Essential Information for Skiing
Where do the courses take place?
Most of our skiing courses are based in the Chamonix valley in France. The exceptions are the Haute Route, which starts in the Chamonix valley and finishes at Zermatt, and off-piste skiing at La Grave. Bespoke guiding can be in any of these venues or anywhere else in the Alps. We choose a venue for each day depending on the aims of the day and the weather forecast.
You will need to arrange your own accommodation, and lots of useful ideas can be downloaded here:
Chamonix accommodation & travel
La Grave accommodation & travel
What previous experience do I need?
Each course is given a grade for skiing ability and fitness level.
Ski Ability Level
Level 1: Introductory
You can ski red runs confidently with linked turns (moving from one turn straight into the next without traversing), and you want to improve technique in variable snow
Level 2: Intermediate
You can ski black runs confidently with linked turns (moving from one turn straight into the next without traversing), and you want to improve technique in variable snow
Level 3: Advanced
You can ski all types of snow and terrain confidently in a wide range of conditions
Fitness levels
Level 1
You are fit enough to ski all day on a week-long ski holiday with stops for food and drink. You are able to ski off-piste for most of the day, but feel tired towards the end. You regularly exercise 2-3 times a week eg running, walking, cycling, swimming or playing sports. A raised heart rate is normal whilst exercising, and you can sustain this for a period of time e.g. 45 minute run, 2 hour bike ride.
Level 2
You are fit enough to ski all day with only short stops for food and drink. You can ski off-piste all day without being too tired at the end of the day, and you can do this over several consecutive days. You regularly exercise 3-5 times a week eg running, walking, cycling, swimming or playing sports to maintain your fitness, and you’re able to push yourself harder if needed for short periods of time.
How much will it cost?
1:1 £410 per day
1:2 £430 per day
1:3 £450per day
1:4 £470 per day
1:5 £490 per day
1:6 £510 per day
In addition to the guiding fees you will need to pay for cable cars, and for the Haute Route and Ski Touring Mont Blanc, for overnights in mountain huts. You will pay these same expenses for Chris. Prices in each hut vary, but in all but the most expensive huts, bed and half board is usually 60-85€ per person, with guides being charged a lower rate (around 40-60€). This includes dinner and breakfast, but not drinks and snacks. Some huts do not have running water, so bottled water must be bought. Members of the Alpine Club are given a reduced rate. Hut fees are paid in the local currency, and many huts accept credit cards. Cable cars cost between 29€ and 65€ for a return ticket.
You will also need to pay for travel to the Alps, insurance, and food and accommodation when in the valley. See below for transport costs during the course.
What about transport?
If you don't have your own car we can take you around in our car. Transport around the Chamonix valley is included in your guiding fees. Any travel in our car outside the Chamonix valley is charged at 0.50€/mile. For the Haute Route, we use taxis as needed, and you will need to cover the cost of these - see the Haute Route page for info on this.
What do I need to bring?
A detailed equipment list can be downloaded here:
Skiing kit list
