Guided Ski Touring across the Alps

Ski touring is one of the best ways to slow down and really enjoy the mountains in winter. Away from the lifts and crowds, we'll climb at our own pace, take in the views, and earn our turns with descents that feel all the more rewarding. Around Chamonix there are endless options, from gentle introductory tours to bigger alpine adventures, or we can head further afield, linking huts together for a multi-day tour.
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If you’ve only got a day, there are plenty of tours that start and finish in the valley, giving you a taste of the touring experience without the need to pack for an overnight. And if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, hut-to-hut tours open up a whole new side of the Alps — staying in mountain refuges, linking valleys together, and waking up each morning ready to set off again.

Hut-to-hut tours offer endless possibilities; classic routes such as the Haute Route, ski 4000m giants around Monte Rosa, or find fresh turns in the quieter corners of the Alps. Whether you have a route in mind, or you want to go wherever the conditions are best, get in touch to start planning your adventure.

Just back from an unforgettable week ski touring in the Bernese Oberland with Caspar. Great huts, great company and most importantly, great skiing! ​Barry. P

WHERE SHOULD I BASE MYSELF?

Chamonix is the perfect base for day touring, and gives us access to routes suitable for all abilities. For hut-to-hut tours accommodation will depend on what you want to do and where you want to go. Get in touch to let us know your plan and for more information.

WHEN CAN I go ski touring?

It's always conditions dependent, but the ski touring season usually lasts from February to May.

WHAT EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?

To make the most of your time here you should be confident skiing red runs in variable snow and in good style. You should also have good physical fitness to be able to ski long runs in variable conditions and on back to back days. A good gauge of fitness is being able to walk uphill at a minimum ascent rate of 300m per hour with your pack.

Having a good level of fitness is key to experiencing successful and enjoyable days out in the mountains. To increase your chance of success during your ski touring trip we work with Apexx Endurance Coaching, who provide custom training plans written specifically for you and your goal. Get in touch with Apexx Endurance Coaching directly to start your training.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The price depends on exactly what you want to do. Get in touch to let us know your plan, and we can send you a price and more information.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

The price will include an IFMGA Certified Guide. You need to cover your valley accommodation, huts, lifts, transport, food, insurance and your guide's expenses.

WHAT KIT DO I NEED?

Ski Equipment
​Rucsack - Medium volume (30-40 litres max) is best. Avoid extra straps etc. Just a ski carry system, ice axe attachment and helmet carry system if it doesn’t fit in the bag.
Ski Poles - Ski poles
Skis - Ski touring skis with a pin touring binding + Ski Strap
Skins - Ski skins (should come with skis if you hire touring kit)
Ski Crampons - Ski crampons that fit your skis and bindings
Boots - Ski touring boots that are pin binding compatible
TSP Transceiver - modern digital one with new batteries
Shovel - no plastic blades - all metal shovels only
Probe - 210 cm minimum
Helmet - Ski specific helmets are best. Ski helmets are now legally mandatory in Italy if we ended up in resort or going through resort
Harness - Lightweight harness with a 120 cm sling and carabiner
Crampons - Lightweight crampons are often fine
Axe - Lightweight axe

Clothing
​Socks - Ski specific socks
Thermal/Base Layers - Thermal top and bottom. Long sleeves and a hood can be good in sunny weather. No cotton.
Technical Fleece - Technical fleece midlayer. Zippered front best for touring.
Hats - Warm hat + Sun hat
Gloves - Thin gloves for skinning + Warm gloves for skiing
Waterproof jacket and trousers - Ski specific waterproof jacket and trousers are best
Duvet Jacket - Down or synthetic duvet jacket

Hut Kit & Other Equipment
​Sunglasses - Sunglasses - Cat 3 or Cat 4
Goggles - Cat 3/4 for sunny days. Low light lenses for poor weather.
Suncream - Suncream and Lipbalm - SPF30 or higher
Headtorch - Lightweight and fully charged headtorch (or new batteries)
First Aid kit - Small personal kit including personal medication, blister plasters and pain killers
Waterbottle - 1 Litre (flask or waterbottle)
Lunch & Spare Food - Enough for a full day on the hill; preferably lots of snacks you can pull out of pockets easily
Small wash kit
Sleeping bag liner
Spare t-shirt/socks/pants
Earplugs
Wallet
Passport
Alpine Club/BMC card (for hut discount)
Insurance documents
Mobile phone