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La Grave-Sestriere Powder Skiing Safari France-Italy

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Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share room occupancy, private group of 7 on an 8 day trip.
Base/invoice currency is in EURO inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,279

GUIDED OFF-PISTE ADVENTURE
8 Days | 7 Nights | 6 Ski Days | 3+ Resorts

Location: Europe | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, Backcountry, Sidecountry
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share room occupancy, private group of 7 on an 8 day trip.
Base/invoice currency is in EURO inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,279
Skiing between the French & Italian alps over the southern alpine glaciers, this exceptional tour begins in La Grave, France, passes through Serre Chevalier & ends in Sestriere, Italy. Great off-piste combination of high alpine & tree skiing, plus beautiful villages & lodging. Join a fixed date tour or go private ....
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Custom Booking Period: Jan 07 - Apr 07, 2024
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Powder Skiing Safari France to Italy

Overview

Explore untracked and wild ski itineraries between France and Italy. Travelling from the French and Italian Alps you will discover a region of contrasts including the southernmost Alpine glaciers. This ski safari route starts in La Grave, considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in France & one of the great off-piste ski mountains in the world. This stone-built hamlet dominates the valley with the Meije glaciers as a stunning backdrop.

Arriving in the La Grave - La Meije area, you are not in a normal ski resort, but in the high mountains with no groomed pistes. Your tour guide will take you skiing on long runs of up to 2000m altitude drop, discovering secret valleys and couloirs leading to local hamlets.

On the other side of the Lauteret Pass, and only a few kilometres from La Grave, lies the village of Monêtier-Les-Bains at the entrance of the Serre-Chevalier ski area. Its thermal spa gives it its special charm. The mountains change radically in the Serre Chevalier ski area where forests of well-spaced ancient larch trees await you.

After the first French part of your safari you will journey into Italy. Based in an authentic 18th century farm in Sansicario, two days skiing in the Piedmont region will allow you to discover the summits and trails of the high valleys of Susa and Sestriere. You will taste the Italian “farinose” powder snow in the multiple sectors of the immense "Milky Way" (Via Lattea) ski area.

Your great off-piste skiing adventure awaits!

Highlights

  • Off Piste skiing over 6 days, discovering the wild mountains of the Ecrins National Park and surrounding area.
  • You will ski virgin snow over 1500 to 2000 metre descents traversing the most beautiful summits and passes which will take you from new valleys to typical villages.
  • You will share these unforgettable moments with people from all over the world. Skis all speak the same language!
  • You will sleep in a typical 18th century Piedmont farm.
  • You will drink a glass with the locals and eat regional specialties made with local produce.

Make a tour booking enquiry ->

Skiing Terrain & Itinerary

From the top of a ski lift, we traverse, hike or skin a little away from the resort to find the secret passages that reward us with the finest skiing anywhere on earth. Virgin slopes and majestic peaks with descents up to 2,000m vertical (over 6000 vertical feet).

Your guides will adapt the daily program according to your skills and mood. For more information, see the tour Itinerary tab.

Accommodation & Food

The tour includes 4 nights in the Hotel Edelweiss at La Grave, and 3 nights in the delightful Guesthouse Barba Gust near Sansicario in Italy. All breakfasts and dinners are included. For more information, see the Lodging tab.

Skier/Boarder Ability

This tour caters to advanced & 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, in deep powder and variable conditions.

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.

Make a tour booking enquiry ->

La Grave - Serre Chevalier - Sestriere Powder Ski Safari
La Grave - Serre Chevalier - Sestriere Powder Ski Safari
La Grave - Serre Chevalier - Sestriere Powder Ski Safari

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet at the Hotel Edelweiss in the centre of Legendary La Grave.

Rendezvous in the Hotel Edelweiss in La Grave at 6.30pm to meet your guide, verify everyone’s equipment and distribute supplied safety equipment.
Meal and night at the Hotel Edelweiss.

Day 2: La Grave - La Meje

In the morning, the Grave cable car takes you in 30 minutes to an altitude of approximately 3200m, dropping you in a unique setting of large glacial expanses, steep couloirs where you can leave you tracks far from the marked trails & ski lift towers. You will start the day with an off-piste safety briefing. At noon, get ready for the famous "Grand 9V Picnic". From Les Vallons de La Meije, ski back all the way down to the river La Romanche, then a short walk will take us back to the Hotel Edelweiss.
Night at Hotel Edelweiss.

