Chamonix Ski Touring Course | Adventure Base
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Skiing

Intro to Ski Touring - Chamonix

Are you looking for an introduction course to the exciting world of ski touring? We’ve designed this five-day trip with you in mind. The Adventure Base team has crafted this intro Ski Touring Course in Chamonix as a gateway for keen and competent off-piste skiers to take their mountain adventures in a new and challenging direction. If you’re confident skiing variable terrain off-piste but have never used ski touring gear, this is the perfect next step.

You don’t need any previous ski touring experience to sign up for backcountry skiing in Chamonix with us. However, you must be a solid off-piste skier, comfortable navigating steeper slopes, mixed snow conditions, and making controlled turns outside of groomed runs. This foundation will allow you to focus on learning the touring side of things.

This is an ideal preparation course for anyone looking to join one of our full ski tours in the Alps.. Explore our journal guide to select the right option for your skiing ability. Scroll down to find out more about this Chamonix ski touring guided course — and please just contact us if you have any pre-booking questions.
Duration
5 days
Start location
Chamonix, France
Date(s)
January - March
Difficulty
Beginner
Book Now From €1.350,00 Make an enquiry
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Backcountry Skiing in Chamonix: What to Expect

Ever fancied skiing in places you can't get to via a lift? Want to get away from it all in one of the most beautiful locations on the planet? If so, learning to ski tour and improving your off-piste skiing is the next adventure for you.

This Chamonix Ski Touring Course is built for adventurous skiers who are confident skiing off-piste but completely new to ski touring. It’s the ideal starting point for anyone looking to explore further on skis and build up the skills needed to take on more involved touring adventures in the future.

You should already be comfortable skiing away from the pistes in a variety of conditions, whether that’s steeper terrain, mixed snow, or more technical lines. You don’t need to be an expert, but solid control and confidence off-piste are essential. If you’ve never used touring gear before, don’t worry — no previous experience with skins, bindings, or avalanche equipment is required.

Throughout the trip, you’ll learn the fundamentals of ski touring, including how to use the kit properly, efficient climbing techniques, how to transition smoothly between uphill and downhill modes, and an introduction to avalanche safety and awareness.

By the end of the trip, you’ll not only have a solid grasp of the technical skills but also the confidence to join longer and more adventurous hut-based ski tours. What's not to like?

Not sure whether you're ready to tackle our Chamonix ski touring guided course? No problem, take our Chamonix Ski Touring Course 'Readiness' test.

If you think you're already ready for a hut ski tour, then check out our Intermediate Hut Ski Tour in Chamonix. It’s the perfect first ski touring experience!

TAKE THE TEST

Learn more. Download our guide here.

GOT WHAT IT TAKES? Take the readiness test

Ready to embark on your next adventure? Take our quick fitness readiness test to see how prepared you are for an unforgettable holiday!

TAKE THE TEST

Your Chamonix Ski Touring Guided Course Starts Here

Who is Backcountry Skiing in Chamonix For?

You’ll need solid off-piste skiing experience and confidence in a variety of snow conditions, but no prior ski touring experience is necessary. We also strongly recommend arriving with a high level of fitness.

While the focus is on learning, ski touring can still be physically demanding — you’ll be climbing uphill on skis for four to five hours a day, often at altitude with gains of approximately 500 to 700m elevation, carrying a daypack with your essential gear. There may be steep sections, technical terrain, and variable snow conditions to navigate.

Not sure whether you're ready? No sweat! Get in touch and we'll be happy to talk it through with you.

No problem, take our Ski Tour Intro 'Readiness' test.

Intro to Ski Touring 'Readiness' test

TAKE THE TEST

Adventure Overview

Duration
5 days
Start location
Chamonix, France
Guide Ratio
6:1
Date(s)
January - March
Ability
Beginner
Price
From €1.350,00
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Chamonix Ski Touring Course Videos

  • Our Ski Touring Intro Trip

    01:48

    Are you tired of the same old ski slopes, crowded lifts, and grumpy chairlift operators? Do you want to add a little excitement to your ski holiday? Well, my friend, it's time to try something new - a ski touring trip in Chamonix!

  • Ski Time with Adventure Base

    00:23

    Skis, powder, skins, crampons... are there many things better than a ski adventure?

  • Ski Touring

    04:22

    We have a rule that every month we get out of the office, away from the noise and in to the great outdoors. This month Olly decided ski touring was the ticket, so we headed off to the Refuge d'Argentiere. Very hot for February but a great way to escape the noise of office life. Enjoy.

  • Meet The Team

    01:48

    Introducing our crack squad of mountain lovers and adventure junkies. We spend most of our days plotting, planning and building some of the very best trips out there for you all to enjoy.

