Introductory Ski Touring Course – Kühtai & Sellraintal
Training course for responsible beginners to ski touring
This introductory ski touring course will give you the foundations you need to get started safely in ski touring. You’ll learn, step by step, how ski touring works – from the right kit, trail-breaking and technique, right through to planning, avalanche awareness and safe behaviour in the backcountry.
On easy, enjoyable ski tours, we combine practical experience with theory so that you build up lasting knowledge and gain confidence.
After this introductory ski touring course:
- Do you know the basics of ski touring?
- Do you understand planning, preparation and decision-making?
- you can realistically assess simple tours
- you’ll move more consciously and defensively in the terrain
The aim is to prepare you well to take part in easy to moderately difficult ski tours or to plan your first tours yourself with support.
Contents of the Introductory Ski Touring Course
Structured methodically. Taught with a practical focus.
Safety & Risk Awareness
- Safety on Ski Tours – The Basics
- Avalanche Transceivers: Search – Locate – Rescue
- Awareness of Hazards & Risky Behaviour
- Equipment & Additional Gear
Snow and Avalanche Awareness
- Avalanche conditions according to the latest situation report
- Favourable and unfavourable conditions
- Terrain features, steepness & aspect
- Hazard patterns & risk assessment
- Risk reduction methods (Stop or Go, 3×3, Snowcard)
Planning & Orientation
- Choosing a route, planning & preparation
- Understanding the avalanche report and the weather
- Assess – Monitor – Decide
- Safety equipment, ski touring management & environmental sustainability
Practice on Tour
- Behaviour whilst out and about
- Safe track-laying
- Group behaviour & assembly points
- Critical situations & moments of danger
Who is this course suitable for?
This avalanche course is suitable for:
- Beginners & first-timers
- Those returning to the sport
- Off-piste skiers & piste skiers
- Those interested in ski touring & freeriding
A good basic level of physical fitness is required.
Requirements
- good basic physical fitness
- Participation with touring skis, a splitboard or Telemark equipment (suitable for ascents)
- Use of safety equipment is compulsory
An understanding of map reading and navigation is an advantage, but can also be developed further during the course.
Led by state-certified UIAGM mountain guides
- Intensive practical sessions in the field
- Theory sessions at the Bergraum in Gries or outdoors
- Daily Q&A and feedback sessions
- Handout folder
- Coffee and tea at the Bergraum in Gries
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
- Lift or cable car fares (Kühtai / Stubai Glacier)
- Car park charges
- Accommodation & meals
- Drinks at the Bergraum in Gries
- Equipment hire as required
Place & Region
Tyrol – Austria
Sellrain Mountains & Stubai Alps
Region: Sellrain Valley / Kühtai
Meeting point
At the Bergraum in Gries
6182, Gries im Sellrain, No. 24
(or in Kühtai by arrangement)
Tip from the mountain guide
Lightweight goes a long way!
Your rucksack shouldn’t weigh more than 8–9 kg.
Functional, weatherproof clothing is essential for a comfortable day on the slopes.
- Winter ski clothing (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
- Hooded anorak & overtrousers – windproof and waterproof
- Softshell or fleece jacket
- 2 pairs of gloves (fingerless gloves & warm mittens)
- Hat, headband or Buff
- Functional ski socks + a spare pair
Good to know
As the course days are quite intensive, we recommend staying overnight in the valley.
We’d be happy to help you organise this.
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.
