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Mont Blanc Ski Skiing Mt Blanc is an ultimate backcountry experience - picture standing on the top of western europe's highest mountain with at least 2500m of descent just waiting... Our 6 day programme involves plenty of quality descents and day tours to acclimatise and prepare for the main event. During this time we will spending a night in a high mountain hut. We will teach avalanche transciever use, glacier skiing and the necessary crampon/ice axe techniques during the week. We have a choice of descent route according skiing ability and prevailing conditions, but most commonly we will ski the Grand Mulet route. (all routes are glaciated) Weather allowing, we use a helicopter drop to within 3-4hrs climb from the summit - this will help save our legs for the epic descent from 4810m! Please note the whole itinerary is very condition and weather dependant, and so may need to be changed at the last minute. If the helicopter can't fly we will climb the whole way, with a night in a hut beforehand (and a very early start!). Who is it for? Competent off piste skiers well versed in side slipping and defensive skiing (in case the snow is hard pack or crusty) as well as powder skiing on slopes upto 40 degrees. You need to be fit as this is a physical week! Ideally you will have previous ski touring or mountaineering experience, but this is not a pre-requisite, as we teach all necessary skills during the week. 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. 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. Typical Itinerary Day1 - a warm up day of classic offpiste skiing and transciever training. Night in Chamonix Day2 - col du Passon day tour - a classic with over 2000m of descent for about 2.5 hours uphill. Night in Chamonix Day3 - ski across the Vallee Blanche for a run into Italy and return to overnight in the Cosmiques hut. About 2.5hrs uphill Day4 - climb and ski Mt Blanc du Tacul 4135m (about 4hrs uphill). Return to Chamonix. Day5- ski the grand Envers du Plan from the Aiguille du Midi. Overnight in the Chamonix. A restful day. Day6 - ski Mont Blanc! What to expect from mountain huts They are basic but comfortable. They can cater for vegetarians. Food is plentiful and 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 (often 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 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. Remember kit should be lightweight but functional - you have to carry it! We can help with equipment rental in Chamonix. | |||||||||||||
Price: £1425 Course Only: £1025 Ratio: 1:6, then 1:2 for the summit Level: Intermediate-Advanced Dates: 25-30 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 full board basis, in resort transport. Price does not include: insurance, travel to/from Chamonix, uplifts & helicopter (as these are very weather dependant), equipment rental, drinks/snacks, evening meals in Chamonix (it's nice to explore the town!) Course Only includes: guiding, guides expenses, 2 nights mountain hut half board accommodation. | |||||||||||||
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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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