Dates and prices can be found in the course book
Tourskiing 1 (T1)
This course is designed for skiers who already have one to two weeks of off-piste experience, have basic avalanche knowledge and can ski downhill in a variety of snow conditions in a controlled manner. Do you enjoy hiking up far from the ski area and skiing down in untouched snow? Then the T1 course is for you!
Goal:
In this course you will learn the basic skills and techniques needed to take the first step to independent tour skiing/boarding. You will be introduced to walking on skins, working with avalanche beacon, shovel and probe, and planning light and simple tours. During a course week you will tour for about 5 days covering all aspects of planning, moving through the terrain and assessing avalanche danger. The first day will be spent freeriding to make lots of descent meters and further improve your descent technique. In the evening we will discuss the day, techniques and avalanche science and plan the tour or freeride area for the next day.
Entry requirements:
Descending: You can ski all slopes in the ski area smoothly, controlled and with proper technique. You can also ski in different snow types, and come down mogul slopes and off-piste terrain with ease.
Off-piste experience: At least one to two weeks of off-piste experience. For example, the off piste basic course (ASS3).
Off-piste knowledge: Basic avalanche knowledge (off-piste basic course, WePowder safety module 1, or similar course).
Fitness: Be able to run 10 km in an hour or hike 1000 altimeters per day in the mountains for a week.
It is possible to use self-study to prepare yourself for the course regarding avalanche safety. There will be a questionnaire during the kick-off for all participants of this course, testing your knowledge of WePowder safety module 1. You can order this yourself or borrow it from someone, if needed. This questionnaire is also mandatory for participants who have taken the ASS3 course (formerly off-piste basic technique). This is not a selection criteria, it is just to test and refresh your knowledge.
Snowboarder? As a splitboarder you are welcome to join the T1.
Tourskiing 2 (T2)
The T2 course is designed for skiers who already have experience in tour skiing, and who have knowledge about avalanche science and can apply it in different terrain.
Goal:
During this course, participants will be expected to do more in the areas of avalanche hazard assessment, tour planning and ski technique. The focus will be on becoming independent. Thus, together with your course mates you will make a tour planning which you will then also carry out independently. The instructors will play more of a guiding role in this and provide the group with tips and tricks throughout the process. The main emphasis will be on ski touring, of course always taking into account the conditions, but a day of freeriding is certainly not excluded.
Entry requirements:
Descending: You will descend in medium steep to steep off-piste terrain (<35 to 40 degrees). Furthermore, treeruns and descents in difficult snow conditions are no problem.
Experience: At least three weeks of off-piste experience, including at least one week of ski touring experience.
Knowledge: You have advanced knowledge of avalanche science (WePowder safety module 1+2, freeride 1 course, or comparable course). You can interpret the avalanche bulletin and can handle an avalanche pager, shovel and probe.
Condition: You can handle a day off-piste with the elevator and you can do a week of ski tours of about 1000 altimeters per day.
Tour Skiing 3 (T3)
For whom?
The T3 course is aimed at ambitious ski tourers who want to independently plan and undertake long, complex tours. This course can serve as preparation for the instructor training or as a final step for experienced ski tourers looking to further refine their knowledge and skills.
Goal:
To learn how to fully plan and execute high alpine tours independently.
Components:
- Tour planning for multi-day trips with overnight stays in (unmanned) huts
- Route selection off the beaten path
- Ski technique and bootpacking with crampons
- Avalanche awareness
- Glacier and rope techniques
- Winter rescue techniques
Entry requirements:
- T2 or demonstrably equivalent experience
- Several independently completed ski touring trips
- Confident off-piste skiing (up to approx. 40-degree slopes)
- C1 completed (Alpine beginner course) or equivalent experience
Equipment:
Ski touring and glacier equipment.
If you’re unsure whether you meet the entry requirements, feel free to contact: wp@nsac.alpenclub.nl.