3-day intro to ski touring in the Queyras

Technical level
Mountain range : Queyras, Queyras, southern French Alps
3 days
4 - 8 people (departure is confirmed from 4 people)
Prices : from 490,00 €
[ + More information about fees ]

Booking are made on the basis of 4 participants, 640€/person. If there are 7 or more participants on the day of departure, we will apply a reduced rate (500€/person) and refund the difference (140€)at the end of the stay.

Looking to immerse yourself in the great outdoors?
Ski touring is undoubtedly the best way to discover the splendour of the mountains in winter. We invite you to discover this discipline on the magnificent itineraries of the Queyras, a wild and unspoilt massif on the border between France and Italy.
Climbing with ski skins on and descending in powder snow requires a good level of physical fitness (essential from the moment you arrive) and technical skills, that our guides will help you to discover progressively over the course of this 4-day stay in the magnificent Queyras landscapes.

Your trip day to day

Day 1: St-Véran - la Blanche refuge : intro to ski touring specific gear

The guide welcomes you and checks your equipment. Collection of hired equipment if required. Transfer by car (approx. 1 hour) to St Véran. We’ll take the chairlifts to the top of the resort at 2780m, then put on our ski skins and make our way up the slopes of the Pic de Château Renard, easily reaching its summit(2989m) in an hour. We’ll have lunch here, taking in the breathtaking views on Monte Viso, the Ecrins massif and the Queyras peaks.
A fabulous ski descent on reasonable slopes will take us to the Chapelle Clausis at 2340m. We’ll put on our ski skins again and take the cross-country ski trail to reach the comfortable La Blanche refuge (2449m), 2 km away.
After dropping off our evening gear at the refuge, we’ll head for the Col de la Noire (2955m) for a superb descent in powder snow.

Dinner and overnight in the refuge.

Altitude difference: +400m / - 650m to reach the refuge. Then +455m / -455m.

NB : if St Véran ski lifts are closed (end of season or lack of snow) the itinerary may be modified with a ski start from Pont de l’Ariane, 2024m.

Day 2: from the refuge de la Blanche to Agnel refuge

In the morning, we’ll follow the slopes of the Pic du Caramantran to cross the Col Chamoussière (2884m) and after a 350m descent, we reach the Refuge Agnel.
We’ll have something to eat and then, after dropping off our evening gear, we’ll set off for the Eychassier ridges (2965m).
Depending on the conditions, we’ll either descend the south-facing slope or the beautiful north-facing slopes that will take us down to Lac Foréant (2618m). An extraordinary winter atmosphere in this wild valley overlooked by the Taillantes ridges (3178m) and the Pain de sucre (3208m). Then it’s time to climb back up to the Col Vieux (2806m). A final descent on gentle slopes will take us to the Agnel refuge (2580m), where we spend the night.

Meal and overnight in the refuge.

Difference in altitude: +400m / - 350m to reach the refuge. Then +400 or +600m

Day 3 : around the Pain de sucre

The aim of the day is to make the tour of the Pain de Sucre. After the col Vieux we cross the northern slopes of the Pain de Sucre to reach the brèche de la Ruine (2908m). A short descent in the sunshine into the valley that runs along the eastern slopes of the Pain de Sucre and the Pic d’Asti.
We then climb back up to the Col d’Asti (3145m) to reach the border with Italy and descend the superb slopes of the Vallonne del Giarus.
We’ll put on our ski skins again to reach the Col Agnel (2744m) then down to the refuge and onto the valley. After a long descent of over 1000 metres, we’ll reach the Pont de l’Ariane.

Difference in altitude: + 1100m / - 1000m

End of our trip mid-afternoon in L’Argentière-la-Bessée.

NB : The programme is intended as a guide only. It could be modified at any time by the mountain guide for safety reasons, weather conditions or regarding the physical and technical level of the participants.

Teaching

The aim of this stay is to introduce you to the basic techniques of touring skiing in complete safety (kick turn techniques and powder snow skiing, how to use avalanche transceivers, understand the snowpack, route choice...). Every day, the instructor will give you technical tips to help you achieve the objectives set individually at the beginning and during your stay.

min/max people

8 participants maximum. Departure is guaranteed from 4 participants. You will be notified at least 7 days before departure in the event of cancellation. Where possible, an alternative solution will be offered.

NB : For cancellation conditions for privatised trips (made up groups) please refer to our conditions of sale.

Equipment : gear and clothing

Please note that we offer some of this equipment for rental, they are indicated by a * in the list below, you will find rental prices in the "Gear rental and extras prices" section.

