The Steep Camps were created by Doug and Emily Coombs in 1993. Doug was a 2-time World Extreme Skiing Champion and pioneer of steep adventure skiing both in the Chugach Range of Alaska and in the European Alps.  Doug’s incredible energy and passion for steep skiing remains the inspiration behind the Camps.



Miles and Liz Smart worked alongside Doug for many years.  We continue the camps with the same vision Doug had when we worked alongside him.  Our approach to the camps is to ski as much adventurous steep terrain as possible while educating you about the big mountain environment and steep skiing technique.



Chamonix is the mountaineering and extreme skiing capital of the world.  You cannot miss the rich history of alpinism and skiing that has taken place here. It is in the heart of the Alps and is an ideal base for our Steep Skiing Camp. There is endless fantastic skiing in Chamonix and we will certainly be able to venture outside of the valley for some of the camp as well. There are many descents off the Aiguille du Midi, short tours over the backside of the Aiguilles Rouges, a few big lines off the Grands Montets, and some nice descents in Le Tour: just to name a few of the options in Chamonix.

 

No matter how experienced or how well you ski, you will learn and be challenged by the camps. Not to worry if you are an expert coming to the Chamonix Camp, groups are split by ability and fitness.

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Itinerary/What to Expect

The camp itinerary is to stay as flexible as possible so that we are always skiing where the skiing is best.  There is not a “typical” day for the Steep Camps.  Each day is different; each day is a new adventure.

 

The camp starts with a welcome drink and dinner on Sunday at 6:30 pm.  We will talk about the current conditions and our tentative plan for the week.  The first ski day is Monday.   

 

We will do an equipment check Monday morning and then head up on the mountain to begin our week of adventure. 

 

Our start time in the morning depends on where we are skiing for the day.  Our earliest start in Chamonix would be for catching the first lift of the Aiguille du Midi, which is at 8 am.  Other lift stations in the valley open between 8:30 and 9 am depending on conditions.  For the days where we are skiing out of the valley, we will take an early breakfast to get a good start on the day.  As mentioned in the camp introduction, there are many other ski options close by in Italy and Switzerland.

 

Endless options and long lift hours allow for full ski days.  You will have the option to save your legs for the next day but if you want more, there is always more skiing to be had.

 

After 6 days of phenomenal skiing and mind-blowing descents, we will cap off the week with a celebration dinner on Friday night. Awards are given and stories told!

You can arrange your departure for Saturday morning.

 

Price description

$3950 per person

 

Cost Inclusions:

•5 days skiing with UIAGM/IFMGA certified guides (maximum 4 skiers with each guide)

•6 nights lodging on a shared basis at the Hotel Pointe Isabelle Chamonix (arriving on Saturday and leaving on Saturday)

•6 days breakfast at Hotel Pointe Isabelle

•2 Dinners with the Team (the welcome dinner on Saturday and a celebration dinner on Friday)

•1 Helicopter lift to access an epic big mountain descent

•5 days lift tickets

•Ground transportation from the hotel in Chamonix to surrounding ski stations including Italy and Switzerland

•Use of avalanche transceiver, climbing harness, shovel, probe, and backpack

•Instruction in steep skiing techniques

•Instruction in ski mountaineering techniques and safe mountain travel

•Instruction in avalanche awareness and rescue

•Lots of exciting and challenging skiing in spectacular terrain!

 

Cost Exclusions:

•Round trip airfare to Geneva, Switzerland

•Transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix and return

•Dinners in town (except for the 2 previously mentioned)

•Lunches on the Mountain

•Alcoholic Beverages

•Rescue Insurance

•Travel Insurance

•Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

•Any equipment rental or purchase in addition to the equipment provided which is listed above

•Tips for Guides

 

Private Room Supplement: If you would prefer not to share a room, please request a private room when you sign up.  The fee for a private room is $800.  Private rooms are subject to availability.

 

Skiing Level

Am I good enough or am I too good?

 

Clients range in age from 16 to 75.  You should be able to ski black and double black ski area runs with control and confidence.  No ski mountaineering experience is required but if you have experience the camps will build on that experience.  Our guides can provide plenty of challenges for even the most accomplished skiers.

 

You will ski with one guide and up to three other skiers whose ability and fitness is similar to yours.   We keep the camp ratio low for safety and for your enjoyment of skiing with skiers of similar level.

 

The camps are designed to accommodate a range of skiers, from those just breaking into the steeps, to those with many steep lines under their belt.  The great thing about the venues for these camps is that there is plenty of challenge for every skier at every level.

 

No matter how experienced you are, you will enjoy and learn from these camps.  Your UIAGM Certified Guides knows the terrain intimately and will find the best lines and the best snow for your group.  They will show you the experience of a lifetime!

 

Travel Information

Chamonix is in the center of the Alps and is one of the easiest mountain resorts to get to.  It is only one hour from Geneva Airport to Chamonix.  If flying to Geneva, you should plan to arrive in Geneva no later than Saturday, February 26th.  That way you will arrive in Chamonix in time to rest and recover from your travels before starting the big week on Sunday morning.  Also, we will have a welcome cocktail and dinner at the hotel at 6:30 pm on Saturday night, which you won’t want to miss.  Here is some information on getting to Chamonix.

 

1.  Book a round trip ticket to the Geneva International Airport (GVA), in Switzerland.  If you prefer to arrive earlier this is great as well.  Friday is the last ski day, so you can book your return flight for Saturday.  

 

2.  Getting from the Geneva Airport to Chamonix could not be easier.  There are a number of shuttle services, which offer door-to-door service.  The price is around 30 Euro each way, per person.  You will want to book your round trip transfer in advance.

Below are links to some transfer services that we recommend:

 

www.hautetransfer.com 

www.mountaindropoffs.com

 

Once you book your airline ticket and transfers, please send us your itineraries.  If you have questions about getting to Chamonix or need assistance, please contact us.

 

Our equipment list for the steeps camp is available here (click the PDF link to download):