Grand-Saint-Bernard ski tour
History of the place
Grand-Saint-Bernard hospice
Varied ski terrain
3 DAYS OF SKI TOURING AT THE GRAND SAINT BERNARD
The Saint-Bernard ski tour takes you through one of the most scenic and historically rich alpine regions, nestled between Switzerland and Italy at the Col du Saint Bernard. This unique location, historically significant for its role as a primary route through the Alps during Napoleon’s time, is now famous for its connection to the legendary Saint Bernard rescue dogs. However, the region’s history dates back to 1800 when Napoleon’s troops crossed the pass in their quest to conquer Italy. Today, this wild and remote location offers an unforgettable experience for ski tourers seeking both adventure and history.
Your journey begins at the Grand Saint Bernard Hospice, a historic structure built in 1050 by the Chanoines, which continues to welcome pilgrims and travelers crossing the Alps. This is where you’ll spend your first night, soaking in the warmth and hospitality of the hospice while being surrounded by breathtaking alpine views. The atmosphere is one of peacefulness, making it the perfect start to your Saint-Bernard ski tour.
On Day 2, the tour takes you to the “Plan du Jeu” cabin, an old sheepfold transformed into a charming and cozy refuge. The rustic hut is a stark contrast to the historic hospice but offers just as much charm and character. The hut guardian, Vincent, is an outstanding chef who prepares delicious meals using locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding villages. The food is not only a treat for the palate but also a celebration of the region’s rich traditions and culinary heritage.
Throughout the Saint-Bernard ski tour, your guide will select the best ski touring routes based on the current snow conditions, ensuring you get the most out of each day on the slopes. This tour offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with no ski lifts in sight—just pure, uninterrupted alpine skiing.
This tour is about more than just skiing; it’s about taking the time to truly experience the serenity of the mountains. The Col du Saint Bernard is a place that invites contemplation, making it ideal for those who seek a calm and mindful approach to ski touring. There’s no rush here—skiing is done at a relaxed pace, with an emphasis on enjoying the surroundings, connecting with nature, and savoring the experience.
We highly recommend this Saint-Bernard ski tour for anyone looking for a peaceful and immersive ski adventure, free from the pressure of performance and the crowds of busy ski resorts. This is a journey that allows you to live in the moment and truly appreciate the beauty of the Alps, from January to April.
From: 799 €
Intermediate
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Groups of up to 6 per guide
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3 days of skiing
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Available January – April
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2 nights in huts
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Itinerary suitable for split boards
Dates
Start date | End date | Space | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Friday 28 February 2025
|
Sunday 2 March 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
799 €
| Make enquiry |
Thursday 6 March 2025
|
Saturday 8 March 2025
|
Guaranteed
|
799 €
| Make enquiry |
Thursday 13 March 2025
|
Saturday 15 March 2025
|
Available
|
799 €
| Make enquiry |
Thursday 20 March 2025
|
Saturday 22 March 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
799 €
| Make enquiry |
Thursday 27 March 2025
|
Saturday 29 March 2025
|
Available
|
799 €
| Make enquiry |
Thursday 3 April 2025
|
Saturday 5 April 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
799 €
| Make enquiry |
Thursday 10 April 2025
|
Saturday 12 April 2025
|
Available
|
799 €
| Make enquiry |
Dates
Start date | End date | Space | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Friday 28 February 2025
|
Sunday 2 March 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
799 €
| Make enquiry |
Thursday 6 March 2025
|
Saturday 8 March 2025
|
Guaranteed
|
799 €
| Make enquiry |
Thursday 13 March 2025
|
Saturday 15 March 2025
|
Available
|
799 €
| Make enquiry |
Thursday 20 March 2025
|
Saturday 22 March 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
799 €
| Make enquiry |
Thursday 27 March 2025
|
Saturday 29 March 2025
|
Available
|
799 €
| Make enquiry |
Thursday 3 April 2025
|
Saturday 5 April 2025
|
Two more to guarantee
|
799 €
| Make enquiry |
Thursday 10 April 2025
|
Saturday 12 April 2025
|
Available
|
799 €
| Make enquiry |
Itinerary
Arrival day
There will be a meeting the day before departure in our office in Chamonix to meet your guide, check your equipment and ask all questions you may have.
D1: Chamonix – Bourg St Pierre – Hospice du Grand St Bernard (+ 550 m)
Departure from Chamonix will be at 8am – your guide will drive the group to Bourg St Pierre – the journey is about 1h30. We will start skinning to the Hospice from the parking lot at the entrance of the St Bernard Tunnel. On arrival at the hospice, we drop off our packs, then after drinking the “welcome tea” (a thousand year old tradition), we head for either one of the small summits located nearby, the Grande Chenalette or the Col de Barasson. Dinner and night at the hospice.
D2: Mont Fourchon (2902m) – Cabane du Plan Du Jeu (2081M) – (+ 800m)
A gentle start today for this great classic. Crossing the Italian border, then an obvious climb to this magnificent summit, Mont Fourchon, a border lookout with a view of the Mont Blanc peaks. After a long descent followed by very short ascent, we reach our next refuge, where we spend the night. Food is great here, composed of good local products.
D3: Monts Telliers (2951m) – (+ 950m) – return to Chamonix
Today starts with a short ski descent. We will have the option to leave some stuff in our vehicle to lighten the bags. The ascent to the Monts Telliers starts gently then it becomes progressively steeper until we reach the foot of the summit which we bootpack to the top. The view are amazing – fabulous panorama on the big summits of the Valais including the Mont Vélan and the Grand Combin. The well deserved ski descent is long and playful all the way to the parking.
We will return to Chamonix in the afternoon.
Level requirements
This program is designed for intermediate off-piste skiers with minimum ski touring experience.
Good physical condition is required, participants must be able to withstand a continuous effort of 4 to 5 hours, with about 800 vertical meters climbs.
Guide Fee
UIAGM / IFMGA mountain guide – a fully qualified and experienced Chamex guide will accompany you for the duration of your trip.
Transport
Transport as described in the itinerary is included
Mountain huts
2 nights in mountain huts with breakfast and dinner included.
Office Support
Our team is based at the foot of the Aiguillle du Midi cable car and will be happy to help you with any questions you may have before, during or after your trip to Chamonix.
Not included in price
Food & Drink
The price does not include lunch or snacks. You can bring your own food and we can stop for a picnic, or there may be the option to buy lunch at a mountain hut. Please make sure that you are carrying sufficient water and snacks as we will be in the mountains for a number of hours.
Accommodation in Chamonix
Any accommodation additional to that provided during the course. If you wish to stay in Chamonix for a few days before or after your trip, we will be happy to help you find and book accommodation on request.
Personal Equipment
Please see the “Equipment” tab to find out what you will need on this trip / course. For private customised guiding, please contact us directly to confirm your personalised kit list.
Travel to Chamonix
The price does not include flights, airport transfers or any other travel to/from Chamonix. However, we can organise airport transfers for you on request, please contact us for details.
Insurance
Travel insurance including a mountain search and rescue insurance is mandatory on all our trips (we can organise the mountai search and rescue insurance for you on request). We highly advice to have a policy covering the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.