Day 3: Ski from La Grave towards St Christophe en Oisans

Wide open spaces and virgin snow for this endless descent to the hamlet of St Christophe from the top of La Grave - 2000m of powder skiing in a wild valley. Return by taxi to the hotel.
Night at Hotel Edelweiss.

Day 4: Les Grave Redux

Once again your guide will carefully choose some ski routes with good snow for this last day in La Grave!
Night at Hotel Edelweiss.

La Grave - Serre Chevalier - Sestriere Powder Ski Safari
La Grave - Serre Chevalier - Sestriere Powder Ski Safari
La Grave - Serre Chevalier - Sestriere Powder Ski Safari

Day 5: Serre-Chevalier - Pelvoux

Depart early in the morning for a 30-minute drive to reach the village of Monetier-Les-Bains. A day of great skiing with a long descent from the top of Serre Chevalier to the typical village of Pelvoux in the Vallouise valley. Return by taxi to our cars followed by a 40-min drive to San Sicario.
Night at Agriturismo Barba Gust.

Day 6: San Sicario - Sauze d'Oulx

A great day of skiing from San Sicario through a vast and mostly untracked area of the Milky Way to the larch forests of Sauze d'Oulx. You will love the Italian favoloso snow & mountain huts!
Night at Barba Gust.

Day 7: San Sicario - Sestriere

You will end this ski trip in style with a grand tour of the Milky Way ski area to Sestriere & beyond. Possibility of heli-skiing (option) in the Val di Susa. You will then have traveled the most beautiful off-piste itineraries in one of the snowiest regions of the Alps.
Night at Barba Gust.

Day 8: Departure

After a hearty breakfast the safari is at an end & it is time to ponder your next adventure......

NOTE: This program is subject to change in order to make the best of the prevailing weather and snow conditions

La Grave - Serre Chevalier - Sestriere Powder Ski Safari
La Grave - Serre Chevalier - Sestriere Powder Ski Safari
La Grave - Serre Chevalier - Sestriere Powder Ski Safari

Lodgings & Food

We have chosen typical lodgings in each valley so that your holiday takes place in an authentic mountain atmosphere. Run by local owner families, they each tell their own story about the valley. The welcome is warm and the comfort remarkable. Each evening meal will be a feast, well deserved after a full day of mountain skiing! All breakfasts & dinners are included in the tour price. Lunches will had as picnics in the mountains or at mountain huts.

HOTEL EDELWEISS

La Grave is the meeting place for all lovers of off-piste freeride skiing. Four nights are spent in the hotel in this incredible village. You will appreciate the warm mountain hospitality and the sauna of the hotel on your return from skiing. The setting is exceptional & all rooms have a view over the Meije glaciers.

La Grave - Serre Chevalier - Sestriere Powder Ski Safari
La Grave - Serre Chevalier - Sestriere Powder Ski Safari
La Grave - Serre Chevalier - Sestriere Powder Ski Safari

AGRITURISMO BARBA GUST

Three nights are spent in the small hamlet of San Sicario is accessible by car but also by ski across the fields. This 18th century farm & guesthouse is still run by the original family. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and are decorated with traditional furniture. You will love the farm products served at every meal!

La Grave - Serre Chevalier - Sestriere Powder Ski Safari
La Grave - Serre Chevalier - Sestriere Powder Ski Safari
La Grave - Serre Chevalier - Sestriere Powder Ski Safari

Rates & Inclusions

Rates Information

8 days, 7 nights, 6 days skiing from €2110

  • Invoice / base currency is EUR €
  • Price based on twin-share
  • Based on private tour, min 7 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 of tour – max 1:7 ratio
  • LODGINGS: 7 nights twin share accommodation
  • MEALS: Daily breakfasts & dinners
  • SKI LIFT PASSES: 6 days of lift passes (covering each resort visited on the tour)
  • SAFETY EQT: Avalanche Safety Equipment (Beacon, Shovel, Probe)
Add-ons
  • RETURN AIRPORT TRANSFERS: From airport to La Grave; from Sansicario to airport (Price on application)
  • SINGLE ROOMS (from €35 per day): A little extra privacy each night for individuals
  • AVALANCHE AIR BAG RUCKSACK (€30 per day): For added safety
  • HELISKIING: 1 drop in the Val di Susa from Sestriere (price on application).
Not Included
  • FLIGHTS: to Turin, Milan, Lyon or Geneva
  • INSURANCE: Travel Insurance
  • OTHER: Ski Equipment, Lunches, Snacks & Drinks
  • GROUND TRANSPORT: Rent a car from the airport - Get a great deal on a rental car here

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.