Dolce Vita in the Italian Aosta Valley
The Aosta Valley is located behind the Mont Blanc massif, in Italy.
Itinerary
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Day 1 Punta Croce (2478m).
We meet early in the morning in Chamonix to leave on a minibus transfer to the small village of Arpy, in Italy (1670m). From there, we start ski touring on gentle slopes leading us to the end of the valley. We will climb up varied slopes in a beautiful larch forest before reaching the Arpy lake plateau. Slightly steeper slopes will bring us to the top, with its ancient military forts. Breathtaking view on the Mont Blanc massif. We descend to the village on the same itinerary.
A great way to start the week, whilst reviewing ski touring and avalanche search specific techniques.Positive difference in altitude : Around 800m | Negative difference in altitude : Around 800m | Altitude Max : 2478m | Accommodation : hotel
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Day 2 Testa dei Frà (2818m)
Above Morgex and La Salle, the hamlet of Morge will be our starting point of todays hike. On a forest path, then on the Ors pasture, we climb the incredible West carved valleyleading to the Fetita pass (2557m). The more technical part starts with the ascent of the aerial South ridge of Testa dei Frà, at 2818m, which we will reach on skis of snow conditions allow us.
We return on the same itinerary, but we'll choose the most beautiful slopes and the best snow to get down.Positive difference in altitude : 1124m | Negative difference in altitude : 1124m | Altitude Max : 2818m | Accommodation : hotel
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Day 3 Pointe de la Pierre (2653m)
From the village of Ozein, at the beginning of the Val de Cogne, by Champchenille pastures, we will ascend pleasant snowy slopes of the Pointe de la Pierre at 2653m. We return following the same tracks.
Positive difference in altitude : Around 1230m | Negative difference in altitude : Around 1230m | Altitude Max : 2653m | Accommodation : hotel
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Day 4 Serena pass (2547m)
Today starts with a minibus transfer to the village of Rosière (1660m, Saint Rhémy en Bosses). Through a nice larch forest, we follow the pasture road in direction of Ponty to reach the Arp du Bois at 1940m. Then looms a great carved valley, leading us to the Sereina pass on a regular slope. Whilst ascending, we will learn how to make our own trace according to the relief. When descending, we will linger on the slopes evaluation as well as ski touring specific techniques. During our hike, we can train on the DVA search.
Positive difference in altitude : Around 900m | Negative difference in altitude : Around 900m | Altitude Max : 2547m | Accommodation : Hotel
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Day 5 Punta Chaligne (2608m)
We start our day climbing from the small village of Buthier (1350m) towards the pasture and refuge of Chaligne (2940m) going through the large clearings of Plenot Désot, Arolla Désot and Arolla Damon. Going through the larch forest, we will join the mountain pasture of Tsa de Chaligne (2240m) and then on the Southeast ridge we will reach the top.
We return to Chamonix late in the afternoon and say goodbye.Positive difference in altitude : 1290m | Negative difference in altitude : 1290m | Altitude Max : 2608m
Dates & prices
International departures:
No departure for now
Trip code: SRVAO
Included
- A deposit of 30% of the trip’s price will be needed during the booking, the whole price must be paid at least 30 days before departure.
- The technical organization of the stay
- Mountaineering with high-mountain guides
- Collective equipment provided (ropes)
- Half-board accommodation in refuges, cottages and lodges
- Lunch picnics
- Safety equipment : avalanche transceiver (batteries non provided), probe, shovel
- Minibus transfers
Not included
- Individual equipment : harness, crampons, ice axe, helmet
- Ski-touring equipment : shoes, skis, skins, knifes, poles
- Batteries for the avalanche transceiver (4 batteries LR03 AAA)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Snacks (cereal bars, dried fruits, chocolate bars, etc...) at your own convenience
- Transfers to the meeting and dispersion points
- Insurance / assistance : research fees and helicopter rescue, hospitalisation and repatriation mandatory
International flights
Terms and conditions
Subscription
Invoice procedure
Cancellation policy
- More than 30 days before departure, you will be charged for the amount of 50€
- From 30 to 21 days before departure, you will be charged for the amount of the deposit (30% of the trip’s price)
- From 20 to 14 days before departure, you will be charged for 50% of the trip’s price
- From 13 to 7 days before departure, you will be charged for 75% of the trip’s priceLess than 7 days before departure, you will be charged for the whole trip’s price
- Airline fixed costs: plane tickets are bought in advance to avoid too high airline prices, however they are non refundable in case of cancellation or plan changes. In that case, the charges above apply to the price of your trip without the plane ticket’s price
- Ground fixed costs: you will be charged for the fees that were paid early
- Insurance fees: Insurance fees will not be refunded if you have subscribed to a multi-risk or cancellation insurance. The specific conditions will be written on your subscription confirmationIf you have no choice but to cancel your trip before departure, you must inform Montagne Expeditions and your insurance provider with a written statement as soon as possible, you will get a receipt.
