Intermediate ski touring holiday in France

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Ski touring is a human-powered activity, with participants using climbing skins to ascend and skiing down natural mountain terrain. This three-day itinerary connects mountain refuges on foot and skis, without using ski lifts or daily vehicle transfers between accommodation.

Guests spend two nights in traditional mountain refuges in the Queyras. These provide simple accommodation and hearty meals in remote mountain settings, where water, heating and electricity are valuable resources. Guests are encouraged to use these facilities thoughtfully and respect the practical constraints of life in the mountains.

We encourage guests to travel to the Southern French Alps by train wherever practical and can provide advice on rail connections and onward travel to the Queyras.

Digital travel information:
We provide itineraries, kit lists and practical holiday information through our smartphone app, reducing the need for printed travel documents.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

This holiday takes place in the Queyras Regional Nature Park, known for its traditional mountain villages, alpine landscapes and diverse wildlife.

The trip is led by a qualified UIAGM high mountain guide who selects routes according to snow conditions, avalanche risk and the group's ability, while taking account of any environmental restrictions in the areas visited.

Respecting the winter mountain environment:
Winter can be a particularly challenging time for mountain wildlife. Throughout the journey, guests are encouraged to avoid disturbing animals, take all litter away, respect refuge practices and follow their guide's advice when travelling through sensitive areas.

The small-group format also gives guests opportunities to learn about the local mountain environment and the wildlife that inhabits it.

Supporting nature restoration:
We make a contribution on behalf of every traveller to rewilding projects through our partner Mossy Earth, supporting initiatives focused on habitat restoration and biodiversity.

These contributions support nature restoration projects but are not presented as compensation for the holiday's carbon emissions.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Our ski touring holidays are led by fully qualified UIAGM high mountain guides with knowledge of the Queyras and its winter mountain environment. Working with local professionals supports specialist guiding activity and mountain expertise in the region.

Guests spend two nights in mountain refuges, where meals and accommodation are provided by the people who operate these remote facilities.

Staying in these refuges supports mountain hospitality businesses and contributes to the activity of the guardians, suppliers and other professionals involved in their operation.

Where possible, we work with local providers for guiding, accommodation and other services, directing part of the holiday spending towards businesses in the Southern French Alps.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

We work with qualified mountain guides and independent accommodation providers, paying agreed professional rates for their services and expertise.

We are committed to treating everyone fairly and respectfully, from the local people we work with to the travellers who join our holidays.

This intermediate ski touring trip requires previous off-piste skiing and ski touring experience, a good level of fitness and the ability to ski confidently in variable snow conditions. We are happy to discuss individual requirements and help travellers assess whether the holiday is suitable for them.

Small group sizes allow for a more personal experience, with opportunities to meet the guides, refuge guardians and other people who live and work in the mountains.