A week-long trip with 5 days of guided riding in the mini freeride mecca of Sainte Foy Tarentaise. This has been my home resort since 2007 and I'm on first-name terms with every rock, tree and couloir on the mountain. Sainte Foy is rightly famous for great terrain, with easy access from the lifts and minimal crowds. Snow conditions are usually excellent in January, especially as the sheltered location protects the snow from the wind in the January storms which can turn the likes of Tignes and Val d'Isere to boiler-plate overnight. There is great tree-riding if the weather is bad and long, big-mountain lines with plenty of steeps if the sun shines. We can access everything with short or medium-length hikes (1hr max up to the Fogliettaz) and there are local buses which bring us back from the more adventurous lines. We're aiming to ride as many great powder-line as possible, it's all about the fun riding rather than hiking for the sake of hiking, but if there's a snow-drought on then we'll hike to find the goods.
While we usually find the best snow in Sainte Foy, we also have Tignes and Val d'Isere on our doorstep should we feel the need to go to higher altitude as well as Les Arcs just across the valley.
Program:
Arrive in resort and check in to chalet on Sunday 26th Jan. The course includes 5 days of guided riding. This will usually be Monday-Friday, but if it makes sense with the weather or snow conditions, we may take a rest day mid-week and ride on the final Saturday. Check out of the chalet on Saturday 2nd Feb.
Accommodation:
Chalet-apartment 4 Saisons. A great apartment right by the lifts, with en-suite rooms and a comfy living room with open fire. Accommodation and prices based on twin-sharing. No single supplements as long as you're happy to share with another solo rider.
Meals:
Breakfast included every day. Evening meals 5 nights per week prepared by your chalet chef and host!
TRAVEL:
Sainte Foy is located in the Tarentaise Valley, close to the mega-resorts of Tignes, Val d'Isere and Les Arcs. You can fly to Geneva, Lyon, Chambery or Grenoble. Coach transfers are available with Ben's Bus and Altibus. Private and shared transfers are available from many sources including CoolBus, SnowDrone, Mountain Rescue and White Rides.
Riding level:
This course is for intermediate and up level riders with some backcountry experience. You should have at least 8-10 weeks riding experience and have at least some experience of enjoying turns in off-piste conditions.
fitness level:
You should have a reasonable level of fitness as we will very likely do some hiking during the week in order to find fresh lines. Usually about 1hr or 300m maximum.
Equipment required:
Standard snowboard gear. Avalanche safety equipment loan is included in the course price if you don't have your own. If we need snowshoe or splitboard gear, this can be rented locally.
additional costs (not included):
Travel, Lift pass, 2 evening meals, Lunch & Apres