Alps Dates

An Italian weekend dedicated to learning the art of 'skate-skiing'. Developed in the 1980's 'Skating or Freestyle' as it's known is a form of Nordic or Cross Country skiing where we ski on groomed trails moving in a similar motion almost to ice skaters or speed skaters but on skis whilst propelling yourself with the help of ski poles.

Enjoy mastering a new technique in stunning surroundings whilst gaining strength and fitness along the way.

These weekends suit classic track style Nordic skiers or alpine skiers looking for a different snow sport. Once mastered, a 'skate' can easily be fitted into a winter holiday in most resorts for both fun and fitness but most of all to enjoy the freedom to explore the quieter corners of the mountains and valleys. This trip also suits those wishing to just refresh their skating skills.

• Introduction to the art of Skate Skiing
• Enjoy skiing in a quiet alpine valley
• Sample true Italian hospitality

A discovery week of the French Haute Savoie 'classic style'. Our base for this week is La Clusaz/Les Confins, the heart of the 'Chaînes des Aravis' where we have over 70km's of groomed trails to explore in the valleys of La Clusaz, Les Confins and the Grand Bornand. During our week we will have the flexibility to ski at some of the regions other first class nordic ski domaines.

• Ski at the historic and picturesque venues
• Enjoy traditional Savoyard cuisine
• Flexibility to ski at a variety of locations

Join us for a wonderful weekend of cross country skiing in Italy. These holidays are a perfect introduction to cross country skiing, as well as being ideal for those wanting to refresh their skills. Perhaps you are a downhill skier looking for something different, you enjoy the gym, hill walking, or are a runner or cyclist but feel the effect of the winter blues? Well why not try cross country skiing to maintain and build that fitness level during the winter months.

Based in the beautiful Val Ferret near Courmayeur, we get to enjoy stunning views of the Italian side of the highest mountain in Western Europe - Mont Blanc, or Monte Bianco. Think cross country, cappucino, and comfort!

• Learn or improve your basic cross country skiing skills
• Ski in remote valleys surrounded by stunning alpine peaks
• Enjoy true Italian hospitality with good food high on the agenda!

The Grande Traversée du Jura (or GTJ) is a fabulous journey over the Jura mountains crossing through France and parts of Switzerland. Located not far from Geneva, the journey is made on classic cross-country skis. This 175km, long distance ski trail was first completed in 1978 and is nearly all on prepared, pressed tracks.

The route starts in the Val de Morteau in the Doubs département and finishes at Giron in the Ain département crossing the Jura and the Haut-Jura regional nature reserves. The ski route with it's varied terrain and relief can't fail to impress you with it's natural charm and beautiful landscapes.

Each day we aim to cover approximately 20-30 km's of the tracks whilst carrying a day pack. Each night we arrive at our hotel or auberge to find our luggage waiting for us.

• Make a continuous 7 day journey across the Jura on skis
• Stay in characterful accommodation in rustic inns and hotels
• All luggage transported for you

On this trip you may be joined by clients from the Telemark Ski Company, providers of Nordic, Telemark & Alpine courses and tours throughout Scandinavia as we run this trip in conjunction with them.

Following the success of our Grand Traverse of the Jura (GTJ) we have created a 'Jura Highlights' weekend offering a taster of this rural area.

The 'Jura Mountains Natural Park' covers some 1600 square kilometers and is situated just north of the Alps bordering France, Germany and Switzerland. The region is very proud of both it's traditions and sports and is steeped in history, geology and gastronomy. Making it the perfect weekend get away!

We have based our weekends in Les Rousses, close to Geneva, to ensure it's easy to access and that we are on the doorstep of some of the regions 'highest' cross country ski locations. The Jura's forested limestone plateau makes for perfect 'nordic rolling' terrain.

• Advance your ski skills with this long weekend
• Ski at the La Vattay with views of Lake Geneva & Mont Blanc
• Enjoy a taste of the Jura's culture and cooking!

This weekend is an excellent taster for those thinking about booking on the Grand Traverse of the Jura.

The Dolomites in winter offer both the beauty and mystery of high snow-capped mountains combined with a cross-country skiers paradise. So we have designed this wonderful Dolomite ski week where you will have specific lessons to improve your track skills and technique whilst skiing from village to village enjoying the Italian lifestyle!

This week coincides with the international cross country ski marathon known as the 'Marcialonga', part of the World Loppet Ski Series*. But if you are wanting to aim for something with your skiing then why not add a race to your holiday? The 'Lavazeloppet' race is part of the International race week. It's a 22km classic track event, so a good introduction to cross country ski racing. Part of the beauty of this event is that you can decide whether or not to enter up until the day before. During our week we will explore much of the area and the race course to provide you with the skills and technique to get you to the finish line.

• Explore valleys, plateaus and villages on skis
• Improve track skills and technique - video analysis available
• Option to enter a 22km Classic Ski Race
• Ideal 'training week' for those taking part in the Marcialonga Race

This trip is especially suited to those who are regularly active and would like to experience a winter wonderland on both skis and snowshoes. It is aimed at those who have little or no cross country skiing or snowshoe experience. Both activities are very easy to pick up and enjoy in a week.

The world famous Chamonix Valley in the French Alps is a good base from which to explore the alpine valleys and plateaus of the Mont Blanc Massif. With Switzerland and Italy each just a 30 minute drive away it allows us to experience three different cultures in just as many days.

• Learn to cross country ski 'classic technique'
• Snowshoe peaks around Mont Blanc
• Enjoy a Savoyarde meal on a night snowhoe excursion
• Snowshoe & ski to a remote mountain hut for the night