SkiingwithIan
La Transjurassienne World Loppet Trip Notice
Feb 10 to Feb 20


TRIP FULL - THANKS!!

Join me in France and Switzerland this February for the famous Transjurassienne World Loppet plus 3 skiing days ( 2 half and 1 full day ) in Bessans, France and 3 skiing days ( 2 half and 1 full day ) in the Goms Valley in Switzerland with a stopover in the famous resort town of Chamonix.

A 50 km classic and/or 30/54/76km skate loppet, the Transjurassienne winds it’s way through the forests and hills of the Jura region famous for it’s cheese, special wines and a 160km Nordic trail network. The 76km skate race is the main event of the weekend attracting over 2000 skiers with the ultimate challenge being the Ultratrans, 50km classic Saturday / 76km skate Sunday.

The day after the skate race we will have a morning drive over to the Northern French Alps and the spectacular high peaks that surround the village of Bessans to explore the 80km of trails. The locally made Genepe can be very tasty!!
After 2 nights in Bessans a short afternoon drive will bring us to Chamonix, the famous resort town under the shadow of Mont. Blanc for a night of shopping and exploring. The following morning we will drive into Switzerland via the Col de la Forclaz on the way to the Goms Valley for another 2 nights and 3 days of skiing. Finish it off right with a night in Geneva to celebrate!

Transjurassienne World Loppet Trip - ( 10 nights / 11 days ) - $ 2,500

Trip includes all group ground transportation after official trip start in Geneva on Feb 10th, comfortable accommodation in local Hotels based on double occupancy, most breakfasts and dinners as indicated below in the trip itinerary, road tolls, fuel and parking costs, all CH glide waxing supplies for the trip, HF race wax for the Transjurassienne except fluoro powders, trip organizing and coaching fees, race wax testing/advice and assistant coach services.

The
trip price does not include airfare ( some of you may travel on points ), food and drinks except for the meals (most breakfasts and dinners) as indicated below in the itinerary, race entry fee ( I will provide info on registration later ), local ski trail passes in Bessans and Goms and travel and trip cancellation insurance. All lunches/snacks plus the dinners in Chamonix and last night in Geneva are not included.


Feb 9 Arrive and stay on your own in Geneva.

Feb 10 Official trip starts after breakfast with a 9 am meeting in the lobby of the Geneva Airport Holiday Inn Express. Shortly after the meeting we will make a short drive into the Jura region of France for a morning ski near Les Rousses. In the afternoon we will drive to our Hotel in Lamoura, the start village of the Transjurassienne. (D)

Feb 11 Skiing on loppet and nearby trails testing skis and wax. (B) (D)

Feb 12 TRANSJURASSIENNE Classic Race - 50 km classic : skaters will go and ski on some other local trails (B) (D)

Feb 13 TRANSJURASSIENE Skate Race - 30, 54 or 76 km skate : classic skiers will go and ski some local trails or just R&R (B) (D)

Feb 14 Depart for Bessans France with afternoon ski to shake out the legs from Transjurassienne. This tiny village high in the Alps within the Parc National de la Vanoise is surrounded by 3000 metres peaks and has an excellent well groomed trail network of 80km. A highlight is to ski up the valley to explore and shop in the historic village of Bonneval sur Arc. (B) (D)

Feb 15 Bessans skiing (B) (D)

Feb 16 Bessans skiing in the morning. After lunch we will depart for Chamonix. You will have the late afternoon and evening to explore Chamonix, have a dinner of your choosing and do some shopping. (B) ** Note dinner is on your own **

Feb 17 Depart Chamonix after breakfast and head to the Goms Valley in Switzerland. The second largest network of trails after Engadine Valley in Switzerland, Goms is a great place to ski between the villages stopping for a coffee or lunch and even jump on the train that runs every hour up and down the valley. Afternoon skiing…. (B) (D)

Feb 18 Goms skiing (B) (D)

Feb 19 Goms skiing in the morning then afternoon departure to Geneva and the Holiday Inn Express. Group dinner in Geneva where first round of drinks is on me (B) ** Note dinner not included this night **

Feb 20 Fly home (B)

(B) – breakfast included (D) – dinner included
Schedule is subject to changes and modifications as necessary.

As everyone knows Europe and especially Switzerland is an expensive place to stay and rent vehicles and the trip fee reflects this 10 night / 11 day extravaganza. For your enjoyment and comfort I will endeavor to stay in Hotels ( as opposed to guest house or other group accommodation ) based on double occupancy. I will try and match you up with preferred roommates. Be aware that in Europe and especially Switzerland some hotel rooms may have beds that are physically connected but have separate sheets and duvets for each person.

I require a commitment and non-refundable 40% deposit of $1000 for booking. Trip fee less deposit will be refunded only in case of illness where skier is unable to travel. Spots may be transferred to other skiers on the waiting list. Balance payment of $750 due by October 31 and final $750 due by January 15. Payment in full accepted anytime.

Ian Daffern
ian@skiingwithian.ca