Expédition en ski de randonnée

Courchevel has an advantage few large resorts share, and it is exactly what makes it ski-touring country: the Vallée des Avals begins a few minutes from 1850 and has never been developed. Not a lift, not a groomed run. You put your skins on at the end of the road and climb an entire valley without passing any infrastructure, all but unheard of in a six-hundred-kilometre ski area. It is the contrast that makes the experience so strong here: you leave the most equipped resort in the world and find yourself alone within half an hour. Beyond the Avals, the Vanoise massif opens onto longer routes and genuine multi-day traverses for those who want them. Let us be clear about what it asks: skiing ungroomed snow competently, and being able to climb for three to five hours without suffering. The climbing technique is learned in an hour. The endurance is not. So we will ask precise questions before confirming an outing, and we will suggest an introductory day in the Avals rather than a traverse if that is the sensible thing.