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Monterosa Ski Safari

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Price p/p From price based on 7 nights twin/double-share room occupancy for a group of minimum 6 people
Base/invoice currency is in EURO inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,106

GUIDED OFF-PISTE SKIING ADVENTURE
8 Days | 7 Nights | 6 Ski Days

Location: Europe | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, On-Piste, Backcountry, Sidecountry
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Price p/p From price based on 7 nights twin/double-share room occupancy for a group of minimum 6 people
Base/invoice currency is in EURO inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,106
This guided tour explores the upper valleys of the Monte Rosa massif & the best of Italy & Switzerland's iconic alpine ski areas (Zermatt, Cervinia, Monterosa) among 4,000m peaks including the Matterhorn. Get your group together & join a "fixed date" tour or organise a custom tour for your group's best dates ....
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Custom Booking Period: Jan 07 - Apr 14, 2024
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Monterosa Massif Ski Safari - Italy & Switzerland

Overview

A memorable alpine experience through the upper valleys of the Monte Rosa massif with its renowned 4,000 metre peaks: Breithorn, Castor, Polux, Lyskamm and Monte Rosa, plus the nearby Matterhorn.

On the Italian side of the Monte Rosa massif, each valley has its own ski resorts and it is possible to ski from one valley to the next using the ski lifts, which go up as high as 3,820 metres.

There is a wide variety of untracked skiing to be done on vast terrain at all altitudes, depending on the weather and the snow conditions, either up on the glaciers and high snow fields or down below the tree-line in amongst larch & pine.

A tour of the whole massif can be planned for a day of good weather via helicopter, beginning in Gressoney (part of the Monterosa ski resort), landing on Col de Lys (alt. 4,250m) and skiing down the immense Swiss glaciers to Zermatt, then taking lifts up to the Klein Matterhorn (alt. 3,820m) to ski down the Italian side towards Cervinia.

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Skiing Terrain

From the top of a ski lift you will traverse, hike or skin away from the ski resort to find the secret passages that will reward you with descents up to 2,400 metres vertical (over 6,000 vertical feet) on virgin slopes even after several days of good weather.

Your guides will adapt the daily program according to your skills and mood, plus the weather.

Itinerary

For a full outline of a typical program, see the Itinerary Tab.

Accommodation & Food

The group will stay in 3 typical inns run by local families plus 2 nights in a mountain hut. All dinners & breakfasts are included. For detailed information, see the Lodging Tab.

Highlights

  • Ski off-piste for six days discovering the highest peaks and new valleys with small villages each day.
  • Discover four or five valleys of the beautiful Monte Rosa area, which have been preserved by the surrounding of high mountain glaciers and descend 1,500 to 2,000 vertical metres in untracked snow.
  • Experience three nights in comfortable mountain huts.
  • Enjoy the hospitality of the Valle d’Aosta inhabitants, its local food & grappa!

Skier/Boarder Ability

This tour caters to strong intermediate to expert skiers. You should as a minimum be able to ski a steep black run with short controlled turns, plus you should have some prior experience off-piste and in deep powder.

This tour incorporates lift access with traversing, hiking and skinning to get to the best untracked snow, therefore you should have a good level of fitness.

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Typical Program

Day 1: Welcome & Reception at Hotel des Roses

Meet at 6 p.m. Meeting with the guide, checking everyone's equipment and distribution of the safety equipment provided. The first and last nights of this ski safari will be spent in Hotel des Roses in Antey-St-André.The vehicles will remain in the parking lot until our return.
Meals included - dinner.

Day 2: Valtournenche & Chamois

By the Buisson cable car, the group will reach Chamois, a small typical village & ski resort, perched high up the mountain without road access. Safety briefing, beacon training, then discovery of the off-piste terrain in the ski area. At noon, a Big 9Vallees picnic. The last run of the day will take us down to Cheneil, a secret snowbound village, that can be reached only on skis in winter, so no luggage transport for this night. Unforgettable stopover at the historic and picturesque Albergo Panorama for the night.
Meals included - breakfast & dinner.

Day 3: Valtournenche - Val d'Ayas

You leave Cheneil on skis in the morning to explore the vast Valtournenche-Cervinia ski domain. Last descent from Gobba di Rollin (3750m), Testa Grigia (3300m), or Cime Blanche (3100m), to Saint Jacques (1689m) in the Val d'Ayas, second valley. Night at the Genzianella Hotel where you will find your luggage.
Meals included - breakfast & dinner.