  • Haute Route Ski Tour

    02:09

    One of the most iconic ski tours on the planet.

  • What is the Food Like in Alpine Huts?

    3:03

    Charlie and Olly share what to expect from meals in Alpine huts and refuges, from breakfast and communal dinners to dietary requirements and snacks.

Equipment Required for Backcountry Skiing in Chamonix

Most of the items below are available to rent or buy in Chamonix on arrival. Please note, this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last-minute equipment on arrival, dependent on the weather and changes in itinerary.

Download the full Chamonix Ski Touring Course kit list for a more detailed overview.

View full kit list

Can be rented

ski-helmet

Ski Helmet

Can be rented

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Ski Poles

Can be rented

Maestrale2

Ski Touring Boots

Can be rented

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Skis & Skins

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Down Jacket

Lightweight and thin down jacket.
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Hardshell Jacket

GORE-TEX® or Similar
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Softshell Jacket

Light technical jacket, ideally with a hood.

FULL KIT LIST

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More info

Click the link in the text above to find the full kit list

Brilliant experience from start to finish.

Adventure Base handled the coordination, accommodations, meals, transfers, and execution of the guided trek exceptionally well. A special thank you to our guide, Rosella C., who added real value throughout the journey and dealt with any issues quickly and professionally. Tristan at Adventure Base was excellent with all of the pre-trip planning and logistics, and kudos as well to Madi for reaching out after the trip to gather feedback. Adventure Base took away much of the administrative work and worry, allowing me to simply enjoy the experience. The entire trip felt seamless and extremely well organized. The Dolomites certainly did not disappoint, and sharing the journey with a great group of fellow trekkers made it even better. Highly recommend Adventure Base.

Mike Herzog

4 Incredible Trips with Adventure Base

I've done four trips with these guys and its been incredible, I've climbed Mont Blanc, Hiked the Tour Du Mont Blanc, did four days on the Alta Via 1 and climbed Toubkal in North Africa - all with Adventure Base. Charlie and the team are professional, courteous and just overall great people to book trips through. Theres never been an issue Adventure Base can't fix, they make you feel like there are no silly questions and they've always done everything they can to ensure I've had a great trip. And I always have - every trip I've been on has been incredible, I regularly recommend them to friends, colleagues and family. If I could give them more then five stars I would.

Dave Mac

We didn't want to stop walking!

Haute Route with Adventure Base - we didn't want to stop walking! Iconic trek made special by Adventure Base with lots of trusted support, excellent accommodation and thoughtful additions. Would recommend to anyone who wants to challenge themselves slightly up from the TMB. The clever mapping app showed profiles of each day to help us prep and we felt guided and safe even though we walked alone. Thoroughly enjoyed stays in both refuges and spa hotels to relax! Met lots of people on and off along the route which was very easy to follow. We were lucky with stunning weather but the SUCH varied scenery of each section was breath-taking. If you want to feel guided with help prepping, questions answered and someone always on hand if you need it, trust Adventure Base!

Louise Addis

Incredible Experience!

Just got back from the self-guided Bernese Oberland Traverse in Switzerland and we were blown away! My wife and I have lots of prior hiking experience, but having the logistics of where we were staying and the route mapped out for us saved us a lot of time before the trip! The app they send you with your trip details and the route for every day is easy to navigate, has great offline capabilities, and has everything you need for each day of your trek (including any side adventures). For anything we needed, the team was easily accessible by phone or WhatsApp. All of the accommodations they chose were a 10 out of 10. We made so many memories on this trip without all the headache of managing your own logistics and its all thanks to the great team at Adventure Base!

Bryan Terschan

I was blown away by Adventures Base

I was blown away by Adventures Base attention to detail. Incredible guides and an incredible experience. My 2nd trip and will be booking my next soon. They have some of the best guides ive experienced. Brilliant customer service from beginning to end. A+++++

Pete

They exceeded my expectations!

The 11-day TMB experience was perfect. Our guide, Rob, was incredibly attentive from the very first minute. He was meticulous about every detail and every participant, highly attuned to the group's needs, and possessed a great sense of humor and deep knowledge of the terrain. He ensured an excellent experience. All logistics, mountain huts, and hotels were perfect; I wouldn't change a thing. They exceeded my expectations, and we were even blessed with perfect weather. I couldn't have made a better choice for my TMB trip.

Cacilda Amaral

Rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 300+ reviews on

Trustpilot

FINER DETAILS

YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE

On arrival day you meet with your guides and fellow skiers at the accommodation for a welcome briefing and dinner in the evening. Here you will have an opportunity to ask any last minute questions as well as share your pre trip excitement with your group.

