European Snowsport

Outstanding, independent ski schools in Verbier, Zermatt, Nendaz, St Moritz and Chamonix

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    Ski Touring in Verbier : Join Our Season Long Programme

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    The Touring Collective

    Once you have mastered the pistes, the lure of the area beyond gets stronger. This winter in Verbier we are thrilled to launch our season long ski touring programme, running once a week in the low season. Our mission is to help you discover ski touring and progress in a safe, supportive environment, empowering you to explore further with technique and confidence and discover magical spaces where most skiers don’t go.

    With 10 sessions, from December to April, you will progress step by step, from the fundamentals to the more advanced aspects of ski touring. Whether you are new to touring or already have some experience, you’ll leave with new skills, deeper knowledge, and friendships.

    Photo Alex Ferreira

    Why Try Ski Touring?

    We already talked in our blog about ski touring about the sustainability benefits of ski touring. (No lifts, no crowds and a lighter footprint). But there’s more to it! It’s a fantastic way to explore beautiful unspoiled areas that you couldn’t safely access without expert guidance. And it offers a sense of freedom and connection with nature.

    Who is this Course For?

    The programme is aimed at intermediate to advanced skiers who are comfortable on black runs. If you are sporty, adventurous and curious, come with us and explore as you learn a new skill.

    If you spend many weekends in Verbier, this is your chance to join a collective and meet like-minded skiers. You will have a reason to get up on Saturday morning and explore the peaceful side of the resort when only the locals are about.

    If you are a local or seasonnaire, this programme is a great way to send more time on the snow and improve your skills. You will be guided by qualified professionals in a safe, friendly environment with a focus on learning and gaining independence.

    Photo Alex Ferreira

    How Does the Programme Work?

    The programme is structured around three progressive stages.

    Initially you will be introduced to fundamental techniques and safety considerations as the basis to develop more advanced skills.

    In stage 2, you will build your endurance and touring efficiency while deepening your avalanche awareness through hands-on training and rescue scenarios.

    Then in March and April, the programme includes some full day excursions to other ski areas with a qualified Brevet instructor who can take you off piste, improving your skills as you explore. These full day excursions are experiences to remember for life. Perfect days in nature, in the company of your ski touring buddies.

    Photo Alex Ferreira

    Bonus Topics

    With bonus subjects such as sessions on reading terrain, understanding meteorology, maintaining your gear, pacing and nutrition, this course will set you up for independent touring in the future. We will also explore the psychology of group safety behaviour and common errors, so that you will gain important insights into the human elements of risk management.

    To wrap up the season, we will organise a Final Day Grand Tour; a day out with a certified mountain guide, reaching an iconic summit with epic descent to follow.  

    Photo Alex Ferreira

    What About Equipment?

    Our partners at Mountain Air are happy to provide advice and help with both sales and rentals. They also offer seasonal rentals, ideal for participants who are new to touring.

    How Do I Join?

    The Touring Collective runs either two separate schedules, either on Saturdays or on Wednesdays. So you can decide what suits you best. Sessions run in the mornings during the low season. There are also 2 full days with a Brevet instructor in March/April.

    The final full day with a guide is at the end of the winter in April.

    To join, contact us here, and we will be happy to reserve your place on the course. Please note that places are limited to 6 per course for safety reasons and to make sure that everyone gets plenty of individual attention. 

    Dates 2025-26

    Wednesdays; 10 December, 7, 14, 21, 28 January, 4 February, 4, 11, 18 March, 15 April

    Saturdays; 13 December, 10, 17, 24, 31 January, 7 February, 7, 14, 21 March, 11 April

    Final guide summit day; 18 April, priced separately (date may change according to group preferences and weather)

    Photo Alex Ferreira

    Ready to Begin Your Touring Journey?

    Join The Touring Collective in Verbier this winter and take your all-mountain skiing to the next level.

    Contact us now to reserve your place!

    Ski Touring in Norway; Northern Lights, Arctic Summits and Wildlife

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    Imagine skiing beneath the dancing auroras, summiting remote Arctic mountains, and soaking in the serenity of a town above the Arctic Circle. Last winter our Chamonix Director, Paolo, led this Arctic adventure over 5 days to Norway. The party were based in Svolvaer, a charming little fishing town north of the Arctic Circle and located in Norway’s Lofoten Archipelago. From there they ski toured nearby Norwegian summits with expert guides.

