CHAMEX BETA SERIES

POWERED BY ARC’TERYX

WINTER 2022 EDITION

BETA ICE CLIMBING SERIES 

14, 15 and 16 January

Nothing quite beats the exhilarating feeling of swinging your axe tools and scaling the face of a beautiful frozen waterfall. The ice climbing season is a relatively short one, but by far the most exciting and adrenaline inducing side of winter alpinism. The skills required benefit many other areas in mountaineering, so weather you are a complete beginner or have prior experience, come and learn something new with us this weekend. 

BETA BACK COUNTRY SERIES

11, 12 and 13 February

Floating in bottomless untracked fresh snow in a pristine back country environment is the ultimate dream sort after by any skier or snowboarder. But becoming a proficient and safe all round off piste rider, also involves being adept at adapting your strategy and ski style to suit changes in terrain, snow conditions and weather. On this weekend clinic series, we aim to improve your mountain safety skills and independence, allowing you to ski more remote off piste terrain with greater confidence, security and enjoyment.

BETA SKI TOURING SERIES

11, 12 and 13 March

Spring in the Alps is all about ski touring.  From your first steps to advanced techniques, our weekend of clinics will give you the essential skills and freedom to escape the lifts and crowded resorts, unlocking the gateway to the magical Alpine backcountry.

BETA SUMMIT SKIING SERIES

8, 9 and 10 April

With warmer temperatures and spring conditions, April is the perfect time to head higher into the mountains in search of better snow conditions. This weekend is dedicated to ski alpinism, introducing the required mountaineering, glacier travel and advanced ski touring skills and techniques required to access higher altitudes. This exciting and more remote environment is home to iconic hut to hut tours such as the Haute Route, and various incredible ski ascents of the 4000m summit’s of the Alps.

SKI TOURING ESSENTIALS

11 March
13 March

A clinic directed towards beginner to novice ski tourers, to help prepare you for the winter touring season ahead.

A full day on the mountains where we will be focussing on the following topics: Improving general and essential mountain skills, discussing and perfecting specific crucial skill sets (Skinning technique, kick turns, transitions), promoting the confidence to deal with changing mountain conditions, developing good and safe decision making processes, perfecting your Snow Sense "The ability to find good snow and avoid bad, or dangerous snow”, maximising the fun of each and every turn to get the absolute most out of a day of ski touring, along with basic emergency procedures. 

SKILL LEVEL 

Intermediate

DURATION

Full day

COST

€115 per person. Transport and lift pass is not included. 

LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

To participate in this workshop, you must be able to ski off-piste in all snow conditions. You need to have practiced ski touring at least 1 time before and have a minimum knowledge of the equipment and how it functions. A good physical condition is necessary and you should be able to walk for several hours in the mountains. This clinic is not suitable for those on split board.

LOCATION

Chamonix valley

GROUP SIZE

6 participants per guide

TIME & PLACE

07h45 at Chamonix Experience office

EQUIPMENT

Clothing: Base layers, GTX shell or soft shell ski pants and jacket, fleece or merino mid layer top, light puffer jacket, warm hat, sun hat, thin gloves, thick gloves.

Technical equipment: Ski touring skis & bindings & poles, ski touring boots, skins, ski crampons, avalanche safety equipment (shovel, probe, transceiver), 30-45 liters backpack, head torch, harness, ice axe, boot crampons, and helmet.              

Additional items: High protection sun cream, water bottle / thermo flask (1L), snacks & lunch food.  

Click here to book by email

GLACIER TRAVEL ESSENTIALS  

11 February
13 February

A clinic aimed at those wanting to learn and consolidate the essential skills required to become safer and more independent while out skiing on winter glacier terrain.

Whether you are aiming to be more knowledgeable and safer while descending off piste glacier itineraries such as the Vallee Blanche, or you are a ski tourer or ski mountaineer looking to traverse glacial terrain as part of an itinerary, this is the clinic for you.

We will teach you everything from the essentials of what to pack in your bag and how to plan a ski trip on a glacier, group management, how identify and avoid crevasses and seracs, secure a person that has fallen in a crevasse and conduct a crevasse rescue, and how to contact the relevant emergency services for assistnace.

