Available trips
| Sat 19th Mar 11
- Sat 26th Mar 11 |
8 Days |
| Guide TBC | £ 995 |
| Book Now | |
Skill: ***/*
For the Backcountry explorer weeks you need to be a competent off-piste skier, experienced in all kinds of snow conditions,
you are able to do parallel turns in powder snow, and linked stem turns in more difficult snow. The skiing is generally not too
technical but there my be the occasional steep section and so you need to have the right attitude to challenge yourself and go
outside your comfort zone.
On these weeks much of the uplift is lift-assisted but you will be using ski touring equipment and must be prepared for up
to 2 -3 hours skinning (slow pace) in order to access some of the better runs. Previous ski touring experience is recommended
but not absolutely essential and you'll learn the basic skills during the week.
These are ideal weeks for good off-piste skiers who want to join the backcountry revolution!!
Stamina: ***/*
Stamina-wise, you need to be able to ski all day for 6 consecutive days at a steady pace. On these courses the maximum
skinning will be 2 - 3 hours per day.
If you have never ski toured before, you will find that climbing uphill on skins is hard work! Most newcomers are
surprised by just how physically demanding ski touring can be.
To get maximum enjoyment from these trips you need to be working on your fitness well in advance of the tour which means
plenty of aerobic exercise like running/cycling/swimming.
Everyone’s heard of Verbier and not surprising as its one of the best ski resorts in the world (which means it gets busy). What is surprising is that it’s surrounded by a collection of smaller less well known ski stations: Brusson, Vicheres, Champex, Super St Bernard to mention a few that offer fantastic off-piste and touring away from the crowds.
Itinerary
Whilst this trip comes under the banner of 'Backcountry Explorer', it is very much at the ski touring end of the spectrum.
Although the group will use some lifts during the week, there's an emphasis on ski touring with between 2-4 hours of skinning
each day, 14-16 hours of skinning across the 6 days in total.
DAY 1
Arrive in Le Chable in time for an evening meeting and briefing with your Mountain Tracks guide. Stay overnight in Le
Chable
DAY 2
A quick morning warm up on and off piste. Then an introduction to ski touring techniques will take place at Vicheres were
you will undertake the Tour de Bavon. This easy 300m (1 hour) climb gives an excellent 900m North facing descent.
DAY 3
It’s the Bec des Etagnes today, a short skin of just 350m gives way to a very exciting ski 1500m all the way to Super
Nendaz. The top part is steep so depending on conditions and the groups ability you might get to use crampons or at least have
assistance from the rope until you feel comfortable to ski!
DAY 4
The classic ski tour above Verbier is an ascent of the Rosablanche 3336m, to reach it from the Atellas 2 lift we cross
two cols in total it’s a total of 1100m. Many descent possibilities exist but favourite if its not too warm is the 1845m
descent all the way to Fionnay.
DAY 5&6
For your two day tour we will overnight in the unique Grand St Bernard monastery where monks run the hostel and have for
centuries welcomed travellers in need of shelter and food. Less touring today and we start with a great excursionfrom the Super
St Bernard ski area into Italy for decent coffee! We return to Switzerland by bus through the Grand St Bernard tunnel and then
skin up the road to the Hospice. On your final day we tour up Mont Fourchon and the Pain de Sucre both 2900m. We return to Le
Chable for the last night.
DAY 7
There is no guiding today. You have a freeski day to enjoy in Verbier or the surrounding area.
DAY 8
Depart after breakfast
This is a sample itinerary and may change depending on snow and weather conditions.
Additional Information
Prices
The price includes 5 guided days and 7 nights half-board accommodation
The price does not include travel to/from Verbier, lift passes, lunches, beverages, personal insurance and equipment
hire.
Accommodation
For this week we will spend 6 nights in the Hotel Du Gietroz in Le Chable. The hotel is close to the base station of the
main Verbier cable car and so gives good access to the Verbier ski area as well as some of the other nearby areas. Breakfast
and evening meal are taken in the hotel.
One night is spent in the unique Grand St Bernard Monastery.
Group Size
The minimum number is 4. The maximum group size is 12 with 2 guides.
Getting there
The nearest airport is Geneva.
From the UK, Easyjet tend to have the best network with flights from Bristol, Belfast, Doncaster, Luton, Gatwick,
Stansted, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Newcastle and Nottingham/East Midlands.
For the transfer from the airport to Verbier the best option is to take the train to Martigny from where you have to take
a bus up to Verbier. Check
www.rail.ch for details on the train connections.
Equipment
For all our Backcountry Explorer trips you will need alpine touring gear (skis, boots & bindings), skins and
ski-crampons. Confused about what skis, boots and binding combination to bring with you, then read our
Ski Equipment page to find out more.
Harnesses, boot crampons and ice-axes are not required for this tour.
All skiers will need to carry a rucksack (25-30 litres) with safety gear and personal items. Our recommended kit list
will be sent to you at the time of booking.
Everyone is expected to ski at all times with the three essential items of avalanche safety equipment: transceiver,
shovel and probe. If you ski off-piste regularly we recommend you purchase your own set and we have a special offer on BCA’s
excellent DTS Tracker. Please ask us for details.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you are insured for ski touring covering personal accident, rescue and third party
risks. You are strongly advised also to take out cover against cancellation and curtailment.
If you are looking to purchase insurance for your trip we recommend
SNOWCARD. They specialise in travel insurance for adventure sports particularly skiing
and snowboarding. Their rates for both single trip and annual policies are very competitive.
For details on their policies and to get a quote CLICK HERE or contact our office for further details.