Ski Touring

Introduction to ski touring Massif des Aravis

Adventures

Leave the marked trails, no longer use the ski lifts or chairlift to discover wide open spaces far from the ski area, or quite simply go hiking or skiing at your own pace. All the reasons are good for tasting the joys of skiing and this booming practice: ski touring, as connoisseurs say. The Aravis and Bauges massifs have magnificent snow-capped peaks suitable for initiation for beginner skiers: low vertical drop, gentle slopes but incredible panoramas (among the most beautiful in the Alps) guaranteed throughout the ascent in sealskin and also downhill! Join us and come and discover powder skiing off the slopes and ski resorts.

Massif des Aravis ou Massif des Bornes

Beginners

Half-day (9-13h)

The adventure details

Reservation request

My first cross-country ski touring experience!

t is not always easy to start ski touring. At first, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the specific equipment for ski touring: the sealskins, the knives, the Vibram boots with inserts. Learn the tricks and other techniques related to this sport, such as the famous "conversion" or walking with ski touring bindings on your feet, telescopic poles and a safety backpack.

The high mountain guides of the Bureau des Guides offer you the opportunity to discover ski touring (also called mountain skiing) through this half-day initiation (9-13h), far from the ski resort. Our secret garden of the Aravis has a good dozen summits of about 2000 meters of altitude which present the double advantage of being accessible to all (from beginner to expert level, passing by the intermediate/confirmed level), while being in the heart of an alpine massif, between forests and mountain chalets. This will delight nature lovers, as well as thrill-seekers who like to hurtle down beautiful snowy slopes!

Among these unmarked itineraries, you may have already heard of the Sulens mountain, the Col de l'Aulp in Manigod, the Col de Tulle in Serraval, the Porte des Aravis in La Clusaz or the Aiguille Verte du Chinaillon in Grand-Bornand. The panorama on the combes and the Massif du Mont Blanc so close is spectacular, you can even see the glaciers.

The main objective of this initiation outing is to take the time to discover the activity gently and safely. Our mountain guides will introduce you to the activity without pressure and will make your outing a friendly one, far from the beaten track. For this purpose, a short basic avalanche search course is given with your guide (use of the victim detector, shovel and probe).

If you have already done some ski touring, and you would like to improve your skills, or if you would like to do a longer or more technical ascent, we invite you to discover our advanced ski touring outing or to enjoy the day even more with a private commitment.

Level required for this trip: Level 1 - Beginner

Any doubts about your level of ski touring or off-piste skiing? Check out our page for all the detailed information from the office guides.

Good to know about the adventure
Introduction to ski touring Massif des Aravis

The price includes

Supervision by a high mountain guide
The eventual loan of avalanche safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)

The price doesn't include

Transport and parking
Personal insurance
Food and beverages
Ski equipment
Everything that is not included in the "price includes"
Personal equipment
Everything which isn't precised in 'the price include'

Time and meeting point

Meeting at 8:30 am on the car park of the bus station of Thônes - We will carpool to the departure of the outing in the Aravis massif (la Clusaz, Grand Bornand) or in the Bornes massif

Required gear

Complete ski touring equipment: skis, ski boots, poles, skins
Backpack for your personal belongings
A shovel and probe if you have them.
Water and snacks
Warm clothing and sunglasses and/or ski mask

Group

COLLECTIVE SESSION :
Confirmed outing only from 4 people booked per session. Maximum 6 people/guide.

Physical conditions

Good physical condition is necessary if you are new to ski touring, you must be able to do at least 400 to 500 meters of vertical drop (1h30 to 2h of walking at a peaceful pace)

An the descent

Let us know your level in downhill or off-piste skiing, we will adapt the route to your level, don't panic!

Importante note

If you need to hire your ski touring equipment, make sure that the equipment is available BEFORE you make your booking (risk of unavailability during busy periods at weekends and during school holidays)