The Keys to the Espace Killy
This is the “must have” Christmas presents for off-piste skiing fans. The Tarentaise based high mountain guide, Didier Givois, has published the third of his “Keys” books, this time covering l’Espace Killy. Over some 240 pages filled with breathtaking photographs Didier takes us on a journey unlocking a hundred of the best descents that the area has to offer. Even if you thought you’d been there and done that you will discover some hidden gems.
Piste Perdu/Hidden Valley
The book is a similar format as the Keys to the Paradiski and Keys to the Trois Vallées. Each route is described in French and English. Because the routes are away from secured areas Didier gives a ski difficulty from 1 (easy) to 5 (extreme) snowflakes. Avalanche danger is shown by a beacon icon, 1 for routes you can consider on higher risk days to 4 for routes that are regularly covered by slides and should only be tackled under stable conditions (probably with a local guide). Alpine routes have their own rating shown by ice axes. The general orientation of the route is also given. If there is any criticism, the A4 hardback format isn’t ideal for carrying in a back-pack and to complete the (usually limited) climbing in the time given you need to be a fit skier… otherwise double the timings.
Les Clés de l’Espace Killy
The book is available now at a cost of 39.90 euros (about 25 quid) and covers the off-piste possibilities of the Tignes and Val d’Isère ski areas. The icing on the cake are some pure ski tours on the neighbouring summits as well as off-pistes of Bonneval and Sainte-Foy.
Petit Balme
We’ve had some inquiries about how to get hold of Didier’s books. You will find them available in many resort shops as well as in the bookstores of ski towns such as Grenoble (check out Espace Montagne in St Martin d’Heres and the FNAC). You can also order it from Didier’s website
Couloir d’Antenne, Bellevarde
However postage costs are quite high. Didier asks for 10 euros contribution to the 17€ it costs him to post. However you have to pay by a cheque from a French bank. Owners of French property shouldn’t have any difficulty here or by a bank transfer (Didier will send the details by bank transfer). I will ask if it is possible to add a Paypal button for credit cards.
Posted by
davidof on Friday, 02 November, 2007 at 09:53 AM
David,
I went to spacemountain this week.
The book “The Keys to the Espace Killy” wasn’t available ! Prehaps at fnac ...
Man,
Posted by
ManD on Friday, 16 November, 2007 at 11:44 PM
Distribution seems to be a bit slow. I checked in Arthaud, Grenoble two weeks ago and it wasn’t in stock yet.
Posted by
davidof on Tuesday, 20 November, 2007 at 06:15 PM
Try here:
http://www.amazon.fr/clés-lEspace-Killy-hors-pistes-français-anglais/dp/2952249849
Posted by
RadE on Friday, 28 December, 2007 at 01:37 PM
You might also want to spend one day with Didier. He is a great guide and can also make incredible photos of you riding in incredible places.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/macskapocs/4336938607/in/set-72157623376820762/
Posted by on Tuesday, 11 January, 2011 at 07:33 AM
Thx,
I am my own guide and i shoot pictures also
Posted by on Tuesday, 11 January, 2011 at 02:10 PM
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