Options for Intermediate Ski Touring Course (SKIMO 2)

Intermediate Ski Touring Course (SKIMO 2)

Price per person. Group of 4–6

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Offer! 175,00 € Price per person VAT included

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Options for Intermediate Ski Touring Course (SKIMO 2)

Intermediate ski touring course in the Spanish Pyrenees

Intermediate Ski Touring Course (SKIMO 2) — INTERMEDIATE · 2 DAYS

Develop the skills introduced in SKIMO 1 with PirineoSur's intermediate ski touring course in the Tena and Aragón valleys, near Jaca. Two full practical days, preceded by an introductory evening, combine skiing technique, route choice and avalanche rescue exercises.

This course is for skiers who have completed SKIMO 1 or already understand the skills covered at that level. Small groups allow the teaching to be adapted to the participants.

What will you work on?

Uphill travel: improve kick turns, climbing-skin technique, track setting, ascent pace and group movement.
Downhill technique: select turns and lines for different snow conditions and terrain, control speed and plan regrouping points.
Avalanche awareness and rescue: assess terrain and snow clues, practise transceiver checks and searches involving multiple buried victims, and review complementary avalanche survival equipment.
Mountain decisions: review the 3×3 planning framework, manage risk and choose a route in relation to weather, snow conditions and the group.
Technical equipment: practise self-arrest and progression with an ice axe and crampons where the programme requires it.

From technique practice to a mountain outing

The first practical day uses terrain around a ski area, including slopes, undulations, moguls and off-piste sections. A lift pass is required and is not included. The second practical day applies the techniques on a mountain ascent and descent; the route is chosen according to conditions.

SKIMO 2 is the intermediate stage of our three-level ski touring programme. Read the detailed programme, equipment list and requirements below, then contact PirineoSur with your dates and group size.

Cover image: Skitourers ascending.jpg, by Tadeáš Gregor, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped, lettered and adapted with AI. The photographic adaptation retains the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence. The logo is an identifying trademark of PirineoSur.

Requirements
Programme
Equipment
Included and not included

Previous experience

You should have completed SKIMO 1 or already have a clear understanding of the skills covered at that level.

The course is for alpine skiers and ski tourers looking to build on those foundations. Small groups allow personalised teaching during the practical sessions and mountain ascents.

If your downhill skiing needs further work, we can offer piste technique lessons. The instructor can assess whether you are ready for this course.

If you are unsure about the most suitable level, call us or contact PirineoSur to discuss your experience.

Course objectives

Develop movement skills and risk-management techniques for ski tours on straightforward to demanding terrain. The programme aims to build your ability to make your own decisions in the mountains.

Introductory evening

Meet at 19:30 at PirineoSur, C/ Antonio Beltrán 1, Jaca. The introductory theory session runs approximately from 19:30 to 21:00.

Avalanche terrain and intermediate avalanche rescue involving multiple buried victims.
Complementary avalanche survival equipment and systems.

First full practical day

Meet at 08:00 at PirineoSur in Jaca; ask about other meeting points. Practical training runs approximately from 09:00 to 16:30, followed by theory from 19:00 to 20:30.

Check and adjust ski equipment, warm up and perform avalanche transceiver start-of-tour checks.
Practise the turns commonly used in ski touring, adapting them to the terrain and snow. Read a descent line, choose regrouping points and decide how the group should travel.
Work in a ski area on slopes, undulations, moguls and off-piste terrain. A ski area lift pass is necessary.
Practise a simulated avalanche rescue with a transceiver, including searches for multiple victims.
Improve kick turns and practise self-arrest techniques on moderate slopes near the ski area, without excessive elevation gain.
Review the 3×3 route-planning framework, risk management and video analysis of your skiing during the evening theory session.

Second full practical day

Meet at 08:00 at PirineoSur in Jaca; ask about other meeting points. Practical training runs approximately from 09:00 to 15:30.

Carry out transceiver checks and review uphill travel with climbing skins.
Practise route choice based on snow clues, setting a track, managing ascent pace and choosing regrouping points. Each participant practises these decisions and receives feedback.
Discuss group behaviour and actions when crossing hazardous sections.
Read the descent line and select technique and group travel arrangements according to conditions, terrain and the group, including single-track and individual-track options and their limits.
Practise progression using an ice axe and crampons.

Possible objectives include Pico de Espelunciecha, Pico de Peygueret, Pico de Bacias, Pico del Monje or Pico Arroyeras. The peak and descent are chosen according to conditions.

The timetable is indicative. The course consists of two full practical days with an introductory evening. Small groups allow the content to be adapted to participants' needs; contact us to discuss the programme.

What to bring

A complete ski touring setup, including touring boots. Equipment can be rented locally; ask us about rental.
A waterproof jacket and trousers, such as Gore-Tex or equivalent.
Trekking trousers and a 200-weight fleece or equivalent.
A thermal base layer.
Gloves and a spare pair.
A warm hat, cap, sunglasses and ski goggles.
A 45- to 50-litre backpack.
Sun protection.
Food for the practical outings and 1.5 litres of water.