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Haute Route Ski Tour - Chamonix to Zermatt Possibly the most famous ski tour in the world! An epic journey crossing spectacular terrain - a must for every ski mountaineer... Who is it for? This classic ski tour is ideal for you if you have done some day-touring before or are an experienced ski mountaineer. You should be capable of skiing in all snow types (powder, porridge, crust, hardpack). Also, you should be fit enough for 6 back to back days of hard work! We get straight into it, so it is important that you are sure your equipment,boots and legs are working well before we set off,or perhaps consider coming out a few days early. 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 Sunday morning, in case of delay in the mountains. | Price: £995 Course Only: £875 Ratio: 1:6 guide:client Level: Intermediate Dates: 21 - 26 Mar, 4 - 9 April | ||||||||||||
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Typical Itinerary Day1 - Warm up skiing, avalanche transceiver training and kit checks followed by descent to the Argentiere glacier and short skin to the Argentiere mountain hut (45mins). Day2 - An early start and ascent to the col du Chardonnet or col du Passon, followed by skiing to the Trient hut (4.5 hours uphill). Day3 -After a fantastic ski down the north facing vallee d'Arpette, we take a taxi from Champex to Verbier. We then use the lift systems to access another great descent from Mont Fort. Another skin up the Rosablanche leads to a ski to the Prafleuri hut (3-4 hours uphill). A great day! Day4 - We travel over the col des Roux and then traverse and climb to the Dix hut (5-6hours total). Day5 - Climb up the Pigne d'Arolla and ski down to the superbly positioned Vignettes hut. A long skin up (5 hours) followed by stunning views and a great ski descent... Day6 - An early start. We cross 3 cols before skiing down the stunning slopes of the Stockli glacier leading under the Matterhorn to Zermatt. One of the best days skiing in the Alps. (10-12 hours total). This itinerary is our plan - but weather or conditions may mean we have to change it at the last minute (this is why taxis are not included in the price - the cost can vary). But rest assured there are many good variations that we can choose from. 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! 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. Kit List skis with touring bindings - we reccommend 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. 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. | |||||||||||||
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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. Price does not include: insurance, travel to/from Chamonix, uplifts & taxis (eg Champex-Verbier & Zermatt-Chamonix), equipment rental, drinks/snacks, evening meals in Chamonix (it's nice to explore the town!) Course Only includes: guiding, guides expenses, 5 nights mountain hut accommodation (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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