Day 1 – First steps on touring skis and technical assessment
We’ll meet in Riale, Val Formazza, to get to know the group, check everyone’s equipment and introduce the fundamental techniques of ski touring.
We’ll begin with an outing on terrain selected by the guide, learning how to use climbing skins, adjust touring bindings and move efficiently uphill.
We’ll work on walking technique, energy management and kick turns, combining short explanations with practical exercises. The guide will assess each participant’s technique and pace to plan the activities for the following days.
During the descent, we’ll assess ski control on ungroomed snow, with individual feedback on balance and body position.
We’ll return to Riale for dinner and overnight accommodation at Aalts Dorf.
Elevation gain: Variable, depending on the exercises
Activity duration: Approximately 4–5 hours
Day 2 – Terrain assessment and avalanche rescue
We’ll dedicate the second day to planning a ski touring excursion and understanding risk management in winter mountain terrain.
Before setting off, we’ll review the avalanche bulletin and weather forecast, learning how to connect this information with observations made in the field.
During the ascent, we’ll work on route selection, spacing between participants, identifying safe stopping points and assessing slopes. We’ll discuss the reasoning behind the guide’s decisions and learn to recognise warning signs that require particular attention.
Part of the day will focus on avalanche rescue training, with practical exercises using a transceiver, shovel and probe. We’ll practise search techniques, rescue coordination and emergency procedures.
We’ll return to Aalts Dorf for dinner and overnight accommodation, with time to review what we’ve learned and prepare for the following day’s excursion.
Elevation gain: Approximately 500–700 m, adapted to the group
Activity duration: Approximately 5–6 hours, including exercises
Day 3 – Ski touring excursion and downhill technique
We’ll finish the course with a ski touring excursion in upper Val Formazza, selected by the guide according to snow conditions, the weather forecast and the group’s abilities.
We’ll put everything we’ve learned into practice: preparing equipment, using climbing skins, performing kick turns, choosing a suitable route and maintaining a sustainable pace.
Throughout the ascent, we’ll continue observing the terrain and discussing the decisions involved in travelling through winter mountain environments.
The descent will provide another opportunity to develop our skiing skills. We’ll work on balance, ski control and adapting technique to different snow conditions, with individual feedback from the guide.
We’ll return to Riale at the end of the activity.
The aim is to finish the course with stronger technical foundations and a clearer understanding of your abilities and limitations. Three days of training are an important first step, but they are not enough to become fully independent in winter mountain terrain.
Elevation gain: Approximately 600–900 m, depending on the selected route
Activity duration: Approximately 5–6 hours
The programme, elevation gains and durations are indicative. The IFMGA Mountain Guide may modify routes and activities according to weather, snow and avalanche conditions, and the group’s actual abilities. Route accessibility and suitability will be assessed before each outing.
