Trip Details and Small Print - Haute Route Ski Traverse
Can I do it?
Strenuous backcountry ski tour in
alpine, mostly glaciated terrain on alpine touring (randonnée)
or sturdy telemark equipment.
You must be able to ski safely and controlled at all times while
wearing a mid-weight backpack
(7-10 kg /15 lb-22 lb).
Depending on the conditions, we might have to rope on while
skiing both up and downhill. You need to be in very good physical
and mental condition, ready to be on your feet for about
8 - 10 hrs including, steep, continuous uphill climbs of up
to 1200 meters (4100 ft) on some of the days. Being on your
feet every day for 7 days requires a good deal of stamina! If
in doubt wether you have the required skills and fitness level,
feel free give us a call to discuss your options!
We
do not recommend this trip for backcountry ski touring beginners!
Optional Ascent of Mont Blanc (two additional days):
The Mont Blanc ascent is technically more difficult than the Haute Route,
implies more objective dangers and requires a client to guide
ratio of two to one. Cost is US$
750 per participant, US$ 1010, if only one participant per guide.
Price includes guide's fee, rental
of technical equipment , lodging with all meals in the hut,
and lodging with breakfast at our *** Hotel in Argentiere the
night before and after the ascent. Early decision for the Mont
Blanc ascent is required because the Cosmique hut books out
early.
Meeting
Point:
Either Geneva International
(closest Airport) or at 5PM on the first day at our Hotel in Argentiere, about
10 min. upvalley from Chamonix.
Season, Climate, Weather, Temperature:
Beginning of March
- Mid May, with April being the most popular time. Avoid the long easter weekend
as well as starting the trip on a weekend to skip the crowds.
Late winter season
makes for more settled weather, more settled snowpack and better coverage on the
glaciers (less crevasse issues!).
Temperatures can vary hugely: If wintery
weather patterns prevail, you can expect temps between -5 C and -22 C. In spring
the temperature spread increases from -10 C overnight to +15 C, especially on
sunny days and when descending to the valleys.
Services Included in the Total Price:
Guiding by an internationally (UIAGM/IFMGA)
certified, multilingual, mountain guide or guide aspirant under
supervision. All lodging: Double room in a 2 - 3 star hotels
in Argentiere and Zermatt, dormitories in huts of the French
or Swiss alpine club. All dinner & breakfasts: 3 - course
dinners (soup, meat entree and dessert - vegetarian option usually
available) in the huts. All ground transport from Geneva in
accordance with the posted itinerary: Airport shuttle to Argentiere,
transfer from Champex to either Verbier or Bourg St. Pierre
by taxi or bus, all cable cars and mountain trains. Luggage
transfer Argentiere to Zermatt, Parking fees and road tolls.
Use of technical equipment: Harnesses, crampons, rope, carabiners
and avalanche transceivers.
Not Included Are:
Air fares, lunch (Sandwiches, sancks
can be purchased in the huts or in the valley), drinks (beer
is about US$ 5 / can, wine US$ 20 - 30 bottle), return transfer
from Zermatt (but can be arranged for clients who require it,
especially if you return to Chamonix for the Mont Blanc ascent),
any additional transport due to itinerary changes, cable car/mountain
train rides for optional Mont Blanc ascent, single room supplement
for all lodging in the valleys: US$ 120
