Ski Touring Trips
Stage ski touring Col du Grand Saint Bernard
Technical lev. : 3.5 / 5
CONFIRMED COURSE
Effort corresponding to around 1000 - 1200 m of ascent per day.
Perfect if you like endurance sports and do them regularly, about once or twice a week!
Physical lev. : 3.5 / 5
OFF-PISTE SKIING QUITE DIFFICULT
If you've already done some off-piste skiing or ski touring and have a very good level of skiing, a steep section (around 35-40 degrees) won't scare you.) You can ski in all types of snow off-piste and ski quickly on black runs.
Discover our trekking course between Switzerland and Italy: an unforgettable experience where wilderness, adrenalin and shared moments meet, for an escapade that will leave you with unique memories. Book now for this exceptional experience with our mountain guide.
. Small groups for greater conviviality and safety
. Col du Grand Saint Bernard, in the heart of the Alps between Switzerland and Italy
. Flexible choice of itinerary, depending on weather and safety conditions
. Accommodation at the Hospice du Grand Saint Bernard, a place steeped in history.
. Exceptional views of the peaks of the Aosta Valley and the Valais in Switzerland.
Dates & Prices
Arrival
End
Price *
Status
Du 24/01/2025 au 26/01/2025
au 26/01/2025
640 €
Bookings in progress
Du 07/02/2025 au 09/02/2025
au 09/02/2025
640 €
Bookings in progress
Du 07/03/2025 au 09/03/2025
au 09/03/2025
640 €
Bookings in progress
* Price per person (without insurance)
Trip
Discover our hiking course on the Col du Grand Saint Bernard, where wild nature, adrenalin and shared moments come together, for an escapade that will leave you with unique memories.
Under the guidance of our experienced mountain guide, you'll explore immaculate snow-covered slopes, varied itineraries and unforgettable descents, all set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. After a day full of discoveries, relax at the Hospice du Grand Saint-Bernard, a warm and historic refuge where comfort, conviviality and invigorating cuisine await you.
Program
Important: The day-by-day itinerary may be modified by the guide depending on the conditions encountered on the ground. The area offers many options in terms of altitude difference and slopes.
This programme has been designed to be as flexible as possible, allowing the guide to choose the routes according to the weather and snow conditions. This approach guarantees optimum safety management throughout your mountain adventure.
Elevation gain: + 600 m
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Meet the guide in Bourg Saint Bernard at 9.00 am. We check our equipment before setting off on skis to the Hospice du Grand Saint Bernard, inaugurated around 1000 years ago. We discover this unusual accommodation, which will serve as our base camp for the next three days. Depending on the weather conditions and the group's level of fitness, we'll drop off our gear and set off lightly for a few practical exercises in the use of safety equipment. We'll have the chance to discover this corner of the Alps between Switzerland and Italy.
Elevation gain: +/- 800 m
Duration: approx. 5 - 6 hours
After an energising breakfast, we start the day on the Italian side of the pass, taking the gentle slopes that lead to the summit of Mont Fourchon or the Col de la Fênetre d'en haut. Other options include the Combe de Drône or the Combe de l'A. It's a day with some of the classic peaks of this region, giving us an overview of the Aosta Valley.
Elevation gain: + 800 m and - 1200 m
Duration: approx. 5 - 6 hours
For the third day of our ski touring course, this time we're heading for the Swiss side. Our guide will choose the best route for you to discover the valleys that open up in this region. We have the Pointe de Drône or Mont Telliers, but these options are optional as there are so many to choose from. Finally, we'll head down to the hospice to collect our belongings and we'll all make the final descent to the Bourg Saint Bernard car park to take the road home.
Materiel
The guide will provide you with safety equipment:
Click here for detailed information on ski touring equipment.
Level
Ski touring experience required.
For good skiers: you enjoy skiing on black runs and off-piste skiing. 35-degree slopes don't scare you, especially as they will arrive gradually during your stay.
