SKI TOUR
DREAM-GUIDES.COM INFO@DREAM-GUIDES.COM . +44 (0) 845 564 52 19
SKI TOUR
This ski tour offers fantastic descents each day as we will take you on a journey around Queyras National Park. It is perfectly designed for those off-piste skiers keen to explore a less frequented area away from the crowds, but who are also looking for a great off-piste descent each day, to reward their uphill toils. The Queyras mountains are south of the Ecrins and border onto Italy. It is one of the more forgotten corners of the Alps and its natural landscape offers great non-glaciated touring suitable for earlier in the season. Most nights we will stay in a local hotel or in authentic mountain villages and we spend one night in a mountain refuge. This allows a degree of comfort in the evenings and lighter packs during the day. We have chosen our itinerary to take in some great views and to experience as much of the Queyras as we can in a week.
DREAM-GUIDES.COM INFO@DREAM-GUIDES.COM . +44 (0) 845 564 52 19
WHO IS IT FOR? This is for intermediate off-piste skiers to advanced off-piste skiers, who have recently had some previous day touring experience. It is a great trip to gain experience for tours such as the Haute Route, but more importantly a great balance between adventure, hard work and excellent skiing in a beautiful area. INTERMEDIATE I am an off piste skier with varying success and have skied at least 1-2 weeks predominantly off piste. I can link without traversing at least 5-10 turns together with reasonable control, style and speed, down the fall line, in most snow types. Deep, heavy snow and crust are still a problem but I usually don’t fall unless the snow is very heavy, deep or crusty. I may not like icy slopes but can ski them in control. ADVANCED I can link without traversing at least 10-15 short or long radius turns off piste in any kind of snow. I have good control and choose where to turn most of the time. The thought of fresh powder excites me and I enjoy the challenge of difficult snow. I can sideslip forwards and backwards, sidestep up and down, and can ski 35-40 degree slopes. I ski off piste whenever I can and enjoy skiing far from the lifts/pistes. FITNESS LEVEL: D - I can ski all day and hike/skin for 4-5 hours every day (1000-1400M).
DREAM-GUIDES.COM INFO@DREAM-GUIDES.COM . +44 (0) 845 564 52 19
The season begins in February and continues throughout the year. Please see our website for more information on dates you would like to visit or email us for more information. QUEYRAS SKI TOUR – EXAMPLE ITINERARY
FRIDAY: Either a climb and fantastic north facing descent of Pic Segure (2990m) or a circuit via the Clot Lapiere and Col d’Urine to la Roux, and return to Guillestre by taxi to overnight at the hotel. SATURDAY: Departure This itinerary works well as there are a number of alternatives each step of the way. This means there is a high chance of completing the tour and having great days out even if conditions or weather are unhelpful.
SATURDAY: Arrive Guillestre and settle into hotel. We meet in the evening to discuss plans for the week and the itinerary which has been designed around you. SUNDAY: A day warming the legs up with some off-piste skiing in the small resort of Ceillac and practising our touring skills on a short tour. Return to hotel. MONDAY: We return to Ceillac to traverse the col des Estronques (2651m) and ski to our comfortable gite in St Veran. TUESDAY: We skin up the Tete de Longet (3146m) and return after 1100m of north facing powder to our Gite in St Veran. WEDNESDAY: We climb the Pic de Caramantran (3025m) or traverse the col Longet (a different ‘longet’ to Tuesday) before descending to the Refuges Agnel. THURSDAY: A shorter day as we traverse the col Vieux and descend to our gite in Ristolas. Conditions allowing we will take in an extra descent en route.
DREAM-GUIDES.COM INFO@DREAM-GUIDES.COM . +44 (0) 845 564 52 19
Training does not work overnight! The fittest athletes train as part of their lifestyles and have been doing it for years. Consider training for a good couple of months before coming out to the Alps. Good fitness will make it more fun and you’ll get more out of your week! Although we will tailor the course to your ability, we definitely recommend getting as fit as possible before you start. The process of training for your goal will help you focus on your goal - and having a goal will help you focus on your training. Ski mountaineering is all about being able to exercise at a moderate intensity for many hours (typically 5 to 12 hours) and your training should reflect this. Probably the best training is cycling or hill walking as this simulates the real thing as closely as possible and prepares the mind (exercising for long periods in poor weather requires mental strength!). However not everyone has the opportunity to do this and so alternatives such as jogging and gym workouts are also good. The focus should be on training Cardiovascular Endurance for long days in the mountains. For cardio cycling, running and rowing machines are much better than weight training. Try and exercise for up to a couple of hours at a time, 3-4 times a week. Trying out yoga, swimming, pilates to help with core stability and balance, also squats and cycling are a good way to strengthen your legs. Please remember to build up your workouts over time. If you are not used to exercising much, your muscles and joints need time to build up to avoid injury. Try and choose an activity that you enjoy and keep a note of what you do and your times, this really helps with keeping the motivation up. If you are not used to training then your local gym will be able to advise you on a plan and schedule to help you achieve your goals.
