Chamonix Off-Piste & Freetouring
Overview
Discover the best of the world's ski & mountaineering mecca, Chamonix, during low season in January, when the crowds are few but the off-piste snow & freeriding is awesome!
Ski Resorts & Terrain
The Chamonix valley comprises 4 main 'traditional' ski resorts plus the total off-piste freeride access provided by the Aiguille du Midi cable cars on the flanks of Mont Blanc. All the Chamonix resorts provide a varied experience on multiple aspects with nearly limitless off-piste options, even when the weather is poor. The resorts include classics like the freeride legend of Grands Montets, plus Brevent-Flegere, Balme-Tour-Vallorcine & Les Houches. In Italy, the amazing Skyway Monte Bianco provides access to many off-piste & free-touring itineraries.
Meeting Point & Transport
The meeting point for the tour is La Chaumière Mountain Lodge, near the Les Moussoux train station on the Mont Blanc Express railway line. For information on how to get to there, see our Travel to Chamonix page.
Accommodation & Meals
Enjoy the hospitality, food & drink of a classic French mountain town for 4 nights, staying in locally run lodge only 10min walk from the centre of Chamonix. Breakfast & dinner are included. See the Accommodation Tab for more.
Guides & Group Size
All guides are fully certified mountain guides with extensive local ski & mountaineering experience, plus their understanding of clients needs/wishes, and their teaching/organisational skills. The maximum number of guests per guide/group will be 6.
Technical & Personal Requirements*
Ski Ability
Participants must be experienced skiers. You should be at ease with skiing on all types of snow at a sustained pace all day long. Slopes may include short steep & exposed sections (40o to 45o) plus couloirs. Skinning uphill will be involved, but will be no more than 45 min to 1 hour per day. No previous skinning/ski touring experience is required. All ski gear can be rented & avalanche safety gear is included in the tour price.
Fitness
Good physical condition is required, skinning or short ascents on foot will not exceed 45 min - 1hr/day. You should be prepared to ski all day long at a good pace, approx. 4 - 6 hrs skiing.
*Good to know: if you don't have the level required, the guide may ask you to leave if necessary for the well-being of the rest of the group. If in doubt, please do not hesitate to ask!
A Note About Covid
The tour operator undertakes to follow all the recommendations issued by the relevant government. Participants will be informed of the health protocols relating to the accommodation where they stay - it is mandatory to respect them. For the latest on travelling to Europe see the website Reopen Europe.
