Taster course Ski Touring in Grindelwald

Basic
1 day
Ski tourers attach the skins to the skis.
Experience your first ski tour in a safe environment
Learn the basics of equipment & technique
Guided by experienced mountain guides

Season:

December March

Departure Times

08:45

Key info

No prior ski touring experience needed.
You have basic off-piste skiing skills and are a competent skier (you handle red slopes with ease).

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone looking for the mountain beyond the postcard.

Your first ski touring experience: learn the basics and feel the freedom away from the slopes.

Learn the basics of ski touring in Grindelwald. Your mountain guide will show you how to ascend safely, handle the equipment, and use the right technique for descending. Step by step, you expand your knowledge and gain your first experiences in open terrain: plenty of practice with no stress.

Course details

Academy

Learning objectives

  • Get to know and use ski touring equipment
  • Climb safely with skins in easy terrain
  • Understand factors for planning a ski tour: 3x3 method
  • Use avalanche transceiver for search and rescue
  • Practice and improve skiing technique on descent

Assessment methods

Progress is continuously assessed

Feedback is provided continuously throughout the day or a brief reflection at the end of the course with personal assessment for further tours by the mountain guide.

Certification

Certificate: Ski Touring Introductory Course

Upon completion of the day course, participants receive a certificate. This confirms successful participation in the introductory ski touring course in Grindelwald, but is intended as a keepsake and is not an official document.

Issued by:
Outdoor Switzerland AG

Itinerary

Meeting points
Meeting Point and Preparation

We meet in Grindelwald where your mountain guide introduces the key points of the tour, checks your equipment, and explains the basics of the gear. Then we take the cable car to the First ski area, where our ski touring adventure begins.
Ascent to Chiemattenhubel

At the Stepfihütte, we put on skins and start our first ascent. Your mountain guide gives you tips on proper walking technique, explains what to consider when choosing a track, and shows you how to conserve energy. The ascent is steady and leads us to a quiet, untouched area with impressive views of the Bernese Alps.
Summit Moment and Theory Session

Once at the top, we enjoy the view and take the opportunity for a brief theory session. You will learn how to orient yourself in the terrain, the essentials of companion rescue, and how to use your equipment efficiently. Then we prepare for the descent.
Descent to Grindelwald

Depending on the snow conditions, we choose the best line for our descent. Your mountain guide provides valuable tips on skiing technique in unprepared terrain. After the descent, we return to Grindelwald and conclude the day with a feedback session.

Whats included

Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Course Certificate

Not included

Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Snacks
Technical equipment
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)

Pack list

Backpack 20-25 l

Warm, functional clothing
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or winter hiking pants
Sunhat
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Thermal underwear

Ski touring boots or snowboard boots

Ski touring skis or splitboard with skins and tele crampons
Ski poles (preferrably telescopic)
LVS (avalanche transceiver)
Avalanche probe
Avalanche shovel
Avalanche airbag (optional)

Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
Thermos flask, drink bottle
GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
Snacks

Weather info

General weather info

Weather can influence any tour, and a clear decision is often only possible on the day itself. We review conditions carefully and remain within our safety limits, and bad weather alone does not mean we have to stop.

Make sure we can reach you with current contact information in case your booking changes. Silence from us means your tour is still planned or the final call is not yet made. If we need to cancel, you can rebook, choose another activity, or get a full refund.

For detailed advice on how to prepare for (and enjoy!) bad weather days in Interlaken, check out our weather blog 

Meeting points

Meeting points
Activity location

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