Take your first steps beyond the pistes on this 3-day beginner ski touring adventure, building confidence, skills and independence in the French Alps.
Location: Ancelle, Southenrn French Alps
Step away from the lift system and discover the quiet rhythm of the mountains in winter. This 3-day, centre-based beginner ski touring holiday is designed for competent piste skiers who are curious about ski touring but not yet ready to commit to a full hut-to-hut adventure.
Based in a comfortable alpine village, you will spend three progressive days learning the essential techniques of ski touring in a supportive environment. Starting close to ski resorts, you will build confidence with skins, transitions and off-piste skiing, while always having the reassurance of groomed slopes nearby if needed.
As the days unfold, you will venture further from the pistes, exploring untouched terrain, learning to read the mountain and moving efficiently through snow-covered landscapes. By the final day, you will complete your first real ski tour in wild terrain – a rewarding and achievable introduction to the world beyond the lifts.
This trip is as much about building confidence as it is about learning skills. With expert guidance throughout, you will finish the holiday knowing whether you are ready for a hut-to-hut ski touring adventure, or which areas to develop next.
This trip is ideal for competent skiers who are confident on red runs and looking to explore beyond the pistes for the first time.
It suits:
You do not need prior ski touring experience, but a reasonable level of fitness and confidence skiing on varied pistes with some off-piste experience is essential.
If you are ready for your first hut to hut ski tour, check out our 'My First Ski Hut to Hut Ski Tour' Trip
This holiday is designed to minimise impact while maximising connection to the mountain environment. By travelling on skis, you move quietly through nature without the need for lifts or machinery.
You stay in locally run accommodation, helping support the village economy during the winter season. Your guide will also introduce you to responsible mountain travel, including avalanche awareness, terrain choice and respect for wildlife habitats during the colder months.
Do I need previous ski touring experience?
No, this holiday is designed as a complete introduction to ski touring. You will learn all the essential skills from the ground up with a qualified guide.
What level of skiing is required?
You should be a confident skier on red runs and able to control your speed on varied terrain. Some prior experience of off-piste skiing is helpful but not essential.
Will I have to ski off piste?
Yes, ski touring is all about going off piste and the aim of the trip is to build up to this, but during the first two days there is always the option to descend on groomed pistes if you prefer.
What will I learn during the trip?
You will learn how to use skins, perform kick turns, manage transitions, use couteaux (ski crampons), understand avalanche safety and improve your off-piste skiing technique.
Is avalanche safety training included?
Yes, you will take part in a practical avalanche safety session, including how to use a transceiver, probe and shovel in a realistic rescue scenario.
What equipment is included?
A full kit list will be shared before your trip. If you do not have your own ski touring kit, including ski touring skis, skins, ski crampons, ski touring boots and poles, we will arrange hire kit for you. Touring safety equipment, including transceiver, shovel and probe, is provided.
How physically demanding is this holiday?
You will be active for several hours each day, with steady uphill climbs. A good level of fitness is required. Regular hill walkers, runners or other endurance sport enthusiasts will love this trip.
Where is the trip based?
The holiday is based in the southern French Alps, with access to several ski areas and quiet backcountry terrain.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Your guide will adapt the itinerary based on conditions to ensure safety and the best possible experience, using sheltered terrain or resort access where needed.
Will this prepare me for a hut-to-hut ski tour?
Yes, this trip is designed as a stepping stone. By the end, you will know whether you are ready for a hut-to-hut ski touring adventure or what skills you need to develop further.
You will need to travel to Gap for the start of the holiday. Gap has an SNCF train station with good links to major TGV stations and airports, and we will collect you there and transfer you to your accommodation.
We offer a 3% discount for guests travelling to Gap by train instead of flying from outside France. Ask us for details when booking.
By train, Gap is reachable from Marseille, Grenoble, Valence TGV and Paris, including an overnight sleeper from Paris. There is also a regular coach connection from Aix-en-Provence TGV.
The nearest airports are Marseille and Grenoble. Marseille is usually the simplest option, with regular direct coaches to Gap, while Grenoble involves an airport shuttle and onward train connection.
Please ask us when you enquire if you would like help choosing the best route.
