Steep skiing course | Andermatt

• Procedure and course content

  • Meeting place

    09:10 am Andermatt valley station

    To kick things off, we meet at the valley station of the Andermatt ski area. After a short round of introductions, we will clarify your expectations, previous experiences and personal goals. This lays the foundation for a trusting, open learning environment.

  • Day 1 - Introduction with practical exercises in the Andermatt ski area

    We set off together to the ski area for our first off-piste exercises.

    Morning: Skiing technique & movements in steep passages
    We start in the Andermatt ski area with specific exercises on skiing technique in steep terrain.
    The focus is on:

    • Kick turns on steep terrain

    • Riding short, steep sections and narrow couloirs

    • Position & control on critical slopes

    We analyse movement sequences, work on your stability and train the conscious use of speed and line.

    Afternoon: Rope techniques for steep skiing
    In the afternoon, we apply the basic mountaineering techniques that are essential in steep terrain:

    • Use of the rope for challenging passages

    • Abseiling with skis over short rock steps or icy narrow sections

    • Setting up an improvised anchorage in the snow

    These exercises will boost your confidence in key technical sections and prepare you for more complex lines in the terrain.

  • Day 2 - Application tour from the ski resort

    600 Hm

    1500 metres altitude

    Today we apply what we have learnt on a guided steep face descent directly from the ski area. Depending on the conditions and group level, we choose a suitable line, for example on the Rothorn or Rotstock, or a hidden couloir with character.

    In the field, the focus is on the following content:

    • Terrain reading & line selection: Where do I ride? Why?

    • Tactics & riding technique on steep slopes: Speed, rhythm, stops

    • Mental handling of exposure & nervousness

    • Risk assessment & decision-making on the move

    The tour offers space for individual coaching and targeted corrections. You will receive feedback on your riding style, your terrain strategy and your presence in steep passages. If necessary, we will also use the rope today and practise safe movement in technically demanding terrain.

    At the end of the day, we reflect together: What went well? Where did you develop further? What will you take with you?

  • Day 3 - Application tour as a ski tour (with lift support if necessary)

    600 Hm

    1500 metres altitude

    On the third day, we combine ski touring and steep skiing. If the conditions are good, we will tackle the impressive Blauberg Couloir. We would start again from the Gemsstock and use the lift assistance to reach remote terrain quickly. With our skins on, we reach impressive descents that are far away from the hustle and bustle.

    The focus is on:

    • Ski tour planning & track selection on the ascent

    • Orientation & decision-making in alpine terrain

    • Timing & assessment of snow conditions

    • Descent through couloirs or steep flanks, with the possibility of using the rope selectively again today.

    The tour offers you the opportunity to apply everything you have learnt so far in a real environment: From line selection, technique and tactics to self-organisation in the group. Your guide will accompany you with coaching, feedback and safety in mind.

    Goal of the day:
    Being confident in the terrain, with your own judgement, a clear strategy and a clean line on the descent.

  • Conclusion

    approx. 3 pm Andermatt

    We finish the course together and look back on the last few days.

• Requirements

  • Very good skiing technique on the piste and off-piste. You ski safely in all types of snow and can make parallel turns even in steep terrain.
  • Stamina for ascents up to approx. 400 m/day
  • Experience in open terrain. You have already completed several ski tours or off-piste descents and are familiar with avalanche equipment (avalanche transceiver, special equipment, shovel).
  • Mental readiness for steep passages
    We deliberately move in exposed terrain. You don't have to ride everything - but be open to expanding your comfort zone under supervision.

• Price and services

  • CHF 890.-
  • Small group with 4 - 6 guests per mountain guide.
  • Including overnight stay with half board
  • Including planning and realisation with mountain guide and his travel expenses.
  • Excluding travel costs, any train tickets, personal consumption throughout the day and in the evening

• Material and equipment

  • For this tour you need the material from this PDF. We carry our equipment with us the whole time. Only pack the essentials.
  • General material and packing tips we have also put together for you.

That's what our guests say:

Impressions: Steep Skiing Course Andermatt