CHAMONIX SKI TOURING WEEK 2018 TRIP NOTES

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1 CHAMONIX SKI TOURING WEEK 2018 TRIP NOTES

2 Chamonix Ski Touring Week 2018 Trip Notes All material Copyright Adventure Consultants Ltd 2017/2018 Explore the magic of the Mont Blanc Massif and all of the ski touring that it has to offer. Utilising the extensive ski lift system infrastructure, it is possible to access even the most remote corners of the range on the daily ski tours with your knowledgeable guide. By staying in a Chamonix each night, this gives you the chance to relax, recuperate and soak up the atmosphere of Chamonix with its great selection of bars and restaurants. History The European Alps are full of climbing and skiing history. They are the birthplace of mountaineering and their rich heritage adds to the superb facilities (catered huts and lift systems) which provide catering for mountaineers and ski tourers not seen elsewhere. Tour Overview Week Option Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Arrive in Chamonix and overnight at hotel. L Aiguillette des Houches (2,285m) From the village of Coupeau, it is a gentle ascent through the forests that takes us up past Chalet de Chailloux. Now, we are well above the tree line and the open slopes take us up to one of the best viewpoints of the entire Chamonix Valley. Col d Argentière (3,552m) At the top, we are rewarded with amazing scenery of the Argentiėre basin with views of the summits of the Aiguille Verte, Les Droites, Mont Dolent and the Aiguille de Chardonnet. Crochue-Bérard Starting from the La Flegérè, we take a cable car and chairlift to l Index. Our first climb up to the Col des Aiguilles Crochues (2,704m) is started on skins, before a final boot pack with skis on rucksacks up to the Col. A long traverse descending into the Aiguille Rouges Nature Reserve takes us to our second 200m gentle climb on skins to the Col de Bérard (2,469m). All of our efforts are now rewarded with a stunning ski down the Combe de Bérard to the village of Le Buet. From here, we take the train back to Chamonix.

3 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Col des Autannes (2,777m) From the Le Tour ski area, we have a climb of 650m up to the Col before a brilliant descent on North facing slopes that often hold very good powder snow. This takes us down to the village of Trient in Switzerland. A bus and then train takes us back to Chamonix. Vallée Blanche and Col d Entrèves Any ski trip to Chamonix wouldn t be complete without a descent of the Vallée Blanche. From the Aiguille du Midi, we ski down the classic Vallée Blanche to Pointe Adolphe Rey before putting our skins on and climbing for 2 hours up to the Col d Entrèves on the Italian border. Now it is time for our final run down the majestic Vallée Blanche, before heading back to Chamonix for a celebratory cold beer. Depart for home. The above program is an ideal itinerary but is subject to change as it may be affected by weather and snow conditions. Tour Overview Weekend Option The Weekend Ski Tour option will take in two days of guided ski touring in the Chamonix area. Options are endless and your guide will suggest an itinerary based on your experience, goals and current snow conditions in the area. As an example a weekend itinerary could look like this: Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Arrive in Chamonix and overnight at hotel. L Aiguillette des Houches (2,285m) From the village of Coupeau, it is a gentle ascent through the forests that takes us up past Chalet de Chailloux. Now, we are well above the tree line and the open slopes take us up to one of the best viewpoints of the entire Chamonix Valley. Vallee Blanche and Col d Entrèves Any ski trip to Chamonix wouldn t be complete without a descent of the Vallee Blanche. From the Aiguille du Midi, we ski down the classic Vallee Blanche to Pointe Adolphe Rey before putting our skins on and climbing for 2 hours up to the Col d Entrèves on the Italian border. Now it is time for our final run down the majestic Vallee Blanche, before heading back to Chamonix for a celebratory meal and depart for home. Level of Experience Required To ski tour in the European Alps, you will need to be able to link parallel turns in all types of off-piste snow conditions, be physically fit and have a minimum of 5 days ski touring experience. Even skiing and climbing at the moderate altitudes in Europe has a definite physical effect on people. Most climbers and skiers notice a lower performance rate than normal. Ski touring days are physically demanding and can

4 entail a 1,000m/3,300ft ascent at altitude. Our Guides Adventure Consultants guides are BMG/NZMGA and/or IFMGA-UIAGM qualified mountain guides. They are professional mountaineers and operate to the highest industry standards. Being a technically proficient climber alone is not enough to work with us; our standards demand that trip leaders are great guides as well. You will find your guide friendly, approachable and focused on providing a safe and enjoyable trip in line with your objectives and comfort level. Success with the highest margin of care is always a hallmark of our approach; promoting the realisation that even extreme pursuits such as high altitude mountaineering can be undertaken safely. Adventure Consultants only employs IFMGA qualified guides for European ascents and courses and this is the only certification that is recognised in the French Alps. In order to gain these qualifications guides must undergo rigorous training and assessment on climbing skills, instructional skills, avalanche training and assessment, wilderness first aid, rescue training and much more. The qualification takes many years to attain and ensures you are getting a world-class professional service. Communication and Messages Our guides are in cell phone communication with our operations base throughout the trip. This assists us with schedule and weather forecast updates, lift and accommodation co-ordination and safety back up. Your own mobile phone should work in the region though you may want to check with your own service provider first. Local mobile phones can be rented at the international airports. Team Membership The number of guides is determined by the size of the group, the ratio of guides to skiers is 1:2 or 1:4 depending on the skill level of the group. You will find the Adventure Consultants Mountain and Ski Guides strong and companionable with the capacity and willingness to see you enjoy your journey through the Alps on skis. Equipment List Skiing and climbing in the European Alps require that you have high-quality clothing and equipment due to the extremes of weather conditions. You will be sent a clothing and equipment checklist upon confirmation of your booking. A selection of rental equipment is available in Chamonix should you need to hire any equipment.