Changes to travel contract
Pricing
Contract transfer
Insurance
Practical info
Staff
Food
- Lunch picnics
- Diners : meals prepared by shelter keepers
- Take some race food according to your own tastes (cereals bars, chocolate bars, dry fruits,…).
- Water is not for free in refuges (from 5 to 8 euros one bottle). We advise you to bring some water purification tablets (Aquatabs or Micropur) in order to drink tap water.
- Personal drinks are not included in the trip's price
- Bring cash for coffees, fruit juices, coke or beers during breaks… Shelters usually don’t accept bank card payments and Euros.
Accommodation
Budget & exchange
Tips
Supplied equipment
- The group equipment (ropes, carabineers) is provided
- Slippers and blankets are available at the lodges and refuges : plan to bring your own bed sheet
- Individual safety equipment (beacon, probe and shovel) : thank you for letting us know if you have your own
Vital equipment
- 1 pair of ski touring skis, light and with adapted fixations as well as a break or safety strips, and sharpened
- 1 pair of ski touring shoes with VIBRAM soles
- 1 pair of adhesive seals skin adapted to your skis
- Knifes adapted to fixations
- Poles with large disks
- Safety equipment : beacon, probe and shovel
- crampons with "Antibott" system
- Ice axe
- Harness and carabineers
- Survival blanket
- 1 headlamp with extra batteries and bulb
- Pocket knife
- Thermos
Material
- Windstopper bonnet
- Hat or cap
- Neck scarf
- Sunscreen (high protection) for skin and lips
- Sunglasses for glacier category 4 + ski goggles
- 2 technical breathable long sleeve underwear type "Carline" (no coton which dries too slowly)
- 1 technical and breathable shirt to put under your jumper
- 1 thick fleece jacket
- 1 fuzz jacket
- 1 wind stopper and waterproof jacket type Goretex
- 1 pair of wind stopper mittens (fleece or wool)
- 1 pair of undergloves
- 1 technical and breathable pair of tights type "Carline"
- 1 pair of comfortable mountain trousers
- 1 pair of wind stopper and waterproof trousers type Goretex
- 2 pairs of socks : 1 thin and 1 thick
- 1 bed sheet for refuges
- 1 small toiletry bag with 1 fast drying towel
- Cream for sunburns (Biafine)
- Biodegradable toilet paper
- 1 or 2 100L plastic bags and an overbag to protect your belongings and your bag
- 1 waterproof pouch in which you will put your identity paper, your phone, your money and your insurance/assistance contract with all of your emergency numbers
Luggage
- A comfortable 40L backpack with ski straps
- A second bag which will stay at the hotel with your replacement belongings
Medicine
- Personal medicine
- Pain reliever (preferably paracetamol)
- Double skin
- Elastoplast
- Local disinfectant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Anti-diarrheal
- Anti-vomiting
- Intestinal antiseptic
- Eyewash
- Light sleeping pills
- Earplugs
- Broad spectrum antibiotic
- Vitamins C
Passport
Visa
- Up to 90 days visit : citizens from most countries do not need a visa to visit Italy.
- Over 90 days visit : non-EU or non-EFTA citizens must have a visa to visit Italy over 90 days.
Mandatory vaccines
Health information & recommendations
Weather
Electricity
Local time
Sustainable tourism
- Most of our accommodations are run by locals, thus ensuring that the largest part of the revenue generated through your trip will stay within the region.
- France is known for its exquisite cuisine. The art of cooking and the joy of eating are part of everyday life. Each region has its particular foods and flavors which we would like you to explore and appreciate.
- Water is a precious and rare good. Our team and those travelling with us are thus advised to use it with consideration and avoid excessive water use where possible.
- Please try to recycle your waste whenever possible, even though recycling may not be a well-known concept in all areas.
- Be cautious and respectful when hiking. Make sure to wear suitable footwear and avoid picking flowers, moving stones or lighting fires.