SKILL LEVEL 

Advanced

DURATION

1 Full day

COST

€115 per person. Transport and lift pass is not included. 

LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

You must have an excellent level of off piste skiing or snowboarding in all snow conditions and be comfortable on slopes up to 35, in complete control, without falling. Basic experience using crampons and knowledge of ropes and knots is highly advised. You must be in excellent physical and cardio vascular shape, as we will be spending the day at high altitude. You are capable of skiing a full day, off-piste, in all types of snow. You can link multiple long descents without taking long breaks, carrying a backpack with safety equipment. (backpack, shovel, probe, snack, water, etc.)

LOCATION

Chamonix valley

GROUP SIZE

6 participants per guide

TIME & PLACE

07h45 at Chamonix Experience office

EQUIPMENT

Clothing: Base layers, GTX shell or soft shell ski pants and jacket, fleece or merino mid layer top, light puffer jacket, warm hat, sun hat, thin gloves, thick gloves.

Technical equipment: All terrain skis (min 90mm under foot) or snowboard, boots and poles (telescopic for snowboarders), avalanche safety equipment (shovel, probe, DVA), 30-45 liters backpack, head torch, harness, 4 screwgate carabiners, 2 regular carabiners, Auto-block pulley, 2 x 120 cm tape sling, belay device, 4 meters of 6mm rope, ice axe, boot crampons, helmet, dynamic lanyard, ice screw (long), prussic sling. 

Additional items: High protection sun cream, water bottle / thermo flask (1L), snacks & lunch food. 

Click here to book by email

ADVANCED OFF PISTE TECHNIQUES 

12 - 13 February (2 days) 

Take your off piste skiing technique and safety skills to the next level. This thrilling and full on 2 day clinic is aimed at experienced off piste skiers, who are looking to progress towards skiing more committed and technical off piste itineraries independently.

While skiing plenty of the varied and exciting terrain that Chamonix is most famous for, we will also cover aspects such as performing jump turns on steeper terrain, tips on how to make tight turns in trees, how to traverse sections of exposed terrain safely, tactics for choosing the best ski line, how to cope with difficult snow conditions, how to observe and read the snow conditions, general avalanche awareness and how to dig and interpret a basic snow test pit before dropping in, the importance of route planning and knowing when to turn back.

SKILL LEVEL 

Advanced

DURATION

2 full days

COST

€199 per person. Transport and lift pass is not included. 

LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

You have to be confident intermediate to advanced off piste skier with a min of 5 weeks experience skiing off piste. You are capable of descending slopes in various snow types, without falling (excessively…) or stopping continuously. You’re comfortable on slopes up to 35°. You are in excellent physical and cardio vascular shape. You can ski a full day, off-piste, in all types of snow. You can link multiple long descents without taking long breaks, carrying a backpack with safety equipment. (backpack, shovel, probe, snack, water, etc.). This clinic is not suitable for snowboarders.

LOCATION

Chamonix Valley

GROUP SIZE

6 participants per guide

TIME & PLACE

 07h45 at Chamonix Experience office

EQUIPMENT

Clothing: Base layers, GTX shell or soft shell ski pants and jacket, fleece or merino mid layer top, light puffer jacket, warm hat, sun hat, thin gloves, warm gloves.

Technical equipment: All mountain/backcountry skis (min 90mm underfoot) & bindings & poles, avalanche safety equipment (shovel, probe, transceiver), 30l backpack

Additional items: Ski helmet, High protection sun cream, water bottle / thermo flask (1L), snacks & lunch food. 

​Click here to book by email

ESSENTIAL OFF PISTE SAFETY SKILLS

11 February
12 February

An essential clinic for novice off piste skiers and snowboarders looking to understand and learn how to manage the abject risks associated with venturing outside of the controlled ski area.

This 1 day clinic will provide you with a basic skill set to help to give you confidence in decision making and raise your awareness of the hidden dangers of the back country.

We will cover the essential equipment needed in your backpack, how to interpret the weather and avalanche bulletin, how to assess the terrain, understand slope aspects and snow metamorphosis and identify the safest route option, emergency response DVA search and rescue techniques, and group management; clear communication, using and applying the 3x3 method, and keeping safe ski distances.