    This year the trip will be based in Tromso, further north, where there are more facilities and a livelier atmosphere.

    Why Norway is great for ski touring 

    In these areas, you can ski direct from alpine peaks to the fjords. Jagged mountains give way to deep water with spectacular scenery guaranteed. Ski touring in Norway provides fantastic terrain and views.

    Being based in Tromso or Svolvaer means that you have lots of mountains nearby, which are summited easily. With around 600-800 meters of elevation, the mountains here are accessible and rewarding. Most days allow for more than 1 summit. Every climb is worth it—not just for the powder, but for the 360° views of icy fjords, lakes, and the open sea.

    Northern lights in Norway

    Arctic Wildlife and Northern Lights

    On the trip last year, the party saw the Northern Lights from their accommodation, which was right on the water. They also saw sea eagles soaring above the ridgelines, and moose in their environment.

    One afternoon was set aside for a visit to a local spa, with bonus cold plunge in the Arctic water

    What’s Included in This Arctic Adventure

    Whether you’re a seasoned ski tourer or looking for your next big winter challenge, this trip covers everything you need except your gear:

    • Return flights from European starting points to Norway
    • Self transfer from the airport (you will drive but the car is provided)
    • Five days of expert-guided ski touring
    • Accommodation in comfortable hotels
    • Daily breakfast served at your hotel
    • Small group ratio: Maximum 6 guests per guide for a personalized experience or private trip
    Ski Touring in Norway

    What You Need to Bring Ski Touring in Norway

    This trip is designed for experienced skiers comfortable with backcountry touring. You’ll need to bring:

    • Touring skis, boots, and poles
    • Avalanche safety gear: transceiver, shovel, probe
    • Ski crampons and mountaineering crampons
    • Freeride axe for steeper terrain
    • Proper layering for Arctic conditions

    Guides Who Make It All Happen

    From terrain planning to avalanche safety, the guides are both highly skilled and also good company. Their local knowledge, trail wisdom, and good humour make the trip unforgettable.

    In case of a group trip, this adventure runs with a minimum of five guests and a maximum of six per guide, keeping it intimate and flexible. If you love untouched snow, cinematic views, and the buzz of an Arctic adventure—you need to join us. You can create your own group of 5 or 6 people, or you can join a group of other skiers on this adventure. Trips run from the end of March to the end of April.

    For more information about next winter’s trips, contact us here.

    Ski Touring – Sustainable choices

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    What is Ski Touring?

    Ski touring is going up the mountain on your skis before you go back down. You climb up using “skins” which attach to the underside of your skis. Originally these were made of sealskin. The fur of the seal points down and enables your skis to grip the snow as you walk up. Then at the top of the mountain you take off the skins and ski down. Just to reassure you, the skins are now synthetic and no seals are needed.

    To help walking up the mountain, ski touring bindings have a detachable heel for while you are climbing. Your ski boot remains attached at the toe, and the heel is free to move as you walk. The bottom part of the heel piece can be adjusted depending on the steepness. Then at the top you attach the heel again so that you can ski down as in a normal binding.

    Usually ski touring skis are lighter than alpine skis, so that the walk up is easier. This means they have less performance than an alpine ski, but are easier to go up with.

    With ski touring, the fun of the sport is seeking the untouched snow. The appeal of this low-impact activity is the challenging walk up and the isolated un-pisted ski down.  

    There is something about touring that really gets you up close to the mountains. Touring gives you a deeper appreciation for the landscape we are privileged enough to have access to. By touring up to hidden areas, not only can you really earn your ski down, but the ski itself is a lot more rewarding when the snow is completely untracked and all for you! 

    Why is it sustainable?

    For an industry that that relies heavily on good snow conditions, it is becoming increasingly important that we do our bit to preserve the long winters. With Glaciers melting at an alarming rate, and spring emerging earlier each year, what can we do to reduce our impact to keep our cherished winters, whilst still enjoying alpine tourism and the sports that we love?  

