I am writing to see if anyone here would be interested in a Freeride/touring week...?
THE SUMMARY
The plan would be to get a small group for a Freeride/touring Week based out of Chamonix, of say... up to 5 really good skiers to be lead by my friend and Mountain Guide Matt Helliker http://www.bmg.org.uk/index.php/eng/Members/Guides-G-J/Matt-Helliker
THE SKILL & EXPERIENCE
Now, here comes the most important bit- your experience and skill level. Its very difficult to find skiers of the same level of experience and skill for off-piste, so what I would say here is that we would be looking for skiers with many years of experience who can ski all terrain (particularly off-piste) and all conditions at a good speed and with control. Some small amount of touring experience is a bonus- Matt can teach the touring part, but I would stress again that your skiing level is the most important aspect here. You should have skied Couloirs and steeps, crud can actually be enjoyable to you and deep powder is what you dreams of- cruising big lines at top speed from top to bottom! Sounds like you????
Sorry If I sound a little patronising here, but its so important to get right... otherwise no one will enjoy the trip! If you have any videos or can write up a mini Ski CV that would be great (I’ve had to write one before- and its quite entertaining to look back at your skiing career!!!)
Fitness is also an integral part here as there will be quite a few hours a day of ascending whether its touring, boot packing, scrambling with crampons and axe, with the odd abseil to find the sweetest snow!
THE PLAN
We would be based in Chamonix for the week. We could stay in an apartment... with maybe 1 night in a hut if that works at the time. We would plan really to ski a load off falline, but still having the flex to tour! day hits from Chamonix work best, its good to have a base and that gives us options off hunting out the best conditions, mixing it up from touring to lift access fallline. Buying day passes or not, depending on location as most tours can be done from the road saving coin! Matt’s car takes up to 5 clients. We can do hits to Zinal, Burson etc and into Italy also, plus off cause off the midi, Grand Enver etc would be great. So coming with a open mind is best, but I promise will have it for the week.
We can also maybe do a heli drop as the chopper takes 4 clients plus 1 guide per drop, but each drop costs around 550€ between all clients. (its another option)
THE DATE
9th - 15th April (7 days)
THE EQUIPMENT
Matt can hire out safety kit cheaper than shops if folk don't have any! 15 euro's per day for Shovel/probe/beeps. As for touring boots, you could possibly get away with alpine boots if they are super comfy...
THE COST
Guiding Fees: 360€ So we split this between the team. (i.e. team of 5 means, 72€ each a day)
Other costs to think of are: your travel, accommodation (whatever we arrange), food, hut costs, Lift passes (possibly daily ones for each destination or a week-depending on conditions in the alps), your own insurance... Thats all I think.
So, the questions to you are:
* Who wants to come along?
* We would need to commit as soon as possible, because Matt does get booked up very quickly. So please let me know either way if you are interested or not.
Thanks Guys & Girls...
Adam
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