How to assess your ski touring level?
1. To assess your ski touring level and choose a course with nights in a mountain hut that suits your expectations, you need to honestly evaluate two essential factors: your physical condition and your technical skiing skills.
2. If you’re unsure between two levels or don’t fully identify with those described, let us know when you contact us! It’s possible that one level matches your physical condition but not quite your technical skills, or vice versa. We strive to organize courses with homogeneous levels and can advise you by comparing your profile with those of participants already registered.
Levels of courses with overnight stays in a refuge
Level 1 - Beginner
I engage in regular sports activities, I am capable of exerting effort for 5 hours in the mountains up to an altitude of 3000 m, and I can climb 1000 m of positive elevation gain on the first day, followed by 600 m to 1000 m on subsequent days.
I ski off-piste, I feel comfortable in powder and transformed snow but less so in crusted or icy snow. I can consistently control my speed and trajectory on slopes of 30°.
Level 2 - Intermediate
I practice endurance sports at least once a week, I am capable of exerting effort for over 5 hours in the mountains up to an altitude of 3000 m, and I can climb between 800 m and 1000 m of positive elevation gain per day over 3 to 4 consecutive days.
I ski off-piste regularly. I feel comfortable in powder and transformed snow but less so in crusted or icy snow. I can consistently control my speed and trajectory on slopes of 30° and sections of 35°.
Level 3 - Advanced
I engage in regular sports activities, I am capable of exerting effort for 5 to 6 hours in the mountains up to an altitude of 3000 m, and I can climb between 1000 m and 1500 m of positive elevation gain per day over 3 to 4 consecutive days.
I ski off-piste and/or backcountry skiing regularly. I feel comfortable in powder, variable, and transformed snow but still encounter difficulties on crusted or icy snow. I can consistently control my speed and trajectory on slopes of 35° and sections of 40°.
Level 4 - Expert
I practice one or more endurance sports several times a week, I am capable of exerting effort for over 6 hours in the mountains up to an altitude of 3000 m, and I can climb 1500 m of positive elevation gain per day over 3 to 4 consecutive days.
I ski off-piste and/or backcountry skiing regularly. I feel comfortable in all types of snow (powder, icy, transformed, crusted), and I can consistently control my speed and trajectory on slopes of 40° and sections of 45°.
