Typical itinerary
Meet in front of the esf office in Chantemerle at 09:00. From there, we take the Ratier gondola followed by the chairlifts to the top of Chantemerle. We then enjoy an off-piste descent through the Partias Valley towards the hamlet of Les Combes, before climbing back up towards the Serre Chevalier Briançon ski area. We return to Chantemerle either on-piste or off-piste.
This introductory outing combines easy off-piste skiing with a gentle skin-assisted ascent. Along the way, you can take in the scenery, look out for animal tracks, improve your skiing technique and learn the fundamentals of ski touring.
Weather and snow conditions may affect this outing. If conditions are unsuitable, the itinerary will be adapted accordingly. Your instructor will contact you the day before to discuss the latest conditions.
This introductory outing combines easy off-piste skiing with a gentle skin-assisted ascent. Along the way, you can take in the scenery, look out for animal tracks, improve your skiing technique and learn the fundamentals of ski touring.
Weather and snow conditions may affect this outing. If conditions are unsuitable, the itinerary will be adapted accordingly. Your instructor will contact you the day before to discuss the latest conditions.
Half-day
5h
5h
Detailed itinerary:
- 09:00 – Meet at the esf office in Chantemerle.
- Safety is our top priority, so before setting off we have a short briefing to go over the planned route and equipment. Safety equipment is provided (shovel, probe and avalanche transceiver). The day before your outing, we will also advise you on where to hire your ski touring equipment.
- Using your ski pass, we take the Ratier gondola followed by two chairlifts to reach the top of Chantemerle. Once there, we take a moment to enjoy the panoramic views and look over the route ahead.
- We begin with a first off-piste descent in the Serre Chevalier ski area to warm up and allow your instructor to assess your skiing level and check your equipment.
- We also run an avalanche transceiver search exercise, giving you the opportunity to learn or improve essential mountain safety skills.
- We then continue downhill to the Partias shepherd's hut, where we stop for a quick snack.
- From there, we continue our descent towards the hamlet of Les Combes, at an altitude of 1,900 metres.
- It's then time to start ski touring: we attach the climbing skins and switch into uphill mode for a steady 200-metre ascent, taken at your own pace.
- At the top, we remove the skins and ski down the piste to the Prorel gondola, which takes us back up to the summit.
- For the descent to Chantemerle, we either head off-piste via the Prorel route or ski back on-piste, depending on the time and how tired you are feeling.
- Return to the esf base at Serre Ratier at 2:00 pm.
A memorable experience
- A day full of new experiences
- A route tailored to your level, with personalised advice
- An outstanding natural setting
Provided
- Avalanche safety kit (shovel, probe and transceiver)
Meet your guides and hear from those who have experienced it
The perfect introduction to ski touring
“A fantastic off-piste descent followed by a gentle climb on touring skis.”
MD
Marc D.
esf customer