Day 4: Val d'Ayas - Zermatt

Skiing in Monterosa's Val d'Ayas or, if the weather is optimal, a grand tour of the massif via Zermatt, in Switzerland. Second night in Hotel Genzianella.
Meals included - breakfast & dinner.

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Day 5: Val d'Ayas - Gressoney

Ski lifts to Bettaforca, half-hour climb to Punta Bettolina, then descend to Staffal in Val Di Gresonney. Explore the vast Gressoney domain of Monterosa Ski. Overnight at Rifugio Gabiet, above the slopes. Your luggage will have been transported there by cable car and snowmobile
Meals included - breakfast & dinner.

Day 6: Gressoney - Valsesia

Discovery of the immense off-piste area of Alagna in the Valsesia via the Punta Indren lifts & a short climb to 3,600m. Large wild valley descents with over 2,400m of vertical drop. Other routes may be reached by a short climb with skins or by helicopter. Second night in Rifugio Gabiet.
Meals included - breakfast & dinner.

Day 7: Alagna - Valtournenche

Last chance for the great tour of the massif through Zermatt. If it is possible, we will finish skiing in Valtournenche, and we will meet our luggage in the evening at the Hotel des Roses. Otherwise, a drop off at La Roisetta allows you to ski to Valtournenche. Otherwise, after a day of great skiing in Gressoney and Alagna, the return will be by bus (1¾hr) with luggage to the Hotel des Roses, for the last night
Meals included - breakfast & dinner.

Day 8: End of Safari

You'll prepare with a good breakfast, and then be on your way to whatever of life's adventures await you next!
Meals included - breakfast.

NOTE: This itinerary is a guide. The tour is dictated by the weather each day and your guide will fit around where the best conditions are. That’s the beauty of a guided tour!

Hotels & Huts

The tour will stay in cosy hotels or lodges in each valley, chosen to allow an authentic mountain experience and to meet the inhabitants of these high valleys. Each place of stay is run by a local family that has played its part in the history of the valley. The atmosphere will be warm and friendly, yet the comfort will be like in olden times; a little rustic. However the home cooking, often done by the grandmother and other members of the family, is exquisite! Each dinner will be sort of a feast, well deserved after a tough day in the mountains.

As we will be staying in 4 different places, one night without baggage transfer, be sure to pack what you need during the week in one bag, which is light and practical.

HOTEL DES ROSES

In Antey-St-André : very practical for the day of arrival and departure, right on the main road of Valtournenche. Comfortable rooms for 2 or 3 persons with shower and toilet. Excellent dinner.

ALBERGO PANORAMA

In the village of Cheneil, a preserved hamlet reached on by skis in winter. At the origin of this hotel, was Sir Whimper himself, explaining to the farmers that they should have rooms to receive mountaineers and tourists. The present owner is a mountain guide who runs the hotel with his family and has even bought a snowcat to take skiers up to the Chamois ski area. Bathrooms and toilets inside the house; some of the rooms have a wash basin. 2 to 3 persons per room. A unique chance to be received with the genuine simplicity and hospitality of the olden days. In the morning you ski away from Cheneil towards Valtournenche.

HOTEL GENZIANELLA

In Saint Jacques at the upper end of Val d’Ayas : has been run for generations by a Walser family. These Germanic immigrants settled this wild place centuries ago and kept their own language and traditions. The highlight of this hotel is its very fine restaurant with local specialties. Rooms for 2 or 3 persons with shower and toilet.

RIFUGIO GABIET

Above the slopes of Staffal in Val di Gressoney: a good mountain refuge atmosphere with many amenities, large bar where we often party, video room with fireplace, sauna on the 1st floor, spacious and hot showers in 2 rooms, mixed baths renovated on each floor. The bedrooms are tiny with 2 to 6 bunk beds covered with a sheet and a good duvet. After skiing, we arrive at the refuge when all the other skiers have left for the valley. In the morning, we put on our skis in front of the door, while there is still no one on the slopes, surrounded snow covered peaks, in the realm of mountaineers.

