Ski touring- hiking in high alpine terrain - is an overwhelming experience of nature! High up among snow-capped Alpine peaks and deep valleys, the silence and sense of freedom are total. Here you are at the mercy of your own and nature's forces in a very tangible way. We organize about ten tours of varying difficulty and intensity. Below you will find some of the best in the French Alps!
Typical day
We offer two types of hiking trips. One type consists of day trips or morning and afternoon sessions. The ski group meets in the morning to go over the day's program. After completing the activity, you return to your center. In the other type (Adventure), you are away all week, going from mountain hut to mountain hut.
Touring with UCPA
Please note that there is a difference between Ski Touring programs and off-piste touring programs, with the latter focusing more on downhill skiing. These programs are listed under the off-piste category.
What is Ski Touring?
Ski Touring, known as "Ski de Randonée" in French, is a form of skiing practiced in untracked terrain outside the ski system. Randonnée is a challenging and physically demanding activity. At the same time, it is a great way to explore different mountain areas and get closer to nature!
Instead of using the lift system, you use crampons, a harness that prevents you from sliding down, to climb the mountain. Depending on the terrain and slope, you may sometimes have to put your skis on your back and climb using crampons, a type of spiked boot that attaches under your ski boots.
Unlike off-piste skiing, randonnée is more about the climb up, in the untouched areas among the stunning views, than the skiing down. Downhill skiing, on the other hand, offers the same thrills and sense of freedom as off-piste skiing.
Safety first!
Activities outside the ski system are associated with risks such as avalanches, crevasses and cliffs. It is important to always be informed and plan your skiing according to weather and snow conditions. It is also of utmost importance to wear your safety equipment properly and be prepared for how to handle an emergency situation.
With UCPA, you have the opportunity to undertake this type of skiing with a certified guide. UCPA guides undergo years of training and have expert knowledge to read different terrain and weather conditions. Through the guide, you will be trained to deal with different situations that may arise when hiking. They also make sure to find the best rides for the day for you and your group.
Through their years of training, they will give you technique tips and tools to become a better skier.
Equipment
Ski Touring requires a special type of equipment. You need a type of ski with bindings that allow you to lift your heel when climbing and that can then be closed when descending. You will also need special ski boots, called turbo boots, which are softer and more flexible. In addition to this, you also need crampons that give you grip when climbing.
Many UCPA trekking trips include all technical equipment. In addition to skis, poles and boots, they also include crampons, crampons, crampons, climbing harnesses, avalanche transceivers, probe, shovel and backpack.
For more information about the equipment and skis on offer, read the article on UCPA magazine. If you are wondering what other equipment might be necessary to bring on UCPA trips, take a look at our packing list.
Our hiking programs
Your level determines which program you can complete. If you are unsure of your level, you can always contact us with any questions.
We offer two types of Randonné trips. One type consists of day trips or morning and afternoon sessions. The ski group then meets in the morning to go through the day's program. After completing the activity, you return to your center each day.
In the other type, you are away all week and go from mountain hut to mountain hut. Read more on each activity.
When should you go?
Randonnée can be practiced both in winter and spring depending on your skills, tastes and preferences.
Spring usually means fantastic snow conditions with so-called corn snow. Snow with a hard surface that melts and freezes every day and night. In addition to the pleasant snow, spring has longer days, which means more hours of skiing(!), and milder temperatures.
Winter, on the other hand, increases the chances of finding powder snow, the ultimate surface for ski lovers. Cold temperatures, no wind and a steady snowfall are the best conditions for this type of snow. Skiing on powder snow gives the feeling of floating, but it is not always easy to handle. This surface is only recommended for skilled skiers.
Choose the right Ski Touring level
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ACTIVITIES
What can you do?
Where can you go?
Destination
UCPA - Freely translated to English as "National Federation for Sports and Outdoor Centers" - has a history of over 50 years. It is, in short, a non-profit, all-French organization supported by, among others, the French state. The purpose is to give ordinary people the opportunity to learn and develop in one or more sports together, in pleasant and unpretentious forms. The organization has about 80 centers in France and the West Indies, 28 of them are located at well-known winter sports resorts in the French Alps.
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