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.

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