SKI TOURING CALENDAR 2023
January 2023
Refuge Wallon OR Luz St Sauveur Base Camp
2 - 6 Jan (CONFIRMED), 7 - 13 Jan, 14 - 20 Jan 2023 :
• Marcadau Valley Intro Ski Tour Refuge Wallon 1865m Base Camp
We take advantage of the newly renovated Refuge Wallon above Cauterets in the Central French High Pyrenees, using it as a base to explore the valleys towards the Spanish border. Easy access makes it suitable for beginners, and a great base for beginning your ski touring career. With challenge enough for all levels this is also suitable for more experienced skiers and gives the option of a night over in Spain if conditions allow.
Price : 800€ - 1290€pp (4P - 2P, 4 nights gite/refuge), 1165€ - 1875€ (4P - 2P, 6 nights gite/refuge ), Grade: D1:A1:F1 or grade to suit, Meet: Lourdes train station, Group size: 2 - 4P.
2 - 6 Jan, 7 - 13 Jan, 14 - 20 Jan 2023 :
• Luz St Sauveur Base: Intro Ski Touring or Private Ski Tour
From our base in Luz we offer either half board hostel accommodation or self catering apartments in the heart of the village. Each week can be modified for your level and group size. The valleys offer a huge range of options for day tours for all levels of skiing. Pic du Midi off-piste descent option and also the option of a night out in Refuge Wallon.
Price: 790€ - 1585€pp (hostel half board or self catering apartment options, 4P - 2P) Grade: D1:A1:F1 or fit to client, Meet: Lourdes train station, Group size: 2 - 4P.
February 2023
Luz St Sauveur Base Camp
4 - 11 Feb 2023 :
Private Trip: Day Trips from Luz St Sauveur, Hotel Les Templiers base.
18 - 25 Feb 2023 :
• Intro Ski Touring / Winter Skills OR Private Ski Tour Pyrenees
Price : 1595€pp twin share B&B hotel, or self catering apartment Grade : D1:A1:F1 OR fit to client, Meet : Luz St Sauveur
Ski tours Pyrenees
11 – 18 Feb 2023 :
• Carlit – (Eastern Pyrenees)
Price : 1395€ Grade : D1:A1:F1, Meet : Ax Les Thermes train station
18 – 25 Feb 2023 :
• Marcadau - Panticosa French Spanish Ski Tour
Price: 1395€, Grade: D1:A2:F2, Meet: Lourdes train station.
March 2023
Pyrenees Ski Tours
25 Feb – 4 Mar 2023:
• Encantats Ski Tour (CONFIRMED, 3 places remaining)
Price : 1395€ Grade : D1:A1:F2, Meet : Montrejeau train station.
4 – 11 Mar (or 4-9 Mar) 2023:
• Néouvielle Nature Reserve – Lakes and Peaks (Pyrenees)
Price : 1395€ Grade : D1:A1:F1, Meet : Lourdes train station
11 – 18 Mar 2023:
• Spanish High Route Pyrenees Ski Tour
Price: 1425€, Grade: D2:A3:F2, Meet: Montrejeau train station
18 - 25 Mar 2023:
• Pyrenees National Park Ski Tour
Price: 1395€, Grade: D2:A3:F2, Meet: Lourdes train station
Ski Tours European Alps
4 – 11 Mar 2023:
• Cerces Southern Alps Ski Tour
Price: 1495€, Grade: D1:A2:F2, Meet: Briançon train station
18 – 25 Mar 2022:
• Larche – Briançon Traverse (CONFIRMED, 2 places remaining)
Price: 1495€ Grade: D2:A2:F2, Meet: Briançon train station
25 Mar – 1 Apr 2023:
Price: 1550€, Grade: D1:A1:F2, Meet: Innsbruck train station
25 Mar – 1 Apr 2023:
• Domes de la Vanoise Ski Tour (France)
Price: 1495€, Grade: D :A :F, Meet: Moutiers -Salins - Brides Les Bains train station
April 2023
French and Swiss Alps Tours
1 – 8 Apr 2023:
• Tour du Soleil (Switzerland & Italy)
Price: 1625€, Grade: D2:A3:F3, Meet: Brig, Switzerland
8 – 15 Apr 2023:
• Urner High Route (Switzerland)
Price: 1650€, Grade: D2:A3:F3, Meet: Realp, Switzerland
1 – 8 Apr 2023 :
• Gran Paradiso Ski Tour (Italy)
Price: 1495€, Grade: D2:A2:F2, Meet: Aoste train station
8 - 15 Apr 2023 :
Highlights of the Pyrenees Ski Tour
Price: 1395€, Grade: D2:A2:F2, Meet: Lourdes train station
GRADE CODING
D = DESCENT
D1 – simple skiing on wide slopes with little danger of exposure due to cliff faces, seracs or glaciers. Expect slopes similar to a red piste in gradient terms.
D2 – expect some slopes with object dangers like cliff faces, narrow passages between crevasses or ice falls and the occasional gully or couloir. Slopes may be slightly steeper than in our D1 grade but generally do not exceed 30 degrees.
D3 – expect steeper slopes, narrower gulleys, and skiing in more confined spaces. You must be able to ski completely in control in all snow conditions on slopes up to 35 degrees.
A = ASCENT
A1 – climbs on these ski tours average between 800 and 1000 metres a day at a moderate pace on gentle terrain. Expect to spend fours hours climbing. A1 tours do not generally require the use of an ice axe but you may need boot crampons on one or two passes.
A2 – longer climbs up to 1200 metres a day but with optional peak ascents requiring some mountaineering skills. You will use crampons and may need an ice axe (see individual tour requirements). Expect to cover the 1200 metres in 3.5 hours – so these tours do move at a faster pace than our A1 groups.
A3 – these tours are tougher and require climbs of 1400 metres and occasional longer days up to 1800 metres a day. You need to be completely competent with uphill kick turns (able to perform them in steep tricky situations) and you need an ice axe and crampons. A3 tours are only suitable for people who have completed at least three ski tours before.
F = FITNESS
F1 – these tours require basic hill and ski fitness as they are only at moderate altitude and you are climbing and skiing at a moderate rate. We expect you to be able to climb and ski at a steady pace with two or three breaks during the climb.
F2 – as these groups move at a faster pace, and many of these tours are at a higher altitude, you need to be fitter. You should be a regular hill walker or cycle a fair amount and you should be ski fit too – so ideally you will have been skiing on piste (or on an off -piste week) before joining these groups.
F3 – these groups cover ground at a fast pace without stopping very often. You need to be able to climb with a good rhythm at this pace for up to five hours. These tours are only suitable for people who have many years ski touring experience and are well prepared physically.
Note : please bear in mind that although we have given each tour a D:A:F grade the actual grade of a route may well feel different if the conditions are hard – i.e if there is a lot of breakable crust, or stormy weather for example.