American Alpine Institute Program - Ski the Alps

Intermediate

Length - 9 days

Cost - $2960 (per person, group of three or more)

Max Ratio - 5:1 or 10:2

Capacity - 10

Location
Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland

Intermediate alpine skills; backcountry skiing experience.

Apr 18 - Apr 26, 2008

Ski the Alps - Haute Route

Image of skiers in the Alps backcountry.
Crossing the Argentiere Glacier. Photo by Tim Connelly

The Haute Route

Connecting the granite spires of the Mont Blanc massif with the grand summits of the Swiss Alps, the famous Haute Route passes through the heart of Europe’s most beautiful range. This is the world’s most famous high mountain ski route, and in its course we enjoy numerous ski descents, traverses of multiple large-scale glaciers in the heart of the Alps, and close-up views of some of the most awe-inspiring peaks in the Alps.

We start with a day of instruction on avalanche safety and rescue techniques including the use of avalanche beacons. We also begin our discussion of route assessment and route finding with map, compass, and altimeter. We spend another day skiing the Vallée Blanche, from the top of the Aiguille du Midi down the famous Mer de Glace glacier. On that day we give more detailed instruction on procedures for glacier skiing and gain further acclimatization.

Image of skiers ascending slopes in the Alps through mist and sun.
Afternoon skinning on day 2. Photo by Tim Connelly

Program Structure

On the Haute Route we utilize a system of huts, and their bunks and meal offerings enable us to stay high in the mountains for most of the route and to travel with extremely lightweight packs. Depending on conditions and time available, we may have the option to climb several summits along the way.

The final descent from the Col du Vignettes, past the imposing north face of the Matterhorn, ranks in our minds as the most beautiful ski descent in the world. In sum, this is a very special trip on which the superb scenery and atmosphere is matched by the excellence of the skiing.

Image of climbers ascending to a col in the Alps.
Nearing the Col du Chardonnay. Photo by Tim Connelly

Cost Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions:
3 nights hotel, shared basis
6 nights in huts, dorm basis
dinners and breakfasts in huts
lift tickets
taxi from Champex to Verbier
guide fees and guide expenses

Exclusions:
transportation to meeting place in Chamonix
transportation from ending place in Zermatt
meals in towns
snacks, lunches, and drinks in mountains/huts
gratuity to guide
single hotel supplement if needed (US$120)
required insurance (approximately US$30)

Image of skiers descending, with the north face of the Matterhorn in the distance.
The descent from the Col du Vignettes, past the imposing north face of the
Matterhorn, is one of the most beautiful ski descents in the world.

Follow Up Programs

Avalanche Course - Level 1
3 days	All	Mount Baker Ski Area and AAI's headquarters in Bellingham, Washington	December - March
AAI's Level 1 avalanche course provides students with the tools, knowlege, and decision making skills necessary to travel safely in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche Course - Level 2
4 days	Intermediate	Mount Baker Ski Area, Washington	February
This course is designed for those who have an interest in expanding their knowledge and understanding of snow stability and snow stability factors. It is ideal for snow safety and guiding professionals and people interested in these and related careers.

Backcountry Skiing - Sierra and Colorado Rockies
2-6 Days	Intermediate	Eastern Sierra, CA; San Juans, CO; and Mt. Baker, WA	December - March
Take this as a 2-day segment of the Winter Comprehensive or as a 2, 4, or 6-day stand alone trip. Develop and advance skiing technique for varied terrain and snow conditions; develop skills for hazard assessment, avalanche rescue, and route finding.

Ice Climbing (Waterfall) - Sierra and Rockies
2-6 Days (can combine with winter mountaineering)	Beginner to Advanced	Eastern Sierra, CA and San Juans, CO; Canadian Rockies, BC and AB, Canada	December - March
Develop a full repertoire of technical and judgmental skills for technical ice climbing. Advanced participants develop leading ability on difficult terrain.

Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and the Eiger
4 to 10 Day Programs	Beginner & Intermediate	French and Swiss Alps	June - September
AAI offers several different programs for ascending one, two, or all three of peaks in the "Alps Trilogy."

Mount Whitney - Skills & Ascent
3-4 Days (depending on route and acclimatization)	Beginner & Intermediate	Eastern Sierra Nevada, CA	June - September
Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states, and boasts several moderate rock climbs and scrambles of excellent quality granite. Avoid the crowds by climbing one of these three moderate alpine climbs.

Mt. Rainier Ascent Kautz Glacier
4 Days	Intermediate	Mount Rainier, WA	July
This is a 4-day intermediate summit ascent and skills clinic on Mt. Rainier: the highest glaciated volcano in the lower 48 states, also Washington's highest peak.

Ski Mountaineering - Ascents and Clinic
3 days per peak or 6-day clinic	Intermediate	North Cascades, WA	Jan - May
Develop the good judgment and technical skills required for skiing on complex glaciers, while doing some of the best glacier skiing available in the 48 states.

American Alpine Institute (AAI)

1515 12th Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
info@aai.cc

Courses and Climbs	Fax	Equipment	Travel Coordination	Trip/Travel Insurance
360-671-1505	360-734-8890	360-671-1570	509-972-4028	Web Site