OFF-PISTE SKIING QUITE DIFFICULT
If you've already done some off-piste skiing or ski touring and have a very good level of skiing, a steep section (around 35-40 degrees) won't scare you.) You can ski in all types of snow off-piste and ski quickly on black runs.
CONFIRMED COURSE
Effort corresponding to around 1000 - 1200 m of ascent per day.
Perfect if you like endurance sports and do them regularly, about once or twice a week!
Useful infos
Meet the guide in Bourg Saint Bernard at 9.00 am. Click here to check the location.
End of the ski touring course in Bourg Saint Bernard, between 16:00 and 18:00.
Nights at the Grand Saint Bernard hospice, in a room or dormitory depending on availability. Please remember to bring a sheet. Please bring your own towels.
If you wish to carpool with a participant on your course, you can tick the option when you register online so that your contact details are visible to others: you will find these details in your Esprit Montagne account.
IMPORTANT: Esprit des Guides SA gives you the opportunity to share your contact details but does not coordinate car-pooling.
Cancellation and repatriation insurance is mandatory, as is mountain search and rescue insurance (minimum cover of 10,000 Euros).
Esprit Montagne offers the following insurance: https://www.assurance-multi-sports.com.
. The supervision of our team's UIAGM High Mountain Guide and his accommodation and meal expenses ;
. Safety equipment for each participant (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe) ;
. Half-board in the refuge on D1 and D2 (shared dormitories and toilets).
. Personal technical equipment: touring skis, sealskins, touring boots, ski poles (hire possible, specify in the booking if you need to hire equipment) ;
. Car transfers during the course (transfers can be organised together with the Guide, depending on the size of the group) ;
. Drinks and lunch, to give you the freedom to eat what you want ;
. Your travel insurance ;
. Everything not mentioned in the ‘Price includes’ section.
Photo gallery
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Ski touring on the Col du Grand Saint Bernard offers a unique experience, combining sporting adventure and immersion in majestic Alpine scenery. Situated on the border between Switzerland and Italy, the Col du Grand Saint Bernard is a historic site, famous for its hospice and rescue dogs, as well as for its exceptional panoramic views. In winter, it becomes an ideal playground for ski touring enthusiasts. The ascent to the pass takes you through snow-covered valleys and gentle slopes to reach breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including Mont Blanc.
The best time for ski touring on the Col du Grand Saint Bernard is generally from December to April, depending on snow and weather conditions. At the start of the season, from December to January, the snow is often powdery, offering great descents, although the days are short and the temperatures quite low. From February until early April, conditions are often optimal: the snow remains plentiful, the days get longer and the temperatures become more pleasant.
It is essential to check the weather conditions and the avalanche bulletin before setting off, as the area may be exposed to avalanche risk.
The Hospice du Grand Saint Bernard, founded in the 11th century, is one of the oldest and most emblematic mountain refuges in Europe. Located at an altitude of 2,469 metres, it stands on the Grand Saint Bernard pass, an Alpine crossing linking Switzerland and Italy. This pass, used since ancient times, was an important route for travellers, merchants and pilgrims moving between northern and southern Europe.
The hospice was founded around 1050 by Saint Bernard de Menthon, a canon from the Aosta Valley, who wanted to offer refuge and help to travellers facing the perils of crossing the Alps. Built to provide safety and shelter for pilgrims, the hospice quickly became a symbol of Christian hospitality and human solidarity. The Augustinian canons of the hospice, members of the religious order founded by Saint Bernard, welcomed and rescued travellers for centuries, often in harsh winter conditions.
Why Saint Bernard dogs at the Hospice du Grand Saint Bernard?
In the 17th century, the canons of the hospice began to breed and train mountain dogs, known as Saint Bernard mastiffs, to help them in their mountain rescue missions. These dogs, known for their robustness and instinct, became famous for their role as rescuers, often associated with the image of a barrel of brandy around their necks, although this is largely a legend. The dog Barry, who is said to have saved more than 40 people in the early 19th century, is probably the most famous of all.
