Freeskiing around Mont Joly

Two days of freerando in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif to explore the hidden slopes of Mont Joly. A wild itinerary between Saint-Gervais, Hauteluce, and Les Contamines, combining the pleasure of skiing, exploration, and an overnight stay in a mountain hut.

Program

The day before
Meeting at 6:30 pm at the Saint-Gervais Guides’ Office for the trip presentation and gear check.

Day 1
Departure from Saint-Gervais. Ascent by ski lifts to the summit of the ski area, followed by the first off-piste descent before skinning up to Mont Joly (2,525 m). Descent to Planay and then towards the Combe de Véry. Climb towards the Col de la Croix de Pierre before descending to the Hauteluce side. Final descent to the Ferme des Liaudes, evening and overnight stay in a hut.
Elevation gain: +375 m / -1,250 m

Day 2
Departure from the hut, short descent to Belleville, followed by a mechanical ascent to the Col du Joly. Freerando towards the Cols de la Fenêtre, de la Cicle, or des Chasseurs, depending on conditions and the group’s level. Descent into the Bonhomme Valley, passing the Refuge de la Balme and arriving at Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge. Return by shuttle to Saint-Gervais.
Elevation gain: +250 m / -1,750 m

The guides may adjust the program according to the weather, mountain conditions, and the participants’ skill level.

Photo gallery

Details

This short ski touring raid around Mont Joly offers a condensed adventure of skiing and stunning landscapes. Accessible from Saint-Gervais, it combines secret off-piste routes and skinning sections to connect the different sides of the massif. The panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Aravis, and the Beaufortain accompany your progress throughout the journey.
The first day takes you to the summit of Mont Joly before descending into the Combe de Véry, then towards Hauteluce, for a descent to the Liaudes farm where the evening unfolds in a mountain atmosphere. The second day explores the valleys of the Col de la Cicle and Col du Bonhomme before returning to Les Contamines.
This trip is ideal for skiers already comfortable with off-piste skiing, looking to experience a complete freerando adventure under the guidance of a high mountain guide.

Dates

Group option: every Thursday, depending on snow conditions.
Private option: every day from December to the end of March, depending on snow conditions.

Registration and payment

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.

Supervision and participants

A maximum of 6 people per guide.
Departure guaranteed for the group option with a minimum of 4 participants.
You will be guided by a high mountain guide.

Physical and technical level

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).

Prices

Price for the group option:
€550 per person (departure guaranteed with a minimum of 4 participants)

Prices for the private options:
1 participant: €1,390
2 participants: €830 per person
3 participants: €660 per person
4 participants: €570 per person
5 participants: €510 per person
6 participants: €470 per person

The price includes

  • Supervision by a mountain guide
  • Half board at the mountain hut
  • The 2-day ski pass
  • Picnic
  • Shuttle transfers

The price does not include

  • Drinks, cereal bars, and other personal expenses
  • Your personal insurance
  • Your ski touring equipment
  • Your safety equipment: avalanche transceiver (DVA), shovel, probe
  • Anything not listed under “price includes”

Insurance

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 the start of your trip if something happens and you cannot attend. We apply cancellation fees as specified on our registration form and in our 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.

Equipment list

Technical equipment

  • Backpack with a ski attachment system and sufficient capacity.
  • Ski touring skis
  • Crampons suitable for the bindings
  • Ski touring boots
  • Avalanche transceiver, shovel, and collapsible probe
  • Well-fitted and in good condition climbing skins.
  • Ski poles with large baskets
  • Hat or hood + neck gaiter (buff) + cap for sun protection.
  • Glacier glasses
  • Ski goggles
  • Headlamp

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

  • Technical base layer: long-sleeve top and thermal leggings
  • Fleece jacket
  • Down jacket
  • Gore-Tex®-type jacket
  • Gore-Tex® type pants
  • Warm and waterproof ski gloves
  • A spare pair of gloves

Essential accessories

  • Category 4 sunglasses and ski goggles
  • Light headlamp + spare batteries
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Plastic bags to protect your belongings
  • Water bottle and/or thermos (1.5 L)
  • Pharmacy kit: Elastoplast, Compeed double-skin blister pads, sunscreen, lip protection, painkillers, earplugs, personal medication.
  • Small toiletry kit (toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, etc.)
  • Identification and insurance documents, European Health Insurance Card, cash.

Feel free to contact us if you need advice on physical preparation, gear selection, or organizing your trip.

Rendez-vous

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. Please let us know if you cannot attend; the briefing can be done by phone.


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You can call us at (+33)4 50 47 76 55.