Courses
Ski Touring Intro
Introducing keen and competent off-piste 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.
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Duration
5 days
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
January - March
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Price
From €995.00
Adventure Snapshot
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+ 19
LEARN HOW TO SKI TOUR IN CHAMONIX
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 off-piste 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 previous off-piste skiing experience, confident on different types of snow but no ski touring experience is required. We also strongly advise you come with a high 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.Â
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Duration
5 days
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
January - March
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Guide Ratio
6:1
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Ability
Level ALevel 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!
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Price
From €995.00
Adventure Overview
LIVE THE ADVENTURE
Our Ski Touring Intro Trip
01:48Are 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
00:23Skis, powder, skins, crampons... are there many things better than a ski adventure?
Ski Touring
04:22We 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
01:48Introducing 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.
Kit & equipment required for this adventure
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.
For the full downloadable Ski Tour Intro kit list please click here.
Ski Helmet
Ski Poles
Ski Touring Boots
Skis & Skins
Down Jacket
Lightweight and thin down jacket.
Hardshell Jacket
GORE-TEX® or Similar
Softshell Jacket
Light technical jacket, ideally with a hood.
Lightweight fleece
Something light and thin.
Thermal Tops
Keep them light and thin.
Tech T-Shirts
Highly breathable, lightweight synthetic technical t-shirt.
Hardshell Trousers
GORE-TEX® or similar
Thermal Bottoms
Keep them light and thin.
Sun Hat
Choose your hat of choice as long as it shields you from the sun.
Warm Hat
Ideally thin and single layered so it can fit under the helmet.
Transceiver
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
Goggles
Just in case you hit bad weather
Thermal socks
Good walking socks are required
Thermos flask
Lighter gloves
Thinner to be used for mid mountain conditions and glacial walking. Â Look for a pair with good grip.
Fleece windproof gloves
Water bottles
You must be able to carry at least 2L of water in your backpack
Cash / credit card
For extra costs such as drinks and snacks
First aid kit
Blister kit, paracetamol, etc
"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."
"Perfect mini trip to introduce to ski touring. I had always wanted to try it and now I'm addicted!"
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 days ski touring introduction
- Learn essential ski touring skills
- Great preparation for ski tours like the Haute Route / Gran Paradiso
- 4 nights Chamonix hotel accommodation (Half Board)
- Handpicked IFMGA ski guide
What's not Included?
- Transfers
- Uplifts (approx. €50-60 per day)
- Mountain hut option (approx. €60)
- Personal equipment and insurance
This Trip is running on the following dates
january 2024
2 Datesfebruary 2024
2 Datesmarch 2024
1 DateWhat to expect from your accommodation
We know the importance of having a comfortable and cosy 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. 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 or triple share basis with en suite bathrooms. 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.
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Duration
3 Nights
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Internet
Wifi included
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Beds
Twin share en suite
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Food
Half board
Mountain huts
Depending on conditions and ability of the group we may propose to experience what it’s like to sleep in a mountain refuge and enjoy the warm hospitality and food. This would be an additional cost and discussed with the group to make sure everyone is happy. It would cost approximately €60 per person and would only be 'worth it' if conditions were great and the guide believed it would benefit the course.
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Duration
1 Night
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Internet
Not included
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Beds
Dormitory
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Food
Half Board
WHAT TO EXPECT
HERE'S YOUR ITINERARYÂ
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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Day 1:
Arrival Day
Arrive in Chamonix. Today is the day to sort out any kit rental and make sure you have everything you need. Get to know the guides and other members of the group over a delicious 3 course evening meal at the hotel. Overnight in the Hotel.
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Day 2:
First day ski touring
First day skiing and ski touring. 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.
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Day 3:
Development day in the Mountains
Today we will continue the learning and focus on developing your ski touring skills as well as focusing on general mountain safety and avalanche awareness. If the conditions and ability of the group allow we may head up to a mountain refuge to experience what it’s like to sleep in the mountains. We would ski tour to our chosen refuge based on the current weather and conditions and aim to progress our skills during the day. If the mountain refuge is not an option, we will spend more time ski touring in the beautiful peaks around Chamonix. Overnight either in the hotel or in the mountain refuge.
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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 and to reflect on the new skills and knowledge that you've picked up. After completion of this course you should be in a good place to take on one of our multi day ski tours such as the Otztal Ski Tour, Haute Route or Gran Paradiso. Overnight in the hotel.
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Day 5:
Departure
Departure after breakfast. Check out is 10:00 am.
Meet your guides for this adventure
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
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.
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 ;)"
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".
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!"
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
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?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Ski Touring Intro trip is rated Level A, for beginners and newcomers We recommend you only book a trip that reflects your ability.
Level A
For beginners and newcomers
- You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure.
- Little / no prior experience
- Usually less then a week in distance
- No technical skills required
- Basic level of fitness
Think you've got this?
