Ski touring vacation in France

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

We encourage guests to travel to the Southern French Alps by train wherever practical. Mont-Dauphin–Guillestre railway station provides access to the Queyras, with onward transport required to reach the starting point of the tour.

Ski touring is a human-powered activity, with participants using climbing skins to ascend and skiing down natural mountain terrain. Once the tour begins, the four-day itinerary connects mountain refuges without using ski lifts or daily vehicle transfers.

As a Travelife Certified tour operator, we use Carmacal to estimate the carbon footprint of our vacations and make a contribution on behalf of our travelers to rewilding projects through our partner Mossy Earth.

These contributions support habitat restoration and biodiversity initiatives but are not presented as compensation for the emissions associated with the vacation.

We provide itineraries, kit lists and practical vacation information digitally wherever possible, reducing the need for printed documents. Within our office, we also reuse and recycle materials where practical.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE

This vacation takes place in the Queyras Regional Nature Park, home to a variety of Alpine wildlife and mountain habitats. Winter is a challenging time for many animals, and your guide will help you understand the importance of respecting wildlife while traveling through the mountains. Along the way, you may learn to recognise animal tracks in the snow and discover how species such as chamois and wild boar adapt to winter conditions.

The trip is led by a qualified UIAGM high mountain guide who selects routes according to snow conditions, avalanche risk and the group's ability, while taking account of any applicable environmental restrictions.

Guests are encouraged to follow their guide's advice, avoid disturbing wildlife, take all litter away and respect the regulations of the Queyras Regional Nature Park and the mountain refuges used during the trip.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

This vacation includes three nights in traditional mountain refuges in the Queyras, including two nights at Refuge de la Blanche. Staying in these refuges supports the guardians and teams who provide accommodation and meals in remote mountain settings.

The trip is led by a qualified local UIAGM high mountain guide with knowledge of the Queyras and its winter mountain conditions.

We also work with local suppliers and service providers wherever possible, directing part of the vacation spending towards businesses and mountain professionals in the region.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY

We work with qualified local UIAGM high mountain guides who live and work in the region, paying agreed professional rates for their expertise and services.

With a maximum of seven participants per guide, the small-group format allows for individual attention and opportunities to develop ski touring skills throughout the four-day programme.

We are committed to treating everyone fairly and respectfully, from the local people we work with to the travelers who join our vacations.

This trip is designed for confident off-piste skiers who are new to ski touring. Participants should have a good level of fitness and be comfortable skiing in variable snow conditions. We are happy to discuss individual requirements and help travelers assess whether the vacation is suitable for them.