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CloseBeginners Backcountry & Touring Skills
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This thrilling week in Chamonix focuses on backcountry skiing and ski touring. Learn ski touring basics, mountain safety, and off piste techniques from expert guides, preparing you for more advanced adventures!
What's Included
What’s included:
- Six nights chalet accommodation with hot tub
- One night in mountain hut
- Six nights chalet board
- Six days with instructors
- In resort transportation
- Transceiver if required
What’s not included
- Flights
- Transfers
- Lunches (Approx €25 a day)
- Ski Passes
- Ski/boot hire
- Backpack, metal shovel and probe (mandatory)
On Snow Experience
This trip includes six days with instructors learning all about ski touring and elements of mountaincraft. You will still fit in lots of great skiing, but importantly will be learning and practicing ski touring techniques and improving your mountain knowledge. You’ll be split into groups of 6 based on your ski profile. This holiday is for Silver and Purple off piste skiers. If you are unsure of your ski profile, please visit our ‘Ski Profiles’ page. You will be using the lift system to gain height but should expect up to 3 hours ski touring a day. The Wednesday night will involve staying in a mountain hut. This is included in the cost of the trip and includes dinner and breakfast, you will just be required to bring a sleeping bag liner. A kit list will be sent out prior to the trip departing; this will have been put together by the IFMGA Guide to ensure nothing is forgotten!
Guides, Chalet Hosts and Ski Club Reps
Josh & Elle
Elle - Hi I’m Elle, I’m 28 years old, a proper Yorkshire lass, and now on my fourth season chalet hosting in the glorious French Alps. No one in my family is a skier, so I learnt when I was 16 on my school ski trip to Saalbach, Austria. I was instantly hooked from just my first few runs, and my complete lack of fear meant that I didn’t hold back! I then started dry slope ski racing at university as it was so incredibly cheap to do, and spent four years pounding the dendex and smashing slalom gates, even competing nationally. By the time I did my first season, I was a nifty speed demon on the pistes… but absolutely useless off them! So I’ve been spending my last few winters learning to ski off-piste, which has grown into a love of free ride, touring and the backcountry. I also picked up snowboarding whilst on seasons and now spend half my time on the mountain on one plank instead of two. In the summer time you can find me leading children’s art classes, getting out in nature, and practicing my recipes for the winter. Josh and I met at university when we were 20 and both took a very active role in the snowsports club - Josh as president and I as race captain. We’ve been together for nearly eight years now and have successfully run four chalets together in La Plagne, Flaine, and now Chamonix.
Josh - Hi, I'm Josh. I'm 28 and grew up in the UK. This will be my 5th season chalet hosting in the alps, having spent 3 years working in La Plagne in the Paradiski, followed by a year in Flaine running Ski Club's Freshtracks chalets in the Grand Massif. Elle and I have run a number of different chalets between us, ranging in size up to 19 guests, so you'll be in good hands! We loved working for Ski Club in Flaine last year, and we're always looking for a new adventure, so we jumped at the opportunity to run the new Freshtracks Chalet in Chamonix. It's an amazing town and ski area with a massive amount of history so we're very excited to make it our (and your!) home for the winter.
I've been skiing for many years, 4 or 5 of which I spent ski racing, but since I started living in the Alps over winter, I have focused more and more on off-piste and touring. There's nothing Elle and I love more than a great powder day, but to be honest we're just at our happiest out in the mountains regardless of the conditions. Nowadays, we both ski and snowboard and love both equally. We can't wait to see what this season has in store!In the summer I like to skateboard, mountain bike, fish and hike, and work as a sales engineer for a scientific research equipment company as my academic background is in Physics.
Simon Abrahams
Simon is an experienced mountain guide who has been working with SCGB for many years. He looks forward to meeting you on the slopes!
Kathy Murphy
Originally from the Lake District in the UK, Kathy worked as an Outdoor Activities Teacher, later specialising in climbing, skiing and mountaineering. Her climbing activities have taken her to North and South America, Africa and Asia as well as over 20 Alpine seasons in Europe. Kathy now spends most of her time in the Alps. During the winter her main activities are off-piste skiing and ski touring. Summertime is spent in Switzerland, where she often works for the International School of Mountaineering, Leysin.
Richard Turton
I started skiing with mates age 19 and got the bug. We would go to the liveliest resorts around Europe and skied with hangovers for many years. After spending a great time at Dundee university I learned to snowboard and since then have tried to do both each year. Recently I have started to take skiing more seriously and have had some instruction to beat those deeply instilled bad habits out of me. I semi-retired last year and took the rep course in December 2022 where I met some great fellow newbie reps. Now I hope to be able to share my enthusiasm of snow sports to club members. See you on the snow throughout the winter- come and join me!