SKILL LEVEL 

Intermedaite 

DURATION

1 full day

COST

€115 per person. Transport and lift pass is not included. 

LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

You have to have an excellent level skiing/snowboarding on piste, be comfortable skiing on all groomed runs, making small turns, turning on demand, and skiing moguls/ bumps. You have experimented skiing/riding in sections of untracked snow next to the groomed pistes, but are looking to get further from the lifts- skiing powder and “natural” mountain snow. 
You’re in good physical shape. You can ski/snowboard with a backpack carrying backcountry essentials (shovel, probe, water, snack.) You can walk uphill for 15 minutes carrying your skis or snowboard on your pack.

LOCATION

Chamonix Valley

GROUP SIZE

6 skiers per guide

TIME & PLACE

07h45 at Chamonix Experience office

EQUIPMENT

Clothing: Base layers, GTX shell or soft shell ski pants and jacket, fleece or merino mid layer top, light puffer jacket, warm hat, sun hat, thin gloves, thick gloves.

Technical equipment: All mountain/backcountry skis (min 90mm underfoot) & bindings & poles/ Snowboard, boots, telescopic poles, avalanche safety equipment (shovel, probe, transceiver), 30l backpack

Additional items: Ski helmet, High protection sun cream, water bottle / thermo flask (1L), snacks & lunch food.  

Click here to book by email

SKI MOUNTAINEERING

11 March 
12 March 
13 March

The Ski Alpinism clinic offers experienced skiers insight into various techniques for steep skiing in the high mountains. Learn the advanced skinning techniques in alpine terrain; kick turns, as well as skiing and abseiling down steep, snowy terrain with skis.

You will practice good terrain recognition - the right moment to put on/remove skis and/or use crampons and an ice axe on steep slopes. You will learn to make anchors in mixed terrain, belay from your skis, and how to pass steep rock or ice sections. 

SKILL LEVEL 

Advanced

DURATION

Full day

COST

€115 per person. Transport and lift pass is not included. 

LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

You need to be an advanced skier ON and OFF piste, with at least 15 days of ski touring experience. You must be familiar with knots, rope management, crampons, ice axe and have prior rappelling experience. You must have the ability to skin 1200 vertical meters. This clinic is not suitable for those on split board.

LOCATION

Chamonix Valley

GROUP SIZE

6 participants per guide

TIME & PLACE

07h45 at Chamonix Experience office

EQUIPMENT

Clothing: Base layers, GTX shell or soft shell ski pants and jacket, fleece or merino mid layer top, light puffer jacket, warm hat, sun hat, thin gloves, thick gloves.

Technical equipment: Ski touring skis & bindings & poles, ski touring boots, skins, ski crampons, avalanche safety equipment (shovel, probe, transceiver), 30l backpack, head torch, harness, 4 screwgate carabiners, belay device, 4 meters of 6mm rope, ice axe, boot crampons, helmet, dynamic lanyard, 2 ice screws (long), prussic sling. 

Additional items: High protection sun cream, water bottle / thermo flask (1L), snacks & lunch food. 

Click here to book by email

Arc'teryx Store Chamonix

The Official Arct'eryx store in Chamonix will offer to participants of the Arc'teryx Academy Weekends rental equipment for discounted prices.

Mountain Drop-Offs

Our long-term partners providing transport from Geneva airport to resorts across the Alps. Contact Mountain Drop-Offs for your transfers to Chamonix. Click here for more information. 

Mont Blanc Natural Resort

Our lon-term partner in Chamonix will offer the participants preferable rates on lift passes during the Arcteryx Academy weekends. 

Chamonix

Big thanks to Chamonix for their long-term continuing support of the Arc'teryx Alpine Academy events. 

Skyway Monte Bianco

Big thanks to Skyway Monte Bianco for ongoing support on the Arct'eryx Alpine Academy events. 

