ski touring abilities, as well as review and introduce skills with movement and avalanche safety. We will go over efficient movement skills with skins, track setting, and terrain selection. At the end of the tour, we will have everyone practice with their avalanche transceiver.

Day 2: Skiing on a Glacier and Rope Skills

This day we will use the Télépherique, the lift in La Grave, and start our day skiing on the Glacier Girose. Depending on conditions, we might add a small ski tour into the day on the glacier, or we will use the lift all day to maximize the descents. We will work on terrain selection on a glacier, focusing on crevasse awareness, glaciology, and other alpine hazards and how to manage them. We will also go over how to set-up a rappel, and go over the basics of snow anchors.

Day 3: Crevasse Rescue

Today is dedicated to crevasse rescue. Sometimes learning how to perform this rescue is easier not on a glacier, so that we can move around freely while learning (without actually falling into a hole!). Depending on conditions, sometimes its possible to use a real crevasse, but its not the 1st goal when looking for a practice site. I do my best to find a safe spot that will make the simulation as real as possible.

Days 4-5: Ski Mountaineering

We will spend the last two days putting all the new skills to use! La Grave is on the edge of the Parc National des Ecrins, which is home to endless incredible ski adventures. We will pick an adventure based on the best conditions, and head out into the mountains. Depending on conditions and the weather, we will either spend a night in a refuge or we will do two single day tours.

One option for these days is a modified Tour de la Meije. We start at the top of the Télépherique, and ski off the south side into the Vallon de la Selle. Then we pass over the Brèche du Râteau, and to the Promontoire Refuge. After a great night at the historic refuge, we wake up early and climb up to the Brèche de la Meije. From here, we descend a small ways onto the impressive Glacier de la Meije, and then climb up the steep Passage du Serret du Savon. From the top of this couloir, we traverse over to the Aigle Refuge to enjoy some food before the final, mega descent of the Glacier du Tabuchet, a 2000m ski run!

FITNESS AND TECHNICAL LEVEL

You need to be a strong downhill skier. Should be able to ski double black diamond (black circle in Europe) ski slopes in all snow conditions (powder, firm, crusty).

You need to have some experience ski touring*. You don’t have to be an expert but you should be comfortable with kick turns on steeper slopes.

The days will vary, but you should be able to downhill ski more than 3500m (11,500ft) and climb up 1500m (5000ft) in a day.

*If you book a private trip, you can come with any ability and I can adapt the week to your abilities and level.

Upcoming Dates:

2025: Private dates only this upcoming season. Contact me for more details.

Prices

Private 1:1 €2500

2:1 €1250 per student

3:1 €850 per student

4:1 €650 per student

The maximum number of students is 4 for this course. If you are interested for a larger group, we can hire a second guide.
This price includes the guide fee and travel once in La Grave. In addition, it includes use of a transceiver, shovel, probe, harness, and backpack for the week if you need. It does not include other costs including but not limited to lodging, lift tickets, travel to La Grave, and food.