Caroline Elliott
My time spent in Austria as a child on family ski holidays ignited my passion for the mountains. When I said to my brother early on that I wanted to be a ski instructor, he scoffed at this and said that I couldn't make a living from it. Since leaving uni I slipped back into where my heart lay and have been working on and off in the Snowsport's industry ever since. I started working as a ‘Pisteur Secouriste’ in France in 2007, later aided by my beautiful furry pal, Fjord the flat coated retriever, trained and qualified in Avalanche SAR. No longer with us he remains in the hearts of many having been such an incredible soul, and now lives on in my children's book 'Fjord's Mountain Mission'.
I'm a powder hound, 'scuse the pun, but equally I love sliding off into the backcountry to ski tour in the folds of nature's arms. I really enjoy being with others who are keen to share the mountain experience and at the same time respect this unique environment.
Maybe see you one day à bientôt!
Find out more about this trip ...
We are ATOL and ABTOT protected so you can book with confidence knowing your money is secure.
Our holidays are a great way to meet and ski with other members of a similar ability to you.
Have questions? Call now and talk to our friendly team of holiday experts on 020 8410 2022.
Ready to Book?
Prices Include
7 nights chalet accommodation, 6 nights chalet board, twin occupancy rooms, private minibus during stay, 6 days with instructors
Should you prefer to arrange your own transport and accommodation, a course only option is available for £825 – call the Freshtracks team on 020 8410 2022 to book.
Prior to booking, please ensure you have the correct ski profile for the holiday. See our profiles here.
| Start date | End date | Ski Profile | Peak Experience | Availability | Price | Deposit | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start date | 08-02-2025 | End date |  15-02-2025 |
Ski Profile |
|
Peak Experience |
|
Availability | 10 spaces | Price | From: £825 | Deposit | £300 | |
| Start date | 05-04-2025 | End date | 12-04-2025 |
Ski Profile |
|
Peak Experience | Availability | 9 spaces | Price | From: £825 | Deposit | £300 |
Book with confidence - the Ski Club is ABTOT and ATOL protected
Chamonix is world-renowned for its challenging runs, extreme off piste terrain, and striking alpine scenery.
The valley is home to four ski areas – the Grands Montets, Brévent-Flégère, Les Houches and the Domaine de Balme, and limitless off piste terrain. Each possess some seriously tough runs, but there are also options for beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders. Getting between them requires using the valley bus service, or driving to the lifts each morning. Chamonix is a long-established, year-round working town, with a permanent population of around 12,000. This in turn means it is lively and is very well catered for in terms of après, restaurants, shops and accommodation.
The resort is home once again to our Chamonix Freshtracks Chalet, offering a varied programme of off piste, all mountain and touring holidays across the region.
Beginner
Fast lifts
Intermediate
Resort Activities- Advanced
Aprés- Snow
- Value
From powder bowls and demanding couloirs to impressive glacial routes in dramatic scenery, Chamonix is an off piste skier’s paradise.
Pros and cons
- World-famous off piste and steep terrain
- Stunning views wherever you are
- Great choice of other ski areas on Mont Blanc Unlimited lift pass
- Bustling town with lots going on
- Separate mountains are not the easiest to get to
- Bad weather can shut the best runs
- Still some old lifts and serious queues in key spots
- Not much for beginners and limited extent for intermediates
Ski Club Chalet
On this holiday you’ll spend seven nights on a chalet board basis in our chalet situated in the heart of Chamonix town, close to the Brevant lifts. The chalet accommodates up to 10 people in 6 ensuite rooms bedrooms and this unique historic property will be a comfortable base for the group to relax at the end of the day along with the outdoor hot tub. Chalet board includes daily continental breakfast on 7 mornings, plus hot options on 5 mornings and a three course evening meal on 5 nights. Crémant and canapes on the first and last evening, delicious local cheeseboard on two nights, plus a prepared a meal for a sixth evening. Wine is also provided with dinner each night.
This holiday is on a twin share basis. If you are a solo traveller, then you will be placed in a room with someone of the same gender. Single rooms may be available upon request, please book early to avoid disappointment.
Chalet Freshtracks Chamonix
Chalet Cachat, 14 Rue Mummery, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Ready to book?