5 Insurance We strongly recommend that you take out trip cancellation and travel insurance to protect yourself in the event of injury or mishap prior to/or whilst on our trips. While our focus is on safety and our track record supports this, the mountains do have hazards and there is the potential for mishap. If you were injured whilst on the trip, there is a very efficient rescue service nearby. Travel to Chamonix We commence and finish our Chamonix Ski Touring Week and Weekend in Chamonix, France. The closest international airport is in Geneva, just over the border in Switzerland. Regular shuttles operate up to Chamonix and the trip takes about 1.5 hours. We can help you arrange shuttle transport and your shuttle driver will drop you at our accommodation. At the completion of the course, the shuttle can take you back to the airport. The shuttle transfers are at your own cost. Accommodation Accommodation is provided on a twin share basis. The 2-3 star Hotel B&Bs we utilise are clean and comfortable and include breakfast. If you want single accommodation or a higher standard of accommodation, we can arrange this for you should you wish. Please enquire about options and costs at the time of enquiry. Costs for Chamonix Ski Touring Week The costs for the five-day Chamonix Ski Touring Week are: 1:1 guide to skier ratio EUR 3,300 1:2 guide to skier ratio EUR 1,990 per person 1:4 guide to skier ratio EUR 1,570 per person Cost includes: Ski-tour guiding for 5 days Lifts Snack/lunch food whilst touring Hotel accommodation twin share for 6 nights Cost does not include: Any lifts, huts, hotel, transport costs that are additional to the programme due to changes to the programme due to weather or organisational changes. Ski equipment rental Airport Transfers to/from Chamonix (although we can arrange this for you) Evening meals Restaurant lunches whilst touring Single supplement in hotels

6 Costs for Chamonix Ski Touring Weekend The costs for the two-day Chamonix Ski Touring Weekend are: 1:1 guide to skier ratio EUR 1,590 1:2 guide to skier ratio EUR 1,040 per person Cost includes: Ski-tour guiding for 2 days Lifts Snack/lunch food whilst touring Hotel accommodation twin share for 2 nights Cost does not include: Any lifts, huts, hotel, transport costs that are additional to the programme due to changes to programme due to weather or organisational changes. Ski equipment rental Airport Transfers to/from Chamonix (although we can arrange this for you) Evening meals Restaurant lunches whilst touring Single supplement in hotels Chamonix Ski Touring Dates January to April is the best time to ski tour in the Chamonix region. Payments In order to confirm a guide and your trip, we require a completed Registration Form and a nonrefundable deposit of EUR 500. The balance of payment is then due 60 days prior to the start date. Download the registration form from our website or use our online booking form at: All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following EUR bank and account: Bank of New Zealand Offshore Branch 1 Willis Street Wellington New Zealand for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited Account # Account Type: Euros Swift Address: BKNZNZ22

7 Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter's account. We can also accept your deposit and balance payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard and Amex). **Please note: In order to reserve a guide we recommend that you book well in advance. Cancellation and Refund Policy Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 60 days prior to your trip commencement date. A climber may then cancel his/her participation on the following basis: Cancellations outside of 60 days will result in the loss of the trip deposit. Inside 60 days of the departure date, we reserve the right to retain 50% of the full fee. Inside 30 days of the departure date, we reserve the right to retain 75% of the full fee. Inside 15 days of the departure date forfeit 100% of the full fee. We recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent. The Advantages of Climbing and Ski Touring with Us Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to expedition and ascent climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success. We employ strong and specialised IFMGA Mountain Guides, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. Many of our expedition members and climbers come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions and guided ascents safe and successful. How to Book Your Chamonix Ski Tour Week If you would like to book a Chamonix Ski Tour Week, please request an Application Form and forward it along with your skiing/climbing résumé and the deposit for the trip. You can also use our online booking form at If you require more information please contact us at; Adventure Consultants Ltd PO Box Brownston St Wanaka 9343, New Zealand

8 Ph Fax info@adventure.co.nz Web: Adventure Consultants is affiliated to the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association (NZMGA), New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC) and a corporate member of the American Alpine Club (AAC). Adventure Consultants perform to IFMGA standards and are world leaders in high altitude guiding. All material Copyright 2017/2018 Adventure Consultants Ltd