3-day course in Chamonix to learn the steep skiing basics : turns on steep slope and basic mountaineering and roping techniques used in skiing.
Steep skiing, or ski mountaineering, is a discipline in its own right that requires solid skiing and mountaineering skills. This introductory course is designed for ski tourers and backcountry skiers who want to develop the skills needed to progress safely into steeper terrain. Over three days, you will benefit from structured training and personalized advice.
From the trip description by Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix
On-snow support
- Independent: Below this trip's level of support
Ski or ride independently, without trip staff accompanying you on the mountain.
- Hosted: With your guide
Trip hosts ski or ride with the group, help everyone get oriented, and share local knowledge.
- Guided: Included
Professional guides lead the group and select suitable terrain and routes based on conditions and ability.
- Coached: Included
Professional coaches lead the group, select suitable terrain, and provide instruction and personalized feedback to help you improve.
- 3 days on snow with staff
- CourseOver three days, you will benefit from structured training and personalized advice.
- Resort and backcountry guidingMountain guide services; Groups of 3 to 4 participants per mountain guide. Our guiding ratios are specific to the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix and help ensure groups are as well matched as possible
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- Good ski touring skills in all snow conditions required. Slopes up to 40° (technical difficulty: 3.3)
- Up to 700 m of ascent per day. 4 to 6 hours of physical activity per day. You will carry a backpack with mountaineering equipment (crampons and ice axe) and may need to carry your skis
- Sport
- Ski
From the trip description by Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix
What the price includes
Included
- Lift pass
- Lesson
- Mountain guide services
- Ski lifts mentioned in the programme
- Safety equipment if required (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe and harness)
Not included
- Lodging
- Meals
- Transfers
- Accommodation in the valley
- Picnic lunches
- Transport to the meeting point
- Personal technical equipment
Day by day
Steep skiing requires constant adaptation to mountain and snow conditions. The itinerary is therefore provided as a guideline and may be modified by your guide. In all cases, the final itinerary will be chosen to meet the objectives of the course
- Day 1: Ski Technique - On-Piste | Off-PisteThe first day focuses on perfecting your skiing technique, both on-piste and off-piste, in the Flégère - Brévent area. The primary goal is to make your skiing more secure, enabling you to approach the fundamentals of steep skiing with greater ease. In the afternoon, a DVA (avalanche rescue) workshop will help you learn or consolidate your skills in managing avalanche rescue situations.
- Day 2: Fundamentals of Steep Skiing - Off-PisteThis day is dedicated to learning the basics of turn on steep slope. Specific exercises will be conducted on training slopes before you venture into your first couloirs, using a rope for counter-anchoring. Examples of couloirs include the Couloirs du Brévent and Aiguille Pourrie.
- Day 3: Outing in the Aiguilles Rouges Massif - Ski TouringOn the final day, you will have the opportunity to apply the skills acquired during the previous days. You will embark on a ski tour in the Aiguilles Rouges Massif, including a descent with a steep skiing profile. Examples of outings include the Col du Belvédère and Pointe Alphonse Favre.
From the trip description by Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix
Where you stay
No accommodation is included during the course. Preferential rates are available with our hotel partners in Chamonix
Getting There
8:00 am at the Flégère gondola in Les Praz de Chamonix. To help reduce traffic in the valley, we recommend using public transport (bus or train)
From the trip description by Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix
Pins show the approximate main trip area—not a route, meeting point, or full itinerary. Confirm exact locations in the company's trip details.
Dates and prices
| Dates | Season | Duration | From | Availability | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 19 – Feb 21, 2027Choose these datesStart date read from the operator's group booking module (booking.chamonix-guides.com), which lists start dates only; end date computed from the 3-day programme. Group departures need a minimum of 3 participants. | 2026/27 | 3 days | 870 EUR870€ per person, based on a minimum of 3 participants (2027 group price); private-booking prices per person are listed under Good To Know | Available | Book on company website |
| Feb 26 – Feb 28, 2027Choose these datesStart date read from the operator's group booking module (booking.chamonix-guides.com), which lists start dates only; end date computed from the 3-day programme. Group departures need a minimum of 3 participants. | 2026/27 | 3 days | 870 EUR870€ per person, based on a minimum of 3 participants (2027 group price); private-booking prices per person are listed under Good To Know | Available | Book on company website |
| Mar 5 – Mar 7, 2027Choose these datesStart date read from the operator's group booking module (booking.chamonix-guides.com), which lists start dates only; end date computed from the 3-day programme. Group departures need a minimum of 3 participants. | 2026/27 | 3 days | 870 EUR870€ per person, based on a minimum of 3 participants (2027 group price); private-booking prices per person are listed under Good To Know | Available | Book on company website |
| Mar 12 – Mar 14, 2027Choose these datesStart date read from the operator's group booking module (booking.chamonix-guides.com), which lists start dates only; end date computed from the 3-day programme. Group departures need a minimum of 3 participants. | 2026/27 | 3 days | 870 EUR870€ per person, based on a minimum of 3 participants (2027 group price); private-booking prices per person are listed under Good To Know | Available | Book on company website |
Prices, taxes and fees, required extras, inclusions, availability, and booking terms can change. Confirm the current price and trip details on the company website; source last reviewed September 24, 2026.
Good To Know
Group booking: 870€ per person, based on a minimum of 3 participants
Guiding policy: Groups of 3 to 4 participants per mountain guide. Our guiding ratios are specific to the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix and help ensure groups are as well matched as possible
Private booking prices 2027: 2 people: 1410€ per person; 3 people: 1050€ per person; 4 people: 870€ per person
Mountain sports insurance including assistance and repatriation cover is mandatory. If you are not already insured, you can purchase repatriation and cancellation insurance when booking. A valid ID is also required
From the trip description by Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix
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