Welcome to the Chamex Beta winter series 2022, an all new platform and identity for our community based educational mountain skills clinics here in Chamonix. Over the course of 4 exclusive and focused winter weekends from January to April,  Chamonix Experience and our partners at Arc’teryx, are offering a variety of educational clinics and evening talks covering the fundamentals of Ice climbing and Back county skiing/snowboarding, to Ski Touring and Ski Mountaineering. Each weekend series will be the focus of an individual winter mountain discipline, helping to create a more comprehensive and progressive learning environment for participants. Clinics are available for all levels and experiences, from beginner to advanced, with a strong focus on creating greater independence in the mountains and developing your winter safety skills. Throughout the Chamex Beta Series, a selection of Arc'teryx demo gear will be available for test for free.

DISCOVER MOUNTAIN HUT SKI/SPLITBOARD TOURING

12 - 13 March (2 days with 1 night)

The purpose of ski touring is above all,  to have the option to escape the crowds and experience the wild mountain environment in all it’s beauty.

This 2 day clinic offers novice ski tourers and split boarders a first experience of what it is like using mountain huts as a base for more remote ski touring in real back country terrain.  With an abundance of super cozy and comfortable huts dotted all over the landscape and varied terrain to explore and ski in every direction, the Gran Paradiso nature reserve in Italy, really is a dream destination for your first overnight ski touring experience.

Along the way you will have the opportunity to be involved in trip planning and preparation, improve your basic ski touring skills and avalanche awareness, and become familiar with staying in a refuge and the general hut customs.

SKILL LEVEL 

Intermediate

DURATION

2 Full days, 1 night

COST

€275 per person, transport is included. 1 night in the hut not included.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is on shared basis with breakfast and dinner. We will make the reservation and everyone will pay their stay individually. Please bring cash for the payment (about 90€ per person and per night + extra for drinks and snacks). 

LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

You have to have done at least 3 ski tours in back country terrain and be a competent off piste skier/snowboarders, capable of riding in any type of snow condition on slopes of 35 degrees. You must be in good physical condition and be capable of skinning 800m vertical meters.

LOCATION

Gran Paradiso, Italy

GROUP SIZE

6 participants per guide

TIME & PLACE

Briefing evening before at Chamex office 18h00.

EQUIPMENT

Clothing: Base layers, GTX shell or soft shell ski pants and jacket, fleece or merino mid layer top, light puffer jacket, warm hat, sun hat, thin gloves, thick gloves.

Technical equipment: Ski touring skis & bindings & poles, ski touring boots, skins/splitboard, boots, skins and telescopic poles, ski/snowboard crampons, avalanche safety equipment (shovel, probe, transceiver), 30l backpack, head torch, harness, dynamic lanyard, 1 screwgate carabiner, ice axe, boot crampons, helmet.

Additional items: Sleeping bag liner, sunglasses, ski goggles, earplugs, high protection sun cream, water bottle / thermo flask (1L), snacks & lunch food, about 100€ cash for the hut. 

Click here to book by email

ADVANCED SKI TOURING & SAFETY

12 - 13 March (2 days with 1 night)

Longer and more advanced ski touring itineraries at higher altitudes often involve negotiating steeper slopes and travelling over avalanche terrain and glaciers. 

On this hands on 2 day clinic, we will focus mainly on recognising and managing these abject risks, helping you to stay safer while enjoying more committed ski tours. We will discuss topics such as planning and choosing the safest skin track and descent, advanced skinning techniques on steeper slopes, perfecting kick turns as well learning about as various avalanche types, observations of the recent avalanche activity, evaluation of the avalanche bulletin and potential avalanche hazards, terrain traps, snow profile and safe travel practice of the ski group.

We will also practice search techniques with transceivers and probes, efficient digging techniques, how to contact the local mountain rescue and manage an efficient rescue as a team, as well as how to secure someone in a crevasse and perform a crevasse rescue. This clinic will be held in the Argentiere Glacier valley and we will stay at the hut for the night.

SKILL LEVEL 

Advanced

DURATION

2 Full days, 1 night

COST

€215 per person. Lift pass and 1 night in the hut not included.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is on shared basis with breakfast and dinner. We will make the reservation and everyone will pay their stay individually. Please bring cash for the payment (about 90€ per person and per night + extra for drinks and snacks). 

LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

You need to be an advanced skier ON and OFF piste, with at least 10 days of ski touring experience. You must be familiar with your gear skins, crampons, ice axe, and have some rope management skills, specially  some prior rappelling experience. You must have the ability to skin 1000 vertical meters. This clinic is not suitable for those on split board.

LOCATION

Argentiere basin

GROUP SIZE

6 participants per guide

TIME & PLACE

Briefing evening before at Chamex office 18h00.

EQUIPMENT

Clothing: Base layers, GTX shell or soft shell ski pants and jacket, fleece or merino mid layer top, light puffer jacket, warm hat, sun hat, thin gloves, thick gloves.

Technical equipment: Ski touring skis & bindings & poles, ski touring boots, skins, ski crampons, avalanche safety equipment (shovel, probe, transceiver), 30l backpack, head torch, harness, 4 screwgate carabiners, 2 regular carabiners, Auto-block pulley, 2 x 120 cm tape sling, belay device, 4 meters of 6mm rope, ice axe, boot crampons, helmet, belay device, dynamic lanyard, ice screw (long), prussic sling. 

Additional items: Sleeping bag liner, sunglasses, ski goggles, earplugs, high protection sun cream, water bottle / thermo flask (1L), snacks & lunch food, about 100€ cash for the hut. 

Click here to book by email

GLACIER TRAVEL ESSENTIALS 

12 March

A clinic aimed at those wanting to learn and consolidate the essential skills required to become safer and more independent while out skiing on winter glacier terrain. Whether you are aiming to be more knowledgeable and safer while descending off piste glacier itineraries such as the Vallee Blanche, or you are a ski tourer or ski mountaineer looking to traverse glacial terrain as part of an itinerary, this is the clinic for you.

We will teach you everything from the essentials of what to pack in your bag and how to plan a ski trip on a glacier, group management, how identify and avoid crevasses and seracs, secure a person that has fallen in a crevasse and conduct a crevasse rescue, and how to contact the relevant emergency services for assistnace.

SKILL LEVEL 

Advanced

DURATION

1 Full day

COST

€115 per person. Lift pass not included.

LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

You must have an excellent level of off piste skiing or snowboarding in all snow conditions and be comfortable on slopes up to 35, in complete control, without falling. Basic experience using crampons and knowledge of ropes and knots is highly advised. You must be in excellent physical and cardio vascular shape, as we will be spending the day at high altitude. You are capable of skiing a full day, off-piste, in all types of snow. You can link multiple long descents without taking long breaks, carrying a backpack with safety equipment. (backpack, shovel, probe, snack, water, etc.) This clinic is not suitable for those on split board.

LOCATION

Chamonix Valley /Aiguille du Midi

GROUP SIZE

6 participants per guide

TIME & PLACE

Chamex office 07h45

EQUIPMENT

Clothing: Base layers, GTX shell or soft shell ski pants and jacket, fleece or merino mid layer top, light puffer jacket, warm hat, sun hat, thin gloves, thick gloves.

Technical equipment: All terrain skis (min 90mm under foot) or snowboard, boots and poles (telescopic for snowboarders), avalanche safety equipment (shovel, probe, DVA), 30-45 liters backpack, head torch, harness, 4 screwgate carabiners, 2 regular carabiners, Auto-block pulley, 2 x 120 cm tape sling, belay device, 4 meters of 6mm rope, ice axe, boot crampons, helmet, dynamic lanyard, ice screw (long), prussic sling. 

Additional items: High protection sun cream, water bottle / thermo flask (1L), snacks & lunch food. 

Click here to book by email

CREVASSE RESCUE FOR SKI MOUNTAINEERS

8 April
10 April

Ski touring and climbing at high altitudes in the alps often involves moving on glaciers. There are many hazards often hidden to untrained eyes. This clinic teaches recognition of these hazards as well as various rescue techniques. 

Crevasse rescue training with specific techniques including hauling your partner out of a crevasse, ascending on a rope, securing the lip of the crevasse, using a dead man anchor, installing a safety rope, and other essential skills. 

This clinic is an essential prerequisite for all those looking to aspire to ascend and ski the most classical 4000m summits of the Alps.

