Options for Beginner Ski Touring Course in the Pyrenees (SKIMO 1)

Beginner Ski Touring Course in the Pyrenees (SKIMO 1)

Price per person · Group of 4–6

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Offer! 150,00 € Price per person VAT included

PirineoSur

Options for Beginner Ski Touring Course in the Pyrenees (SKIMO 1)

Beginner ski touring course in the Spanish Pyrenees

SKIMO 1 beginner ski touring course – 2 days, group ascending on skis

Discover ski touring with PirineoSur on a two-day introductory course in the Tena and Aragón valleys, based in Jaca. Learn to use touring equipment, climb with skins and develop your technique away from prepared pistes in a small group.

This course is for physically fit skiers who already ski parallel on red pistes. No previous ski touring experience is needed. It also suits groups and mountain clubs taking their first steps in this discipline.

What is ski touring?

Ski touring combines uphill travel on skis fitted with touring bindings and climbing skins with descents on unprepared snow. It requires specific equipment, movement skills and knowledge of the mountain environment.

What will you learn?

Uphill technique: using climbing skins, moving efficiently on slopes and changing direction and making kick turns while ascending.
Downhill technique: adapting your skiing to powder, hard or crusted snow, and controlling speed on varied terrain.
Snow and avalanche awareness: observing terrain and the snowpack, assessing avalanche risk, using an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, and practising avalanche response and search procedures.
Route planning and navigation: choosing an appropriate itinerary, using maps, compass and GPS, and taking weather and avalanche conditions into account.

Practical learning in a small group

The course combines an equipment check, basic uphill exercises, downhill practice and navigation with a complete outing involving ascent and descent. A qualified high-mountain guide adapts the teaching to the group and the terrain.

SKIMO 1 is the introductory stage of our three-level ski touring programme. You can continue with SKIMO 2 and SKIMO 3 as your experience develops.

Book your course

The course runs from December to April. Check the programme, requirements and equipment list below, then contact PirineoSur with your preferred dates and group size.

Cover image: Ski Touring group Chamonix Mont Blanc, by Webwizzard, via Wikimedia Commons. The photograph was taken in Chamonix. Adapted with AI, cropped and overlaid with lettering, under CC BY-SA 4.0. The PirineoSur logo is used as an identifying trademark.

Included and not included
Programme
Requirements
Equipment

Included

Two full days with a qualified high-mountain guide.
Ice axe and crampons, if you do not have your own.
Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, if you do not have your own.
Initial assistance insurance.
Photographs of the course.
Technical advice.

Not included

Touring skis, climbing skins, ski crampons and touring boots. We can help arrange equipment rental.
Accommodation and meals.
Ski area lift pass.
Transport.

Course objectives

Learn the skills needed to travel on straightforward snow-covered terrain, handle ski touring equipment correctly and use an avalanche transceiver. Practise strategies for choosing an itinerary in relation to avalanche danger.

Day 1

Meet at the agreed meeting point at 09:00. Practical training runs approximately from 09:00 to 15:00.

Day 2

Meet at the agreed meeting point at 09:00. Practical training runs approximately from 09:00 to 15:00.

These timings are indicative. The meeting point will be confirmed for your course.

Who is this course for?

The course is designed for alpine skiers who want to discover ski touring. The small group allows personalised teaching and introductory ascents in the Pyrenees.

Required skiing ability

You must be able to descend red pistes using basic parallel turns. No previous ski touring experience is required.

If you have not yet reached this skiing level, we can offer downhill technique lessons on piste. The instructor can then assess whether you are ready for the course.

If you are unsure about your level, contact us. We can discuss your experience and help you choose an appropriate course.

What to bring

A complete ski touring setup, including touring skis, climbing skins, ski crampons and touring boots. Equipment can be rented locally; contact us to arrange it.
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.