A Look Back at the 2025 Backcountry Camp in Chamonix

Beer, smiles, and a bright future for Banzag.

We all gathered at the ZAG booth under the blazing sun to drain the kegs brought by JB Coffin, organizer of the Pyrénéance. After a hearty meal served at the Ardiden and a few gear tests for the die-hard enthusiasts, it was time for the awards ceremony.

The tireless Rémy Maysonnave won the telemark category (competing solo but making his presence felt!), Charline Mastrotto and Bastien Fléchoux took the ski categories, and Camille Coffin won the snowboard category… beating her father! Prizes included a pair of 2026 skis, gifts from sponsors (Izipizi, Plum, Ortovox, Pyrénéance), and, above all, big smiles for everyone.

It’s truly rewarding to have pulled off this event despite the challenges. But more than anything, it’s the happy faces, the words of thanks, and that sense of community that keep us going.

It’s 5:30 p.m., time to pack it up. The day has flown by. Some of us will run into each other again soon—on a mountain bike trail, out on a wave, or at a concert… In fact, there’s a swell coming to the Landes, 23°C, and a small concert in Seignosse… You know where to find me!

Day 1: Thursday, April 17: 

• 9 a.m.: Distribution of ZAG and Blue Ice gear at the Aiguille du Midi cable car station
• 10:30 a.m.: Group assignments, departure for the summit of the Aiguille du Midi 
• 11 a.m.: Departure for the Vallée Blanche on skis + Touring option 
• 4:00 p.m.: Return to the shelter and debriefing 
• 6:00 p.m.: Beer tasting with Outer Range 
• 7:00 p.m.: dinner 

Day 2: Friday, April 18: 

• 8 a.m.: briefing and group assignments 
• 9:00 a.m.: Departure from the mountain hut and workshops on crevasse rescue and self-rescue: securing myself and the victim, using a pulley system, calling for help, and assessing the situation
• 4:00 p.m.: Return to the shelter 
• 5:00 p.m.: Post-activity drinks, mapping, terrain assessment, hazard analysis
• 6:00 p.m.: Presentation of new products from ZAG and Blue Ice 
• 7:00 p.m.: dinner 

Day 3: Saturday, April 19:  

• 8 a.m.: briefing and group assignments 
• 9 a.m.: Departure from the lodge for a day of ski Touring; traveling on the glacier on skis; roping up
• 3:00 p.m.: Return to the Chamonix Valley via the Montenvers Train  

Price per person: €400 (20 spots available)

Included:

• Rental of ZAG skis and Blue Ice mountaineering gear (harnesses, ice screws, backpacks, crampons, ice axes)
• Aiguille du Midi Package
• Guided by certified mountain guides
• Overnight stay at the mountain hut
• Breakfast, picnic, dinner