freeride skiing

The camp that follows the snow

Three days of freeride. The same guide. The same group, progressing together. And no itinerary decided before we see what the mountain is actually doing.

The Freeride Camp is not simply three separate days of off-piste skiing. It is an experience that develops day by day with the same IFMGA Mountain Guide and the same group.

The first day is about getting to know each other on the mountain: how you ski, your pace, how you deal with different snow conditions, how much off-piste experience you already have and what you want from the Camp.

From the second day, we can build on that. The guide already knows how the group moves and can choose more interesting terrain, suggest a traverse, use skins to reach a descent away from the lifts, or move onto more demanding snow and terrain when both ability and conditions allow.

By the third day, we are not starting from zero. We use everything we have understood and learned over the previous two days.

That continuity is what makes the difference.

During the Camp, the aim is not to collect as many descents as possible. We want to build three good days in the mountains, choosing each time what makes the most sense. Snow, weather, visibility and avalanche conditions determine where we go. Your level, the group’s pace and what you want to experience determine how we do it.

The snow decides where. Together, we choose the experience.

What you will do during the Camp

There is no identical programme for every group. Over the three days, we may experience very different types of terrain and skiing.

We might look for soft snow in the trees when visibility is poor, ski wide high-altitude valleys, take on long descents far from the pistes, or use skins to reach a route that cannot be accessed directly from the lifts.

If the group has the right level and conditions allow, we can progressively move onto steeper and more technical terrain.

But the Camp is not only about where you ski.

During the three days, we also talk about snow, terrain and route choice. You will see how a guide looks at a slope, how a decision changes when visibility or snow conditions change, and why two nearby aspects can require completely different choices.

The aim is not to turn three days of skiing into a course. It is to ski a lot, enjoy the mountains and return home with more experience than you arrived with.

Why three days change the experience

On a single freeride day, part of the time is inevitably spent understanding the group. Over three days, that time becomes shared experience.

The guide gradually learns how you ski, where you are confident and where more attention is needed. They see how you manage fatigue, different snow and changing terrain, and can build a genuine progression.

One day may be ideal for the forests around Alagna. The next could suit a long route from Gressoney. A change in wind or temperature might make the Ayas Valley the better choice.

We do not need to defend a programme written months in advance.

We can choose.

And that is one of the main advantages of a Camp built around actual mountain conditions.

Why do it with Monterosa Booking

Monte Rosa is not one single mountain to ski.

Alagna, Gressoney and the Ayas Valley offer very different elevations, aspects and types of terrain. Knowing these options means having alternatives when snow, wind or visibility change.

Our IFMGA Mountain Guides work in this area, and the Camp is built around that local knowledge.

We do not sell a checklist of descents.

We build groups with compatible levels, pace and expectations wherever possible, because a well-matched group gives the guide more freedom to choose and allows everyone to ski more.

Where you will ski

The Camp takes place in the Monte Rosa area, between Alagna, Gressoney and the Ayas Valley.

Three valleys mean many possibilities: sheltered forests, open slopes, remote valleys, high-altitude terrain, traverses and descents reached with short sections on skins.

The base for each day is chosen with the guide according to the conditions. If moving to another valley means finding better snow or more suitable terrain, we can do that.

We do not decide today where we will ski two months from now. We decide when we actually know what the mountain is doing.

What it requires

To join, you should be confident skiing black runs, able to control your speed and line, and ready to ski ungroomed snow in variable conditions.

The Camp is offered at three levels:

01 Explore
You are already a confident piste skier and want to begin or consolidate your freeride experience. We choose accessible terrain, keep a comfortable pace and give you time to become more confident on natural snow and terrain.

02 Advanced
You already have off-piste experience, ski ungroomed snow with good control and can maintain a steady pace throughout the day. We can explore more terrain, choose longer routes and use short sections on skins when useful.

03 Technical
Freeride is already part of your skiing. You are comfortable on steep terrain, narrower passages and situations that require precision and good ski control. When conditions allow, the Camp can move towards more technical and demanding routes.

Before confirming your place, we will assess your previous experience.

This matters because not everyone has to do everything.

The Camp works best when people can ski together without someone constantly waiting or feeling pushed beyond their level.

How you will be guided

You will be accompanied by the same IFMGA Mountain Guide for all three days.

The guide is not simply the person who knows the route. They observe the conditions, assess the group, choose the terrain, check the equipment and make the decisions required throughout the day.

Most importantly, over three days they build the experience with you.

The first day, the guide gets to know you.
The second day, you can go a little further.
The third day, you can use everything you have built together.

Three days to ski.
Three days to explore.
Three days to understand the mountain a little better.

Price

3 participants €550 per person
4 participants €430 per person
5 participants €370 per person
6 participants €330 per person

The price includes: an IFMGA Mountain Guide from the Monte Rosa area for all 3 days, technical equipment when required (harness and crampons), avalanche safety kit, and an ABS avalanche airbag backpack for 1 day.

Not included: anything not mentioned under “The price includes”.

Program

Day 0 — Meet the group and prepare the Camp

In the late afternoon, you will meet your guide, either in person or online. The briefing is dedicated to getting to know the group and preparing the three days ahead. You will discuss previous experience, technical level, expectations and the areas each participant would like to improve. The guide will check the equipment you already have and let you know what needs to be added or rented. Together, you will review the weather forecast and snow conditions. At the end of the briefing, the meeting place and time for the following morning will be confirmed. The programme remains flexible: the final decisions are made according to the actual mountain conditions.

