Each year at NCMG we offer what we call the "rotating tap". These trips are for people that have skied with us before and want to try something new. The trips we run vary from year to year, so if you see something you like and want to know when we will be running that trip again please send us an email and we will let you know!
The Dolomites are well known for the incredible rock climbing, but those in the know are also well aware of the amazing ski opportunities. This was the area that Doug Coombs was exploring shortly before his tragic death in La Grave. Always one step ahead of the curve, Doug helped make famous the ski towns of Valdez, Alaska and La Grave, France. We intend to pick up the torch for the Dolomites, and continue exploring this incredible part of the world. With a van to tour around with and a central home base, this is truly a “best of” the Dolomites in regards to skiing, terrain, and of course, Italian food.
Program Cost Inclusions:
Program Cost Exclusions:
Since the Dolomites boast one of the largest lift systems in the entire world, it's obvious they are a skiers paradise. For folks like us that prefer human-powered descents, we have put together an itinerary that samples a bit of the best of the Dolomites – some day tours, a few nights in mountain huts and a vehicle to get us to anywhere within the range to find the best snow. We will base out of the small and charming village of Fornesighe from which we will have access to many different ski options each day. We will have transportation arranged each day to reach our chosen objective based on the current conditions and the group's energy and desires.
This trip will be unique among our European ski offerings in that we will set up a home base and travel to various parts of the Dolomites throughout the week, thus making this trip truly a “best of” the Dolomites. We will base out of the small and charming village of Fornesighe from which we will have access to many different ski options each day. We will have transportation arranged each day to reach our chosen objective based on the current conditions and the group's energy and desires.
While we intend to make the itinerary flexible to take advantage of the best conditions, here is the current itinerary for this amazing ski week:
There are many other ski options available and this is just a small sample of some highlights we plan to hit. Other objectives will be chosen based on snow and weather conditions during our trip.
We will base our week of ski exploration in the small town of Fornesighe. Settling into the charming Bed and Breakfast Dormi Disna, we will be centrally located to access almost any region of the Dolomites as an easy day trip. This historic, remodeled building offers unique rooms and a relaxing sauna to ease the sore muscles at the end of the day. While the town of Fornesighe is not one of the major tourist meccas, we chose it for its more quiet, local flavor and easy access to a variety of great restaurants.
On a trip like this to maximize your enjoyment, the most important skills are skiing skills. We would encourage folks considering this trip to consider themselves expert skiers. In addition to some potential steep skiing options, it is not uncommon to encounter a wide range of snow conditions. It is important for skiers to be able to comfortably ski black runs at a ski area in any conditions. Further, you must be able to perform survival turns (hop turns, stem christie etc.) down steeper terrain and in very difficult snow conditions. Skiers should have some touring experience and be comfortable using skins, performing kick turns and skiing with a small pack. We will have time to help you perfect these skills along the way. If you have any doubts or concerns about your abilities or skiing skills, please don’t hesitate to call and address them. We will gladly offer training advice or we can arrange for some pre-trip training to ensure your skills are up to speed before embarking on this trip of a lifetime.
Much of this trip will take place off-piste. With that in mind, we will cover avalanche rescue skills at the beginning of our week. All participants will be required to wear transceivers and carry shovels and probes throughout the week. All of this equipment is available from North Cascades Mountain Guides for the week at no extra charge.
EQUIPMENT LIST – European Ski Touring
TRIPS COVERED BY THIS LIST:
A NOTE ABOUT EQUIPMENT LISTS: Nothing can ruin a trip faster than having the wrong gear for the conditions at hand. All our programs are subject to rapid and severe changes in the weather. Select garments that are warm, lightweight and durable. Generally speaking, the best arrangement is to think in terms of layers – a system that dries quickly, allow flexibility and resists wind, water and abrasion. All of us have different tolerances for heat or cold; for example, you might choose warmer gloves than specified here if you tend to get cold hands. If you have doubts about a specific garment’s appropriateness, please talk to your guide in advance about conditions you are most likely to experience. This list is built for a trip with an unsettled weather forecast. With a good weather forecast some of these items may be left behind to save weight.
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CLOTHING Head, Hands & Feet
Upper Body Layers
Lower Body Layers
ACCESORIES
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ACCESSORIES continued…
SKI / RIDE
AVALANCHE SAFETY (these may be rented from NCMG)
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CLIMBING / TECHNICAL (these may be rented from NCMG)
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HUTS
TRAVEL
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Custom Dates Available