    Not just for the industry, it is important we can do what’s possible to slow the rate of climate change. One way we can do this is by embracing ski touring – not only a fun activity, but a crucial way we can help reduce our carbon footprint.  

    It goes without saying that ski touring is one of the most sustainable ways you can enjoy the mountains, relying solely on you own strength to get you up. The biggest users of energy in ski resorts are the ski lifts and the fuel required to run the SnowCats that groom the slopes. Although many resorts are making the switch to hybrid or electric groomers, the fact remains that they are still high users of energy.  

    With the warming weather, many resorts also rely on artificial snow to keep the trails topped up and the winters extended for as long as possible. Snowmaking has a self-destructing element, as in order to keep the snow coming, it has to rely on energy intensive machinery. Although this is a good short-term solution to allow people to keep skiing even without natural snowfall, there is a Catch 22 element here.

    Ski Touring Technology

    Once, the equipment involved in ski touring was bulky and heavy, putting many people off. However big improvements have been made recently. Here are just a few examples;

    Bindings – Nowadays, you are able to find a range of bindings for touring skis depending on your preference. Pin bindings are the most lightweight bindings, not adding any extra weight that is needed to ski touring and making the walk up considerably easier. These bindings are designed with simplicity in mind, adding no extra bulk, and ensuring a smooth, effortless climb. Alternatively, Duke PT bindings, are a good hybrid option offering the best of both worlds. You can enjoy a lightweight binding for your ski up, and a high performance, more secure binding for your ski down too, looking just like regular ski bindings from the outside.

    Boots- Hybrid touring boots are also a great option for skiers who do not want to buy or travel with multiple boots.  You are able to enjoy all the technology of touring boots with the boots in walk mode for your ascent, whilst still enjoying the stiffness of the boots for the ski down or your regular alpine skiing. 

    Clothing

    Apparel– Many ski wear brands now cater to the tourers of the mountains. Jackets and trousers are lightweight, easy to carry and offer full range of motion. Unlike some ski jackets which are designed for maximum warmth, shells are thin, breathable and equipped with large vents. The vents are a great way to allow tourers to fully regulate their body temperature. Some even come with pocket specifically designed for holding avalanche transceivers, making carrying them more comfortable and non-invasive.  

    We are big fans of Black Diamond kit. Black Diamond have supplied our instructor uniforms for years now and provide waterproof and windproof lightweight breathable solutions with big pockets. Big pockets are essential for all those extras your instructors need to have, like their first aid kit, spare buffs, tissues…

    Avalanche gear

    Avalanche gear- Whilst ski touring offers freedom and beautiful views, it cannot be forgotten that there are dangers on mountain. For this reason, carrying avalanche safety equipment is vital for ski touring outside the slopes. Avalanche gear stripped down includes a shovel, probe and transceiver, but depending on your expertise and risk taken, more can be added. For those who take on more challenging and remote terrain, additional safety equipment such as airbags can provide extra protection. This gear now is more lightweight than ever, making it much easier to carry in a backpack.

    The most lightweight avalanche safety gear you can take with you, though, is knowledge. So, ensure you are aware of the risks you are taking and what you can do to reduce them. 

    See more about our off piste lessons here.

    How do I get involved?

    Ski touring can seem daunting to begin with, especially with the idea of heading off to an isolated area of the mountain. The beauty of ski touring, though, is you can definitely start small. There are many trails you can take in Zermatt and Verbier alike which are beginner friendly. Many rental shops offer touring gear, and you can begin by touring along the side of trails.  

    See our partners at Mountain Air in Verbier for good advice and a good selection of gear.

    Getting away from the crowds isn’t only reserved to those going to isolated areas, the easiest way to get the slopes to yourself is to hike up early in the morning to catch the sunrise. That way you can enjoy the freshly groomed corduroy before everyone else, all from the safety of the controlled pistes.  

    If you are looking for more of an adventure, or simply someone who knows the mountain like the back of their hand, you can get a lesson in touring with one of our Brevet qualified instructors.

