Snowshoeing Excursion

Title – Snowshoeing Excursion
Date – March 2004
Location – Morzine France

Extreme sports come in all shapes and sizes and although snowshoeing might not sound like an adrenaline rush, untracked heavy snow, extreme cold and the unpredictability of the mountains are no place to be unprepared; no amount of adrenaline will save you from the elements.

The wilderness of the French alps can become irresistible, but be sure to plan your route well, tell someone where your route will take you and when you’ll be back. Taking the right equipment is also essential for this type of activity; if you have the opportunity a large Rhodesian Ridgeback dog certainly fits the bill, leading the way making a track in the deep snow in front of us and allowed us to follow with a little less exertion.

Through our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop we will prepare you for whatever trip you are planning and for whatever activities you may choose to undertake along the way.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Glacier in Vallee Blanche

Title – Glacier in Vallee Blanche
Date – March 2004
Location - Chamonix - France

The Vallee Blanche above Chamonix in France is a popular spot for skiers looking for the ‘extreme’ off-piste experience in Europe and the scenery on the way down is certainly well worth the effort, as you ski by Glaciers of the most stunning blue ice.

But although it is certainly beautiful, there are risks involved. Crevasses and avalanches are common in this area and above all the risk of getting lost, adds to the dangers in which we place ourselves, when we go in search of these wonders.

Beyond The Blue have experience throughout the world and our instructors have first hand experience of many activities and are well placed to provide guidance that will help individuals embarking on independent travel. Where ever in the world you choose to travel, we can provide the advice and information through our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop to allow you to do so in safety and with confidence.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Aiguille du Midi

Title – Aiguille du Midi
Date – March 2004
Location - Chamonix - France

The Aiguille du Midi (3800m) is the highest ski point in Europe and not for the faint hearted. After the exuberating ride to the top you have to cross a thin ledge, with a serious drop off on one side, before setting off on the 17km off-piste ski route to Chamonix some 2800m below you.

The skiing is only suitable for experienced skiers. There are several routes down the mountain and a ski guide is essential. If going the ‘extreme’ route then a harnesses, ropes, transponders and other safety equipment is equally important.

Beyond The Blue believes that preparation and planning is essential to any trip be it a day trip down a mountain littered with crevasses or a two year trip taking in 50 new countries. Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop provides those attending with vital personal safety advice and techniques, as well as practical advice on travel related subjects.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Grand Bleu

Title – Grand Bleu
Date – March 2004
Location – Morzine - France

“Le Grand Bleu” is the French description of the perfect day in the mountains. With not a cloud in the sky and fresh snow on the ground no one can ask for anything more when they travel through these regions or look forward to a day skiing on the slopes.

Beyond The Blue run Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop to help individuals plan their travel and to learn the skills required to effect that plan when they get to their destination. Our instructors are all very experienced and will teach you all the tricks and tips learned over years of travelling.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew