Embark on an unforgetable adventure with our 5-day ski touring course for beginners in the stunning Aosta Valley. Nestled at the foot of the iconic Mont Blanc, on the Italian side, Courmayeur serves as the perfect base for an unforgettable ski touring experience. This region is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, varied terrain, and a wide range of accessible day tours that cater to all skill levels.
Unlike the often crowded and expensive area of Chamonix, the Aosta Valley offers a more quite and intimate setting, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of these mountains.
Our course is led by our full IFMGA/UIAGM certified Mountain Guides and it's designed for those with little to no ski touring experience who want to learn this fantastic discipline, while being proficient off-piste skiers. Over the course of five days, you’ll gain a solid foundation in essential skills for ski touring in high mountain environments, making this the perfect preparation for multi-day ski tours (for example, like the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt).
Throughout the course, you will learn fundamental ski touring techniques, including:
To enrich your experience, we will spend a night in one of the most beautiful mountain huts of this region, an unforgettable highlight of your ski touring adventure, where you'll put everything you learned during the previous days into practice, by preparing and then leading the final trip (with our Guide as backup, don't worry).
In addition to all the outdoor activities, you'll participate in a detailed evening lesson on snow transformation, which is crucial to understanding the mechanisms behind avalanche formation.
With our expert guidance, you’ll develop the confidence and knowledge needed to tackle the stunning mountain terrain while enjoying the delectable flavors of Italian cuisine.
The day before the program starts, at 6 PM, meet at Hotel Funivia in Courmayeur with your Guide, who will introduce themselves, review your gear, and go over the week's program along with the latest weather forecast.
Courmayeur offers a variety of accommodation options, though we recommend booking at Hotel Funivia (be sure to mention that you're booking for the course with SummitGuides). Besides being our base (and the location of the initial meeting), Hotel Funivia offers exceptional value, and the warm hospitality of Elena and Vittorio, the owners, remains an unforgettable memories in the testimonials of our guests.
If you're not staying at Hotel Funivia, please make sure to attend the meeting with your gear (technical gear and clothing), so the guide can conduct a proper gear review and ensure you are well equipped for the week ahead.
On our first day, we'll venture into the stunning Val Ferret, nestled just above Courmayeur at the foot of the majestic Grandes Jorasses. The initial flat terrain offers a perfect warm-up, allowing us to ease into the day while refining our sliding technique. As we ascend through gentle slopes, winding through woodlands and then into open fields, we'll arrive at the beautiful Bonatti Hut, where panoramic views of the Mont Blanc range await. Here, we’ll take time to practice kick turns and cover essential avalanche rescue skills. If the group is feeling strong, we can extend the journey to the Col Entre Deux Sauts before skiing back down to the valley and returning to our hotel for the night.
Today, we'll embark on a day tour. We have plenty of options to choose from, as there are many different valleys and peaks within a short drive from Courmayeur. The Guide will select the most appropriate one based on the conditions and the group's skill level. We'll spend the day refining our kick turn technique while enjoying the mountains.
Back at the hotel. After dinner, you'll have the opportunity to attend a lesson about avalanches and their formation. We'll teach you about the mechanical processes of snow transformation - from the formation of snow crystals to their landing on the ground, and how they change shape and potentially form avalanches. These skills are fundamental to learn (and we don't know of other ski touring courses that teach them as thoroughly as we do). It's a crucial step in understanding how avalanches form and, of course, how to prevent accidents in the terrain.
Today we'll venture into the thin air by taking the SkyWay cable car to reach Punta Helbronner (3,462 m), at the start of the famous Vallée Blanche, in the heart of the Mont Blanc range. After a brief descent on the glacier, we'll put our skins on, rope up, and head to the Col d'Entrèves (3,527 m). You'll learn ski touring glacier travel techniques, including roping up on skis and evaluating routes on the glacier. The Col d'Entrèves offers a fantastic location with a stunning view of Mont Blanc's Brenva face, rivaling some Himalayan faces in size. From here, we'll begin the long descent of the Vallée Blanche - one of the world's most famous off-piste routes - before reaching Chamonix, crossing the Mont Blanc Tunnel and returning to our hotel in Courmayeur.
After dinner, we'll prepare our backpacks for the two-day adventure that awaits us in the final part of the course.
Today, we'll head to a mountain refuge where we'll savor the authentic experience of ski touring. This is just a taste of the longer hut-to-hut tours you might undertake in your future as a ski mountaineer. The hut that we are using as a base is one of the most charming and beautiful huts of the Alps, the Hotellerie du Giasson, located at the end of the incredible Valgrisenche (nicknamed the "Canada of the Alps", for a good reason....). The hut has been renovated in the last few years and is truly amazing: just five bedrooms each with its own private bathroom, larch ceilings with large exposed beams, brushed larch parquet floors, windows overlooking the surrounding nature, curtains made of natural materials, a barrel sauna made of cedar wood, with a panoramic window overlooking the valley and, finally, a typical stone vault, built in the 19th century, which keeps inside a wide selection of Aosta Valley wines, where we'll enjoy a great "Aperitivo" (just have a look at the pictures at the top of this page).