    Already a seasoned ski tourer? Check out the Patrouille des Glaciers, a ski touring race from Zermatt to Verbier that runs every 2 years. You can see a short video on our instructors competing here  

    Sustainability tips

    Although Ski touring is more eco-friendly option than taking chair lifts, here are some more ideas to reduce your impact. Use reusable water bottles as opposed to plastic ones, take all your litter with you, take the train to resort. You can also find ski clothes made from recycled materials or second hand.  

    See our partners at Cirkel Supply Co for clothing rentals.

    Remember, although touring offers you the opportunity to find secluded spots, make sure you stay outside of protected areas. Birds, Ibexes, Chamois and marmots all need their space, so areas are cordoned off for their protection. Respecting these areas is vital to ensure the wildlife are still able to thrive. 

    See here for more information about our Swisstainable classification and here for more about snow shoe and nordic skiing.

    European Snowsport offers private lessons for ski touring.

    To book a lesson, just contact us here. We will be happy to help you enjoy the mountains even more.

    Zoe Pfaller

    Ski Touring is Fun: Why not give it a try this winter?

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    If you’ve been skiing in the Alps there’s no doubt you’ll have seen people ski touring. Those crazy-looking people going uphill on their skis. But ski touring is, in fact, a great way to explore the mountains and challenge yourself, all while burning calories and getting a healthy dose of fresh air.

    Ski touring European Snowsport
    Ski Touring is challenging, but it’s also social and fun!

    You can learn to tour at any point in the winter, from early to late season, providing there’s enough snow. And there are so many benefits to earning your turns it would be a shame not to give it a try. For starters, it’s really good for you. Like going for a hike or a run, but on skis. And while walking downhill may be a little hard on the knees, skiing certainly isn’t. You’re also doing your bit for the environment if you forego the lifts (and the crowds!) for a few days and experience a more natural way of travelling uphill. Not to mention all the stunning views and beautiful scenery you’ll see along the way.

    Despite popular belief, touring doesn’t have to be to be mega difficult. The average tour is about kicking back and taking it easy with a mellow ascent, lots of photo stops, a drink and a bite to eat at the top and then a fun ski back down. You can even do a tour up to a mountain refuge and have a fondue before skiing back to base. Short, mellow routes are the best ones to get you started, but after that, the possibilities are endless. Multi-day tours like the Haute Route, where you stay overnight in remote refuges, and races like the PDG are some of the more extreme examples!

    Ski Touring European Snowsport
    Ski touring also gives you access to some amazing scenery.

    It’s Not as Hard as it Looks!

    If you’ve never been ski touring before, it’s easy to learn. Before you start you’ll need to have a decent level of physical fitness and be able to ski confidently off-piste. You’ll also need some special equipment; touring skis are fitted with special bindings that detach at the heel so you can lift them in order to easily walk uphill. You’ll also need skins, which are essentially strips of carpet that stick to the bases of your skis and stop you from sliding backwards as you walk. Often when you go touring, you’re heading outside the marked ski area so avalanche equipment and knowledge of how to use it is essential. It also helps to have adjustable touring poles.

    Ski Touring European Snowsport
    The equipment is a little different, but it’s all designed to make going uphill easier.

    Luckily, all this equipment can be easily rented from a decent ski shop, including avalanche gear. Now just to find someone to show you how to use it! Taking a lesson is a great idea and will start you off on the right foot. At ES we have plenty of instructors who are qualified to teach you the basics. Your instructor will show you how to use all the equipment, teach you the most efficient touring techniques and most importantly, keep you safe. They will carefully plan a route based on the snow conditions, the weather and your ability level, and will never take you anywhere you can’t handle. There are so many places to tour in the Four Valleys; there’s something for everyone.

    Your first tour may be difficult (after all, you are walking uphill with a bit of extra weight on your feet!), and while a lot of people are put off by the fitness aspect, don’t let it scare you away. The fun is in the challenge, and you’ll always be rewarded by the ski back down. There really is nothing like the feeling of all that hard work paying off as you reach the top of a deserted mountain, knowing that a fun ski back down awaits!

    If you’d like to learn the basics of ski touring, get in touch with ES to organise a lesson. And of course, all your equipment can be rented from Mountain Air in Verbier, Glacier Sport in Zermatt and Premier Alpine Centre in Nendaz. Happy touring!