Ski touring is on the rise in France and Italy
Significant snowfall in the French and Italian Alps is causing and avalanche of excitement amongst ski enthusiasts with high hopes for the months ahead. Major resorts over 2,500 metres have recorded over one metre of snow, while elevations as low as 1,000 metres have received up to 10cm.
A promising season promises big numbers of visitors. But one way to avoid queues and crowds to switch traditional resort skiing for ski touring.
Combining elements of cross-country with classic alpine skiing, participants use adapted kit to explore the backcountry and visit multiple destinations.
Dale Williams, who lives in Serre Chevalier and runs our Ski the Southern Alps tour, has devised an itinerary which slaloms into secret areas and carves fresh tracks between culinary hot spots with plenty of cultural immersion along the way.
Aimed at intermediate skiiers, the tour crosses international borders and scales high elevation peaks. Energetic adventures are balanced by a day of snowshoeing and daily gourmet meals.
Dale’s personal highlights of the tour include:
1. Experiencing the majesty of the Haute Alpes. The presence of the steep and dramatic peaks gives me goose bumps every time.
2. A BBQ lunch sat on top of a peak in the sun while eating locally sourced meats cooked to order.
3. Briancon Cathedral. Wandering around this baroque architectural masterpiece nestled in the walls of the old town is just other-worldly.