This trip is at this level
Level B
For those with some prior experience
- You have some previous experience in the outdoors, whether that’s hiking, skiing or climbing.
- You will either be starting to venture into more technical terrain or slightly more 'aggressive' environments
- Moderate fitness
- Some basic skills
More your level?
Level C
For accomplished adventurers
- You have a fair amount of experience climbing, hiking or skiing more technical terrain.
- You’re comfortable on sustained adventures and you call yourself a ‘hardened’ adventurer.
- You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it there' attitude.
- Fit & Strong
More your level?
Level D
For the pros
- Ready to test those learnt skills on the next challenge
- Comfortable in most types of environments
- Very fit
- Some level of technical skills
More your level?
Level E
For the experts
- You’ve been on more adventures than you've had hot dinners and you've built up a crafty skill set to tackle most challenges out there.
- Good technical skills and knowledge
- Good experience
- Very fit
More your level?
North Wales Mountaineering Intro
Our three-day Mountaineering Introduction Course is a fun and friendly course to kickstart your mountaineering journey. This course is key to learning the skills you need to scramble in the mountains using a rope on grade 2 and 3 scrambles. The course will be delivered by a qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI) who will guide you through all the skills you need to scramble on steep terrain.
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Spring and Autumn
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Level A
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€650.00
Off-Piste Skiing Intro
This introduction trip is all about skiing lift accessed off-piste terrain to build up skills and knowledge on how to ski mixed snow safely and confidently. Skiing off-piste is an essential skill to have in order to undertake a backcountry ski touring adventure.
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January - April
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Level A
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€995.00
Scotland Winter Skills
If you are new to winter mountaineering, or just need to dust off the cobwebs, this practical trip will cover everything you need to know in order to stay as safe as possible in the mountains, whilst having an awesome time exploring and taking in new experiences.
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January - February
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Level A
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€
North Wales Alpine Prep Course
Do you dream of climbing in the Alps or the bigger mountains? Are you looking to develop all the skills you need to climb routes like the Matterhorn or the Eiger or do you just want to try out climbing in the mountains and see if you like it or not? Our Alpine Preparation course is ideal for anybody looking to learn the skills you need to climb in the mountains, and will help you develop your Alpine skills for your next big trip.
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Spring and Autumn
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Level B
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€650.00
Chamonix Winter Alpine Skills
Our popular Alpine Skills course set in November and December, which are wilder, colder, often snowy and far quieter than the busy summer months in the Alps. The focus is on learning essential mountain skills such as crevasse rescue, ice climbing, roping up on glaciers all in a high mountain environment.
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November - December
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Level B
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€950.00
Mont Blanc Turbo
Climb Mont Blanc (4808m) the highest peak in Western Europe. It’s a beautiful, imposing and highly sought after summit that sits at the roof of the Alps on the border of France and Italy. If your adventure juices are flowing, then keep on reading...
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June - September
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Level C
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€1999.00
Norway, Lyngen Ski Tour
Ski touring adventures in Lyngen, Norway. This trip has been specifically designed to showcase the best that Lyngen has to offer. Based in a comfortable sea-side lodge, you will experience some of the best skiing to be had from summit to sea. Return to our lodge each day and enjoy relaxing in the hot tub with endless ocean views of the famous Norwegian fjords. This trip is for experienced skiers with a good foundation knowledge of ski touring.
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April 2023
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Level C
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€2112.00
Italy, Gran Paradiso Ski Tour
Ski the Gran Paradiso (4061m), the highest peak entirely in Italy, and tick off your first 4000m ski descent. That's right, there's a whole load of downhill for all that uphill effort!
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March - May
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Level C
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€1650.00
Mera Peak: Robert Markwick
Mera Peak at 6476m is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. At this altitude the oxygen content of air is less than half of what it is at sea level. It is located in the Himalayan mountain range in Nepal, a little east of the main Khumbu valley on a much quieter trail.
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4th -19th April 2023
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Level D
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€12980.00
Swiss, Bernese Oberland Ski Tour
The Bernese Oberland ski tour is a stunning link up of high altitude mountain huts and peaks in the wild Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. The ski terrain in this region is suited for those with previous ski touring experience, who are looking to progress to the next level and discover some high altitude peaks and glaciers. You can expect long ski tour days, comfortable huts and big ski descents.
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March - April
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Level D
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€1850.00
Island Peak
Island Peak at 6,189m is considered one of the world's best adventures for any mountain lovers out there. Part trek, part mountaineering, this is a trip for those looking to add a little more adrenalin to the Everest Base Camp Trek.
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Spring & Autumn
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Level D
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€4150.00
Eiger
The Eiger is one of the most sought after summits in the Alps and a formidable challenge for any keen mountaineer. Located in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland, this is a major Alpine classic steeped in historic tales of heroic climbing. On this trip we climb via the Mittellegi ridge. Got what it takes?
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June - September
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Level E
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€4150.00
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.
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