Your First Ski Tour: Away from the Slopes, Closer to What Matters
Are you confident skiing on-piste and dreaming of exploring wide-open, snow-covered landscapes? This day is designed to give you your first taste of ski touring, with no pressure, in spectacular mountain surroundings.
As you make your way uphill, you will learn how to use climbing skins, adjust your bindings and move efficiently across the snow. Your guide will also show you how to perform kick turns, find the right pace and use avalanche safety equipment.
The reward? The silence of the mountains, snow-covered alpine chalets and a descent far from the hustle and bustle of the ski slopes.
Depending on snow cover, weather conditions and the group’s ability, the route may be chosen in the Aravis or Bornes mountain ranges, particularly around La Clusaz, Manigod or Le Grand-Bornand. The final choice of route is made by the guide to ensure the safest and best possible conditions. Possible areas currently include Sulens, Col de l’Aulp, Col de Tulle and Porte des Aravis.
Why Choose This Introduction to Ski Touring?
A Trip Designed Specifically for Beginners
No previous ski touring experience is required. Your guide will take the time to explain the equipment and essential techniques before helping you progress at your own pace.
A Small Group
Group trips are limited to a maximum of six participants per guide. This small-group format allows for personalised advice while maintaining a friendly atmosphere. The trip is confirmed once a minimum of four participants have booked.
A Practical Introduction to Mountain Safety
You will discover the basic principles of safety in snow-covered mountain terrain and learn how to use an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
A Route Adapted to the Conditions
In the mountains, no itinerary can ever be completely fixed in advance. Your guide will choose the most suitable area according to the weather, snow conditions, avalanche risk and the group’s ability.
Scenery That Will Make You Want to Do It Again
Silent forests, alpine chalets, snow-covered valleys and views of Alpine peaks set the scene throughout the day. It is a chance to discover a different way of skiing, with more freedom and a closer connection to nature.
Your Introduction to Ski Touring: The Programme
1. Welcome and Equipment Check
Meet at 8:30 am at the bus station car park in Thônes. After introductions, your guide will check your equipment and organise transport to the chosen starting point.
2. Getting to Know the Equipment
You will learn how to use:
- touring skis and ski touring boots;
- climbing skins;
- bindings and heel risers;
- ski crampons, if conditions require them;
- an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
3. Learning Uphill Techniques
Your guide will show you how to move efficiently without wasting energy, perform your first kick turns and adapt your pace to the terrain.
4. Introduction to Avalanche Safety
A practical training session will help you understand the role of avalanche rescue equipment and the basic principles of searching for someone buried in an avalanche.
5. The Descent and the Joy of Skiing
After approximately 400 to 500 metres of ascent, it is time to enjoy the descent. The route is adapted to the group’s skiing ability so that everyone can make the most of the experience with confidence. The ascent generally takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours at a relaxed pace.
Required Level
This introduction is suitable for Levels 1 to 2: beginner ski touring.
Your skiing ability:
- You are comfortable skiing red runs. You can control your speed, make parallel turns and stop confidently.
- You are comfortable on red runs and can ski a black run while remaining in control.
Experience on ungroomed snow:
- You have limited experience skiing powder, hard-packed or variable snow.
- You have already skied alongside the pistes or on ungroomed snow.
- You may feel less confident when the snow becomes deep, hard or variable.
Indicative fitness level:
3 to 5 hours of low-intensity physical activity, including the descent, with approximately 500 to 800 metres of ascent.
Examples of suitable trips:
Full-day introductory ski touring sessions, learning kick turns, using avalanche safety equipment, classic ski tours or accessible off-piste skiing.
Never skied off-piste before?
Please mention this when booking. Your guide will then be able to make sure the trip is suitable for your ability and choose terrain that matches your level.
Your First Tracks Start Here
You do not need to be an expert to discover ski touring. Simply bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Your guide will choose the route, teach you the essential techniques and accompany you throughout the day with safety as the priority.
FAQ
Do I need previous ski touring experience?
No. This trip is specifically designed for people discovering ski touring for the first time. However, you should be a competent on-piste skier and have sufficient fitness to complete 400 to 500 metres of ascent.
What skiing ability do I need?
You should be comfortable skiing red runs and able to ski on ungroomed snow. The route and descent will be adapted to the group’s ability.
Is ski touring equipment provided?
Touring skis, boots, poles and climbing skins are not included. Avalanche safety equipment may be available to borrow, subject to availability.
Where does the ski touring introduction take place?
The trip takes place in the Aravis or Bornes mountain ranges. The exact area is chosen by the guide according to the weather, snow conditions and safety considerations.
How many people take part?
Group trips run with a minimum of four participants and are limited to a maximum of six people per guide.
What happens in bad weather?
The guide will assess the conditions and may change the route, area or organisation of the trip. Cancellation and rescheduling conditions should be linked here to the website’s Terms and Conditions.
Can I book a private trip?
Yes. A private trip allows the programme to be tailored to your ability, pace and objectives. An internal link to the private ski touring offer should be placed directly below this answer.
Assess your ski touring or off-piste skiing level
Prepare your equipment for ski touring or off-piste skiing
