Course Content:

• Avalanche prevention & companion rescue (transceiver, probe, shovel)

• Interpreting avalanche bulletins correctly

• Tour planning at home & in the field (including creating a Plan B)

• Laying efficient uphill tracks in varied terrain

• Managing steep sections with ice axe, crampons, and rope

• Rope handling & abseiling techniques

• Terrain navigation using modern tools (e.g., GPS apps)

• Mountain weather for multi-day tours

• Ski technique in steep terrain

Requirements:

• Ski/snowboard technique: You can confidently ride off-piste in various snow conditions

• Fitness: Endurance for up to 3h/800 vertical meters of climbing
  *The mountain guide may exclude participants who don’t meet the technical level.

Course Location:

Engelberg / Central Switzerland

Detailed Program:

Day 1 – Avalanche refresh & technical training in alpine terrain

• Meet at the mountain guide office in Engelberg

• Equipment check and course briefing

• Avalanche rescue training

• Tour planning (home & field-based)

• Laying skin tracks & handling steep sections

• Rope handling and abseiling practice

Overnight stay in a hotel of your choice in Engelberg or at home.

Day 2 – Application Tour with Coaching

• Full-day ski tour with focus on applying all learned techniques

• Navigation with GPS apps and map/compass

• Weather reading for multi-day planning

• Tour adjustments and Plan B on-site

• Rewarding descent in alpine terrain

Price:

The price includes course planning, certified mountain guide, and their expenses.

Not included: personal transport, lift tickets, meals, and accommodation.

Is the course suitable for splitboarders?

Absolutely! We’re excited to have you join us. Splitboards are available to rent through us.

What happens in bad weather?

Ski tours can generally take place in most conditions. We’ll adapt the course to suit the weather and snow conditions.

Do I need to organize my own accommodation?

Yes, please book your own accommodation. Engelberg offers a great range of hotels, and there’s also a fantastic youth hostel in town.

Where does the course take place?

The exact location will be confirmed a few days before the course. Most often, we start in Engelberg on the first day. On the second day, we usually head to the Bannalp/Brisen region—or wherever the snow is best!

What about lunch?

When we’re in a ski area, we usually take a lunch break at one of the cozy mountain restaurants. For touring days, please bring your own lunch. You’ll get detailed info in the pre-course email a few days before.

Standard Equipment

• Warm winter clothing

• Insulated jacket

• 2 pairs of gloves

• Hat/beanie

• Helmet

• Ski goggles

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Snacks for the day

• Water bottle

• Backpack (approx. 30L)

Technical Equipment

• Touring skis or splitboard

• Climbing skins

• Ski crampons

• Touring ski boots / snowboard boots

• Poles

• Avalanche transceiver (beacon)

• Probe

• Shovel

• Climbing Harness

• 2-3 Carabiners

• Abseiling device (ATC) 

• Slings 120cm

• Boot Crampons

• Ice Axe 

Missing gear?
No problem – rental equipment is available through us.