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Rates & Inclusions

Rates Information

8 days, 7 nights, 6 days skiing from €1,950

  • Fixed date tours only run when a minimum number of guests are confirmed
  • Invoice / base currency is EUR €
  • Price based on twin-share
  • Based on 6 guests on the tour
  • Custom dates: available for groups of 4+
  • Convert to your currency here
Inclusions
  • GUIDE: Your own qualified guide/instructor for duration– max 1:7 ratio
  • ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights twin share accommodation
  • MEALS: Daily breakfasts & dinners
  • LIFT PASSES: 6 days of lift passes
  • TRANSPORT: All ground transport during the tour
  • AVALANCHE SAFETY EQUIPMENT: Beacon, probe & shovel
  • SMALL GROUP: Maximum 6 to 7 guests on the tour
Add-ons
  • SINGLE ROOMS (€30 per night): A little extra privacy each night for individuals
  • SKIS W/ TOURING BINDINGS, POLES, SKINS & CRAMPONS (€210 per trip): For the ultimate fun factor, we'll get you set up on a great pair of powder skis with touring bindings and skins.
  • AVALANCHE AIR BAG RUCKSACK (€25 per day): For added safety
  • HELISKIING (€200 per person): 1 drop on the Col du Lys glacier at 4200m.
Not Included
  • FLIGHTS: To Milan or Turin
  • INSURANCE: Travel & Rescue Insurance
  • TRANFERS: From the airport to Hotel des Roses in Antey-St-Andre - Get transfers here
  • LUNCH, DRINKS & PERSONAL EXPENSES: Anything not listed as inclusions

Terms & Conditions

As per agreed terms & conditions with the tour operator, 9 Vallees, at the time of booking, and including, but not limited to the T&Cs listed below. Any contractual arrangements as a result of a booking enquiry are directly with the tour operator and is subject to their terms and conditions.

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

BOOKING

Deposit of €750 per person required to secure booking. You will receive confirmation and invoice by return. It is preferable to contact us first to be sure there is room for you in a suitable group on the expected departure. No booking will be registered without a paid deposit and a signed booking form.

Any booking made within 31 days of departure date must be accompanied by full payment.

PAYMENT OF DEPOSIT : by cheque made out to "Association Safari 9V" or by Visa or MasterCard.

BALANCE PAYMENT is due no later than 31 days before the trip. Any trip not fully paid 31 days before departure date will be considered as cancelled by the participant.
-By credit card: 31 days before departure, “Safari 9 V” will charge on your credit card the balance amount indicated on your booking form, unless you have sent written cancellation or disapproval of the invoice before this deadline.
-By cheque: Your balance cheque should be received by “Safari 9 V” no later than 31days before departure of the tour.

CANCELLATIONS OR CHANGES

All changes or cancellations requested more than 90 days before departure date will cost € 80 for administration fees.

CANCELLATION FEES BEFORE DEPARTURE :
-90 to 60 days ; 30% of tour price ;
-60 to 32 days ; 60% of tour price ;
-31 and less or “No show” : 100%.
-If some charges undertaken by 9Vallees for fees such as transportation & accommodation booked for the participant, if “Safari 9V” is supporting fixed fees for this participant and, if the cancellation fees do not cover the expenses, the cancelling participant will be charged with the difference. All cancellation must be made in writing (by fax or by mail), the date being that of reception.

CANCELLATION WITHOUT FEES: As per below.

REPLACEMENTS: Any person enrolled can send another person in his/her place at any time free of charge, as long as the replacement person has the required skiing ability.

CREDIT: When cancelled at least 7 working days in advance, we can credit the total amount paid for a trip on the following year. In this case, we keep the total amount and send you a credit voucher worth one year, which you may use for yourself or offer to the person of your choice.

PRIVATE GROUP BOOKING CANCELLATION

In case of booking within a group, the cancelling participant will be reimbursed according to the above “cancellation fees” paragraph , minus the afforded group reduction or the group will announce Safari 9V that it shares the difference.

CANCELLATION BY “Safari 9V”

INSUFFICIENT NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: “Safari 9V” reserves itself the right to cancel any group for which less than 4 persons have booked (6 for Norway and Russia) 31 days before departure, in which case, the client will be fully reimbursed, or choose to join another tour.

LACK OF SNOW: “Safari 9V” will try to propose another tour at the same dates (alternative programme or location). A disagreeing participant would have the choice between postponing the same tour or being reimbursed.

INTERRUPTED TOURS

Any trip that has been started and then interrupted by a participant will not be reimbursed, whatever the cause. Only personal insurance can guarantee refund of partial cost for a justified cause. (see “Insurance” there under).

