Advanced Course Ski Touring

• Skinning up ski techniques
• Route selection/ track setting
• Avalanches: partner rescue
• Ideal route choice for the descent
• Tour planning 3x3 formula
• Snow pack observations
• Interpretation of the avalanche bulletin
• Weather science

After the course you will be able to plan easy tours and undertake these tours by yourself or with friends. With a personal assessment from your mountain guide at the end of the course, you will be prepared to join more complex guided ski tours.

Group Course (4-6 participants)

Private Course

To book a private course please contact us:

0041 (0)33 224 07 01

info(at)outdoor.ch

Day 1: Arrival in Grindelwald and ascent to Waldspitz

After the meeting point, we walk together to the First cable car and ride up to the First. In the first part of the day, we will focus on our downhill technique. With the help of the lifts, we can collect the necessary downhill kilometres to work on our technique. We then make our way to our accommodation, the Berggasthaus Waldspitz. We reach it either via a beautiful descent or an exciting ascent - depending on the conditions, we choose one of the two. On the way, we start the course with the topic of avalanche awareness. We cover this both outside in the terrain and inside in theory. Later in the evening, we plan the tour for the next day.

Days 2: Training tour via Gemsberg/Grosse Scheidegg to Schwarzwaldalp

Today we try to put our theoretical knowledge into practice in the terrain. We choose our own route and lay the tracks. Feedback from the mountain guide helps us to develop further. On the way we also receive valuable input on avalanche awareness. Today we move from the Waldspitz to the Brochhütte. On the way, we climb the Gemsberg or, depending on the conditions, we choose an alternative route via Grosse Scheidegg. There are plenty of opportunities to learn along the way. And today, too, we'll be focussing on downhill skiing technique and the best possible downhill track. Once we arrive at the Brochhütte, we enjoy a warm drink before discussing some more theory and planning the tour for the next day.

Day 3: Training tour on the Schwarzwaldalp

After breakfast, we set off on our training tour near the Brochhütte. Here on the Schwarzwaldalp we have various tour options. Depending on the training content, we choose a longer or shorter destination - and of course the weather always plays a role. On the way, we will familiarise ourselves with the 3x3 and various avalanche awareness topics. Both on the ascent and descent, we receive good tips on how to minimise the avalanche risk and have more fun on the ski tour. We put yesterday's tips into practice in the terrain and also try to incorporate the mountain guide's suggestions for improvement - this is the best way to maximise the learning effect. Back at the Brochhütte, there's no more theory for once, but we enjoy a cosy evening. However, we still manage to plan the tour for the next day.

Day 4: Over the Grosse Scheidegg back to Grindelwald

Today is the last day of our advanced ski touring course in and around Grindelwald. We skin up to the Chiemattenhubel and then ski down to Grindelwald. Here, too, we have various options. Depending on the weather and conditions, we decide together with the mountain guide which option is suitable for our group. On the way, we discuss any final questions about the training content of the previous days and apply what we have learnt in the terrain. Once we arrive at the Hotel Wetterhorn on the upper glacier, we have a joint feedback session or, if you prefer, individual discussions. We bring the course to a cosy close with a warm drink.

• Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
• His or her expenses
• 3 nights in bunk room with half-board
• Tea for the next day
• Course Certificate

• Your expenses
• Snacks
• Rental equipment
• Costs for cable cars, ski lifts
• Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guides share)

Backpack

• 30-35l

Clothing

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

Footwear

• Ski touring boots or snowboard boots

The basics

• Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
• Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
• Thermos flask, drink bottle
• Silk sleeping bag liner
• Headlamp
• Toiletries
• GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
• Earplugs (optional)
• Camera and binoculars (optional)

Technical Equipment

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