Skiing

From first experiences off piste to classic trips like the Chamonix Vallée Blanche, from short day tours to a week in the high mountains on the "Haute Route"  - the Alps have endless ski and snowboard adventures.

The ski season starts as early as mid November  with touring before the lifts open in early December. Some areas get busy in holiday periods, but there are many great ski stations which rarely suffer queues. Descents like the Vallée Blanche take time to come into good condition as they need good cover on the glacier, but are usually skiable from around Christmas.

The ski-touring season runs all winter right through to june.  Early season can give great touring on lower peaks. It's a good time to do an intro course as preparation for a longer tour later in the year, or an intermediate course to improve your skills.

The main season starts mid march, when the huts open and the glaciers are well snow-covered. Skiing stays good as late as june on 4000m peaks, and even Mont Blanc - 4810m on skis!

Look at course dates. Read the blog for news and up to date conditions, and phone or e-mail for availability. Here's a SLIDESHOW of last years highlights. Well, some of them!