Advanced Ski Touring & Deep Snow Course – Kühtai & Sellraintal
More knowledge. More personal responsibility. Better technique on ski tours.
Do you want to move beyond simply following existing tracks and start planning, assessing and carrying out your own ski tours? Then this advanced ski touring course is the next logical step.
In high-alpine terrain, you’ll learn to break your own trail, assess risks realistically and make informed decisions both on the ascent and the descent. Practical and theoretical elements are closely intertwined – including summit ascents with rope belaying.
Following this advanced course:
- Do you assess avalanche and terrain risks in a nuanced way?
- You plan ski tours independently and defensively
- You have mastered track-laying, tactics and leadership skills
- you move more confidently in high-alpine terrain
The aim is to undertake ski tours in a mindful, responsible and technically sound manner.
Safety & Personal Responsibility
- Safety on ski tours in the high mountains
- A deeper awareness of hazards when making independent decisions
- Avalanche transceiver use (prerequisite)
- Equipment & additional gear for high-altitude ski touring
Snow and Avalanche Science (Advanced)
- Winter Conditions & Snow Transformation
- Assessment of snowpack structure
- Strength tests & snowpack profiles
- Hazard patterns & risk assessment
- Risk reduction methods (Stop or Go, 3×3, Snowcard)
Emergency & Repeat
- First Aid (Refresher Course)
- Accident management in practice
- Emergency equipment
Planning, Site & Decision-making
- Route selection, planning & preparation
- Avalanche Report & Weather as a Basis for Planning
- Reading terrain features, steepness & aspect
- Recognising favourable and unfavourable situations
- Assess – Monitor – Decide
Practice & Leadership
- Your own track on the ascent
- Leadership behaviour on the ascent and descent
- Group dynamics & meeting points
- Managing breaks & pace
- Off-piste skiing in deep snow
Accommodation
Two versions
The decision on which option to go with will depend on bookings, availability and circumstances.
Option 1: Hut-to-hut
- Overnight stays in AV mountain huts (from mid-February)
- Shared rooms or dormitories
- The mountain guide’s expenses (accommodation & half board) will be shared
- approx. €150 in total, to be paid in cash on site
Who is this course suitable for?
This advanced course is aimed at:
- Those returning to the sport
- off-piste skiers and piste skiers with touring experience
- Experienced freeriders
- athletic ski tourers
A beginner’s course is recommended. If you have never been on a ski tour before, this course is not suitable for you.
Requirements
- Experience in ski touring
- Confident use of crampons and an ice axe
- Solid technique in open terrain
- Participation with touring skis or telemark equipment (suitable for ascents)
- Safety equipment is compulsory
Led by state-certified UIAGM mountain guides
- intensive practical sessions in the field
- Coaching directly on the tour
- Theory sessions at the hut or out in the field
- Daily feedback sessions
- 4–8 participants per mountain guide
Price & Group Size
- Group size: 4–8 people
- For groups of 3 people, there is a surcharge of €70 per person
Additional costs (not included)
- Arrival and departure
- Parking fees
- Self-catering accommodation
- Equipment hire as required
Place & Region
Tyrol – Austria
Sellrain Mountains & Stubai Alps
Region: Sellrain Valley / Kühtai
Meeting point
The Bergraum in Gries
6182, Gries im Sellrain, No. 24
(or in Kühtai by arrangement)
Tip from the mountain guide
Keep it light!
The rucksack shouldn’t weigh more than 8–9 kg.
- personal medication
- Sun protection (sunglasses with UV protection, sun cream, headwear)
- Water bottle or thermos flask (at least 1.5–2 litres)
- Lightweight camera kit (optional)
- Head torch (LED) with fresh batteries
- Pocket knife, small repair kit
- Compass or GPS
- Blister plasters (e.g. Compeed)
- AV membership card (if applicable)
- Identity card
- Cash
Lydia Santer
Gerold Santer
Don't have the right kit yet?
Hire safety equipment online
Whether you’re going on a ski tour, a freeride descent or an avalanche course, you’ll need high-quality, reliable kit. At the Follow me Competence Centre in Kühtai, you can easily hire avalanche transceivers, shovels, probes, avalanche airbags and other mountaineering equipment.
