Mont blanc, italyEUROPEFEB 2025Ski Alp Course
[ OVERVIEW ]Through direct experience during excursions, participants will have the opportunity to practice essential ascent techniques in different environmental conditions. Refuge facilities will offer spaces for theoretical lessons, where topics such as planning high-mountain outings, selecting necessary equipment, basic snow science (nivology), and avalanche self-rescue techniques will be explained.
Experience Details
Next Dates
From 10 Jan 2027
Trip Duration
2 Days
Pricing
From € 400 per Person
[ HIGHLIGHTS ]Learn the Lines.
Ride Features
The lessons will unfold on undemanding routes, with an elevation gain capped at 700/1000 meters, in the picturesque alpine valleys of the Aosta Valley. Certified Alpine Guides will oversee the activities, providing essential technical equipment such as a backpack equipped with an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe.
The primary aim of the course is to instill the practice of ski mountaineering (utilizing skis or a splitboard), enabling participants to organize trips with more seasoned companions or venture on independent excursions. The instruction will cover various ascent techniques, focusing on mastering turns and traversing progression for a secure and informed ascent.
During the descent, contingent on snow conditions, the Guide will offer valuable insights to refine techniques and adapt to diverse snow conditions. Brief slope assessments throughout the excursions will guide route selection, and the Guide will provide counsel on striking a balance between energy conservation and ensuring maximum safety during both ascent and descent.
Consideration of the pros and cons of different snow types will enhance safety evaluations by recognizing their distinct characteristics. Simulated emergency scenarios may be introduced to facilitate an understanding of proper safety kit usage (avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe).
Overnight accommodations in mountain huts, farmhouses, or B&Bs will provide an opportunity to savor hospitality and local cuisine. The course program can be tailored to include additional outdoor activities or guided tours.
Tour Itinerary
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Day One: Arrival in Champoluc
We're heading to the welcoming and hospitable Ferraro Hut (2,066 m), easily reached along a straightforward trail, where delightful dishes await us.
During the ascent, we'll learn the basic climbing technique to get acquainted with the new equipment. Near the hut, we'll choose an area to practice using avalanche transceivers (ARTVA), personally simulating a search for a buried person in an avalanche.
In the hut, we'll delve into the correct methodology for planning an excursion. The evening will continue with dinner and overnight stay.
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Avalanche transceiver + shovel + probe (mandatory)
Downhill skis (freeride skis recommended) + poles
Ski boots
30 L backpack
Ski helmet
Climbing harness
Water bottle (minimum 1 L) or thermos
Energy bars or dried fruit
High-protection sunscreen and lip balm with sun protection (lip balm)
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Wool hat or fleece-lined beanie
Buff / neck gaiter
Ski goggles
Glacier/high-altitude sunglasses
Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex, Pac-Lite, Conduit, etc.), shell type (fourth layer)
Windstopper jacket or insulating layer such as Primaloft (third layer)
Technical turtleneck/base layer (second layer)
Breathable T-shirt (first layer)
Ski gloves – 1 pair
Lightweight spare gloves – 1 pair
Ski trousers, with optional thermal leggings
Ski socks
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Participants are required to follow the instructions given by the Mountain Guides before and during the activities and to respect any changes to the programme made to ensure their safety.
Rates for lifts, transfers and mountain huts may be subject to changes established and applied by the respective service providers. Point Zero Mountain Guides cannot be held responsible for such changes.
The amounts indicated in the “The Rates Do Not Include” section are approximate and may therefore be subject to change.
For all itineraries and activity programmes, Point Zero Mountain Guides reserves the right to make changes depending on weather conditions, accessibility, mountain hut availability and the physical fitness of the participants.
The periods indicated for the activities are subject to changes depending on weather conditions and the physical conditions of the terrain (snow cover, ground conditions, etc.). They also necessarily depend on the opening and closing dates of the ski lifts, which are established seasonally/annually by the respective operators and are therefore in no way attributable to Point Zero Mountain Guides.