What's included?

  • 3-day ski touring introduction
  • 4 nights Chamonix hotel accommodation (half-board)
  • 4 breakfasts
  • 4 dinners
  • Learn essential ski touring skills
  • Handpicked IFMGA ski guide

Optional extras

Enhance your adventure with these additional services.

Please get in touch with our team to discuss optional extras. Get in touch

What's not included?

  • Flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Uplifts (may not be needed, guide will advise during trip no pre purchasing needed)
  • Personal equipment (incl. transceiver, probe and shovel) and insurance
  • Personal snacks, lunch and drinks

Adventure like a local

The Adventure Base Difference

Excellent 4.8 From 300+ reviews

  • Born & Bred in the Alps

    With an office at the foot of Mont Blanc in Chamonix, we help you Adventure like a local.

  • Customer Focused

    We don't just want you for one trip, we want you for lots! We work extremely hard to earn that right.

  • Don't take our word for it

    Our clients do the talking. Check out their latest reviews and see what makes their trips so special.

  • Guaranteed Departures

    If you can book it, we'll run it even if it's just for you. You shouldn't have to wait to get excited for your trip.

This trip is running on the following dates

Depart

Wed 20 Jan, 2027

Return

Sun 24 Jan, 2027

Availability

5 spots available

Accommodation on This Chamonix Ski Touring Guided Course

We know the importance of having a comfortable base to return to after each day of skiing. That's why we've chosen a mountain lodge with super comfortable rooms and a warm atmosphere. With a cosy bar area and a delicious restaurant, we're sure you'll enjoy staying here and warming your toes after a cold day of skiing.

Twin bedroom with wooden beams in a Chamonix apartment

Chamonix

The lodge is an excellent base for our ski touring intro. With stunning views of the mountains, it's well placed and just a few minutes walk from Chamonix centre. Rooms are on a shared basis with other members on the trip typically in twin, triple or quad format. All rooms have en suite bathrooms. If you would like your own room please enquire in advance for a single supplement. There is a bar and restaurant for the evenings, with some lovely social space to relax in after the hard days ski touring. Your breakfast and dinner is included here each day.

  • Duration

    4 Nights

  • Wifi

    Wifi included

  • Beds

    Shared en suite rooms

  • Food

    Half board

Chamonix Ski Touring Course Itinerary

HERE'S YOUR ITINERARY 

While we try and stick to the tried-and-tested itinerary below, the mountains and the weather sometimes have other ideas. We will always remain as flexible as possible, which is why we only work with experienced and knowledgeable guides, to make sure we can change any plans if required.
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Frequently asked questions about this adventure

Ski Intro: How difficult is this trip?

We rate this trip Beginner on our difficulty scale. That means you’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure and can’t wait to get going. Bring it on! You will need a good base level of fitness and will need to be comfortable skiing off piste. The rest, leave to us.

Ski Intro: What are the snow conditions like?

As you’re probably aware, snow conditions are forever changing and therefore it’s very difficult to predict. As a general rule of thumb, February and March will be cooler with a greater potential for powder snow but shorter days. Towards the end of April you’ll get more spring snow and warmer weather but there is a chance you’ll have to walk some of the lower sections of the route. The unknown is all part of the adventure though, right? Whenever you ski in the mountains there will always be a risk of avalanches. The risk changes on a daily basis due to multiple factors but your guide will manage this and will ensure to select the safest and most enjoyable routes for each day your trip.

Ski Intro: What’s the weather like?

Be prepared for a real mix of weather and temperatures, from freezing cold early mornings to warm sunny afternoons. There really is no knowing what to expect for a trip like this. (We’re not sure we’ve really helped here…)

Ski Intro: What’s the culture like?

You will experience the French culture on this trip. Your stay in France is based out of the Chamonix valley, which is widely considered to be the home of modern alpinism. That said, you’ll be in the mountains where you will experience people from different parts of the world but all with the same objective and love of the mountains.

Ski Intro: How big will the group be?

Our ski courses will be no more than 6 people per guide. If the group is larger than 6, there will be a second guide and we will have the ability to split the group if necessary.

Ski Intro: How do you match people up on the trip?

It is very important for you to let us know your previous experience and ski ability level before booking with us. Then we are able to match you up to suitable groups with similar abilities to make sure you get the most out of your trip.

Ski Intro: Do I need to buy all new kit?

As you will have been skiing before you are likely to own most of the kit required. The more technical items (Skis, boots, avalanche kit etc) can be rented which we advise doing in advance. You can rent kit here from our local supplier and you can see the full kit list here.