INSURANCE We strongly recommend getting specialist travel insurance that covers cancellation, medical and mountain rescue. Make sure that it covers glaciated mountaineering and climbing. We recommend the Dogtag (www.dogtag.co.uk) - they have comprehensive policies and a great reputation.
DREAM-GUIDES.COM INFO@DREAM-GUIDES.COM . +44 (0) 845 564 52 19
7. Sunglasses, goggles, sunhat, sunscreen, lip salve/ block Unfortunately we can’t recommend a specific brand and model for each item on the kit list, as what is available is constantly changing and different people are different shapes and sizes with different budgets! However, in general, we use and endorse Black Diamond and Sherpa products because in our experience they are excellent. If you go to a good retailers such as Snow & Rock, explain to them you will be backcountry skiing and they will be able to advise you on what is best for you. Lastly, if necessary it is possible to rent most hardware items in Grindelwald. You can hire boots too, but this is a last resort (no one likes uncomfortable boots). 1. Skis with touring bindings – We would strongly recommend skis that you will enjoy skiing on, but are not too heavy, e.g. Rossignol B2 with fritschi bindings. With skins and ski crampons.
8. 3 sets socks and light coloured thermal tops 9. Lightweight Gore-Tex top/bottoms, warm hat, thick gloves, thin gloves (when skinning) 10. Insulating layers. I use a thin ‘100’ weight fleece and a synthetic duvet jacket (thin). 11. Personal first aid – Including a blister kit and ibuprofen. 12. Sleeping bag liner (you don’t need a sleeping bag as duvets/blankets are provided in huts) 13. Cash (euros) for extra drinks / snacks in huts – allow €20 per hut night Remember kit should be lightweight but functional - you have to carry it!
2. Poles 3. Boots - these must fit and be comfortable. We feel it is best not to rent boots if possible. Rather buy some and have them fitted professionally - this will make your week much more comfortable, fun and blister free! ‘Fit’ is more important than whether a boot is ‘stiff enough’ or not. I use a touring boot that is designed to ski well, rather than ultra-light. 4. Rucksack - 40-50l. With ski straps 5. Water bottle 6. Transceiver, probe, shovel, crampons, ice axe, harness, 1 screw gate karabiner, head torch
DREAM-GUIDES.COM INFO@DREAM-GUIDES.COM . +44 (0) 845 564 52 19
MORE INFO & BOOKING RATIO: 1:6 GUIDE: client LEVEL: Intermediate to Advanced off piste skiers (please see ski ability guidelines)
or duvets. Please note that sleeping bags are not required and slippers are provided. You can expect a fun atmosphere along with a stunning view to wake up to each morning. Most nights we are in Gites or village hotels which are more comfortable, with better facilities than mountain huts – but still provide a mountain charm. Other Information www.queyras.com is a good source of information about the area. And contains travel advice to get there. Look forward to seeing you soon!
PRICE INCLUDES: Mountain huts at half-board, hotels half board, guides fees and expenses PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Uplifts (minimal), equipment rental, travel insurance, valley meals in Guillestre, lunches/snacks when in the mountains, travel to/from Guillestre, taxis or trains To find out more about our course, availability, or to ask any questions, please get in touch with us by email to: info@dream-guides.com or by phone on +44 (0) 845 564 52 19 WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MOUNTAIN HUTS The huts are basic but extremely comfortable, the food is usually on a set menu basis (3 course in the evening, hot drink and bread/jam/cereal for breakfast) and we cater for vegetarians. However we often find that there is no running water, so you have to buy water to drink and wash with (no showers). You can usually buy tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks, chocolate bars and snacks. Sleeping arrangements are normally dormitory style bunk beds (e.g. 6 people on the bottom, 6 on the top) with blankets
DREAM-GUIDES.COM INFO@DREAM-GUIDES.COM . +44 (0) 845 564 52 19