Introducing keen skiers to the world of ski touring. This is great preparation for our ski touring trips and an essential confidence builder for those with no previous ski touring experience. You will learn the essential skills required for ski touring.
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 improve your off piste skiing is the next adventure for you.
This trip will teach you everything you need to know about the equipment, the techniques and the safety aspects of ski touring in the mountains. It's been designed for those who are comfortable skiers looking to go further, or more remote and will have you ready for some of our multi day ski adventures in no time at all. What's not to like?
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
WHO IS THIS FOR?
You should have attempted to have skied in different types of snow but no ski touring experience is required. We also advise you come with a good level of fitness as you'll be on your feet most of the day.
Not sure whether you're ready? No sweat! Drop us a note and we'll be happy to talk it through with you.
Adventure Overview
Duration
5 days
Start Location
Chamonix, France
Date(s)
February - April
Guide Ratio
6:1
Ability
Level A
Level A
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!
Price
€950
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
Great news! Your place on this adventure is carbon offset along with our footprint in creating it. To learn more about what we're doing head to our 'about us' page.
Kit & equipment required for this adventure
Certain items can be rented from Adventure Base such as crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness. You are able to add these to your cart at checkout. We use the latest kit from Black Diamond meaning you'll be using quality equipment and our rental options are much cheaper than if you were to rent it from a local shop when you get here. Win! (Note: Your kit might vary sightly from the images below)
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.
Ski Helmet
Ski Poles
Ski Touring Boots
Skis & Skins
Tranceiver
Probe & Shovel
Ski Crampons
Rucksack
Mountaineering specific 35-40L backpack
Sun block
For your nose and lips
Sun cream
Factor 30-50 High Mountain sunscreen
Sun hat
Choose your hat of choice as long as it shields you from the sun
Sunglasses
At least cat 4 and ideally with limited gaps at the sides
Goggles
Just in case you hit bad weather
Thermal socks
Good walking socks are required
Thermal tops
Light colours are recommended
Thermos flask
Lighter gloves
Thinner to be used for mid mountain conditions and glacial walking
Fleece windproof gloves
Water bottles
You must be able to carry at least 2L of water in your backpack
Hardshell hooded jacket
GORE-TEX® or similar
Hardshell trousers
GORE-TEX® or similar
Cash / credit card
For extra costs such as drinks and snacks
First aid kit
Blister kit, paracetamol, etc
"Great trip, great guide and great customer service... we didn’t have to worry about a thing, Olly answered all our questions and was always available on the other end of the phone. Ski guide was brilliant and happy to accommodate each day to what we needed."
Sam
Gran Paradiso Ski Tour
"A really knowledgable team and a great set of people to spend a lot of time with as well. I’d definitely use them again on our next trip to the Alps."
Alexi
Haute Route Ski Tour
"I’d recommend Adventure Base 100%. I want to be an Adventure Base guide!"
Sir Richard Branson
Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Tour du Mont Blanc, Haute Route
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
On arrival day you meet with your guides and fellow climbers at the accommodation for a welcome briefing 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 days ski touring introduction
Learn essential ski touring skills
Perfect preparation for Haute Route / Gran Paradiso / Iceland
2 nights hotel accommodation (Breakfast included)
1 night in a mountain refuge (Half board)
Handpicked AB guide
All transport within itinerary
What's not Included?
Transport to/from Chamonix
Uplifts where necessary
Evening meals in Chamonix
Personal equipment and insurance
This trip is running on the following dates
February 2021
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March 2021
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What to expect from your accommodation
When not skiing the mountain we know the importance of having a comfortable base. That's why we've chosen these mountain lodge with their super comfortable rooms and warm atmosphere. The perfect spot to rest up in-between your stays in the mountain huts. But don't let that nice linen and chocolate on the bed win your favour just yet. Wait until you've experienced a good old mountain hut with its basic, but charming amenities and friendly hosts. We bet you go home missing the huts more!
VIEW GALLERY
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 twin share basis with en suite bathrooms. There is a bar and restaurant for the evenings, with some lovely outdoor space to relax in after the climb. You will spend your first and last night of the trip here.
Duration
2
Internet
Wifi included
Beds
2
Food
Half board
Mountain huts
Experience what it’s like to sleep in a mountain refuge and enjoy the warm hospitality and food.
Duration
1
Internet
Not included
Beds
Dorm
Food
Half Board
WHAT TO EXPECT
HERE'S YOUR ITINERARY
While we try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountain and the weather sometimes has 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.
Day 1:
Arrival Day
Arrive in Chamonix. Get to know the guides and other members of the group. Overnight in the Hotel.
Day 2:
First Day Skiing
First day skiing. We head out for a few resort runs to warm up the legs. After a short while we’ll go off-piste and get to know our ski touring equipment in a safe and mellow environment. We do our first short ski tour and ski back down to the valley floor. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 3:
Overnight in the Mountains
We head to our first overnight in a mountain refuge. Experience what it’s like to sleep in a mountain refuge and enjoy the warm hospitality and food. We ski tour to our chosen refuge based on the current weather and conditions. Overnight in the refuge.
Day 4:
Culmination of Skills
Early start for our last ski tour of the trip. We head out early and enjoy a beautiful ski tour, putting all our skills and knowledge into practice. With tired legs we head back to Chamonix in evening for a well deserved dinner. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 5:
Departure
Departure day.
Meet your guides for this adventure
Miha
Lead IFMGA
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
Lead IFMGA
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.
Roger
IFMGA
"I love what I do and love to transmit my passion while guiding. After touring the world following the call of the mountains and human cultures and fulfilling my dreams, I have put together all the knowledge gained and a strong background as a mountain guide to become one of the most versatile, dedicated and professional guides back home, in the Pyrenees."
Fede
Lead IFMGA
"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 ;)"
Jon
Lead IFMGA
"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".
Fabio
Lead IFMGA
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 Brans 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!"
Lars
Lead IFMGA
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
Lead IFMGA
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.
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.
We know things can change quickly in this new travel environment which is why we’ve put together a comprehensive COVID policy to make sure you feel comfortable when booking a trip with us. Read more here to see why you can book and travel with confidence with us: COVID 19 POLICY
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