Chamonix Backcountry Ski Week

Chamonix Backcountry Ski Week

Explore the French Alps with our IFMGA Mountain Guides. From mellow ski tours with breathtaking views to technical ski mountaineering, we can shape this program to the desires of your group. Chamonix is the birthplace of alpinism and backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering in this incredible valley will change your understanding of skiing!


Price: $3,350 / person. See Inclusions Tab for Details.

All deposits are nonrefundable. Payment in full of the remaining balance is due 180 days before your trip starts.

Overview
Itinerary
Prerequisites
Inclusions
Gear

We'll tackle the following objectives and skills:

  • Ski the best zone in the area that day, based on weather and snow conditions
  • Refresh gear and technique skills
  • Avalanche safety skills review throughout the day
  • Enjoy delicious meals and apres in Chamonix in between touring days

A minimum of 3 people is required to run this program.

Here's the schedule for your trip:

  • Day 1 - Arrival in Chamonix - Upon arrival we'll meet up for dinner and discuss the avalanche conditions and plan for the week.

  • Day 2 - Ski Valley Blanche - Or similar warm up objective based on weather and conditions.

  • Days 3-6 - Ski Touring in Chamonix - We'll get an early start on the day and spend full days ski touring, covering roughly 3,000-5,000' vertical each day with lunch eaten in the field. After skiing to our hearts content, we'll regroup in town, grab dinner, and discuss plans for the next day

  • Day 7 - Departure from Chamonix We'll wrap up the program with breakfast before traveling home from Chamonix.

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

  • Advanced Resort Riding Skills - Including off-piste terrain in challenging snow conditions.

  • Intermediate Touring Experience - Including efficient gear management and skinning, transition technique, with 20+ days of backcountry experience.

  • Intermediate Ski Mountaineering Experience - Including ice ax, crampon, and basic rope skills.

  • Strong Fitness - Able to spend a long, active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of 1-1.5 hours between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 8-10 miles, climbing 2,500 - 3,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day. People with strong fitness typically have a strenuous workout 3-4 days a week

Here's what's included with your trip:

  • Experienced IFMGA Trained Guide
  • Ropes & Gear
  • Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
  • Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
Not Included
  • Flights and Transportation to Chamonix
  • Hotels During the Trip
  • Meals
  • Ice Axe, Crampons, Climbing Harness
  • Guide Gratuities

Ski/Split Touring Gear

  • Alpine Touring Ski or Splitboard Setup - No snowshoes
  • Alpine Touring or Splitboard Boots
  • Climbing Skins
  • Touring Backpack - with pockets for avalanche gear
  • Adjustable Touring Poles
Avalanche Safety Gear
  • Avalanche Beacon
  • Avalanche Shovel
  • Avalanche Probe
Ski/Split Mountaineering Gear
  • Ice Axe
  • Crampons
  • Climbing Harness
Clothing & Accessories
  • Technical Outerwear (jacket, bibs/pants)
  • Multiple Midlayer Options
  • Gloves
  • Helmet
  • Goggles
  • Beanie
  • Baseball Cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water Bottle / Hydration Pack (2L)
  • Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks

    • Know Before you go

    SKILL LEVELAdvanced - Expert
    ELEVATION3,300'-15,773'
    LocationFrench Alps - Chamonix
    Price/Person $500.00
    Private Programs
    Duration: 7 Days
    View Full Itinerary
    Private Programs

    Blackbird Mountain Guides offers both scheduled group programs and private programs.

    Private programs are simply above and beyond what Blackbird Mountain Guides currently has scheduled. Scheduled courses are not always less expensive. Before booking a trip with Blackbird Mountain Guides, clients are encouraged to review the differences between these types of programs, and to decide what works best for them.

    SCHEDULED PROGRAMS

    Scheduled Programs have fixed dates, itineraries, objectives, curriculum, and costs. They typically appeal to solo individuals or small groups or who are looking to share the cost of their program with a larger group. Correspondingly, scheduled programs are less expensive for smaller groups (1-2), and they provide the opportunity to meet others with similar interests. If you have a large group (3+), Scheduled programs will often be more expensive. They can fill up quickly, and scheduling flexibility is obviously limited.

    Scheduled programs will have advertised dates. All scheduled programs can be run as private programs with private dates/rates as well.

    PRIVATE PROGRAMS

    Private programs have scheduling freedom. They typically appeal to those who would like some flexibility in planning their own trip or course. In this regard, Itineraries and objectives can be tailored to suit current conditions as well as client goals. Private programs are normally less expensive for larger groups (3+). If you have a small group (1-2) private programs will be more expensive.

    Contact us
    Full Itinerary

    Day 1 Meet in Chamonix

     

    Day 2 Ski Valley Blanche or similar warm up objective (weather and conditions based)

     

    Day 3 Chamonix Ski Mountaineering Objective

     

    Day 4 Chamonix Ski Mountaineering Objective

     

    Day 5 Chamonix Ski Mountaineering Objective

     

    Day 6 Chamonix Ski Mountaineering Objective

     

    Day 7 Conclusion of the program

     


     

    We'll tackle the following objectives and skills:

    • Ski the best zone in the area that day, based on weather and snow conditions
    • Refresh gear and technique skills
    • Avalanche safety skills review throughout the day
    • Enjoy delicious meals and apres in Chamonix in between touring days

    A minimum of 3 people is required to run this program.

