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Gran Paradiso Ski Tour The Gran Paradiso national park is a short drive from Chamonix through the Mont Blanc tunnel. Its natural topography and protected wildlife really lend itself to being a top ski touring region. The view from the Gran Paradiso itself is one of the best panoramas in the alps. 90% of the climb is on skis and there is a short, easy rocky scramble to the very top. Every day we have chosen peaks with top quality skiing down to some of our favorite mountain huts- afterall, the hardwork put in going up should be rewarded! Maps Italian IGC 101 and 102 (Valsavarenche and Gran Paradiso) Meet We meet Saturday evening (day 0)at 6pm in Chamonix to deal with any equipment rental and run through the plan for the week. We return to Chamonix Friday afternoon and recommend you book your return flight on Saturday morning. Who is it for? This tour is ideal for those fit offpiste skiers who are keen to try their hand at multi day ski touring. Some previous day tours are a good idea. The days are not too long, the packs are relatively light and the ski descents are excellent and there is a welcome hotel night in the middle! This tour will also appeal to the more seasoned ski tourer, as the terrain offers great skiing and great views, with the bonus of skiing the highest peak entirely in Italy. Itinerary Day1: Warm up day tour in Chamonix's Aiguilles Rouges.Overnight in Chamonix. Day2: Early start and drive to Rhemes in Italy (75mins). Ascend Punta Pallato(3050m) and descend to Benevalo hut. Day3: Ascend the Gran Vaudale (3400m) and ski to Rhemes - a great descent! Overnight in a hotel in Rhemes - restaurant, shower...aaah. Day4: A well earned easy day. Drive to Pont and ascend to the Vittoria Emmanuel hut. Day5: Ascend the Gran Paradiso (4061m), the highest mountain completely in Italy and a classic ski mountaineering peak. Ski to the Vittoria Emmanuel hut. Day6: Ascend la Tresenta (3600m) and ski to Pont. Return to Chamonix. Chalet Accommodation When staying in Chamonix, we stay in one of our comfortable Adventure Base Chalets, literally 6 minutes walk from the town centre's restaurants and bars. Breakfast and packed lunch are included leaving the evenings free for you to explore the delights of Chamonix. What to expect from mountain huts They are basic but comfortable. They can cater for vegetarians. Food is usually on a set menu basis (3 course in the evening, hot drink and bread/jam/cereal for breakfast). Often there is no running water and so you have to buy water to drink and wash with (no showers). You can usually buy tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks, chocolate bars and snacks. Sleeping arrangements are normally dormitory style bunkbeds (eg 6 people on the bottom, 6 on the top) with blankets or duvets. You can expect a good atmosphere and a stunning view! Kit List skis with touring bindings - we recommend skis that you will enjoy skiing on, but are not too heavy, eg Rossignol B2 with fritschi bindings. With skins and ski crampons. Poles - NOT collapsable Boots - these must fit and be comfortable. We feel it is best not to rent boots. Rather buy some and have them fitted professionally - this will make your week much more comfortable, fun and blister free! 'Fit' is more important than whether a boot is 'stiff enough' or not. I use a touring boot that is designed to ski well, rather than ultra light. Rucksack - 40-50l. with ski straps Waterbottle - not platypus type - they freeze and leak. Transciever, probe, shovel, crampons, ice axe, harness, 1 screw gate karabiner, head torch 2 pairs sunglasses, goggles, sunhat, sunscreen, lip salve/block 3 sets socks and light coloured thermal tops Lightweight goretex top/bottoms, warm hat, thick gloves, thin gloves (when skinning) Insulating layers. I use a thin '100' weight fleece and a synthetic duvet jacket (thin). Personal first aid - blister kit, ibuprofen. Basic washkit - toothbrush/paste, wetwipes Book/iPod for spare time in huts Remember kit should be lightweight but functional - you have to carry it! We can help with equipment rental in Chamonix. Travel clothes can be left in hotels/cars in Chamonix/Italy | Price: £950 Course Only: £825 Ratio: 1:6 guide:client Level: Intro to Intermediate Dates: 28 March - 2 April | ||||||||||||
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Price includes: guiding, guides expenses, twin share chalet accommodation in central Chamonix on a B&B and packed lunch basis (very convenient!), mountain hut accommodation on a half board basis, in resort transport, one hotel night in Italy. Price does not include: insurance, travel to/from Chamonix, uplifts (minimal), equipment rental, drinks/snacks, evening meals in Chamonix (it's nice to explore the town!) Course Only includes: guiding, guides expenses, mountain huts in Italy ( 4 nights half board) | |||||||||||||
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Further Information: We will email you detailed 'Joining Instructions' on booking/request. These include advice on training, equipment, clothing, travel, and what to expect. email us: info@dream-guides.com | |||||||||||||
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