Ski Touring Introduction
LOCATION: Cairn Gorm, or nearby
The Ski Touring Introduction course is 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 £18. 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
£110 PER PERSON , £220 for 2 day option
£25 to hire ski touring skis and skins (we do not supply boots, poles or splitboards).
Maximum 6 in a group
Avalanche equipment can be provided free of charge
1 day courses tbc
2 day courses
Jan 2/3 2027
Jan 9/10 2027
Jan 16/17 2027
Jan 23/24 2027
Feb 6/7 2027
Feb 13/14 2027
Feb 20/21 2027
Feb 27/28 2027
Mar 6/7 2027
Mar 13/14 2027
Mar 20/21 2027
Mar 27/28 2027
Apr 3/4 2027
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 a confident red run skier who can ski parallel short turns on a variety of snow types, and have a good level of fitness. Normally on these courses we climb about 800 vertical metres. If you are happy hiking a munro with a packed rucksack the effort is similar. 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.
