The Bessans and Bonneval Guides offer ski mountaineering and spring skiing trips on three different routes:
- Introduction—2-Day Discovery Course,
- Advanced—2-Day Course,
- On the Path to Independence—3-Day Course.

Description

The “Introduction” course is designed for advanced alpine skiers who are comfortable skiing in all snow conditions on red and black runs and are physically fit enough to handle day trips with an elevation gain of +800m, and who wish to try this activity for the first time. This is a 2-day course.
ITINERARY:
- April 23: We’ll meet you at the Hameau d’Avérole on April 23 at 4:30 p.m. Overnight stay at the Refuge d’Avérole.
- April 24: Introductory hike up to the Col de La Bessanèse or the Col du Collerin. Overnight stay at the Refuge d’Avérole.
- April 25: Col d’Arnes, Col d’Arbéron, or Pointe Marie, followed by a descent to the hamlet of Avérole.
This itinerary is subject to change depending on snow conditions.

The “Advanced” course is designed for ski mountaineers / Ski Tourers who have a good level of downhill skiing in all snow conditions, have been practicing this activity for more than 3 years with elevation gains exceeding 1,000 meters per outing, and are in good physical condition to complete two consecutive days of ski touring. Two-day itinerary.
ITINERARY:
- April 23: Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc – Ascent to the Avérole Refuge from the top station of the 3000 chairlift, traverse beneath the Pointe d’Andagne, ascent to the summit of La Buffaz via the northeast couloir, and descent to the Avérole Refuge - Overnight stay at the Refuge d’Avérole.
- April 24: Ouille d’Arbéron via the Col d’Arbéron and descent below the Col Martelli along the north face of the Croix Rousse, Baounet Glacier, Pas de la Mule, and the Refuge d’Avérole.
This itinerary is subject to change depending on snow conditions.

The “Toward Autonomy” route is intended for alpine skiers and ski tourers with a very high level of skill (able to ski down any type of snow on slopes steeper than 30°) who have been practicing this activity regularly for several years, with vertical ascents exceeding 1,200 meters per outing, and who are in good physical condition to handle three consecutive days of ski touring. Three-day itinerary.
ITINERARY:
- April 23: Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc – Ascent to the Refuge d’Avérole from the top station of the “3000” chairlift, Col de la Fourche, Grand Fond Glacier, descent to the Refuge d’Avérole - Overnight stay at the Refuge d’Avérole.
- April 24: Pointe Marie (3,313 m), Col d’Arnes, descent to the Refuge Gastaldi (2,659 m – Italy) – Overnight stay at the Refuge Gastaldi.
- April 25: Summit of Albaron (3,637 m) from the Gastaldi Refuge, descent to the Avérole Refuge.
This itinerary is subject to change depending on snow conditions.