Equipment rental and changes are only possible before payment of the balance of your booking (45 days before departure). We advise you to take the time, as soon as you register, to list the equipment you already have or which can be lent to you. Any equipment initially rented from ROC ECRINS even not taken on the day of departure must be paid for.

The head

  • Sunglasses class 4*protective lenses
  • Ski goggles
  • A helmet*
  • A warm hat
  • Sunscreen high protection (30 and 50)

The body

  • A mountain rucksack * suitable to carry skis if necessary, approx. 25 litres
  • A long-sleeved top, prefer merino wool to synthetic fabrics as the are more breathable
  • A fleece or soft shell jacket
  • A warm down jacket
  • A Gore-tex waterproof jacket*to protect against rain, snow and wind
  • An avalanche transceiver + shovel* and probe*.

Hands

  • A pair of thin leather ou fleece gloves and a warmer pair with a waterproof membrane

Legs

  • Ideally a Gore-tex type ski trousers *with with long side zips. For cold days, a long warm underwear may be worn underneath

The feet

  • Ski touring skis *
  • Ski skins* in good condition
  • Ski crampons* suitable for your bindings
  • Ski touring boots
  • Telescopic ski poles*
  • A spare pair of socks

Miscellaneous

  • Bring containers for around 2 litres of water, ideally a one-litre bottle plus smaller ones to keep warm and close to your body in your jacket.
  • Small knife
  • Small thermos flask
  • Camera
  • Small first-aid kit adapted to your personal needs, also containing elastoplast and double-skin dressings for any blisters.

This list is not exhaustive and should be completed with all what you may specifically need.

We propose for sale a great range of technical gear and clothing for all mountain activities DIRECTLY on our premises in L’Argentière-La Bessée where we will welcome you on the first day . Don’t hesitate to ask us for advice or ask your guide on site.

BRANDS ON SALE :

  • BEAL (Climbing and mountaineering harnesses, slings, descenders, carabiners, quickdraws, belay gloves, climbing bags, headlamps, mountaineering helmets and climbing helmets, ropes ...)
  • CAMP (Climbing and mountaineering axes, liquid chalk and chalk)
  • SALEWA (Mountaineering shoes)
  • CASSIN (Mountaineering crampons)
  • ALTITUDE EYEWEAR (Sunglasses category 3 & 4)
  • YYVERTICAL (Climbing safety glasses)
  • NATURAL PEAK (Technical T-shirts in wood fibre, long and short sleeves and leggings)
  • ICEBREAKER (Merino wool technical T-shirts, long and short sleeves and leggings)
  • DYNAFIT (Ski touring boots, second-hand and new ski touring skis)
  • LES BATONS D’ALAIN (Hiking poles and ski touring)
  • LABORATOIRE BIARRITZ (ecological sun cream, body, face & lips)
  • COMPEED (Double skin plaster to prevent blisters ...)
  • BOULES QUIESS (Ear plugs for good nights in refuges...)

High mountain : special warning

Ski touring is dependent on different factors that we can sometimes neither anticipate nor control; we may therefore have to modify the programme of our high mountain holidays before or during the stay for various reasons:

  • if the weather and/or snow conditions make it impossible to carry out the planned programme and/or
  • if there is a delay in the opening or early closure of a ski lift or refuge

In these cases, we will offer you an alternative programme, sometimes on the day of departure, which you may not refuse.

Ski touring, as all mountain activities have some level of risk particularly of avalanche or injury in the event of a fall.
To reduce the hazards that they are exposed to skiers must follow the safety instructions given by the instructor.

You must be aware of these risks and accept them when booking.

Health condition

No medical certificate required to take part in our trips, but it may be useful to check with your GP that you have no contraindications (particularly in the case of chronic illness) to physical activity in the high mountains.

If you are undergoing any particular treatment, please let us know so that we can take appropriate measures if necessary.

Altitude can cause acute mountain sickness when you are not sufficiently acclimatised, also known as AMS. In most cases, it is accompanied by headaches, nausea and a general feeling of discomfort, but in the most serious cases it can lead to pulmonary or cerebral oedema, requiring an immediate descent.

Skills and stamina level

Ski touring is physically demanding.
With an average 800m daily ascent, it’s important that you arrive in very good physical condition to get the most out of these 4 days.
If you do an endurance sport on a regular basis, that’s perfect; if you don’t, we advise you to train in the weeks/months leading up to your stay. Running, hiking, cycling or swimming at high intensity are perfect sports to improve your stamina and fitness.

This stay is open to all good skiers who are comfortable on red runs.

N.B.: If you do not have the required level, the guide may ask you to leave the course for the safety of the whole group.

Guiding

By state-certified mountain guides or trainees mountain guides (aspirant guides) from the Roc Écrins team. They will have a VHF radio connected to the emergency services, a satellite phone or a mobile phone. They will also have a collective first-aid kit.