QUALITY

The places of accommodation have been chosen both for their strategic location and for the charm of their mountain atmosphere, however luxury cannot be promised. The organisers reserve the right to alter the programme at any time, in the aim of improving quality or making the best of prevailing conditions. Each guide has an average of 6/7 skiers per group, however on the spot it may be necessary to shift skiers in order to make the groups more homogeneous, consequently changing the size of each group.

INSURANCE

MOUNTAIN RESCUE INSURANCE is mandatory. Check your coverage for accidents, repatriation and luggage. Mastercard covers rescue off piste, when accompanied by a professional. We may help participants living in the European Union to find such an insurance

CANCELLATION INSURANCE is optional, and may be contracted only privately. Visa Premier and Gold MasterCard provided by the French banks afford cancellation insurance for tours paid by credit card. Check with your own bank.

RESPONSIBILITY

In booking with “Safari 9V”, each participant declares him/herself fully aware of the inherent risks in the practice of all mountaineering activities. A guide should not be considered as a comprehensive insurance policy. We are dealing with something more than just sports, as we are confronted with a natural environment, which we may know profoundly, but can never control. The role of a guide or instructor is to reduce risks to a minimum. Therefore, any participant who does not respect the guide’s instructions, becomes entirely responsible for any accident he may subsequently cause or be involved in and will not be able to claim against the Safari 9V guides or organisers.

Generally, “Safari 9V” cannot be held responsible for accidents which may occur during the trip, such as personal injury, loss of belongings, etc... unless professional failing can be proved. For all legal action, whatever the nationality of the participant or the place concerned, only French courts can deal with legal cases.

GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR HELI-SKIING

CANCELLATIONS OR CHANGES

All changes or cancellations requested more than 31 days before departure date will cost €80 for administration fees. Under 30 days the date may be changed only if there is a free seat at another time.

CANCELLATIONS WITHIN 31 DAYS OF DEPARTURE: All costs left to Safari 9V will be charged to the person who has cancelled: empty seat in the helicopter, bed in the hotel, share of the guide and organisation costs.

REPLACEMENTS: Any person enrolled can send another person in his / her place at any time, free

INTERRUPTED TOURS: Any trip that has been started and then interrupted by a participant will not be reimbursed, whatever the cause. Only personal insurance can guarantee refund of partial cost for a justified cause.

CANCELLATION OR CHANGE BY SAFARI 9V: In case of insufficient snow cover for heliskiing, Safari 9V will propose an alternative tour at the same date or the same tour at a later date. If neither are accepted by the client, he will be fully reimbursed.

QUALITY OF REIMBURSEMENT

The guides will organise the daily programme to make the best of prevailing conditions. When heliskiing is not possible or not recommended by your guide, an alternative ski programme will be proposed. If the total number of flights made by your group during the week is less than the number booked, the missing flights will be reimbursed *€ / person each, less the eventual cost of extra lift passes.

*Ask us for more info as every different heliski operation has a different rate for missing flights.

INSURANCE

RESCUE INSURANCE is compulsory (for mountain rescue, assistance, transportation to nearest hospital).

CANCELLATION INSURANCE may be subscribed privately for cancellation before the trip or interruption due to accident and repatriation. Highly recommended, as all subsisting costs will be charged in case of absence. Payment by credit card, Visa Premier or Gold MasterCard, may provide cancellation insurance. Check your contract.

RESPONSABILITY AND LIABILITY

In booking with Safari 9V, each participant is fully aware that there are inherent risks in the practice of all mountaineering activities. A guide should not be considered as a comprehensive insurance policy. We are dealing with something more than just sports, because man is confronted with a natural environment, which he may know profoundly, but can never control. The role of a guide or of an instructor is to reduce risks to a minimum. Heli-skiing involves an additional risk, which is that of the helicopter itself and the landing points which are sometimes quite narrow. Each participant is responsible for his own behaviour during pick-ups, flights and landings and is expected to respect precisely all specific instruction given prior to the flights, as well as every guide’s instruction during the helicopter manoeuvres and the skiing. The guide will instruct, warn and give orders, but cannot physically control the behaviour of the people he is guiding, therefore, any participant who does not respect his instructions, becomes entirely responsible for any accident he may subsequently cause or be involved in and will not be able to claim against the 9V guides, the organisers or the pilot.