We'll reach the hut after a short hike (1 hr) and then, we'll spend the day simulating an avalanche rescue, keep practicing our kick turns and learn how to plan a ski trip using a map, compass, and GPS, in order to prepare our tour for the day after.
After a satisfying breakfast at the hut, we'll start our final trip.
Today you will conduct the final trip. It's the occasion to put everything you've learned during the week into practice: don't worry, the Guide will be there for any doubts or to back you up and oversee the safety of the group. You will decide the direction we might take to reach our goal for the day, set the pace, decide whether the track is right or not....all skills that you will need in your starting career as a ski mountaineer! We'll then enjoy a scenic descent to the car park, where we'll celebrate with a final drink together before parting ways.
The price includes:
The price does not include:
The meeting point for the course is at Hotel Funivia in Courmayeur, at 6:00 PM on the day before the program begins. If you have not booked your stay at Hotel Funivia (which we recommend), please attend the meeting bringing the gear you will use during the week (both technical equipment and clothing), so that the guide can conduct a proper gear review.
Although booking at Hotel Funivia is not mandatory, we strongly reccomend it (be sure to mention that you're booking for the course with SummitGuides).
Otherwise, Courmayeur offers a variety of accommodation options, and you're free to explore other options (here’s a useful link for your search).
The most convenient airports for reaching Rhemes-Notre-Dame are Geneva, Milan Malpensa and Turin. If flying to Milan Malpensa or Turin, renting a car is the best option. If flying to Geneva, we can arrange a transfer for you, first to Chamonix via a local taxi agency (at a special rate), where we’ll pick you up. Feel free to enquire about transfer arrangements.
Absolutely! Courmayeur, our base location, offers excellent rental options for all the technical gear you'll need: touring skis, boots, transceivers, shovels, probes, backpacks, and everything else essential for your course.
We've established partnerships with all the local rental shops and are here to help you secure the perfect equipment. Simply reach out to us, and we'll gladly assist you in finding the right gear for your ski touring adventure.
Important Note: If you plan to rent equipment, we recommend arriving early the day before the course begins, to ensure everything is properly fitted and ready for your first tour. This gives you peace of mind and lets you start Day 1 fully prepared!
Sure! Most of our guests come from abroad and often prefer to arrive a day early or extend their stay after the tour to align with their flight schedules, or simply to enjoy a few extra days in the Alps. Just let us know, and we’ll gladly help with your booking.
The guiding ratio is a maximum of 1 guide for every 6 guests (1:6). The course is confirmed with 4 participants. This ensures personalized attention and safety while providing an optimal learning experience for everyone in the group.
For this ski touring course, ideally, lightweight skis are a great choice, but with enough width to provide excellent flotation in various types of snow (88mm - 95mm underfoot). As for bindings, modern lightweight bindings (such as Dynafit, ATK, and similar) are preferable. These types of bindings have now reached optimal levels of stability and performance. Having lightweight and high-performing skis and bindings is ideal, as it will help you save valuable energy.
We run this course from January mid-April. During this time, the snow conditions are typically at their best, providing excellent opportunities for ski mountaineering and safe learning in the high mountain environment.
During a day out in the mountains, snacks are an essential part of your routine to maintain energy and stay fueled throughout the day. We recommend packing easily digestible, high-energy foods like power bars, cereal bars, dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate. Staying hydrated is equally important, so make sure to bring enough water or a thermos with a warm drink to keep you refreshed during your adventure.
At the hut, you can expect a typical Italian dinner, starting with a first course of pasta or soup, followed by a second course usually consisting of vegetables or meat, and then dessert, all served in generous portions. The hut offers vegetarian options as well as alternatives for specific intolerances (gluten-free, lactose-free, etc.).
We always recommend that clients have two types of insurance. One should cover search and rescue expenses and specifically include extreme activities like mountaineering. Additionally, we advise taking out cancellation insurance in case last-minute issues prevent you from participating.
We are always looking for innovative ways to satisfy our clients and stay at the forefront of the industry. That's why, in addition, we haev partnered with WetterHeld, a forward-thinking German insurance provider. Their parametric insurance is designed to automatically refund you if it rains during your course, ensuring that you’re covered no matter what nature throws your way. With this partnership, we’re making sure that your experience is as seamless as possible, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Get a quote directly on their website by clicking here (please check the specific conditions on their website).
Training is essential for a safe and successful ski touring adventure. Ski touring demands a combination of fitness, endurance, and technical skills.
That’s why we partnered with Uphill Athlete, the leaders in mountain sports training, to support your preparation. Their science-based methods and expert-designed plans have helped countless athletes develop the strength, endurance, and confidence needed for ski touring adventures.
When you sign up for any of our courses, you’ll receive a voucher for:
For this 5-day ski touring course, participants need to meet the following technical and physical requirements:
Ski touring boots should be lightweight for efficient climbing while offering solid robustness for descents. Look for models with a comfortable fit, excellent flex, and reliable buckles to ensure performance.
Lightweight touring skis (88-95mm underfoot) offer the perfect balance of agility and flotation in various snow conditions. Modern lightweight bindings are essential for energy efficiency.
