'Ski Performance for Mountaineers' courses are offered in Scotland as well as Chamonix. These courses are run by Alison's sister, Gillian, who shares the same passion for skiing and the mountains. We appreciate that ski conditions in Scotland can be challenging and flexibility is required to make the most of them. Despite this, we are aware that the number of people going ski touring is on the increase and there is still a desire to improve ski technique to make the most of opportunities in Scotland when they arise. These courses have been designed to make the most of those conditions and give skiers and mountaineers the option to develop their skills. The course has exactly the same ethos and focus of those run in Chamonix; to bring together like-minded people to develop their off-piste skiing.
You will be given simple yet effective tools to deal with the prevailing off-piste conditions, specific to your individual needs. We will look how to adapt these techniques and tactics for the various types of off-piste snow, and aim to experience as many different conditions as is possible over the weekend. Some time will be spent looking at how to turn in small spaces efficiently, which can be very useful, particularly in Scotland.
To develop all these skills we will need to spend time on the piste to acquire the techniques but we will quickly put it into practice in the off-piste.
Full information
The most important pre-requisite for this course is that you are keen to try new things and are prepared to have a go. You will competent on all groomed slopes and have plenty of mileage skiing red runs. Ideally you will have put in some mileage skiing off-piste, but you will most likely find this challenging, particular when the conditions get steeper, icier or bumpier. You have a desire to become more efficient off-piste. We ask that you are comfortable in Scottish winter weather, as we can't always guarantee sunshine! If you are not sure if its the course for you email giving more details of what you have done. You need to have a transceiver, shovel and probe for this course.
Courses are scheduled to run at Glencoe Mountain. This may change at short notice due to the prevailing snow and weather conditions.
This course is over 2 days. Each day will be a full day of skiing, finishing around 1600. We aim to give you the opportunity to have a few runs on your own at the end of the day to practice the things you have been taught (or have a rest!). The meeting points are detailed below. We will make contact the evening prior to the course to confirm the meeting point, which may change, depending on the prevailing snow and weather conditions.
Glencoe Mountain - 0845 in White Corries cafe at the bottom of the chairlift.
To download the kit list for this course click here.
Mammut Element transceivers are available to borrow free of charge. Please let us know in advance if you need to borrow one.
- 2 days of ski instruction with BASI ISIA Level 3
- Free use of transceiver, shovel and probe
- Lift pass (please wait until the venue has been confirmed before buying this).
- Insurance
- Accommodation.
- Food
- Equipment Hire (transceiver, shovel and probe can be provided free of charge)
- Travel
- Transport
Maximum of 4 people
It is well known that the snow and weather conditions in Scotland can be unpredictable. In the event of no lifts operating then a full refund will be given. If it is possible to run only one day of the course then a 50% refund will be given. No refund will be given where a day is cut short due to early lift closure, but every opportunity to use the rest of the day constructively, for example, doing video feedback, will be taken.
If none of our dates are suitable we may be able to arrange dates specifically for you. Private lessons are also available in Scotland. Please email to check availability.
Half day (3 hours): £160
Full day (6 hours): £300
These prices are for a maximum of 4 people.
A full day of private instruction for 5 - 6 people is £340.
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