SKILL LEVEL 

Advanced

DURATION

1 Full day

COST

€120 per person. Lift pass not included.

LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

Advanced ski touring and mountaineering skills.You must be confident with crampons, ice axe and rope management. Experience of climbing, belaying and abseiling is required. Fitness-wise you should be able to ski and climb for several hours.

LOCATION

Aiguille du Midi or Skyway

GROUP SIZE

6 participants per guide

TIME & PLACE

Chamex office 07h45

EQUIPMENT

Clothing: Base layers, GTX shell or soft shell ski pants and jacket, fleece or merino mid layer top, light puffer jacket, warm hat, sun hat, thin gloves, thick gloves.

Technical equipment: Ski touring skis & bindings & poles, ski touring boots, skins, ski crampons, avalanche safety equipment (shovel, probe, transceiver), 30-45 liters backpack, head torch, harness, 4 screwgate carabiners, 2 regular carabiners, Auto-block pulley, 2 x 120 cm tape sling, belay device, 4 meters of 6mm rope, ice axe, boot crampons, helmet, dynamic lanyard, ice screw (long), prussic sling. 

Additional items: High protection sun cream, water bottle / thermo flask (1L), snacks & lunch food. 

Click here to book by email

SKI MOUNTAINEERING

9 April

The Ski Alpinism clinic offers experienced skiers insight into various techniques for steep skiing in the high mountains. Learn the advanced skinning techniques in alpine terrain; kick turns, as well as skiing and abseiling down steep, snowy terrain with skis.

You will practice good terrain recognition - the right moment to put on/remove skis and/or use crampons and an ice axe on steep slopes. You will learn to make anchors in mixed terrain, belay from your skis, and how to pass steep rock or ice sections. 

SKILL LEVEL 

Advanced

DURATION

1 Full day

COST

€115 per person. Lift pass not included.

LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

You need to be an advanced skier ON and OFF piste, with at least 15 days of ski touring experience. You must be familiar with knots, rope management, crampons, ice axe and have prior rappelling experience. You must have the ability to skin 1200 vertical meters. This clinic is not suitable for those on split board.

LOCATION

Chamonix Valley

GROUP SIZE

6 participants per guide

TIME & PLACE

Chamex office 07h45

EQUIPMENT

Clothing: Base layers, GTX shell or soft shell ski pants and jacket, fleece or merino mid layer top, light puffer jacket, warm hat, sun hat, thin gloves, thick gloves.

Technical equipment: Ski touring skis & bindings & poles, ski touring boots, skins, ski crampons, avalanche safety equipment (shovel, probe, transceiver), 30l backpack, head torch, harness, 4 screwgate carabiners, belay device, 4 meters of 6mm rope, ice axe, boot crampons, helmet, dynamic lanyard, 2 ice screws (long), prussic sling. 

Additional items: High protection sun cream, water bottle / thermo flask (1L), snacks & lunch food. 

Click here to book by email

INTRODUCTION TO 4000M SUMMIT SKIING

8 - 10 April (3 days with 2 nights)

A progressive weekend of hut to hut ski touring, concluding with ascending and descending your first 4000m summits on skis. This clinic is designed for intermediate level ski tourers with basic mountaineering experience, who are looking to learn the skills required for skiing longer and more technical high mountain hut to hut itineraries.

We will be spending 3 thrilling days and 2 nights amongst the peaks of the Monte Rosa  region straddling the boarder  between Italy and Switzerland, covering topics and skills such acclimatisation at altitude, how to prevent and manage fatigue at altitude with nutrition and sensible pace setting, tips to perform efficient transitions from skin, to climb to ski, using ski crampons steeper, icy sections of terrain, climbing in crampons with your skis on your back, along with basic navigation and mountain safety skills.

We will start in Gressonay, taking the lift up to Indren and skinning up to the Orestes hut, where we will spend our first night enjoying amazing vegan food and optional yoga session. Day 2 will be set aside for brushing up our skills and ski touring up to the higher Gnifetti hut for night 2, where we will then be perfectly positioned on day 3 to scale Pyramid Vincent at 4215m, before enjoying the long ski descent back to Gressonay to end the trip.

