Ski Touring Introduction Day

Ski touring around Drumochter Spring 2018

LOCATION: Cairn Gorm, or nearby

The Ski Touring Introduction for Skiers and Snowboarders who have not toured before. We offer a one or two day course. The skills are taught whilst on a ski tour. Normally the day involves around 800 metres of vertical ascent and several descents. Please read the prerequisites below.

The Introduction course is an opportunity to: become more familiar with ski touring equipment including skins, ski crampons and different types of bindings; master skinning technique (including kick turns); learn the theory of terrain choice and avalanche avoidance; introduce avalanche transceiver searches when possible; and to be given some coaching tips to help descend in variable snow.

Ski touring skis are available but you need to provide your own boots. We can provide avalanche safety equipment. Snowbaorders can attend but need to provide their own splitboard. More details here. The full kit list is here.

The 2 day option is two separate days on the hill and does not include accommodation, you need to find accommodation in or around Aviemore. Some suggestions are included in the FAQ.

On occasion we may suggest that you purchase a ski touring uplift pass so as to skip the first climb. Currently these cost £11. We would arrange this and invoice you afterwards.

For all courses we meet at 8:30am to arrange equipment and aim to be moving by 9am. We are normally back by around 4pm.

OVERVIEW

  • £95 PER PERSON , £190 for 2 day option

  • £20 to hire ski touring skis and skins

  •  Maximum 6 in a group

  •  Avalanche equipment can be provided free of charge

1 day courses

December: Sat 14th, Sat 28th

January: Fri 10th, Sat 11th, Sun 12th, Fri 24th, Sat 25th, Sun 26th

February: Fri 7th, Sat 8th, Sat 22nd

March: Sat 8th, Sat 22nd

April: Fri 4th, Sat 5th

2 day courses

December: Sat 28th & Sun 29th

January: Sat 11th & Sun 12th, Sat 25th & Sun 26th

February: Sat 8th & Sun 9th, Sat 22nd & Sun 23rd


Please click the book now button for updated availability.
* course full - please click here to add yourself to a list to be made aware of changes to availability

PREREQUISITES

You will need to be confident getting down a red run and have a decent level of fitness. These courses normally stay on the front side of the mountain and the climbing is kept to a maximum of 800 vertical metres. If you have had a long break from skiing please make sure you visit your local dry slope or try to get a day of uplift skiing before attending.

The focus of the day is on the skills needed to go on a ski touring journey, this will be carried out ‘on the hill’.

Children aged 15-18 can attend if their parent attends with them.

Ski Touring on the Ben Lawers range.