Day Two: From learning to adventure
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Departure from the cozy Ferraro Hut towards the Verra Valley, heading towards the Mezzalama Hut (3,050 m). Along the way, we'll encounter various types of slopes, providing us with the opportunity to put into practice all the knowledge learned and tested the previous day.
The descent will be made along the same route or, conditions permitting, through alternative paths.
[ the journey ]Into Alpine Freedom.
The Rates Include
Assistance from a UIAGM-certified Mountain Guide
Third-party liability insurance
Assistance with booking additional services (including mountain huts and ski lifts)
Common safety equipment provided for use by the guide
Any personal equipment required (transceiver/avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe)
The Rates Do Not Include
Insurance (recommended) covering search and rescue, with UVGAM coverage (€5 per person for 3 days)
Bus or private transfer
Anything not specifically mentioned under “The rates include”
Your Guide
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Matteo Upinot
My connection with nature dates back to my childhood. Growing up among the peaks of the Alps, I have always considered the mountains not simply a physical place, but a true spiritual home.
From a young age, I developed a passion for exploring alpine peaks and trails, turning the mountains from a simple passion into a way of life. Ever since, every free moment has been devoted to returning to the peaks that I consider my refuge.
The decision to turn my passion into a profession came naturally over the years. Today, as a Mountain Guide, I seek to embrace the mountains in every possible way. I consider myself a lifelong explorer, constantly searching for new routes, breathtaking landscapes, and challenges that push me to my limits. The mountains are my school and my office, and my greatest joy is sharing with others the excitement of reaching summits and overcoming obstacles, while conveying the respect and love I have for these extraordinary places.
[ FAQ ]Common Questions
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This course is for skiers who want to start ski mountaineering, using skis or a splitboard. You should be comfortable skiing on varied terrain, but no previous touring experience is required. The goal is to give you the skills to organise trips with more experienced companions or venture on independent excursions.
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You will practise essential ascent techniques in different conditions, learn how to plan a high-mountain outing, choose the right equipment, understand the basics of snow science (nivology), and use avalanche safety gear (transceiver, shovel and probe) in simulated emergency scenarios. On the descent, the Guide helps you refine your technique and adapt to different snow types.
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Lessons take place on undemanding routes in the valleys of the Aosta Valley, with the first day on a straightforward trail to the Ferraro Hut (2,066 m), and the second day heading toward the Mezzalama Hut (3,050 m / Around 700 to 1000mt elevation gain). Good general fitness is enough, and the Guide adapts the pace to the group.
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No. This is an introductory course, and we'll teach you the techniques from the basics, including how to use your new equipment. If you're not sure about your level, contact us and we'll help you decide.
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The price includes the guidance of a UIAGM-certified Mountain Guide, third-party liability insurance, assistance with booking additional services such as mountain huts and ski lifts, the common safety equipment provided by the Guide, and the personal safety equipment you need (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe). Search and rescue insurance, bus or private transfers and anything not listed as included are not part of the price.
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We stay overnight in a mountain hut, farmhouse or B&B, depending on the program, where you'll enjoy local hospitality and cuisine. On the first night we have dinner and take part in a theory lesson on planning an excursion.
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Click "Book Now" on the course page where booking is available, or use "Contact Us" to check availability and request a place. Not all tours can be booked online right away: for some departures we first confirm availability and the details with you, then guide you through the booking.
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You only need to bring your own clothing: layered technical clothing, waterproof outerwear, hat, neck gaiter, gloves plus a spare pair, ski goggles, sunglasses, sun protection, a water bottle and snacks. All the technical equipment (touring skis or splitboard, boots, skins, backpack, helmet and avalanche safety gear) can be provided for rent. If you own your gear, we recommend using it, since you'll be more at ease with equipment you know well.
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Yes, we offer transfers and every kind of shuttle service you may need, from and to the meeting point, the airport or your accommodation. They are not included in the price and can be requested separately.
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Yes. The program can be tailored to include additional outdoor activities or guided tours, or organised as a private course for your friends, family or group. Visit our Tailor Made page or contact us and we'll design it for you.
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Safety always comes first. The Guide can adapt the route, change the destination or shorten the day, and in some cases the descent may be made by an alternative path.
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