    Here's the schedule for your trip:

    • Day 1 - Arrival in Chamonix - Upon arrival we'll meet up for dinner and discuss the avalanche conditions and plan for the week.

    • Day 2 - Ski Valley Blanche - Or similar warm up objective based on weather and conditions.

    • Days 3-6 - Ski Touring in Chamonix - We'll get an early start on the day and spend full days ski touring, covering roughly 3,000-5,000' vertical each day with lunch eaten in the field. After skiing to our hearts content, we'll regroup in town, grab dinner, and discuss plans for the next day

    • Day 7 - Departure from Chamonix We'll wrap up the program with breakfast before traveling home from Chamonix.

    Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

    • Advanced Resort Riding Skills - Including off-piste terrain in challenging snow conditions.

    • Intermediate Touring Experience - Including efficient gear management and skinning, transition technique, with 20+ days of backcountry experience.

    • Intermediate Ski Mountaineering Experience - Including ice ax, crampon, and basic rope skills.

    • Strong Fitness - Able to spend a long, active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of 1-1.5 hours between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 8-10 miles, climbing 2,500 - 3,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day. People with strong fitness typically have a strenuous workout 3-4 days a week

    Here's what's included with your trip:

    • Experienced IFMGA Trained Guide
    • Ropes & Gear
    • Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
    • Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
    Not Included
    • Flights and Transportation to Chamonix
    • Hotels During the Trip
    • Meals
    • Ice Axe, Crampons, Climbing Harness
    • Guide Gratuities

    Ski/Split Touring Gear

    • Alpine Touring Ski or Splitboard Setup - No snowshoes
    • Alpine Touring or Splitboard Boots
    • Climbing Skins
    • Touring Backpack - with pockets for avalanche gear
    • Adjustable Touring Poles
    Avalanche Safety Gear
    • Avalanche Beacon
    • Avalanche Shovel
    • Avalanche Probe
    Ski/Split Mountaineering Gear
    • Ice Axe
    • Crampons
    • Climbing Harness
    Clothing & Accessories
  • Technical Outerwear (jacket, bibs/pants)
  • Multiple Midlayer Options
  • Gloves
  • Helmet
  • Goggles
  • Beanie
  • Baseball Cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water Bottle / Hydration Pack (2L)
  • Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
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    Epic Reviews From Adventurers

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    10 reviews
    • Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      Ready for a trip to pillow town?

      Ok, this was my 2nd hut trip with Blackbird and wow was it amazing. I mean, at 50 if I had done this 25 years ago I am pretty sure my life would have gone in a very different direction.

      First and foremost, Zeb Blaise (owner and lead guide), is an absolute rockstar. He ensured that everyone made it to the lodge no matter how hard the weather and airlines tried to prevent it. He was constantly working to make sure this was an amazing experience.

      While visibility was difficult all week I still think we scored big time. With 5-10cm of fresh every day and a mix of guides and practicum's with local knowledge we were never longing for more. With the ability to self select we were able to choose from skiing bell to bell or a more mellow day but always had fun.

      I could go on about the food being fantastic and the hut's sauna for days but there is only so much room to type.

      Oh yeah, about the pillows... This is probably this best pillow terrain I've ever seen, in person, a magazine or a video part. I mean Mike Lindell would be jealous of this place. A week later and I'm still dreaming about pillow lines!

      The only real question is whether I will return to Snowfall or check out a different hut next winter...

      Jeremy R.
      Verified Buyer
      Snowfall Lodge BC 2025
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    • Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      Blackbird Guides - Snowfall Lodge

      In short, a once in a lifetime experience. The perfect balance between comfort (a lodge that is off the grid but has everything you need, including sauna and amazing food) and outdoor adventure (disconnected, epic snow and terrain, unreal views, the list goes on). To top it off, Blackbird guides helps to make the experience as good as it gets. They are professionals at coordinating and communicating plans, as well as true backcountry mountain guides - ensuring a safe experience, while providing education and guaranteeing epic powder turns. I have used Blackbird since they started and will continue to do so. They are at the top of their game. Don't miss this trip, or frankly, any trip Blackbird puts together. If you have the opportunity, GO!

      Greg F.
      Verified Buyer
      Snowfall Lodge BC 2025
      Was this helpful?
    • Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      Incredible hut trip

      Magnificent terrain to explore each day and a beautiful hut to return to each night. Couldn’t have loved this week more!

      Jennifer L.
      Verified Buyer
      Snowfall Lodge BC 2025
      Was this helpful?
    • Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      Another Epic Trip to BC

      Blackbird trips are something special. Amazing terrain, super knowledgeable and fun guides, great guests, and spectacular food. Snowfall had it all, from high alpine & glaciers to super fun tree and pillow skiing. Looking forward to coming back.

      Henning F.
      Verified Buyer
      Snowfall Lodge BC 2025
      Was this helpful?
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