Ski Mountaineering Course

Included

• Two days with a qualified high-mountain sports technician.
• Ice axe, crampons, helmet and harness, if you do not have your own.
• Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, if you do not have your own.
• Initial assistance insurance.
• Civil liability insurance.
• Photographs and video of the course.
• Technical advice.

Not included

• Accommodation and meals.
• Transport.
• Rental skis, boots and poles.

Contact us about accommodation or rental equipment.

Where the course takes place

The programme is based in Jaca in the Aragonese Pyrenees, where PirineoSur has classroom facilities. We use the Aragón or Tena valley according to snow conditions.

Day 1: technical practice

Meet on Saturday at 08:00 at the agreed meeting point, then travel to the training area.

• Movement and basic skills with crampons and an ice axe.
• Techniques using one ice axe and two-tool ice-axe technique.
• Snow anchors and roping-up systems.
• Rope belaying systems and quick protection.
• Building belay anchors with an ice axe, skis, pitons, removable protection or natural features.
• Roped travel and basic moving together.
• Rope descents and abseiling.

Day 2: mountain outing and descent

Meet on Sunday at 08:00 at the agreed meeting point. The finishing time depends on the outing.

Climb a peak via a snow couloir, selecting the area according to conditions and participants' abilities, then apply the descent techniques:

• Choose turns suited to the terrain and conditions.
• Read the descent line.
• Choose regrouping points and adapt technique to conditions, terrain and the group.
• Select group travel patterns, including single-track and individual-track options and their limits.

What to bring

• Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
• Helmet, ice axe and crampons.
• Personal anchor tether, carabiners, slings, a Reverso belay/abseil device, ice-screw holder and ice screws.
• A waterproof jacket and trousers, such as Gore-Tex or equivalent, according to conditions.
• Mountaineering trousers or equivalent.
• An insulated synthetic jacket or similar, and a warm down jacket.
• A thermal base layer.
• Gloves and a spare pair.
• A warm hat, cap and sunglasses.
• A 30- to 35-litre backpack.
• Ski touring equipment. Wide skis are recommended for unprepared snow; ask about Majesty ski rental in Jaca.
• Sun protection.
• Food and water for the practical outings, and a flask with a hot drink.

Equipment we can lend you

• Ice axe and crampons.
• Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
• Helmet.
• Harness.

Contact us to confirm equipment and rental arrangements.

Who is this course for?

The ski mountaineering course is designed for regular ski tourers and freeriders who want to add technical mountain skills and choose appropriate techniques for different situations. The programme is personalised to the participants.

• A good skiing standard.
• Enough physical endurance for a full mountain day ascending on climbing skins.
• No problems with vertigo.

Related mountaineering training

PirineoSur also offers a progression of mountaineering courses:

• ALPI 1: introduction to movement with an ice axe and crampons on snow, straightforward ascents and easy snow couloirs.
• ALPI 2: introductory ice climbing for participants who have completed ALPI 1 or have mountaineering experience.
• ALPI 2+: ice climbing and multi-pitch frozen waterfalls for participants who have completed ALPI 1 or have mountaineering experience.
• ALPI 3: ice and mixed climbing for participants who have completed ALPI 2 or have mountaineering experience.

Contact us if you would like help choosing the most suitable course.