INTRODUCTION TO SKI TOURING
A 5 day course,
8-12 March 2010

Based in and around the Chamonix valley, this course is intended for the keen off piste skier, who wishes to adventure further a field from where the ski lifts give access.

Day 1
A skills day, covering: tips on off piste skiing techniques, training in avalanche awareness, glacier skiing and crevasse rescue.

Days 2-5
Day tours, either starting from the top of a ski lift or a valley car park. The objective is to ascend on skis to a col or a summit, with the aim to find the best snow to ski. When possible, the night of day 4 will be spent in a mountain hut. In early season most of the huts are not open. Normally the huts open for touring from around mid March

See also
Off piste & backcountry skiing - Chamonix Classics
La Grave - Steep & Deep
Haute Route

Participants skiing level and fitness level:
One should be already a keen and experienced off piste skier, with a good parallel technique on black pistes, able to link up at least ten turns in powder snow,ski with a day pack and have a very good physical condition!

Maximum guide/client ratio: 1/6
Course fee per participant: 425 Euros. This course will run with a minimum of 3 participants.

Included in the course fee:
Guiding and instruction from an IFMGA certified mountain guide.
Loan of safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, harness.

Not included in the course fee: Clients personal ski equipment, accommodation, any form of transport, meals and drinks. At the clients charge also is the guides living costs when not based in the Chamonix valley.

INSURANCE:
It is essential to be adequately insured by a specialist company, which must cover all mountaineering activities. Also consider travel insurance.
You can consult: The Austrian Alpine Club or The British Mountaineering Council.