3 days in the heart of the Contamines Montjoie reserve
Bordering the Mont-Blanc massif, far from the hustle and bustle of Chamonix, lies the Contamines Montjoie nature reserve. Highest reserve in France, it offers a vast, unspoilt wilderness, especially in winter. The new 'refuge des Prés' will be the base camp, allowing you to take advantage of the first tracks! This ski trip will also be an opportunity to learn more about safety and equipment, and to leave with the desire to go on exploring new destinations!
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Guidance from a professional French mountain guide
A massif perfect for ski touring, with great itineraries
Group of 2 people: 1010€/person
Group of 3 people: 785€/person
Group of 4 people: 660€/person
Group of 5 people: 585€/person
Group of 6 people: 535€/person
THE PRICE
The price includes:
Supervision by a mountain guide;
Safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe);
Full board accommodation in refuge and snacks during the day;
Transfers as described in the technical facts;
Tourist tax;
Registration and booking fees.
The price does not include:
Cancellation/ travel insurance;
Personal expenses (drinks, visits, etc...);
Picnic lunch on the first day;
Equipment hire (skis, skins, boots, poles, knives);
Any ski lifts (in the event of a change to the programme due to the weather);
Return journey from your home to the meeting point and dispersal.
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
Each day, the outings are adapted to the weather and snow conditions and to the level of the group. The aim is to make sure you progress safely and get the best snow for maximum enjoyment.
Meet on Friday at 12 noon in front of the SNCF station in Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains or directly at the Notre Dame de la Gorge car park in Les Contamines-Montjoie at 12.30 pm. Make sure you have already eaten.
ASCENT TO THE REFUGE
Meet the guide at 12:30 in uniform for a presentation of the programme, itinerary and equipment briefing. Climb to the refuge via the Roman road and then the hamlet of Les Prés. 3 hour hike / Elevation: + 750 m
Day 2
COLS DE LA FENÊTRE AND DE LA CICLE
From the refuge, a day facing Mont Blanc. Leave for the Col de la Cicle and return, or do a loop with a short detour into the Beaufortain via the Col de la Fenêtre. Return to the refuge for the night. 5 to 6 hour hike / Elevation: +/- 600 à 1100 m
Day 3
LACS JOVETS OR COL DU BONHOMME
Departure towards the back of the reserve. The group will head for the Lacs Jovets or the Col du Bonhomme. Between the south and north faces, the guide will be there to help you choose the best skiing option. Afternoon descent to Les Contamines. 6 to 7 hour hike / Elevation: +600 à 1100 m / -1300m
End point Friday around 4:00pm.
The programme has been drawn up on the basis of the latest information available at the time of writing; imponderables are always possible and situations beyond our control may alter its course.
The trip
LEVEL ****
Elevation: around +/- 800 to 1200m per day. Level 4: This holiday is aimed at people with previous ski touring experience, level 2 (little or no technical difficulty, maximum 35° gradient).
You need to be in good physical condition to take part.
GUIDING
Group of 2 to 6 people led by a qualified professional (high mountain guide or skiing instructor).
ACCOMMODATION
2 nights in a mountain hut.
MEALS
Breakfast and diner are provided at the gite. Picnics of days 2 and 3 are included, ordered at the refuge.
MAPS
IGN Top 25 - 3531ET Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Practical information
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Meet at noon in front of Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains train station or at the Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge car park in Les Contamines-Montjoie at 12.30pm.
BY TRAIN
Departure from Gare de Lyon (Paris) (at 6h11) or Gare de la Part-Dieu (Lyon) in the morning, arrival at Saint Gervais-Le Fayet (at 11h16).
Timetables must be checked at a train station or on https://www.oui.sncf/.
BY CAR
Take the A40 motorway to Saint-Gervais, then follow signs for Saint Gervais/Les Contamines. Pass the village of Les Contamines and the 2 cable cars. Hikers' car park is well signposted just before the end of the road.
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible : +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Equipment & luggage
EQUIPMENT LIST
Avalanche safety equipment including (transceiver, shovel and probe) is provided. However, if you have your own and would like to use them you are free to do so. Ski touring equipement can be hired in Les Contamines.
Clothing
Waterproof ski or ski touring trousers
Wind stopper or Goretex jacket
Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
Breathable or merino wool leggings
Fleece or jumper
Insulating down jacket
2 pairs of ski gloves and a warm hat
Walking socks (1 pair per day)
Other Equipment
Ski touring boots, touring skis with touring bindings, skins, poles and ski crampons (equipment can be rented in les Contamines)
Rucksack minimum 35 litre capacity
Sunglasses and ski mask
Sun cream
Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
Knife, fork and spoon
Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
Plastic cup for coffee
Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
Survival blanket
Identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Bring a comfortable backpack of 35 to 40 litres for your avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel and probe), personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
Leave on your own for 2 or 3 days or more
In the 'weight is the enemy' section, here are some tips on how to save a few hundred grams. For example, for your toiletries: a simple plastic bag with a zip or a small plastic box to avoid accidental crushing.
Hotel-size soap is generally enough for a week.
A tube of toothpaste 3/4 full will do the trick
Shaving foam: a small sample can
A small microfibre towel
A small bottle of shampoo
A travel toothbrush
Pharmacy: in addition to your personal medicines, bring :
Elastoplast or hook-and-loop tape
"second skin" tape to protect against blisters, such as Compeed
A small pair of scissors, thread and needle
A small tube of sun cream and lip balm
Now all you have to do is apply this recipe to your entire bag!
3 Days
Guided / with a guide
Without baggage transportation
Refuge
Level **** 
From 535 €
Next departure on 31/01/25