*A trainee mountain guide is a guide in training who is authorised to work and supervise climbs from their third year of training. They are not beginners, as it takes several years of practice and training to build up a list of routes and have the experience and technical level required to enter the mountain guide training course.

Insurances

To take part in one of our stays, you must be properly insured for the chosen activity (rescue and repatriation costs) in the event of an incident or accident occurring during the stay. (We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover). It is your responsibility to check the cover provided by your personal insurance policy. If you do not have such an insurance, you can take out the EUROP ASSISTANCE contract when you sign up. The amount of the "ASSISTANCE" insurance covering repatriation, rescue and search costs represents 2.4% of the price of the stay. MULTIRISK" insurance covering assistance, cancellation, loss of luggage and interruption of holiday, represents 5.6% of the price of the holiday.

Accommodation

A wood-burning stove will warm you up on your arrival at the refuge de la Blanche; hot showers will relax you and the pretty stone bar will invite you to enjoy an aperitif. The refuge has dormitories with blankets (bring a sleeping sheet) and rooms for 4 to 6 people. Shared toilets and washbasins. Hearty evening meals and picnics at lunchtime.
The second night we’ll be snug and warm at the refuge Agnel 2580m near the border with Italy. This large refuge was completely renovated a few years ago and has a very pleasant common room. Hot showers.

This accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking.

Transport and carbon footprint

Transport

Transport provided by Roc Écrins. If none of our vehicles are available, we may ask you to organise car pooling with other participants. In this case, travel expenses would be refunded to the person using their vehicle.

Carbon footprint of the stay: 25,4 kg CO2

That’s the CO2 produced by our travels during your stay!

To join us :

Why not car pool or take the train ?

For information:

  • Paris - L’Argentière-La Bessée (710km) by overnight train !
  1. By train : 2,53 kgCo2
  2. By car : 137 kg CO2
  3. By electric car : 14,1 kgCO2
  • Lyon - L’Argentière-La Bessée (250 km)
  1. By train : 1,22 kgCo2
  2. By car : 48,4 kg CO2
  3. By electric car : 4,96 kgCO2
  • Marseille - L’Argentière-La Bessée (259km)
  1. By train : 0,88 kgCo2
  2. By car : 50,1 kgCO2
  3. By electric car : 5,13 kg CO2

Carpooling ? We can put you in touch with other participants. Contact us by email or telephone. https://www.blablacar.fr/

Offset your carbon emissions !

For every tree planted, 150 kg of CO2 are stored !
https://www.reforestaction.com/plan...

Meeting point

Meeting time:

8:15

the first day at our office in L’Argentière La-Bessée, 05120, Hautes Alpes. 

Getting there

The Pays des Ecrins region has excellent transport links.

If you’re coming by train,

The SNCF provides direct daily services from Paris, Marseille and Grenoble to L’Argentière-la-Bessée station.
PLEASE NOTE: the Pays des Ecrins station is called "L’Argentière les Ecrins". You must specify the full name of the station when booking, otherwise you may receive a ticket for "l’Argentière" station in Savoie.

  • TGV connection, Paris-Turin. Get off at Oulx then take the shuttle to Briançon and l’Argentière.
  • TGV connection, Paris-Valence or Paris-Grenoble with bus connections
  • Night trains from Paris and the East of France. Information www.sncf.connect.fr
  • from Nice, Marseille or Gap, regular bus services (www.autocars-scal.fr - 04 92 51 06 05)

If you are coming by car,

  • From the north, take the A48 motorway to Grenoble, then the Col du Lautaret (RN91). Drive through Briançon towards Gap up to L’Argentière-la-Bessée..
  • From Italy, take the A43 Maurienne motorway through the Fréjus tunnel, then the Col de Montgenèvre. Drive through Briançon towards Gap up to L’Argentière-la-Bessée..
  • From the south, take the A51 motorway to La Saulce, then head for Briançon (RN 94). You enter the Pays des Écrins at La Roche de Rame.

Price

Price per person depending on the number of participants
Number of participants
Price per person
4
590,00 €
5
590,00 €
6
590,00 €
7
490,00 €
8
490,00 €

Booking are made on the basis of 4 participants, 640€/person. If there are 7 or more participants on the day of departure, we will apply a reduced rate (500€/person) and refund the difference (140€)at the end of the stay.

Price includes:
  • Mountain guiding service , including their meals, overnight accommodation
  • Full board accommodation in mountain hut from the first evening to the lunch on day 3, picnic lunches
  • Lift passes
  • Organisation and reservations (accommodation, guide, equipment) of your stay
Price does not include:
  • Picnic on the first day
  • Personal expenses: snacks, drinks, etc
  • Individual technical equipment rental
  • Liability, repatriation and cancellation insurances
  • Transport to and from meeting point

Any other expenses not mentioned under the above section “the price includes”.

