Ski mountaineering introductory and preparation course with application tour Rotondo

Your gentle introduction to the high mountains on skis. With us, you will learn the basics for a safe journey on guided high-altitude ski tours.

Technics
Endurance
To the dates and registration

Rotondo

Would you like to get to know the high mountains on skis, but have no experience with ropes, crampons or glaciers? In this preparatory course, we will teach you the most important basics for safe high-altitude ski tours. Together we will practise how to walk correctly with crampons, how to use an ice axe and rope and how to carry your skis efficiently on your rucksack. To gain further experience, we also ski down a short and steep section with rope support. This will give you the confidence you need to take part in guided high-altitude ski tours and Haute Routes in the Alps and experience your first 4,000 metre peaks on skis.

Target price: You will learn the most important techniques for high-altitude ski tours so that you can join guided Haute Routes or similar tours.

  • Ski tours Rotondo
  • Orientation in the fog
  • Ascent on skis to the bishorn

  • Procedure and meeting place

    • Meeting place

      1250 metres altitude

      150 Hm

      approx. 9.25 a.m. Realp

      We meet in Realp, just after the railway arrives. We climb via Tälligrat to the Rotondo hut. We spend the night in the Rotondo hut.

    • Day 2- Ski tour Witenwasserenstock

      450 Hm

      1500 metres altitude

      approx. 3 pm in Realp

      From the hut, we climb over gentle slopes and glacier passages to the Witenwasserenstock. The summit rewards us with an impressive view of the surrounding mountains of Uri and Ticino. The long descent back to Realp rounds off the day with enjoyable turns.

    • Training content

      During these two days you will learn:

      • Material science and correct use of technical equipment

      • Walking with crampons under your ski boots

      • Safe behaviour on glaciers and in alpine terrain

      • Roping up and initial experience with rope support in steep terrain

      • Various techniques for transporting the skis on the rucksack

      • Tour planning in the evening

      After this course you will be well prepared to take part in guided high-altitude ski tours and haute routes and enjoy them to the full.

  • Requirements

    • Mastering the ski touring technique with its basics (skins, hairpin turns).
    • Safe downhill technique in open terrain and in different types of snow.
    • Stamina for short ski tours with an ascent of around 1000 metres at a leisurely pace (~300m/h).
    • Stamina for 1000m descent in different types of snow.
    • Splitboarders are welcome, provided they are experienced.

  • Price and services

    • CHF 530.-
    • Small group with 4 - 6 guests per mountain guide.
    • Including planning and realisation with mountain guide and his travel expenses.
    • Including accommodation costs with half board
    • Excluding travelling expenses, any train tickets, personal consumption

  • Material and equipment

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, preferably directly at Sandra or via the Contact form. 

Accommodation

Rotondo hut

Far above Realp, lonely and secluded. Pia is such a good hut warden and hostess, we feel at home with her!

All tours in "Rotondo hut"
    Rotondo hut in winter
    View from the Rotondo hut
    Welcome text at the Rotondo hut
    View through the window of the Rotondo hut
    Sun terrace of the Rotondo hut
    View from the Rotondo hut

Impressions: Ski mountaineering introductory course

    Ski tours Rotondo
    Ski tours Rotondo
    Ski tours Rotondo
    Ski tours Rotondo
    View from the Rotondo hut

How to join us on the introductory ski mountaineering course Rotondo:

As Private Tour on your desired date with your group:

Book as a private tour

As Voucher give your favourite as a gift:

Give as a gift voucher

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Search for your dream tour

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Category

Period

Information on endurance and technique

Here you will find the organisation of our tours as a guideline. If you are unsure which level suits you best, feel free to get in touch - We can help you!

Technics

Technology 1 - for beginners

Easy tours, suitable for beginners. The terrain is easy and moderate. No previous mountaineering experience is necessary.

Ski toursSafe skiing on the black piste in the ski area. No previous knowledge of ski touring necessary.

Technique 2 - Leisurely tours

Easy to slightly challenging tours with short, steeper sections that we master together and with coaching. You are ready for this level after a basic or taster course.

Ski toursFirst off-piste experience up to approx. 30° slope gradient. You have mastered the basic techniques of ski touring and have some experience of hairpin bends.

Technique 3 - Medium tours

Medium-difficulty tours with short, technical sections that are easy to do with some previous experience. You have already done a few tours and feel confident with your equipment and technique.

Ski toursYou are confident in off-piste terrain up to a slope angle of approx. 35° and are proficient in hairpin bends in a variety of terrain. 

Technique 4 - First big tours

Challenging tours with longer, steeper passages that require a good level of experience and skill. We secure these sections with ropes and coach you through difficult sections. Suitable for adventure-seekers with solid basic training.

Ski toursSafe skiing in steep off-piste terrain (up to approx. 40°), solid hairpin technique. First experience with rope manoeuvres, such as roping up on the glacier and abseiling.

Technique 5 - Grand tours

Very demanding tours, with technical passages that require a good level of experience and skill. These are secured, but smooth, rapid progress is required. For experienced climbers with plenty of experience and a thirst for adventure.

Ski toursYou are a very safe skier on steep, unsecured terrain. You are a master of hairpin turns in difficult conditions and have experience with rope manoeuvres and glacier equipment.

Endurance

Endurance 1 - Easy tours

Easy tours with plenty of time to take a break and enjoy.

  • Elevation gain: approx. 500 - 800 metres per day, 
  • Pace: approx. 250 - 300 m / h.
Endurance 2 - Leisurely tours

"Normal" tour at a leisurely pace with 800 - 1000 vertical metres per day, ~300 hm / h.

Endurance 3 - Medium tours

Longer tours at a steady, fluid pace. A solid basic level of fitness is required here.

  • Elevation gain: approx. 1200 metres per day
  • Pace: approx. 350 m / h.
Endurance 4 - First big tours

Long and challenging tours at a brisk but constant pace. Ideal for active sports enthusiasts.

  • Elevation gain: up to 1500 metres per day
  • Pace: approx. 350 m / h.
Endurance 5 - Long tours

Very long tours with more than 1500 metres in altitude per day. Requires very good fitness and stamina.

  • Elevation metres: 1500 m + per day
  • Pace: approx. 400 m / h.

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