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€2,970.00

Activities

Ski touring mastery: a comprehensive course

Monte Rosa Booking > Products > Ski touring mastery: a comprehensive course

Level: Beginners

Start date: 6 January

End date: 20 April

Participants: Max 7

My goal

Discover ski mountaineering with the alpine guides of Monte Rosa.
Immerse yourself in nature among forests, valleys, and snowy slopes as you explore ski mountaineering. During this course, you will ascend to the summit on skis at your own pace, charting your own path. The descent will take you away from crowded pistes, allowing you to leave your mark in the snow while adapting to your abilities and unleashing your imagination!

This ski mountaineering course will guide you in discovering the winter mountains in a mindful and safe way. You will learn ascent techniques, with a focus on turns based on slope inclination, and we will show you how to tackle descents depending on snow conditions. We’ll help you improve your posture and technique with personaled advices.

You will also learn how to prevent avalanches and self-rescue techniques, gaining essential skills to reduce risks and move safely.

Course Duration:
Two Sundays and one weekend. If you have a group of friends, you can choose the dates and pay less: we will check availability and conditions together with you.

Course Location:
The course includes 4 outings on Monte Rosa, selected based on snow conditions.

Course in pills:

Learn and improve basic ski mountaineering techniques, both uphill and downhill.
Develop awareness and skills in avalanche risk prevention.
Learn self-rescue techniques.
Gain autonomy in managing a ski mountaineering trip.

A mountaineering course with the guides of Monte Rosa is an experience to build a solid foundation for your future mountain adventures.

Explore our vision of ski mountaineering here
Check the webcams before heading out

Price

with 3 skiers 990 €
with 4 skiers 810 €
with 5 skiers 730 €
with 6 skiers 670 €
with 7 skiers 630 €

Solo but want to join this course? Click here

The price includes: IFAGM Monterosa ski guide for the 4 days of the tour, 4-day skipass, half board at moutain hut, ski guide half board, technical equipment (harness, crampons), safety kit (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe)*.

*subject to availability

Not included in the price: accident insurance (recommended), meals not specified for yourself and the guide, everything not listed under “the price includes

Program

Day 1: Introduction and Equipment

Welcome and introductions.
Overview of course objectives and itinerary.
Equipment check and explanation of essential gear for ski mountaineering.
Basic techniques for skiing in various snow conditions.
Introduction to climbing skins and their use.

Day 2: Navigation and Topography

Introduction to topographic maps.
Mountain navigation skills.
Planning a route considering altitude, slope, and potential hazards.
Guided hike with a focus on navigation and planning.
Practical exercises with maps and compass.

Day 3: Climbing Techniques and Self-Rescue

Climbing technique with climbing skins.
Proper use of poles during ascent.
Avalanche safety, prevention, and use of the transceiver (ARTVA).
Practical self-rescue session in avalanche scenarios.
Ascent to Capanna Gnifetti, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 4: Advanced Skills and Summary

Final hike to practice the skills learned.
Assessment of snow conditions and selection of safe routes.
Course recap and question-and-answer session.

Equipment required

– Safety kit: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe
– Telescopic ski poles
– Skins
– Ski touring skis and boots
– Harness
– 1 locking carabiner
– Ski crampons
– Ice axe
– Sunscreen with good protection
– Knife
– Ski gloves
– Thermos
– Sunglasses + ski goggles
– 30 L backpack
– Sun hat + windproof hat
– Wool socks
– Layered ski clothing (breathable base layer, fleece, windproof shell, ski jacket, and pants with integrated gaiters)
– Sleeping bed liner

ATTENTION: The sleeping bag liner is mandatory in all shelters. We recommend a lightweight but, above all, reusable sleeping bag liner. Let’s protect the mountains from waste. We use this one.

Please, pay attention here

Overall Focus

Safety first: safety protocols in the mountains and interpretation of avalanche forecasts.
Mountain Knowledge: snow science and terrain reading to identify potential hazards.
Practical Experience: every day, application of the skills learned and constant feedback.

Course Outcome

Empowerment: participants will be able to plan and conduct ski mountaineering trips safely, with greater awareness of the environment and decision-making skills.

The guides of Monte Rosa may modify the itineraries and activity schedules based on weather conditions, accessibility of the refuges, and the physical preparedness of the participants.
The planned times for activities may vary due to weather conditions and the physical state of the locations (snow cover, terrain conditions, etc.).

F.A.Q.

FAQ #1 – In case of bad weather, can I reschedule my trip?

Yes, trips can be rescheduled in case of bad weather.

FAQ #2 – What is the required fitness level?

To undertake a ski mountaineering ascent, you need to be able to ski confidently on any type of slope and have good aerobic fitness.

FAQ #3 – Is it necessary to have an ABS backpack?

For ski mountaineering trips an ABS backpack is not mandatory.However, it is necessary to have a backpack with an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe. We can provide the backpack with the necessary safety equipment if you don’t have one. Remember to reserve it, as we cannot guarantee availability at the last minute!

FAQ #4 – Can the proposed experiences change?

Certainly! Absolutely! The experiences we offer depend on snow and weather conditions. The guide assigned to you will suggest similar but alternative routes if the booked excursion is not suitable for the chosen date.

Populate the form and secure your spot now!

Ski touring mastery: a comprehensive course

€2,970.00

Categories: Activities, Ski Mountaineering Basics, Ski touring

INSURANCE

Our packages do not include insurance. Since many of you are members of mountain clubs, which offer excellent coverage for their members, or already have personal insurance, we aim to avoid redundancy.

However, if you are not yet insured (and we highly recommend you consider it) and would like coverage for:

Medical assistance and expenses in case of injury, 24/7 assistance and reimbursement of medical expenses, Search and rescue costs, Emergency support, Reimbursement for unused lessons, equipment, accommodations, and passes, Civil liability for damages to third parties during outdoor activities

you can explore the available options on Europ Assistance or on L’Arca Assicurazioni.