Ski Intro: What will we do if the weather is bad?

With the help of your guide you will then look at your best options based on the weather forecast and snow conditions. Our aim is always to provide you with the best ski experience and we will drive to other areas in the Alps if necessary to find better weather and make the most of your trip with us.

Ski Intro: What insurance do I need?

Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments but also environments that carry an element of risk with them. In order to protect yourself adequately you will need a specialist travel insurance that caters for the types of activities you will be undertaking. It is a condition of our agreement that you are covered by adequate travel insurance for your arrangements.

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Meet your guides for this adventure

MIHA-2

Miha

IFMGA Guide

Miha is an IFMGA guide from Slovenia based between the beautiful Julian Alps and Chamonix. He has been climbing for over 20 years all over the world, including expeditions to Nepal, Tibet, India, Pakistan, USA, Mexico and Peru. He summited an 8000er on his first expedition to the Himalaya, did a first ascent on the previously unclimbed Lasher peak in the Himalaya and climbed El Capitan and many routes over the Alps.
PABLO-2

Pablo

IFMGA Guide

Pablo is originally from a small mountain village in Spain and came to Chamonix with only one dream to become a mountain guide. Based in Chamonix since 2013, Pablo made the Alps his playground as a guide and as an alpinist and has climbed many of the classic alpine routes. He combines mountain guiding with helicopter rescue work in Spain during the off seasons.
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Nacho

IFMGA Guide

Meet Nacho, our expert high mountain guide and ski instructor from Spain. With decades of experience and a background that includes European and Spanish ski touring championships, Nacho has climbed and guided all over the Alps, Pyrenees, Andes, Himalayas and beyond. Ski touring is his true passion, but whether it’s snowy peaks or technical alpine ascents, Nacho brings world-class expertise and a calm, friendly approach to every trip.
FEDE-1

Fede

IFMGA Guide

"My favorite mountain is the Midi d’Ossau, in the Pyrenees. It is a volcanic and unique mountain, that a stands out from the other peaks around. It is a huge fortress with many different features that provides incredible rock climbing routes, and the most important thing is that is 20 minutes from my house ;)"
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Jon

IFMGA Guide

"If asked about my favourite mountain or mountain range, it wouldn't be easy to answer since perfect places to climb, ski or explore can be found all over the world. But, if I had to choose one, I think I'd say the Pyrenees, not very high, but wild and still quite unknown: the mountains where I learnt when I was a child and where I can still live great adventures far from the crowd".
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Fabio

IFMGA Guide

Fabio has guided with us for close to ten years now and has summited Mont Blanc more times than we can remember. He's even helped Sir Richard Branson get to the top of Western Europe. When asked what his favourite mountain was his response was 'It's the mountain not known to many, in a remote country that provides opportunity for adventure. That said, I do love Cordillera Blanca (Peru) to guide in, Montserrat (Barcelona) because it's where it all started for me and Main De Fatima (Mali) because it's special to me!"
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Lars

IFMGA Guide

Lars is a IFMGA Guide originally from Belgium, with over 20 years of experience climbing and splitboarding in the Mont Blanc massif, the Alps and the greater ranges of the world. Having lived in Chamonix for over a decade he has enjoyed the unique and unlimited climbing possibilities in and around the valley. Lars is also one of the most recognised and experienced splitboard guides leading expeditions to Kamchatka, Greenland, Iceland and more.
FAUST

Faust

IFMGA Guide

Born in the Aran Valley, from parents who were ski teachers and mountain guides, the motivation inherited by nature has led him to practice all facets of mountain sports such as climbing, skiing and mountaineering. He has spent his alpine career as part of the FEDME team (Spanish Federation of Mountain and Climbing Sports) and his passion and profession have led him to travel to other continents to carry out his activity.

Are you Ready?

This adventure is rated Beginner on our difficulty scale and is best suited to for beginners and newcomers. We recommend choosing an adventure that matches your fitness, experience and comfort level.

  • You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure
  • Little / no prior experience
  • Shorter time duration
  • No technical skills required but keen to learn
  • Basic level of fitness

This trip is at this level

“Just what I was looking for to get me into ski touring. I've wanted to do the Haute Route for years and now I should have the skillset to take it on next spring.”

Greg

Ski Touring

“Perfect mini trip to introduce to ski touring. I had always wanted to try it and now I'm addicted!”

Maddison

Ski Touring

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READY TO TAKE ON THIS EPIC CHALLENGE?

We hope you've found all the information you need above, but if not don't hesitate to get in touch. If you're ready to book, follow the link below.

Book Now From €1.350,00 Make an enquiry