Levels for ski touring and freeride
Ski Touring
Technical level
Level 1
For people who have never done ski touring but have the level to ski down black pistes (ESF III course, parallel turns ok). Previous off-piste or inter-piste experience. Training by the guide in ski touring techniques, safety techniques and use of safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe. Not suitable for beginners - this is not a ski course!
Level 2
Mostly easy, wide slopes. Possibility of very easy glacial terrain. Basic ski touring skills required. The guide will teach you ski touring techniques.
Level 3
Slopes may include a few short steep sections. Good command of ski touring and skiing in all types of snow. Possibility of glacial terrain. Good command of conversions essential.
Level 4
Slopes with steep and sometimes exposed sections (40-45°). Very good command of ski touring and skiing in all types of snow. Working on rugged glacial terrain. Essential mastery of conversions and mountaineering techniques (crampons/ice axe).
Physical level
Level 1
Approx 3/4 hours skiing per day. Expect to climb between 300 & 800 m per day.
Level 2
Good physical condition required, approx. 4 -6 hrs skiing per day, expect to do some climbing on foot, 500 to 1000m up a day.
Level 3
Good physical condition required, may involve some short climbs on foot or with skis - max 800 & 1200 m elevation gain per day.
Level 4
Expect to ski all day long at a good pace. Tours may involve daily ascents of 1200 m or more.
Freeride skiing
Technical level
Level 1
Accessible to the average skier with no previous freeride (off piste) skiing experience. You be capable of skiing black or red level slopes, course 3 ESF. You may go up a bit, not over 30 mn/day. Does not accept ski beginners, as it is not ski lessons.
Level 2
Accessible to the average skier used to all types of snow and at ease on black level pistes with some off piste experience. Short uphill sections with skins for less than 45 min per day, not requiring any ski touring technique knowledge. Ideal course for an experience skiing wishing to introduce him- or herself to freeride or off piste skiing.
Level 3
Good skier in all types of snow. Skiing at a good pace all day long. Slopes may have some short steep sections. Short uphill sections with skins, previous experience in ski touring expected.
Level 4
For experienced skiers at ease in all types of snow, having some couloir experience. Sustained pace all day long. Slopes may have some steep and exposed sections (40° - 45°). Uphill skinning sections, previous ski touring technique knowledge expected.
Physical level
Level 1
You should be fit, approx 3/4 hrs skiing per day at an easy pace.
Level 2
Good physical condition, 4/6 hrs skiing per day, small uphill section on foot or with skins for max 45 min per day.
Level 3
Good physical condition, uphill on foot or with skins for less than 2 1/2 hrs per day. Full days skiing at a good pace.
Level 4
Good physical condition, full days skiing at a sustained pace, uphill sections with skins for maximum 3 hours.