Ski touring, commonly called "Randonnee", is a dimension of skiing somewhat new to Americans. Europeans have long been using their system of huts to access the backcountry without the burden of carrying heavy loads. Skiers travel with light packs through remote areas of the Alps and enjoy the comfort and warmth of a hut where guardians prepare your meals. Many have heard of the famous "Haute Route" from Chamonix to Zermatt but there are limitless possibilities of other areas to choose from. Although the Haute Route is a beautiful tour, I prefer the lesser-known tours where your efforts are rewarded with great skiing and less people.



**Ski tours can range from a day tour returning back to the same village or a week of traveling from hut to hut. My experience has taught me that it can be very beneficial to combine some alpine, lift assisted skiing with a randonnee. For many people, it is very difficult to arrive at high altitudes after the long flight and perform at their best. A few days of acclimating to the altitude and touring gear and recover from jetlag can make a world of difference.

**Tours can be arranged on a private basis or I can assemble a group of no more than six persons. Be advised that this is a strenuous endeavor that requires that you be in excellent physical condition. A typical day will start with a 5-7 AM breakfast, a 2-4 hour climb on skins, followed by a long descent arriving at another hut in the afternoon. Picnic lunches that can be purchased from the huts are usually enjoyed at the top of a summit with a spectacular view.

Berner Oberland, Switzerland
Truly a winter playground! Commencing at the famous resort of Grindawald this region is the most glaciated in Europe with 4000 + meter peaks abounding. A cogwheel train through the Eiger transports you to 12,000' and the start of the tour. One can easily ski one of these summits daily in route to the next hut or have a leisurely tour. The terrain in the Oberland is very suitable for groups with less experience due to the proximity of the huts and the passage between them fairly mellow.? Many of the huts have been recently remodeled and are some of the nicest in Europe.

Gran Paradisio, Italy
This beautiful area in the northwest corner of Italy is often accessed from Val d' Isere, France. The Italian cuisine and wonderful huts make this a great place tour. Many of the peaks have easy approaches and excellent descents.

National Parc des Ecrins, La Grave The Ecrins is the largest park in France and surely one of the most spectacular. It is known as the most intense terrain with huge peaks and deep valleys. This tour is not for everyone as it is extremely strenuous with long, hard climbs and steep descents. On many of the passes a rope is required for safe passage on both ascent and descent. There are some easier, shorter tours in this region that can be combined with lifted assisted skiing in La Grave.? One of the most famous, the "Tour de la Meije" is a classic two to three day tour that embodies the true spirit of ski alpinism for those who already possess some alpine skills.

Atlas Mountains, Morocco
One of our more exotic tours, you will fly into Marrakech in Northern Africa then traverse through the Atlas Mountains supported by a group of porters to transport food and gear. The huts here have been constructed by "Club Alpin Francais" and similar to Himalayan treks, the porters traveling with the tour cook all the meals. The peaks here are near 4000 meters and have huge couloirs for exciting descents. Visiting the marketplace in Marrakech and the largest sand dunes in the world will surely make this a fabulous experience.

North Cascades National Park, Washington**
The most rugged mountain range in the lower 48 with over 300 hundred glaciers provide exceptional ski alpinism for those looking for a challenge closer to home. With classic high alpine tours such as the Forbidden Tour and the Ptarmigan Traverse, these four day tours offer spectacular scenery in remote valleys while accessing long descents through high passes and long couloirs of up to 4,000'.

Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia**
Europe has the Haute Route, Canada has the Spearhead Traverse. Riding the lifts of Blackcomb we effortlessly gain 5,000' then tour across 12 glaciers for the next 3-4 days while enjoying multiple 2,000' descents off classic peaks such as Fitzsimmons and Fissile. On the final day, we ski back into the town of Whistler and enjoy the hospitality that Whistler is world famous for.

Mount Elbrus, Russia**
With lifts, summertime corn and its status as Europe's highest peak, one can see the attraction of skiing in Russia. As part of our acclimatization program, we will climb and ski several lower peaks on our way to Mt Elbrus. As well as getting in a couple of 3,000-6,000' runs, we also explore Moscow and Terskol en route to the mountain, absorbing Russian culture along the way.

**We operate these trips in association with Mountain Madness.

Norway
Far to the north of Europe lies some of the best touring experiences that can be found on the planet. These tours will be done in May during the period of the midnight sun. Skiing from 3000 meters peaks all the way to the ocean is an experience that you will never forget. Many of the tours will actually be done in the middle of the night, taking advantage of the spectacular light and lower temperatures. To make this even more exotic, you can chose the option of taking a live aboard boat through the Archipelago stopping at various islands to ski tour.

Corsica
The island of Corsica, well known for summer trekking, is one of the best secrets of the touring world. With high peaks pushing out of the Mediterranean Sea this gem offers great ski touring throughout the winter.

Sun Valley, Idaho
Long known for great alpine skiing, this area offers great touring into the Sawtooth National Forest. Together with Sawtooth Mountain guides we offer tours in this beautiful area. A three-hour trek to a Mongolian yurt will provide a base camp for skiing in each region with numerous peaks, glades and bowls to please every ability level. Due to cold temperatures and very low humidity, powder can be found for long periods after a snowfall.