Ski touring
The adventure begins in the heart of the Beaufortain, in Arêches, where we meet over coffee to get to know the group and our guide. This is an ideal time to discuss the programme and finalise logistical details, including equipment hire for those who need it.
After a quick carpool transfer to Mappaz (1,300 m), we finally put on our skis and begin our first ascent. The Poncellamont valley plunges us straight into a wild, unspoilt world, far from the hustle and bustle of the resorts. The pace is gradual, perfect for warming up and getting to grips with the equipment.
As we progress, the landscape opens up, revealing a high mountain setting with the majestic Lac de Saint-Guérin and its famous suspended monkey bridge, a must-see photo spot. The ascent then takes us under the imposing eye of the Pierra Menta (2,714 m), the massif's emblematic peak.
In the late afternoon, we reach the Chalet du Cormet (2,080 m), an unguarded refuge typical of the Beaufortain mountain pastures. Warm and rustic, it welcomes us for our first night in the mountains. Settling in, preparing a meal and a briefing on the next day's itinerary set the pace for the end of this friendly day, which was also a good opportunity to exchange experiences on how to manage self-sufficiency in ski touring.
We wake up in the heart of the mountains. After a hearty breakfast that we prepare together, we pack up our gear and take a quick look at the day's itinerary. Today we're really getting into the spirit of itinerant, self-sufficient ski touring.
We're heading for the Col du Coin (2,406 m) across vast, snow-covered mountain pastures. Here, there's no sound of ski lifts, just the crunch of sealskins on the snow and the imposing landscape that unfolds as we progress. The higher we climb, the more the horizon opens up, offering a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc and the Vanoise peaks.
Once we've reached the col, it's a magical descent beneath the imposing Pierra Menta (2,714 m), carving our tracks in the immaculate snow. This is the perfect time to refine your descent technique in varied terrain, with the guide's advice.
The ascent then resumes towards the Col de Bresson (2,477 m), a final effort before reaching the Presset refuge, perched at 2,514 m altitude. Nestling opposite the Pierra Menta, this hut welcomes us for a convivial evening where we debrief together on the day's learning, from effort management to decision-making and mountain navigation.
A gentle wake-up call at the Presset refuge, a veritable jewel nestling opposite the Pierra Menta. Today, we're taking advantage of this ideal base camp to explore in lighter mode, leaving our packs at the refuge. This day is designed to help you progress technically while enjoying a variety of ski touring routes.
Depending on the snow conditions, there are several options open to us:
The aim is to improve ease of ascent and descent, perfecting conversions and learning to adapt your route in different types of snow. After the ascent, it's time to enjoy the descent to the refuge, where we'll spend a second night.
At the end of the day, we take the time to discuss what we've learnt today, from navigation to route choice and decision-making in the mountains. A great opportunity to become more independent.
On this final day, we complete our itinerary with a splendid traverse through the heart of the wild Beaufortain. After a last look at the Pierra Menta, we leave the Presset refuge and begin our journey through the Treicol valley, where the atmosphere is both peaceful and grandiose.
Our ascent takes us to the Charmette pass (2,045 m), a discreet pass offering an unobstructed view of the snow-covered Beaufortain mountains. This pass also marks the start of our last major descent, a challenging route that gradually takes us back down to La Mappaz (1,300 m). It's a descent where everyone can put into practice what they've learnt during the week and enjoy the sensations they've acquired on the slopes during their stay.
Once back at the cars, a short car-share transfer (5 minutes) takes us back to Arêches, where we conclude this adventure with a final chat with the group.
Passionate about the mountains, I discovered climbing in the Bouches-du-Rhône before diving into ski touring in the Ecrins. Since then, I've explored various mountain ranges, from Mont Blanc to Dévoluy, in search of pleasure and sharing. For me, the mountains are all about human adventure and working together on projects.
You can take a train to Albertville station.
From there, take either the shuttle bus or a taxi to Bersend.
Plan your journey (carpooling, train, etc.) using Tictactrip, the cheapest and most environmentally friendly way.
You can get to Arêches by car, where you can park your car free of charge in the car park at the meeting point.
If you don't have a car, you should know that we're encouraging car-pooling between participants by creating a WhatsApp group 15 days before the start: an opportunity to get to know each other before you even start your expedition!
Choose your departure date and number of participants
In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.
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At Wildhartt, we attach particular importance to price transparency for our shipments. Our approach is based on a clear breakdown of costs, aimed at providing a better understanding of the elements included in the total amount. Here's how we allocate the percentages:
Our aim is to provide you with a trustworthy, high-quality experience, while being transparent about how the final cost of your shipment is shared. If you have any further questions about our prices, please contact us here.
Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed, on the dates of your choice.
To make your request, go to the expedition that interests you and click on "Privatise the expedition". We'll take care of the rest!
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