Intro to Ski Touring

Do you want to get away from the groomed runs of the ski resort? Ever wondered about combining your winter walking with skiing? Have you dreamed about making sweeping turns down fresh, un-tracked snow? This is the year to make your dreams a reality with our Intro to Ski Touring course.
This two day course will introduce you to the world of ski touring and give you all the essential skills you need to start exploring the mountains on skis. Over the two days we will look at all the equipment needed and how it is different to downhill ski kit, skinning technique, how to make kick turns, off-piste skiing technique, avalanche awareness and use of a transceiver, shovel and probe.
The course is aimed at people who are comfortable skiing red runs and may have ventured off-piste within the ski resort. You should have a good level of fitness, allowing you to skin uphill for two to three hours with a winter pack, and potentially carrying your skis initially. Experience using crampons and an ice axe is not necessary.

We can run private skiing courses on any day of the week and these can be tailored to match your aspirations and previous experience. Get in touch to check our availability and make a booking.

Prices
What's Included
Kit

Intro to Ski Touring Courses 2022
£160 per person
5th to 6th February 2022
5th to 6th March 2022

To make sure you get the most out of your days out we've included the following:

Kit list
Experienced IFMGA Mountain Guide or Mountain Snowsports Leader
10% off at SYHA hostels
Safety Brief
Action photos

You will need to organise accommodation, lunch, personal equipment, insurance and lift passes (if required).

The weather in the Scottish mountains can change in a matter of minutes. Snow is likely and it can regularly feel as cold as -20 degrees Celsius on the summits. Make sure you are ready for your day by packing the items on the list below.

To wear
Thermal base layers – polyester or woollen, no cotton
Warm fleece
Skiing pants
Spare fleece or synthetic insulating layer
Waterproof jacket and trousers with side zips
Warm hat and gloves (spare gloves recommended)
Touring boots

Other equipment
Rucksack – roughly 35 litres
Skis & poles
Skins
Helmet
Transceiver, shovel & probe - can be provided if required
Lunch and spare food
1 litre flask or water bottle
Head torch
Ski goggles
Map and compass
Whistle
Sunglasses & sun cream
Mobile phone in a waterproof case
Camera
Personal 1st Aid Kit - plasters, blister kit, all normal medication including asthma inhaler if you have one

If you need ski touring equipment Ellis Brigham in Fort William hire out touring boots, skis and skins. Please contact them directly to book:
fort.william@ellis-brigham.com | 01397 706220