French Alps Backcountry Skiing

Join IFMGA guide Lyra Pierotti in the French Alps for backcountry skiing spring 2027! Les Écrins is a spectacular massif in the Haute-Alpes region of France - south of Grenoble and west of Turin, Italy. Perhaps you’ve heard of La Grave? That is just one of many little ski villages in the region. This trip is designed to be as flexible and responsive to conditions as possible. We will meet in Briançon, the highest city in France at an elevation of 4,350 feet, and a great kickoff point for a variety of itineraries. Lyra will be in touch to finalize your itinerary prior to arrival in country, with input from our guests on the subject of goals and interests—and knowledge of the latest conditions. The team will then meet for dinner and gear check the evening before the start of your tour! The trip dates are set up to avoid the busiest times at the mountain huts, and maximize the ability to create an itinerary that matches the conditions and weather.

The first trip will likely be 3 days long, followed by a day off in Briançon to gear up for the next trip, which will likely be 4 days long. These durations may be adjusted to further optimize touring conditions. This split itinerary is a nice match for the southern French Alps due to the diverse and dramatic landscape. It gives guests an opportunity to explore a couple of different ranges, adapt to conditions, and optimize tour selection. This part of the Alps can be a bit more rugged and wild than some of the more common tourist destinations which have well-established 7-day long itineraries and a singular trajectory, and a lot of well-established transit options between trip legs if weather goes awry… so for this trip in the south, you’ll want to come with an expectation for adventure, exploration, and new experiences!

March 28-April 4, 2027: $2,800-$3,325

Here’s What To Expect

Itinerary

• Day 0: Evening dinner in Briançon, the highest city in France at an elevation of 4,350 feet. Briançon is home to nearly 12,000 people, with the old walled “Cité Vauban” overlooking the new part of town. You will meet for dinner in the evening, and discuss a finalized itinerary. The trip dates are set up to avoid the busiest times at the mountain huts, and maximize the ability to create an itinerary that matches the conditions and weather.

• Day 1: Drive 2hrs through the famous Frejus tunnel and into the Haute-Maurienne region on the border of Italy. This is part of the Savoie department! Ascend to the Refuge du Carro: 6 miles, 3200ft.

• Day 2: Long day tour, traversing a small glacier and many cols, to arrive at the Refuge des Évettes: 11 miles, 4200ft.

• Day 3: From here, your exit plan will depend on conditions. You may ski a big day up and over the iconic Albaron, or enjoy some of the quality steep slopes near the hut before heading back to the trailhead: 12 miles, 3200ft ascent and likely more descent.

• Day 4: Rest day back in town!

• Day 5: Drive just 20min into the Vallouise-Pelvoux valley in the Écrins massif, and head up to the Refuge du Glacier Blanc beneath the spectacular granite cliffs of Ailefroide: 8 miles, 4300ft.

• Day 6: Ascend to the Refuge des Écrins on the flanks of the Glacier Blanc: 2 miles, 2200ft. If time and conditions allow, we may ski some of the lines above the refuge en route.

• Day 7: Ski the Roche Faurio, a 12,000ft high peak in view of the tallest summits in the Écrins massif: The Dome de Neige and the Barre des Écrins. Return to the Refuge des Écrins: 4 miles, 2,000ft. If the group is still psyched, there are additional ski descents all along the way back to the hut, or the group can descend toward the Glacier Noir.

• Day 8: Either stay up high and ski more objectives above the Glacier Blanc, or descend to the Glacier Noir to explore some of the ski objectives there, such as the Bosse de la Momie: 3 miles, 3800ft.

In order to facilitate this kind of flexibility and adaptability, guests will need to rent a car and arrive in Briançon themselves, and expect to drive French mountain roads to get to our trailheads. We also recommend that you book an apartment for the duration of your stay so that we can adjust our itinerary, and so you have somewhere to leave your luggage. You will likely find that the prices for a small apartment are quite reasonable in this area, and having a small kitchen can help you avoid eating out all the time. Plus, we think it makes us feel like we are part of the local community!

Trip Details

Ratio

• 1-4 Guests Per Guide

Season

• March-April

Duration

• 8 Days

Skill level

• Advanced +

Program Rates

• March 28-April 4, 2027: $2,800-$3,325

Gear List

• Ski & Ride

Gear List

In conclusion, this journey is designed to immerse participants in the beauty and adventure of the French Alps while ensuring personalized experiences that cater to the group’s needs and preferences.