A discovery of ski touring in a stunning high mountain environment
From the top of the lift at the Gare des Ruillans (3200m / 10,498ft), we quickly set foot on the Girose glacier. This beginner friendly ski tour will be the opportunity to get familiar with the practice of ski touring and learn basic techniques, such as how to properly use your equipment (putting your skins on your skis, using your ski crampons, efficient walking and track setting…). Then, we will skin up to the Brèche du Pan de Rideau, which is located about 200 meters (656ft) higher. We will learn how to make a skin track and do kick turns. Once we have reached the Brèche, the view of la Meije and the seracs of its North face is simply breathtaking. We will ski down the same way, on a wide open slope of the glacier, with a great panorama over the whole glacier and the Grandes Rousses massif in the background.
That day, your meeting time is at 8:45am at the guide office.
You’ll meet your guide and he will lend you the security gear (tranceiver, shovel, probe)
Don’t forget your back pack (30L)
Your outing will be from 9am to 4pm.
The program of the day depends on the snow conditions, weather forecast, your level, and your desires.
You can eat lunch in one of the 2 restaurants on the ski slopes (you will also pay the lunch for the guide).
Outing with a certified mountain guide or instructor
Professional Civil Liability Insurance
Group technical gear (rope…)
Transceiver, shovel, probe, harness
Lift Pass (possibility to purchase at the Guide Office in the morning)
Personal Accident Insurance
Appropriate clothing for your activity (long-johns, fleece/softshell jacket, down jacket, gore-tex jacket, ski pants, ski socks, warm hat, warm gloves, thin gloves)
Ski goggles, sunglasses, sunscreen
Water Bottle or thermos, food and snacks
Ski touring skis, skins, ski crampons, ski touring boots, poles
helmet
Avalanche airbag backpack
backpack that can fit your shovel and probe INSIDE the pack (around 35L)
Small first aid kit for your personal needs and that contains material in case of blisters
Picnic for during the day
Meal costs for clients and guide
You are able to descend a red piste in a ski area and you sometimes ski on the non-groomed edges of the piste. While climbing, you are able to walk between 3 to 4 hours with around 800m of gain.
You are able to walk 2 to 4 hours with a light day backpack.