Slower, freer, more intimate: leaving the lifts behind, you rediscover silence, wide open spaces and the joy of making your own tracks. A climb like Mont Jovet rewards you with a 360° view over the whole Vanoise range.
Fit skiers confident on red runs who want to explore the mountain under their own steam.
Uphill technique and kick turns
Managing effort and pace
Reading the terrain and moving safely
Training with safety gear (transceiver, shovel, probe)
Why with me
Experience of self-sufficiency
My knowledge of the Vanoise and Beaufortain ranges, together with self-supported expeditions in Bolivia and Kyrgyzstan, lets me pass on the fundamentals of the mountains.
Safety
Safety gear (backpack, transceiver, shovel, probe) is provided. Routes are chosen according to the weather, snowpack and the day’s avalanche bulletin.
What to bring
Touring boots and skis, skins, adjustable poles
Helmet
Backpack with 1–2 L of water and snacks
Goggles, gloves, sun cream
Prices
How much is a ski touring lesson?
From €195 to €530 depending on length and season, for the whole group rather than per person.
It depends on the route: some tours start from the ski area. I will tell you exactly what you need when we plan the day.
Do I need to be a good skier for off-piste or touring?
You need to be able to ski a red run safely. I offer dedicated introduction sessions.
Do I need to be physically fit to ski?
You do not need to be an athlete for on-piste lessons: the pace adapts to you, with breaks. But arriving with prepared legs changes everything, especially in the first days. My free “Ready to Ski” programme (8 weeks) prepares thighs and knees: see the free guides. Ski touring, however, does require being fit.
How is safety managed off-piste?
Weather, snowpack and avalanche bulletin checked before every outing, safety gear provided and explained, and constant VHF radio contact with mountain rescue.
Where can I rent ski or snowboard gear?
At a rental shop in the resort, ideally before the lesson so you arrive ready. I can advise you on gear suited to your level and point you to a trusted shop.
What if the weather is bad?
The lesson goes ahead and we adapt the plan to the day’s weather: choice of runs, technical content, activity. If the slopes or lifts are closed, or the weather makes access dangerous, the ESF may cancel the lesson: the sums paid are then refunded (if a session is cut short, a credit is given). Details in the ESF terms and conditions.
How does booking work?
1. Send me your request (booking form, email or WhatsApp) with your dates, level and goals. 2. I reply personally within 24 hours to build the plan with you. 3. I guide you through confirming and paying with ESF La Plagne Aime 2000.
Testimonials
What clients say
Off-piste & touring
“A simply perfect week. I recommend him without hesitation.”
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I had a simply perfect week of skiing with Tim. We explored Paradiski first, then did two days off-piste, including the north face of Bellecôte. I then wanted to try ski touring: Tim suggested climbing Mont Jovet. The reward at the top was magical, a 360° view over the whole Vanoise. Beyond the technique, I loved his kindness, his patience and his infectious passion for the mountains.
Antoine D. · Mons, BelgiumBack on skis
“After 25 years without skiing, I even skied a red run completely relaxed!”
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At 50, after 25 years without skiing, I was a little nervous about getting back on the slopes. From the very first runs on well-chosen blue slopes, he put me at ease. Thanks to his calm, patience and teaching skills, I quickly rediscovered long-forgotten sensations. The icing on the cake: I even skied a red run completely relaxed! I highly recommend Tim to anyone who wants to (re)start skiing with confidence.