Ski poles for touring should be lightweight and durable, featuring adjustable or fixed lengths. Look for ergonomic grips and large baskets to enhance performance in soft snow.
Opt for models with a back clip attachment and and strong glue to prevent them from coming off during frequent changes. A mohair-nylon mix offers the best grip-to-slide balance.
A transceiver, shovel, and probe are essential for backcountry safety. The shovel should be metal (not plastic) for durability, and the probe must be at least 270 cm for effective snow burial rescue.
Lightweight crampons are essential, offering secure traction on icy, steep terrain. Choose durable, 10-12 point models compatible with your boots for efficient climbing.
A 30-40 liter backpack is ideal, providing enough space for essentials while remaining lightweight. Look for a pack with secure attachments for skis and an ice axe.
A lightweight harness designed for ski touring. It should be easy to put on over your boots, ensuring quick adjustments and comfort while maintaining safety on the climb.
A ski-touring helmet provides protection while remaining lightweight and well-ventilated. Choose a comfortable fit with easy adjustments to enhance your experience on the Haute Route.
A lightweight ice axe, providing stability on steep, snowy terrain. Look for a model with a comfortable grip and a sturdy shaft to ensure reliable performance in various conditions.
Ski crampons are designed to attach to your specific bindings, providing essential traction on icy slopes. Choose lightweight models with aggressive teeth to enhance performance.
A screw-gate carabiner is a versatile and reliable tool for ski touring. It features a locking mechanism for added security, making it ideal for anchoring gear or connecting components.
A personal anchoring system is essential for safety when skiing on a glacier. It is valuable in rescue situations and during potential abseils, ensuring versatility and reliability.
Bring sunglasses with high protection (grade 3 or 4) to protect your eyes from intense sunlight and glare at high altitudes, ensuring clear vision and reducing eye strain.
Bring ski goggles to protect your eyes from blizzards, strong winds, and cold. They ensure clear vision and shield your face from harsh weather conditions.
Bring a headlamp with new batteries, with a minimum output of 300 lumens. It’s helpful in low-light situations when staying in the huts.
Pack a down jacket to ensure warmth in cold conditions. Its insulation traps body heat, making it ideal for high altitudes and freezing temperatures, while remaining lightweight and compressible.
Your hardshell jacket must include a hood for full protection from wind, rain, and snow. Waterproof and breathable, it serves as a critical outer layer, ensuring comfort and mobility in harsh conditions.
Bring full-finger thin gloves for dexterity and light protection. They offer warmth in mild conditions while allowing precise hand movements.
Full-finger softshell gloves are essential for protection against wind and light moisture. They offer warmth, durability, and flexibility, ensuring ease of movement while handling gear in cold conditions.
A buff is versatile and provides essential protection against wind, cold, and sun. It can be worn around the neck, over the face, or as a head covering, offering warmth and comfort in changing conditions.
A warm hat is crucial for retaining heat during cold conditions. It provides insulation for your head and ears, ensuring comfort while climbing in low temperatures and protecting against wind chill.
A sun hat is essential for protecting your face and neck from harmful UV rays. It offers shade and breathability, keeping you cool and comfortable during long hours in sunny conditions.
Lightweight leggings are ideal for base layer during cold days. Merino wool is preferable for its moisture-wicking properties and comfort, providing warmth without adding bulk and helping regulate temperature.
Stretch softshell pants offer flexibility and comfort. They provide a balance of breathability and weather resistance, allowing for ease of movement while protecting against wind and light moisture.
Hardshell waterproof pants are vital for protection against rain and snow. Choose ones with full-length separating side zippers for easy access and ventilation, ensuring comfort and mobility.
A lightweight long-sleeve sun top is essential for UV protection. Opt for merino wool or synthetic materials instead of cotton for better moisture management and comfort.
Pack three pairs of ski touring socks, long ones, for added protection. They help prevent blisters and ensure your feet stay comfortable throughout your trip.
A midlayer top is essential for insulation and must fit comfortably over your baselayers. It provides warmth while allowing for breathability, making it ideal for varying temperatures during your tour.
A sleeping bag liner is essential for comfort, with silk being preferable due to its lightweight nature. It’s mandatory in all huts in the Alps, used alongside the blankets provided for a cozy sleep.
A hydration system with at least 1 liter capacity is essential, depending on your drinking habits. Camelbacks work well but may freeze in cold conditions, so plan accordingly to stay hydrated.
A personal care bag is essential for your trip. Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, first-aid tape, Band-Aids and any personal medications or prescriptions for a safe and comfortable journey.
Sunscreen with SPF 50 is essential for high mountain conditions, providing superior protection against harmful UV rays. Apply generously to all exposed skin to prevent sunburn during the tour.
A high-protection lipscreen is essential for shielding your lips from UV rays and harsh weather in the mountains. It helps prevent chapping and sunburn, keeping your lips moisturized and safe.
Earplugs are a must-have for your trip, especially if you find yourself in a hut with a neighbor who thinks they're auditioning for a snoring competition. Enjoy some peace and quiet!
Keep your personal documents in a waterproof bag to protect them from moisture and damage. This ensures that essentials like your ID, permits, and insurance information stay safe.
