Meeting point
OUTDOOR - Shop and Café Grindelwald
Dorfstrasse 103, 3818 Grindelwald
Basic Skills Course Ski Touring in Grindelwald
2 days
Plan simple ski tours independently
Assess avalanche conditions safely
Improve ascent and descent techniques
Season:
December March
Departure Times
08:45
Key info
A strong skier who handles black runs with ease
Having some basic ski touring experience is a plus
Minimum 3 days of skiing in powder
Comfortable with 3 hours of hiking while carrying a pack
Overview
Recommended for:
Anyone who trades comfort for the view.
Learn how to safely go ski touring: from technique to avalanche awareness. For unforgettable winter experiences.
In this course, you learn the basics of ski touring: avalanche awareness, navigation, tour planning, and technique. With an experienced mountain guide, you will practice using the equipment and receive valuable tips for both ascent and descent. Ideal for skiers who want to plan tours independently or experience guided tours more confidently.
Course details
AcademyLearning objectives
- Use safety equipment in the field
- Apply efficient ascent techniques
- Understand the basics of tour planning in winter terrain
- Learn to assess avalanche situations
- Practice companion rescue with transceiver, probe, and shovel
- Master safe and controlled deep snow descents
Assessment methods
Progress is continuously assessed
Progress is continuously assessed through observation and feedback from the mountain guide in the field. There is no formal exam. Active participation, applying the content in practice, and willingness to take responsibility within the team are crucial.
Certification
Certificate: Basic Ski Touring Course
Upon completion of the two-day course, participants receive a certificate. This confirms successful participation in the Basic Ski Touring Course in Grindelwald, but is intended as a keepsake and is not an official document.
Issued by:
Outdoor Switzerland AG
Itinerary
Meeting points Day1
Day 1: Training Tour Uf d’Spitzen (2,381 m a.s.l.)
After meeting in Grindelwald, we take the cable car to First and continue to the Oberjoch ski lift. A short descent brings us to Wischbääch, where we put on skins and practice the first ski touring techniques. During the ascent, we learn the basics of equipment, ascent technique, and avalanche awareness. At the summit, we enjoy the tranquility of the mountains before focusing on the descent, with valuable tips for skiing in deep snow. We end the day with a shared dinner at the Waldspitz mountain inn and plan for the next day.
Day2
Day 2: Application Tour Faulhorn (2,680 m a.s.l.)
The second day begins with a brief review of avalanche equipment and techniques. During the ascent to Faulhorn, we apply what we've learned: from track setting to terrain assessment. At the summit, we are rewarded with a stunning view of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau as well as Lake Brienz. The descent offers various options: you put what you learned into practice and receive individual tips on skiing technique. The course concludes in the afternoon back in the village of Grindelwald.
Whats included
Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Overnight stay(s) with half-board for the mountain guide
Overnight stay(s) in bunk room with half-board for the guest
Hut reservation
Course Certificate
Not included
Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Snacks
Technical equipment
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)
Pack list
Backpack
Backpack 25-30 l
Clothing
Warm, functional clothing
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or winter hiking pants
Sunhat
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Extra underwear and socks
Thermal underwear
Footwear
Ski touring boots or snowboard boots
Technical Equipment
Ski touring skis or splitboard with skins and tele crampons
Ski poles (preferrably telescopic)
LVS (avalanche transceiver)
Avalanche probe
Avalanche shovel
Avalanche airbag (optional)
Basics
Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
Thermos flask, drink bottle
Headlamp
Toiletries
GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
Earplugs (optional)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
Snacks
Weather info
General weather info
Weather can influence any tour, and a clear decision is often only possible on the day itself. We review conditions carefully and remain within our safety limits, and bad weather alone does not mean we have to stop.
Make sure we can reach you with current contact information in case your booking changes. Silence from us means your tour is still planned or the final call is not yet made. If we need to cancel, you can rebook, choose another activity, or get a full refund.
For detailed advice on how to prepare for (and enjoy!) bad weather days in Interlaken, check out our weather blog
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