Introduction to Ski Touring

Introductiontoskitouring

This course is led by IFMGA Mountain Guides, allowing a flexible programme for the 2 days. Our Introduction to Ski Touring will make best use of the prevailing snow and weather conditions, but is likely to include:

  • How to use skins, bindings and ski crampons effectively.
  • How to interpret avalanche and weather forecasts alongside actual mountain snow conditions and decide where to ski safe and good terrain accordingly.
  • How to become highly skilled in the use of your essential avalanche equipment.
  • How to ski on a glacier.
  • Basic navigation skills.

The course is based from the Chamonix Valley. It may be that you travel to other venues on a daily basis, depending on the current conditions. Possible venues are: Le Tour, Aiguilles Rouge, Les Contamines and the Aosta Valley in Italy.

Pre-requisites

The most important pre-requisite for this course is that you are keen to try new things and prepared to have a go. Ideally you will have put in some mileage in the off-piste and be able to "cope" in the majority of off-piste conditions. This course is designed for those that have done no, or minimal, ski touring. It may be that you have done quite a bit of touring as part of a guided group, and are looking to develop your skills to tour as part of an unguided independent group. You should be physically fit and be able to cope with a full day on the hill, which may involve ascending for around 3 hours.

If you are not sure if its the course for you email giving more details of what you have done so far.

Cost

£290 per person 

Duration

2 days

Group Size

Maximum 6 people

Timings

The course involves 2 full days, meeting around 8.30 /9am and finishing between 4 and 5pm.

Kit List

Click here to download a kit list.

Additional Costs 

  • Lift pass ( we recommend buying lift passes on a daily basis for this course)
  • Insurance (all clients must have their own insurance for skiing off-piste and ski touring))
  • Accommodation
  • Food
  • Equipment Hire (transceiver, shovel and probe are required for this course)
  • Travel
  • Transport

About Us

Find out more about the Off Piste Performance team.

See introduction to ski touring dates

See introduction to ski touring dates

Off-Piste Ski Ability
Newbie, Effective but not efficient
Location
Chamonix
Activity
Ski Touring
Team
Mountain Guide