Swiss Mountain Guide

Hiking, Mountain Climbing, Expedition and Skiing Guide

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  • Skiing
    • Europe
      • The Haute Route – Chamonix to Zermatt
      • Berner Oberland Haute Route
      • Ski Safaris in the Alps
      • Skiing by Boat in Norway
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European Ski Trips

Home - Ski Safaris – Ski Touring – Backcountry Skiing - European Ski Trips

Ski Touring, Ski Safaris, Off Piste Skiing

From the Berner Oberland ski tour in Switzerland to  Norway skiing by boat discover the world of wild snow and virgin turns, be it in deep winter powder or perfect sun-kissed spring corn snow, long after the ski lifts have closed for the season. Stay in a back country huts or a classic alpine hotel. Improve you technical skills while enjoying the great mountains. Back country skiing will leave your heart pounding from the pure joy of brilliant exhilaration and your mind planning your next trip.

Jean Pavillard,
Internationally Certified Mountain Guide

Fabian skiing below the Porta d’Esha along the Graubunden haute route.

 

History: The Haute Route – Chamonix to Zermatt

The Haute Route must be the best known ski tour in the world. This classic route start in Chamonix, the European climbing & skiing Mecca and end in Zermatt, the most well-known alpine town in the world at the foot of the Matterhorn.

The first ski traverse along the Haute route was made by a French team in January 1903. The party consisted  of Joseph Ravanel “Le Rouge” Alfred Simon,  Dr. Payot, Camille and Jean Ravanel and Jules Couttet. Their route took in Col du Chardonnet, fenetre de Saleinaz, Cabane d’Orny, Orsiere, Val de Bagnes, Cabane de Chanrion,  Otemma glacier, Col de L’Eveque and Zermatt. (after a detour via les hauderes due to bad weather)

The entire traverse was completed  in 1911. The haute route  is not the achievement of one person or one team but the result of many attempt from many different teams. The haute route stretch over 145 km. Crosses twenty-three glaciers and has a total ascent and descent of 10,000 m. (33,000 ft) vertical.

There is quite few variations: From Orsiere one option goes to Mt Fort above Verbier, and continue on to Les Dix hut via Rosa Blanche. Another option goes to Grand Combin, Chanrion hut, les Dix. All routes will finish via Pigne D’Arolla, Vignette, Col de L’Eveque, Col de Valpelline , Zermatt.

Ski Safaris, Off Piste Skiing in the Alps

Designed to provide you with an introduction to the endless skiing possibilities in the Alps, this type of tours allows you to ski  major resorts and several smaller ones.  Helicopter skiing and backcountry tours are easily added to the itinerary to change the pace as you wish.  Remember, this is just an idea, contact us for a  sample itinerary and we would be delighted to work with you on an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Some of the resorts you must visit: Les Diablerets, Verbier, Zermatt, Chamonix, Grindelwald and much more.

Custom trip builder.

Matterhorn view from Teodulo Refugio
Skiing the glacier above Zermatt
incredible experience
Fresh powder
Les Diablerets-Leysin region

European Ski Trips

  • Ski Safaris in the Alps
  • The Haute Route – Chamonix to Zermatt
  • Berner Oberland Haute Route
  • Skiing by Boat in Norway
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IFMGA Certified GuideAMGA Certified GuideJEAN PAVILLARD is a fully certified IFMGA and AMGA guide Jean Pavillard on Facebook