Upcoming ski touring trips and climbing trips with High-Alpine Mountain Guides

Be sure to spread the word that ski touring is in its prime starting right about now and the snow is in great condition. If you have ever had a dream to ski the classic " Haute Route" from Chamonix to Zermatt now is your chance! Or maybe you would like to ski some of Chamonix's classic off piste lines such as the "Valley Blanche" or "Pas de Chevre". Don't waste another moment and book your guide through High-Alpine Mountain Guides, American Specialists in the Alps. www.high-alpine.com or contact Michael directly at michael@high-alpine.com

Pass this link on to friends, family and anyone you know who might be interested in climbing, skiing or cycling in the Alps!

Whether you are a local or you are vacationing here for a season or even a few days and you would like to expand your knowledge of avalanche awareness and glacier skiing be sure to ask about our one day "avalanche awareness" and "glacier sking" clinics offered by AIRE certified avalanche instructor and UIAGM guide.

Or if warmer weather suits your fancy... Maybe you have been going to the climbing gym all winter and are eager to get on some real rock. Or perhaps you would like to try climbing in a more Mediterranean climate such as the Italian island of Sardinia or the Mediterranean island of Corsica or Sicily, or even the Greek island of Kalymnos? High-Alpine guides will be offering rock climbing camps and climbing trips in these areas. Please get in touch so we can put together a trip to suit your needs.

Ski Mountaineering Racing Winter 2007

Grindelwald Race march 11

I started getting into ski mountaineering racing 2 years ago when I started to do some night uphill race series in Switzerland. I did one longer race with a friend Tracey Wright, the Trophy de Gastolsen in Switzerland. Conditions were gnarly. Wind, cold, snow and tough skiing w/ fixed lines to lower down couloirs. It was intense and invigorating at the same time. I really was getting hooked on the sport. That same winter, winter 2005, I did the haute route with Michael and a group of Sugarloafers from Maine one of whom was my dad. I definitely had the ski mountaineering bug and had my sights to continue with it in 2007. I did not ski mountaineering in 2006 because my second son, Anders, was born in February.

See michael's website
www.high-alpine.com for more information on ski touring trips in the Alps

This winter, 2007, I have managed to get back into it. We are now living in Chamonix, a playground from ski touring and in an ideal spot to travel to races in Switzerland, Italy and France.

This winter my Moms in Motion cross country team did not take off but we have a Moms in Motion Ski Mountaineering Team officially called the Chamonix- Colorado Gals. Lyndsay Meyer and Nina Silitch make up the team. So far we have competed in 7 races. As far as we know we are the only Americans, only American women no less, who are taking a shot and competing at these races over here. The Alps is the heart of ski mountaineering and the athletes over here are world class. It is clear that they have been doing this sport for years and it is very inspiring competing with them. The cool thing is that many of the top racers are older- in their late 30's and 40's.

I know that I am the only mom with children age 1 and 3 who is managing to compete at these races over here. I must say that it is not easy to find the time to train. I have to fit it in when I can. Much of my training consists of running w/ my 2 kids in the jogging stroller- chariot carrier which has been a lifesaver. I manage to get out for a ski tour 1 x a week or just and uphill climb.

Team Colorado- Chamonix Gals. Lyndsay Meyer, of Apsen, Colorado has just moved to Chamonix to study french and get into the sport of ski mountaineering. We have had a blast learning about the sport together. For more information check out http://www.skimountaineering.org/
This sport is new in the US but is great to see it taking off. The US ski mountaineering Association has been formed. We have our sites set on 2 big races coming up.

The trophy de Muveron in Switzerland http://www.tropheesdumuveran.ch/and the Swiss Ski Marathon www.skimara.ch. We are also looking seriously at the Trophy du Mezalama in Italy, one of the highest altitude ski mountaineering races in the world. http://www.trofeomezzalama.org/

We are looking for sponsorship to cover the costs of the races (entry, travel and lodging) as well as equipment. We would like to donate 1/2 of the money that we have raised to cancer research- breast and ovarian cancer. If you are interested in learning more about our team or you are interested in Sponsoring us please contact me at: ninasilitch@gmail.com

Chamrousse Race

Rando -nordic Racing 2007