Search

@ Engelsk flagg

Backcountry skiing for beginners

Tips!

Activities

Backcountry skiing for beginners

2 days

Moderate

15+

1650

Learning objectives

  • Necessary ski touring equipment and its uses: Skis, skins, poles, and boots intended for ski touring
  • Avalanche safety equipment; What do we need and how to use it.
  • Buddy rescue
  • Ski and travel techniques
  • Basic avalanche safety skills


This course introduces the experienced skier to backcountry skiing using skis with an interchangeable heel created for upward travel using skins under the skis.

We will be teaching you the basics from what to bring, how to set up your gear, walking with backcountry skis, and the infamous "kick-turn". An introduction to avalanche safety basics and buddy rescue will also be part of the course. The idea is to give the complete beginner or someone just curious about backcountry skiing a pleasant and safe experience in a very relaxed environment. Every course takes place less than an hour from Ålesund in the area around Valldal-Stordal and each day is approximately 6 hours outside.

Both skiers and splitboarders are welcome!


Nyttig info

This course is suitable for those who have a solid foundation in skiing and wish to try out backcountry skiing with ski touring equipment. We will not be covering long distances and many meters of elevation gain but one should be able to spend a full day outside with a bigger backpack. The focus of the course is to become familiar with the equipment and basic skills associated with ski touring, learning is the main priority rather than skiing a lot. Although we of course will aim to get some good turns in! If you are unsure if this is the course for you, contact us and we can have a chat.

  • Professional instructor
  • First aid and safety equipment
  • Avalanche gear if you don't have your own

  • Personal gear like backcountry skis, boots, skins, poles, avalanche gear etc. (Can be rented!)
  • Transport to and from trailhead
  • Lodging
  • Food and water

  • Backcountry skis/snowboard (available for rent)
  • Backcountry boots (available for rent)
  • Poles (available for rent)
  • Avalanche beacon (available for rent)
  • Shovel (available for rent)
  • Probe (available for rent)
  • Skins (available for rent)
  • Helmet
  • Ski-googles
  • Backpack 35+ litres
  • Down midlayer puffy jacket
  • Extra gloves
  • Snacks
  • Water, tea or coffee
  • Shellpants
  • Shelljacket

The course can be arranged for private groups and schools. Minimum price is 6000 NOK for 4 participants.

The instructor will contact you with more information about a week before the course starts including where we will meet. We will meet no further than 1 hours drive from Ålesund in the Stordal/Valldal area.

The guide will always put the group's safety as a priority. This means that weather, wind, and other conditions will always provide guidance as to whether the planned route can be completed or not. Should the weather be too bad, we as the organizer will cancel, and you will be offered to move the trip or a full refund. Remember to read through our booking conditions and safety rules as this is automatically part of the agreement when you book a trip.