The evening before – Welcome in Saint-Gervais
Meet at 6:30 PM at the Saint-Gervais Guides’ Office to meet your guide, check your equipment, and prepare for the two days of freeskiing around Mont Joly.
Day 1 – Mont Joly and Combe de Véry
Meet in the morning at the Saint-Gervais ski lifts. The lifts provide quick access to the higher areas of the ski domain before the first off-piste descent on the slopes overlooking the valley. The route then continues as a freerando ascent to the summit of Mont Joly, the highest point in the area, offering a wide panorama over the Mont Blanc massif and the peaks of the Beaufortain. After descending to Planay, the Côte 2000 lifts allow you to return to the ridges. From there, the route drops into the vast Combe de Véry, a prime freeride terrain. A short skin ascent then leads to the Col de la Croix de Pierre before descending to the alpine chalet serving as the overnight refuge.
Elevation gain: +375 m – Elevation loss: -1,250 m
Day 2 – Col de la Fenêtre, Col de la Cicle, or Col des Chasseurs
From the refuge, a short off-piste descent leads to the hamlet of Belleville in the Hauteluce ski area. The lifts then take you to the Col du Joly near Les Contamines. From this point, the route continues as a ski touring ascent toward the cols beneath the Cicle ridges. Depending on conditions and the group’s level, the climb may reach Col de la Fenêtre, Col de la Cicle, or Col des Chasseurs. These passes open onto the vast Vallon du Bonhomme, a classic ski touring route in this sector. The descent then follows to the Balme Refuge and continues to the hamlet of Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge near Les Contamines. Return to Saint-Gervais by shuttle in the afternoon.
Elevation gain: +250 m – Elevation loss: -1,750 m
The guides may adjust the itinerary according to the weather, mountain conditions, and participants’ abilities.
Mont Joly is an outstanding vantage point over the Mont Blanc massif. Located on the border between the Val Montjoie and the Beaufortain, this summit overlooks expansive valleys ideal for freeride and ski touring.
Around the Combe de Véry and the Col de la Cicle, the routes offer a wide variety of terrain: broad open slopes, forested sections, and long descents linking multiple valleys. This setup allows for a combination of ski lifts and short ski ascents to access wild, rarely frequented routes.
The traverse toward the Vallon du Bonhomme also allows you to explore one of the iconic high-mountain sectors of the Mont Blanc massif. The combination of freeride, ski touring progression, and an overnight in an alpine refuge provides a complete experience, blending exploration and immersion in the mountains.
Group option: every Thursday, depending on snow conditions.
Private option: every day from December to the end of March, depending on snow conditions.
Directly on our website or using the dated and signed registration form, accompanied by a 40% deposit and any optional insurance fees. The balance must be paid 60 days before departure.
Maximum of 6 participants per guide. Group departures are guaranteed from 4 participants.
For competent skiers with prior off-piste experience, in good physical condition. Feel free to contact us if you are unsure about the required level.
You will be traveling on a high mountain route outside the ski area, with no marked trails: you must be aware of the dangers associated with this activity (cornice collapses, rockfalls, avalanches, very low temperatures).
Price for the group package:
€610 per person (departures guaranteed from 4 participants).
Private package rates:
1 participant: €1,500
2 participants: €910 per person
3 participants: €730 per person
4 participants: €630 per person
5 participants: €570 per person
6 participants: €530 per person
The price includes
The price does not include
Repatriation
Having “assistance–repatriation” insurance is mandatory to take part in our trips: it must cover you in high mountains for search and rescue by helicopter. If you do not have “assistance–repatriation” insurance, we can provide one at a rate of €5/day.
Cancellation
We also offer optional “cancellation” insurance at a rate of €12/day. This insurance does not take into account the sporting nature of our trips. It must be purchased at the time of registration to take effect.
As a reminder, cancellation insurance covers you from the moment you register until your trip date, if something happens and you cannot attend. We apply cancellation fees listed on our registration form and terms of sale. These fees may be reimbursed by the cancellation insurance if your reason for cancelling is covered.
If you pay by credit card, feel free to check the insurance included with it.
As a reminder, in the event of cancellation you must file your claim with the insurer within 5 days of the accident or reason for cancelling, otherwise it will not be valid (then check whether the reason for cancellation is covered).
Insurance fees are non-refundable.
Technical equipment
Technical equipment is available for rent from our partners:
For Saint Gervais : blanc-sport-saintgervais.com/ www.unlimited-saintgervais.com,
For les Contamines : www.intersport-lescontamines.com/
Clothing
Essential accessories
Feel free to contact us if you need advice on physical preparation, gear selection, or organizing your trip.
You will meet the guides the day before departure at the Saint-Gervais Guides Office (43 rue du Mont Blanc, 74170 Saint-Gervais), located inside the tourist office in the village center, at 6:30 p.m. If you cannot attend, please let us know — the briefing can be done by phone.
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You can call us at (+33)4 50 47 76 55.