Travel Information
Travel is not included on this holiday in order to allow you to choose the most convenient travel arrangements. Check in is between 16:30 and 18:30, as your rep will be conducting a welcome meeting on the first evening before dinner. If you plan to arrive earlier than 16.30, you may be able to drop your bags in the chalet ski room with prior arrangement and can then head in to Chamonix centre just a few minutes walk from the chalet. Check out is 9am on the departure day, please make sure your onward travel arrangements fit around this time, no bags will be able to be left in the chalet after check out due to changeover.
The closest airport to Chamonix in Geneva. There are a number of transfer companies that offer shared shuttle transfers between Geneva Airport and Chamonix, including Mountain Drop Offs, who offer all Ski Club members a discount using promo code SCGBCHX . See our discounts page here for all transfer offers.
If you are planning on driving to resort, please note there is no parking at the chalet but there are a limited number of open ‘on street’ places to park a short distance away. There are also a number of multi storey and underground car parks in central Chamonix such as Parking St Michel and Parking du Brevant, charging around €15 per day.
Confirmation
Once the holiday has been confirmed, please send your flight details (flight numbers, arrival and departure time) to the Freshtracks Team via email to ku.oc.bulciks@sloh.
Ready to book?
What You Need to Know
General Advice:
When ski-touring it is as important not to overheat and to avoid sunburn as it is to keep warm. Therefore, try to choose light-weight, good quality clothing over heavier/thicker items. A clothing system based on layers is best – you can control your temperature much more easily than wearing one thick ski jacket.
The mountain hut will have a dormitory style accommodation that we will all be sharing either in bunk beds or on a sleeping platform. A duvet and pillow is provided, however a sheet sleeping liner is required for hygiene. Silk is warmer and lighter, but more expensive than cotton. Hut shoes are provided at the hut to wear inside. The arrangement is on a half board basis, evening meal consists of soup, main course (meat, vegetables, carbohydrates) and dessert. Most dietary requirements can be catered for but your choice may be restricted. Drinks (water, soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits) are available separate to the half board, so bring some cash or card to cover your sundry expenses.
You need to be physically fit to enjoy this programme as there will be an element of aerobic activity when traveling on skis or on foot. The best form of training in the UK is hillwalking, however, regular running, jogging, or cycling will be beneficial. If you are intending to train in a gym, focus on endurance exercise.
Equipment
- Ski mountaineering boots – it is recommended to seek advice to select a model that suits your foot type and that are designed for the type of skiing you want to do
- Skis – a freeride ski with about 95-105mm underfoot with touring bindings
- Skins – cut to fit the skis and well glued, preferably tail-fix type.
- Ski crampons aka ‘harscheisen’ or ‘couteaux’ in French.
- Ski Poles – non telescopic with powder baskets and extended grip e.g. Black Crows Oxus
- Backpack – 35/40L will provide enough capacity for day touring and the hut overnight. A ski specific backpack is highly recommended as this is designed for the activity. If not using a ski specific backpack then make sure that there are straps to carry your skis and ice axe. e.g. Mammut Nirvana 35, BCA Stash Pro 32
- Long ski strap – for holding skis together or making an ‘A’ frame to carry skis on backpackg. Black Diamond ski strap 25inch
- Avalanche transceiver – bring your own if you have one, otherwise the ski club will provide. e.g. Mammut Barryvox or BCA Tracker
- Shovel – metal only, plastic shovels break in real avalanche debris. g. Mammut Alugator, BCA Dozer
- Avalanche probeg. Mammut Probe 280 speedlock, BCA Stealth 270
- Helmet – lightweight ski or touring specific models are available e.g. Salomon Mtn Lab
- Harness with 120cm sling and screwgate carabiner, e.g. Petzl Tour
- Crampons – lightweight alloy crampons are suitable on most skitours, e.g. Blue Ice Harfang
- Ice axe – lightweight model but with a steel head, e.g. Petzl Ride
- Ski goggles – choose lens colour for low contrast use
- Sun glasses – category 3 or 4, with side protection
- Water bottle – 1 litre, wide necked ‘Nalgene’ type is easier to fill in huts. Hydration systems should be avoided as they often freeze and leak. A small thermos can be useful for a hot drink
Clothing
- Base layer – merino or synthetic e.g. Patagonia Capilene 1 or Merino 1
- Layer – long-sleeved zip neck e.g. Patagonia Capilene 2 or Merino 2 lightweight zip-neck
- Insulation Layer – fleece e.g. Patagonia R1
- Duvet jacket – down or synthetic e.g. Patagonia Micro Puff jacket
- Shell Jacket – Gore-tex e.g. Patagonia Powder Bowl Jacket
- Thermal Legwear – merino or synthetic e.g. Patagonia Capilene 1 or Merino 1
- Trousers/Overtrousersg. Patagonia Guide Pants & Triolet Goretex Pants.