Our little extras

  • We welcome you to our premises for a cup of coffee or tea and equip you on site
  • Free parking is available at the meeting point
  • You can have a shower at the end of your stay
  • You have free access to a relaxation area with Wifi, toilets, microwave, etc. while you wait for your train (5 minutes’ walk from the station)
  • You can leave a bag with your personal belongings on the ROC ÉCRINS premises during your stay
  • You will receive a 10% discount on our entire sales area (ROC ÉCRINS customers only)

Savoir vivre en montagne

Lorsque nous allons en montagne, nous sortons de la société que nous connaissons pour
nous retrouver dans un milieu encore un peu épargné par les activités humaine.
La montagne est singulière puisqu’elle est le symbole d’une liberté. En effet c’est un lieu où
quiconque peut s’exprimer, gravir, sauter, glisser, vivre, partager et plus encore. Que notre
objectif soit un sommet, une ligne ou simplement la découverte des paysages, nous
profitons tous d’un moment privilégié avec la Nature.
Pour garder cet espace de vie aussi beau et le conserver il faut aussi en prendre soin et
savoir vivre avec tous les acteurs de la montagne.

UN ENVIRONNEMENT FRAGILE, pour le préserver quelques simples règles de bonne
conduite : rester sur les sentiers, ne rien prélever, ne rien jeter et se faire discret tant vis à vis
de la faune qu’à l’égard des autres randonneurs et alpinistes. La montagne est l’un des
derniers lieux silencieux, et ce silence est un trésor à chérir, à respecter et à partager!

EN MONTAGNE, vous ferez cordée avec votre guide, vos amis ou d’autres personnes que
vous ne connaissez pas, tous unis par un même objectif.
L’entre-aide est de mise, au sein du groupe mais aussi vis à vis de quiconque aurait besoin
d’aide. Pensez au sens de « circulation » : Ceux qui descendent laissent passer ceux qui
montent.

EN REFUGE aussi, il est important de respecter certaines règles de savoir-vivre pour
garantir une cohabitation harmonieuse. Vous devrez vous déchausser pour monter dans les
dortoirs, des crocs sont prévus à cet effet.
N’oubliez pas que les réveils sont en général très matinaux alors soyez discret. Au réveil, il
est d’usage de plier sa couverture.

Au moment du DÉBRIEFFING de la journée, il est d’usage d’offrir un verre au groupe
pour apaiser les moments de doutes, de peurs, et/ou fêter le sommet, revivre les moments
forts, drôle et joyeux de la journée. Et, si le coeur vous en dit, à la fin de votre séjour, vous
pouvez remercier votre guide avec un petit pourboire, une tradition ancienne mais bien sûr
non obligatoire.

How to book

To book your trip :

  • complete the pre-registration form online
  • You will receive a booking contract by email. It sets out the details of your booking as well as the schedule and payment terms.
  • On receipt of this contract, the deposit of 30% must be payed within 4 days in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the contract. Your registration can only be confirmed when the deposit has been payed.
  • The balance must be paid 45 days before the departure. Please note that any balance not paid within 45 days of departure will be considered as a cancellation of your booking. Financial withholding would therfore be applied in accordance with our terms and conditions of sale.
  • For a of a booking made less than 45 days before departure, the total amount of the booking must be paid on receipt of the booking contract in accordance with the terms and conditions set out therein.

Gear rental and Extras prices

  Equipment

Title Details Price
Pack : Skis de rando, bâtons, chaussures, peaux, couteaux 3 jours
Skis de rando
Bâtons
Chaussures
Peaux
Couteaux
130.00 €
Ski de randonnée + peaux + couteaux 3 jours
Ski de randonnée
97.00 €
Bâtons 3 jours
Bâtons
20.00 €
Chaussures ski rando 3 jours
Chaussures
37.00 €
Casque ski 3 jours
Casque
15.00 €
Pack sécurité : DVA, pelle, sonde 3 jours
DVA
Pelle
Sonde
47.00 €
Sac AIRBAG ABS 3 jours
Sac AIRBAG ABS
51.00 €
Sac à dos 3 jours
Sac à dos
15.00 €
Veste gore tex 3 jours
Veste gore tex
25.00 €
Sur-pantalon gore tex 3 jours
Sur-pantalon
25.00 €
Polaire soft shell 3 jours
Polaire soft shell
20.00 €
Lunettes de soleil 3 jours
Lunettes de soleil
12.00 €

  Accommodation

  Other