Ski mountaineering in Courmayeur, Aosta Valley

Ski mountaineering, or also known as downhill skiing, is a ski mountaineering sport that is practiced off the equipped slopes through the use of mountaineering skis. These particular skis are equipped with bindings that allow the heel to be freed, facilitating the ascent, and from the "seal skins", which is a band of synthetic fabric that is adhesive on one side and covered with textile fiber on the other. Applied under the skis, it allows them to slide forward without sliding back. Finally, ski poles, which facilitate both ascent and descent, are also required for ski mountaineering.

How it works ?

Ski mountaineering in Courmayeur begins at 8 a.m. at the meeting point indicated on the map.

After checking all your equipment, the mountain guide will provide you with the safety kit if you are without it. This is followed by a briefing on the day's program and the use of the safety kit, consisting of the artva shovel and probe. Possible routes, depending on the snow and level of the group, are: Col Croce 2381m (Morgex) You will need to reach Colle San Carlo to begin the trail in the pine forest on a false level that leads to Lake d'Arpy. From there the ascent to the summit cross begins with a magnificent view of the village of La Thuile and Mont Blanc. Fetita Testa dei Frà 2623m (Morgex) You will have to reach Morgex in the hill of La Salle to begin the trail that leads to the larch forest. From here follow the valleys that lead to Col Fetitam, until you reach the summit of Testa dei Fra' 2613m. Col Malatrà 2936m (Val Ferret) You will need to reach Planpincieux at 1600m to begin the trail leading to Lavachey. You will take the path to the Bonatti refuge and climb through larch forests. From the Bonatti refuge, the woods thin out to give way to wide valleys leading to the Malatrà valley and the pass of the same name. Mont Colmet 3024m (Morgex) You'll need to reach Colle San Carlo to begin the trail in the pine forest on a false level that leads to Lake d'Arpy, from which the ascent begins and you'll cross the frozen lake until you reach the Lakes of Pietra Rossa. From there, you will continue to exposed slopes that will allow you to admire the snow-covered valleys around you.