SKILL LEVEL 

Advanced

DURATION

3 Full days, 2 nights

COST

€495 per person. Lift pass and 2 nights in the hut not included.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is on shared basis with breakfast and dinner. We will make the reservation and everyone will pay their stay individually. Please bring cash for the payment (about 90€ per person and per night + extra for drinks and snacks). 

LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

You need to be an advanced skier ON and OFF piste, with at least 10 days of ski touring experience. You must be familiar with using crampons, ice axe and have prior rappelling experience. You must have a high level of fitness and be able to skin 1000 vertical meters. This clinic is not suitable for those on split board.

LOCATION

Gressonay

GROUP SIZE

5 participants per guide

TIME & PLACE

Briefing evening before at Chamex office 18h00.

EQUIPMENT

Clothing: Base layers, GTX shell or soft shell ski pants and jacket, fleece or merino mid layer top, light puffer jacket, warm hat, sun hat, thin gloves, thick gloves.

Technical equipment: Ski touring skis & bindings & poles, ski touring boots, skins, ski crampons, avalanche safety equipment (shovel, probe, transceiver), 30l backpack, head torch, harness, 4 screwgate carabiners, 2 regular carabiners, Auto-block pulley, 2 x 120 cm tape sling, belay device, 4 meters of 6mm rope, ice axe, boot crampons, helmet, belay device, dynamic lanyard, ice screw (long), prussic sling. 

Additional items: Sleeping bag liner, sunglasses, ski goggles, earplugs, high protection sun cream, water bottle / thermo flask (1L), snacks & lunch food, about 100€ cash for the hut. 

Click here to book by email

ADVANCED 4000M SUMMIT SKIING

8 - 10 April (3 days and 2 nights)

An engaging and physically demanding weekend of high altitude ski mountaineering, summiting multiple connected 4000m summits from the Swiss village of Saas Fee. This area of the alps is home to the largest number of 4000m summits. Here we will spend 3 days using the Britannia hutte (3030m) as our base from which we will have access to explore a range of different summit options from Allalinhorn, Stralhorn, Rimpfishorn, Alphubel, or even the Weismies.

Your guide will adapt the itinerary according to the mountain conditions and capability of the group. Along the way will cover topics such as advanced glacier travel skills, map reading and navigation, practice and perfect advanced skinning techniques in alpine terrain; kick turns, as well as skiing and abseiling down steep, snowy terrain with skis. You will practice good terrain recognition - the right moment to put on/remove skis and/or use crampons and an ice axe on steep slopes. You will also learn to make anchors in mixed terrain, belay from your skis, and how to pass steep rock or ice sections. This will be a challenging 3 days packed full of big mountain adventure.

SKILL LEVEL 

Advanced

DURATION

3 Full days, 2 nights

COST

€595 per person. Lift pass and 2 nights in the hut not included.

LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

You need to be an excellent off piste skier and strong ski tourer with previous ski mountaineering experience at altitude You must be proficient using crampons and ice axe, climbing with your skis on your back and have prior rappelling and rope management experience. You must be in excellent physical and cardio vascular shape and have the ability to skin 1500 vertical meters. This clinic is not suitable for those on split board.

LOCATION

Saas Fee

GROUP SIZE

5 participants per guide

TIME & PLACE

Briefing evening before at Chamex office 18h00.

EQUIPMENT

Clothing: Base layers, GTX shell or soft shell ski pants and jacket, fleece or merino mid layer top, light puffer jacket, warm hat, sun hat, thin gloves, thick gloves.

Technical equipment: Ski touring skis & bindings & poles, ski touring boots, skins, ski crampons, avalanche safety equipment (shovel, probe, transceiver), 30l backpack, head torch, harness, 4 screwgate carabiners, 2 regular carabiners, Auto-block pulley, 2 x 120 cm tape sling, belay device, 4 meters of 6mm rope, ice axe, boot crampons, helmet, belay device, dynamic lanyard, ice screw (long), prussic sling. 

Additional items: Sleeping bag liner, sunglasses, ski goggles, earplugs, high protection sun cream, water bottle / thermo flask (1L), snacks & lunch food, about 100€ cash for the hut. 

Click here to book by email