Briefing duration: approximately 15–30 minutes

Day 1 — Get to know the group and read the snow

We meet in time for the first lifts. The starting point may be Alagna, Gressoney or the Ayas Valley and will be confirmed during the briefing. Before setting off, the guide checks everyone’s personal equipment and provides the avalanche safety kit included in the booking. Together, you will check the transceiver and make sure the shovel and probe are correctly packed in the backpack. The first runs allow the guide to assess the group’s technical level, pace and behaviour on ungroomed snow. From this assessment, the day’s itinerary takes shape. During the day, you will begin to recognise changes in snow conditions, choose lines suited to your level and move according to the distances and instructions set by the guide. At the end of the day, there will be a short review of what emerged. This will help shape the second day.

Elevation gain: variable depending on the itinerary
Duration: full day, from the first lift

Day 2 — Move with greater awareness

The second day builds on what the guide observed during the first. The guide may choose more varied terrain, a longer descent, a route with a short approach, or a different area of the resort. On this day, we will also use an ABS avalanche airbag backpack. Before setting off, the guide will explain how it works, how to prepare it correctly and its limitations. The airbag is an additional tool: transceiver, shovel, probe and correct behaviour remain the foundation of avalanche safety. During the descents, you will work on line choice, group management and adapting your skiing to different snow conditions. The guide will explain the reasons behind the decisions made, helping you understand why one slope may be suitable while another should be avoided. Difficulty only increases when both the conditions and the group’s ability allow it.

Elevation gain: variable depending on the itinerary
Duration: full day, from the first lift

Day 3 — Build the day together

The third day brings together everything developed during the Camp. The guide chooses the area after assessing the morning conditions, the evolution of the snow and the group’s energy. The itinerary may be entirely lift-accessed or include a short uphill section using skins. When both ability and conditions are suitable, the guide may choose a longer or more technically demanding descent. During the day, you will be involved in reading the terrain and understanding the decisions being made: aspect, snow quality, key passages, stopping points and possible alternatives. The Camp ends with a final review. The guide will suggest what to keep working on and which level best suits your next experiences.

Elevation gain: variable depending on the itinerary
Duration: full day, from the first lift

Equipment required

Provided by Monterosa Booking

Avalanche safety kit: transceiver, shovel and probe
Harness, when required for the itinerary
ABS avalanche airbag backpack for the designated day

Before setting off, your IFMGA Mountain Guide checks the equipment and reviews the correct use of the transceiver, shovel and probe with the group. On the day you use the ABS airbag backpack, the guide will explain how it works, how to adjust it correctly and its limitations.

Personal equipment required

Freeride skis with suitable bindings
Ski boots
Ski poles; telescopic poles if short sections using skins are planned
Ski helmet
Backpack of around 30 litres
Ski goggles
Category 3 or 4 sunglasses
Ski gloves
Warm hat
Neck warmer
Layered technical ski clothing: breathable base layer, insulating layer, waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
High-protection sunscreen
Water or a hot drink
Packed lunch and energy snacks

Not sure whether your skis or equipment are suitable for the Freeride Camp? Contact us before departure. We can check what you already have and, if necessary, help you arrange the rental.

Please, pay attention here

Mountaineering, ski touring, off-piste skiing and trekking take place in a natural, uncontrolled environment.
Weather conditions, snow, ice, terrain, visibility, altitude and physical fatigue can change rapidly and directly affect the course of the activity. For this reason, there is always an inherent level of objective risk, which cannot be eliminated but only managed.

All our activities are led by IFMGA Mountain Guides and Certified Hiking Guides (AMM).
The guide continuously assesses environmental conditions and the physical and mental state of participants, sets an appropriate pace, manages progression and ensures the correct use of equipment. If conditions require it, the guide may modify the itinerary or interrupt the activity, always in the interest of individual and group safety.

Participants are required to be in good physical and mental condition, adequately prepared for the level of the activity, and to follow the guide’s instructions at all times.

Group activities

During group outings, the pace is set according to the slowest participant. In case of fatigue or discomfort, the guide may decide to adjust the programme or return early. In the mountains, the group ascends and returns together.

Learn more here

F.A.Q.

FAQ #1 – Is this Camp suitable for my level?

You should be confident skiing black runs and able to control your speed and line on ungroomed snow. When you enquire, we will ask about your previous experience so we can place you in a compatible group. Each departure is classified as Explore, Advanced or Technical.

FAQ #2 – How fit do I need to be?

You should be able to ski for a full day and repeat the activity for three consecutive days. Some routes may include long descents, traverses or short uphill sections using skins. Good endurance and enough leg strength to remain in control at the end of the day are important.

FAQ #3 – Can I join if I am travelling alone?

Yes. The Camp is organised as a shared-group experience, so you can book individually. Before confirming your place, we will assess your level and try to place you in a well-matched group. The departure is confirmed once the minimum number of participants has been reached.

FAQ #4 – What happens if the weather or conditions require a change of plan?

The routes are not fixed in advance. Your IFMGA Mountain Guide chooses the most suitable area and terrain each day according to the snow, weather, visibility, avalanche conditions and the group’s level. The starting valley or type of day may therefore change. If conditions do not allow the activity to take place, the applicable booking conditions will apply.

FAQ #5 – Can I rent the equipment?

Yes. Ski, boot and other freeride equipment rental is available in the Monte Rosa area. Before arranging rental, check what is already included in the Camp. Personal clothing cannot be rented, and we recommend organising equipment in advance.

FAQ #6 – Will I receive a refund if we do not find the snow or route I was hoping for?

No. The price covers the organisation of the Camp and the guide service for the booked days. A specific descent or a particular type of snow cannot be guaranteed. If the guide changes the itinerary because of conditions, safety or the group’s level, no refund is due.

Freeride Camp (Group)

My goal

The camp that follows the snow

What you will do during the Camp

Why three days change the experience

Why do it with Monterosa Booking

Where you will ski

What it requires

How you will be guided

Price

Program

Day 0 — Meet the group and prepare the Camp