- or Ski Pants Gore-tex e.g. Patagonia Powder Bowl Pants
- Socks – calf length ski specific wool mix e.g. Falke
- Ski gloves thin pair e.g. Black Diamond Kingpin
- Ski gloves thick pair e.g. Black Diamond Patrol
Other Items
- Personal medications/blister kit – any regular medications, ‘Tensaplast’ or zinc oxide tape, compeed, painkillers etc.
- Suncream/lip salve – SPF 30+
- Wallet, passport and EHIC/insurance docs
- Chemical hand warmers – useful to keep hands warm on colder days
Hut Overnight Items
- Small wash kit – toothbrush, toothpaste etc.
- Spare clothing for hut – lightweight t-shirt/socks/pants
- Sheet sleeping liner – silk is lighter than cotton
- Ear plugs or headphones
- Phone charger with EU/Swiss plug
If you require ski hire, we recommend the Concept Pro Shop Chamonix. This is located behind the Aiguille du Midi cable car, a 15-20 minute walk, or short bus ride away from the chalet.
They offer a 20% discount to ski club members and have a great array of equipment which can be booked in advance. A link will be emailed to you with your itinerary. Your rep will help you with collection of your kit upon arrival in resort.
Alternatively Skiset offer members good discounts also. The closest Skiset shop is a 10 minute walk from the chalet. Pre-book online via the Ski Club website, and you will receive a discount on your ski hire.
There are some other shops close to the chalet which could off more convenience.
Touring kit can normally be easily rented in resort – particularly at our recommended outlets. Skins will normally be included as part of the touring ski package. Call the Freshtracks team on 020 8410 2022 for a more detailed kit list.
Please see below prices for the 24/25 season
8th – 15th Feb 2025 : Rik Turton
5th – 12th Apr 2025 : Caroline Elliott
8th – 15th Feb 2025 : Kathy & Simon Abrahams
5th – 12th Apr 2025 : Simon & Jon Holliday
It is a condition of booking that you have valid and adequate snowsports insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure your policy provides cover for all the activities that you participate in during your holiday.
We offer a Ski Club Insurance policy which provides the cover we require for all bookings. This policy can be found here: Ski Club Travel Insurance – Ski Club Of Great Britain
If you decide to purchase insurance elsewhere, it is your responsibility to ensure that your policy provides cover as that of the Ski Club Insurance policy. The policy of insurance should provide cover for personal injury, death, medical and repatriation costs in the countries which you intend to visit, together with cover for loss of baggage and valuables, personal liability, delay, cancellation, curtailment, missed departure and legal expenses. The policy should also include cover against losses caused by the effects or consequences of Covid-19.
Due to the type of holidays that you will be booking with us, we also advise that your policy should include skiing off-piste without a guide. Please note, insurance premiums must be paid at the same time as booking in order for the package holiday or single service cancellation cover to be effective. It is also advised to keep your insurance details with you while you are on your holiday. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, we will not be liable for any losses howsoever arising, in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available.
Passport – Check your passport is in date and valid for travel by checking the entry requirements for your destination country – you can see these here: Foreign travel advice – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
For most European destinations your passport should:
- have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
- have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area
Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel.
NB: Starting in 2025 (Date TBC) travel authorisation will be required to travel withing Europe – find out more here ETIAS (europa.eu)
When venturing off piste, it is compulsory to wear an avalanche transceiver. These can be provided by the Ski Club and should be worn by every person on every all mountain, off piste and touring holiday. Anyone joining these holidays will also be required to bring their own backpack, metal shovel and probe.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Any Member wishing to ski/snowboard with a Ski Club Group, in any of the resorts where the Ski Club is represented, agrees to do so under the following conditions:
- You appreciate that the Ski Club Rep is a volunteer with no formal qualifications as an instructor or mountain guide.
- You also appreciate that no other member of the group undertakes any obligations to you concerning your safety for which you remain solely responsible.
- You must ensure that your equipment is in good working order before setting off for the day and that you are suitably clothed for the proposed itinerary and all possible weather conditions.
- You must decide whether or not a particular run or route is within your competence.
- You must ensure that you are properly equipped for that day. If you are skiing off piste you must have a shovel, probe and transceiver, and know how to use them. If you are using a Ski Club transceiver, it is your sole responsibility to know how to use it.
- It is your sole responsibility to ensure that you are suitably insured for the activities intended to be undertaken.
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