If
you have spent most of your time on skis on piste or
on popular off piste runs, and want to escape the crowds,
this course will give you the skills to access the mountains
throughout the winter season by learning ski touring
and more advanced backcountry skills.
This
course is also ideal as an introduction or preparation
for famous ski tours such as the Haute Route (Chamonix
to Zermatt) later in the season.
The
itinerary is flexible to take account of the previous
skills, experience, and aspirations, but typically includes
a 50:50 split of ski touring and off piste backcountry
skiing.
Previous
touring experience
is not required, as this course aims to teach key skills
starting with the basics. Sometimes people have done
a day or two of touring before, but not received any
formal tuition, so use this course as a springboard
to future tours.
Fri
Travel
to Chamonix, course briefing
Sat
Day
ski touring introduction & skills
Sun
Altitude
tour e.g. Col du Tour Noir
Mon
Day 1 of 3, hut to hut ski tour. Night in hut
Tue
Day 2 of 3, hut to hut ski tour. Night in hut
Wed
Day 3 of 3, hut to hut ski tour. Depart
For
the full itinerary of this course on the
main website, please click
here.
Course Dates Intro tour & backcountry
[ 4 ] 22 - 28 Feb 2026
[ 4 ] 8 - 14 Mar 2026
[ 4 ] 29 Mar - 4 Apr 2026
[ 4 ] 5 - 11 Apr 2026
[ 4 ] 19 - 25 Apr 2026
Course
spaces
The numbers in brackets next to each course date
indicate the remaining spaces. Please contact us
of you require more spaces, as often we can release
extra places, subject to availability.
9) Pre-course online course open evening one month before trip
10) Accommodation 3 nights (Fri, Sat, Sun) in Chamonix on room only basis
11) Accommodation 2 nights (Mon & Tue) in mountain hut on a half board basis
Exclusions:
1) Travel to and from Chamonix, 2) Cable cars & uplift for you, and your guide (if required), 3) Kit hire, 4) Personal laundry, telephone calls, lunches, & any purchases in mountain huts / hotels / restaurants, 5) Transport outside Chamonix valley e.g. Courmayeur, 6) Activities insurance, excess baggage charges.
Group sizes: 3 - 6 people per IFMGA mountain guide. For group sizes of over 6 people, there are multiple guides, and the teams travel independently of each other.
If
you have spent most of your time on skis on piste or
on popular off piste runs, and want to escape the crowds,
this course will give you the skills to access the mountains
throughout the winter season by learning ski touring
and more advanced backcountry skills.
