Avalanche Awareness for Free-riders

(2 days ski guiding)

Dates:

Available on Request

Price based on minimum 4 participants

Winter 2023 / 24 Course status:

Access the Mountain + (ski touring refresher course) 8th-12th January.

This is a great opportunity to refresh your skills required for the world of ski touring and mountaineering. If you’re an able and experienced off piste skier then it could be used as one of your first ventures in to this more multi-directional world or for moving towards been able to tour for yourself.

Ushguli Free-ride Touring Adventure Georgia 27th February-7th March - Spaces available. Follow the link at the bottom of the page:

Haute Route Chamonix - Zermatt 14th-20th April - Spaces available. Follow the link at the bottom of the page

Senja and Lyngen Alps Free-ride Touring Adventure 25th February - 6th April - Dates tbc. A space or two available

Avalanche Awareness for Free-riders - Available on Request

Off the Beaten Track (off-piste free-ride) - Available on Request

Mont Blanc Ski from the Summit! - April - May - Dates on request. Spaces available

Anyone planning to venture in to the backcountry is in a better position with an up to date awareness and knowledge of the dangers the snowpack can present. This jam-packed 2 days, based in the Chamonix Valley, will aim to increase this knowledge giving you the building blocks and practical knowledge needed to keep you safer in the mountains. Whether it’s a refresher or your first step towards safer skiing, I can guarantee you won’t regret it.

We'll be moving around on skis having as much fun as we can along the way and looking to cover topics such as: how to interpret the avalanche forecast and what resources to use to keep you up to date with the latest conditions; terrain selection and group movement; signs to look for in the snow pack; what equipment you require to keep you safe and it’s use; as well as practising rescue scenarios. We’ll also take an in depth look at the current snow conditions and how to manage them. This will be mostly practical, so be prepared for both days out on the mountain.

Prices from 220 pounds per person

Ski Mont Blanc

(6 days ski guiding)

Dates:

3rd-8th May

Have you ever wondered what would be like to stand on the summit of the highest peak in Western Europe, staring down in to Italy, France and the Massif all around you? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be standing there in your ski boots, with 2500m of incredible ski descent below you?? This is only a position for the experienced and fit ski tourer’s among us, but with the right preparation and acclimatisation it is a dream which can come true. During this course we will aim to spend 5 days acclimatising on skis and skiing some classic 4000m summits, staying in mountain refuges for at least 3 nights. The 2 day ascent of Mont Blanc itself will begin with a crossing of the dramatic Bossons glacier and a relatively short climb to the Grand Mulets refuge. Summit day is a big and very dramatic one, ascending 1750m up the Glacier de Taconnaz. Snow conditions, skiing ability and energy will dictate whether skis are to be left at the Vallot shelter for the final climb to the summit, but either way this is a day you won’t forget in a hurry!

Pre-requisites

You should have experience ski touring and be comfortable climbing 1800m in a day and at least 1200m on 4 consecutive days. As a minimum you should have partaken in at least two multi-day tours and should be comfortable skiing in a wide range of snow conditions safely and in control. You should also be familiar with both side slipping on steeper terrain and stem turning in poor snow. Please see the kit list for what you need.

Please contact me to for pricing information.

Off the Beaten Track

(5 days ski guiding)

An Off-Piste Adventure week Dates:

Available on Request

This is a 5-day course based in and around the Chamonix valley. The Off Piste possibilities here are world famous and infinite. The main focus will be on finding the best snow and ski terrain we can and we'll always have a new epic line to carve.  This will involve some touring, so it is essential that you have equipment to be able to do this; it’s actually a good opportunity to rent a set up and try a little ski touring for the 1st time.

We’ll be hoping to ski classic runs through like the Valley Blanche. Accessed from the top of the dramatic Aiguille de Midi lift we make an exposed descent of the snow ridge to start, before weaving our way down the glacier, on what has to be the most iconic off piste ski run in the world! We’ll do our best to find amazing skiing away from the crowds and secret powder stashes in hidden North facing bowls. It’s also possible to enjoy skiing on the Aiguille Argentiere glacier and a visit to Courmayeur in Italy is almost certain.

There will be plenty of opportunities for learning and self-improvement throughout the week and we’ll be touching on topics such as: managing terrain and route choice; avalanche avoidance and rescue; ski touring / mountaineering equipment and its use; as well as off-piste skiing hints and tips.

Pre-requisites:

You should be at least an intermediate level skier, able to ski red runs all day and at least occasional black runs. You should also have some experience skiing off-piste and handling a wide range of snow conditions safely and efficiently. This week is a good opportunity to work on your off-piste skills further, as well as experiencing the techniques required to ski safely in a big mountain environment and even perform some basic mountaineering. Turning up with strong thighs will allow you to enjoy your week to the full.

Prices from 730 pounds per person (based on 4 participants)

Access the Mountain

(5 days ski guiding)

An Introduction to Ski Touring

Dates:

Available on request

If you’re a regular skier, but have always wondered what’s around the next corner, looking for more solitude and adventure, then this is the course for you. Ski touring allows us to access the places and snow that you’re unable to reach on a pair of alpine skis. It can also be an incredibly fun and satisfying form of exercise, allowing journeys to be made right through the heart of beautiful mountain areas.

This 5-day course is based from the Chamonix valley with it’s fantastic touring possibilities, along with easy access to The Val D’Aoste of Italy and surrounding areas.

We’ll be covering all the skills you need to convert from a downhill skier, to someone with complete freedom. Topics covered will include: gear selection and how to use it properly; use of crampons and ice axe; planning your day; moving through terrain safely and effectively; how to ski on glaciers; avalanche avoidance and rescue; off-piste hints and tips.

Pre-requisites:

You should be at least an intermediate level skier, able to ski red runs all day and at least occasional black runs. You should also have some experience skiing off-piste and handling a wide range of snow conditions safely and efficiently. Finally you should feel comfortable climbing at least 600m / day for several days in a row.

Prices from 760 pounds per person.

General Details

Dates listed are the number of guided days. It is recommended that you arrive the evening before the course starts at the latest.

Prices include:

• Warm and professional guiding (number of days stated on each course)

• Basic expenses for your guide (i.e, water, snacks, packed lunches)

• Lifts for your guide in the Chamonix valley

• Trip organization, hut bookings and administration.

• Advice on preparation, valley accommodation and equipment.

• Recommendations for how to get to and from the valley easily.

• Help hiring equipment (a lot can be hired at a discount rate from myself or one of my partners: https://www.conceptproshopchamonix.com/fr/ ).

Not included:

• Travel to and from the valley.

• Valley Accommodation (Unless stated above)

• Half Board Accommodation in the mountain huts for you and your guide when used (discounted rate shared between participants). NB.

• Any extra lunches or drinks. NB. Water will usually need to be bought in mountain huts in winter

• Kit hire.

• Lift costs for you (and your guide outside my home valley N.B at a reduced cost)

Please get in touch for more information or to make a booking:

Telephone: 0044 7887 926 584 / 0033 787831403

Email: jjcguiding@gmail.com

johncrookguiding@facebook.com