Custom Ski Mountaineering Coaching – Dolomites, Brenta & Adamello

Custom Ski Mountaineering Coaching – Dolomites, Brenta & Adamello

Ski Mountaineering
Difficulty
5 / 10 Moderate
Duration
Pick the number of days you want
Availability
Dec 2025 – Apr 2026
Group size
max 2 Pax
Guide : Clients
1 : 2
Meeting point
Dolomites, Brenta or Adamello area. Exact meeting point agreed with the group based on conditions and chosen objectives.

This trip uses our 1–10 overall difficulty scale (technical + fitness + exposure + environment). How this scale works

Highlights

  • Tailor-made ski mountaineering coaching adapted to your level and goals
  • Flexible location between Dolomites, Brenta and Adamello, selected according to snowpack and conditions assessed by the guide
  • Focus on real decision-making: route choice, avalanche awareness and efficient movement in varied terrain
  • Small ratios (max 1–2 people) for in-depth feedback and a relaxed, professional atmosphere

Overview

A flexible ski mountaineering coaching experience in the Dolomites, Brenta and Adamello. Rather than following a fixed itinerary, we shape each day around your level, your objectives and the conditions we find. From refining ski touring movement to using crampons, ropework or steeper ground, the idea is simple: develop your skills in a structured and enjoyable way, directly on real terrain.


This trip suits competent off-piste skiers who would like to take a measured step towards ski mountaineering. The pace is progressive rather than extreme, and the content can be adjusted according to what you would like to focus on – confidence, technical skills or preparation for future alpine goals.


Prior to the trip we discuss your aims and the number of days (usually 1–3). Each morning we meet in the chosen area – Dolomites, Brenta or Adamello – check equipment together and select the most sensible objective based on snow, weather and avalanche considerations.


We move at a steady pace, giving space for coaching, feedback and short skills sessions throughout the day. The tone remains calm and professional: thoughtful decision-making, gradual progression and time to simply enjoy the mountains.


Being in Italy, good food and warm hospitality naturally complement the experience – whether it is a hut stop for coffee or a relaxed drink once we return to the valley.


Whether this is your first step beyond classic ski touring or preparation for more committed routes in the future, this coaching format allows us to build the days around you, with good judgement, clarity and enjoyment at the core.

Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    Day 1 – Off-piste technique and avalanche basics

    This is only a sample programme - the actual objectives are planned together based on your experience, preferences and the conditions of the day.


    We meet in the agreed area (for example Madonna di Campiglio, Passo Tonale or Val di Fassa), check the gear together and start with a coaching day focused on off-piste ski technique and avalanche basics. Using lifts and short skin sections, we reach suitable terrain to work on line choice, stance, rhythm and control in variable snow.


    During the day we include a practical avalanche module: transceiver checks, search practice, shovelling strategies and a first look at how to read and apply the avalanche bulletin to real terrain. The aim is to improve both your skiing and your decision-making, while keeping the pace relaxed and enjoyable.

  2. Day 2
    Day 2 – Intro to ski mountaineering tools (crampons, ice axe, ropework)

    On the second day we introduce more ski-mountaineering-specific tools, always according to your level and the conditions. Typical objectives include easy summits or passes reached on skins and a short section on foot, where we can safely use crampons and, if appropriate, a light ice axe.


    We look at how to transition from skis to bootpacking, basic footwork with crampons on snow, simple anchors with skis or ice axe and, where useful, an introduction to ropework on mixed terrain. The goal is to demystify this equipment and integrate it naturally into your ski days.

  3. Day 3
    Day 3 – Putting it all together on a longer tour

    If you choose a third day, we bring everything together on a slightly longer tour, either in the Dolomites, Brenta or Adamello depending on conditions. We plan the day together: reading the avalanche bulletin, choosing the route, discussing options and building realistic plan B and C.

    During the tour we focus on applying what you have worked on: efficient skinning, group management, choice of slope angles, clear communication and, when appropriate, the use of rope, crampons or ice axe.

    The atmosphere stays professional but relaxed – the idea is to consolidate your skills and finish the coaching with more confidence and a clear view of your next steps in ski mountaineering.

Requirements

  • Confident skiing on-piste and easy off-piste
    You should be able to ski in control on all pistes and have some experience off-piste. You do not need to be expert or fast, but you should feel generally comfortable skiing ungroomed snow.
  • Basic ski touring experience (recommended)
    Having some previous ski touring days is recommended (using skins, transitions, steady uphill pace). If you have limited experience, the program can be adapted to focus more on fundamentals and easy terrain.
  • Suitable fitness for full mountain days
    A typical day involves 600–1,000 m of ascent at a relaxed pace. You don’t need to be fast, but you should be able to stay active for several hours. Multi-day coaching is possible for those who wish to progress further.
  • Avalanche safety equipment
    Each participant must carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe. Rental available on request.
  • Winter clothing & personal equipment
    Participants must bring appropriate winter clothing (layers, gloves, goggles, shell), a daypack 25–35 L, water/thermos and snacks. A full equipment list is provided on booking and adapted depending on the chosen objectives.

Gear checklist

clothing

  • Clothing – layers
    Required
    Breathable base layers, fleece or light insulating jacket, ski touring pants.
  • Gloves & hat
    Required
    Light gloves, warm gloves or mittens, wool hat / buff.
  • Shell jacket & pants
    Required
    Waterproof / windproof jacket and overpants (Gore-Tex or similar).

glacier

  • Harness
    Required Rentable
    Light harness for glacier travel or short roped sections.
  • 120 cm sling or daisy chain
    Provided
    120 cm dyneema sling or daisy chain for glacier travel and rescue.
  • Screwgate carabiners (x2)
    Provided
    Two locking carabiners for glacier travel and safety systems.

hut

  • Hut overnight kit
    Optional
    Sleeping bag liner, head torch, spare socks, small toiletry kit (if hut is planned).
    Only required if a hut overnight stay is included in the final program.

personal

  • Backpack 25–35 L
    Required Rentable
    Ski touring backpack, 25–35 litres, with ski carry option.
  • Personal kit & snacks
    Required
    1L thermos or bottle, small personal first aid, snacks for the day.
  • Sunglasses & goggles
    Required
    Category 3–4 sunglasses and ski goggles for bad weather.

safety

  • Avalanche transceiver (ARTVA)
    Required Rentable
    Modern 3-antenna avalanche transceiver, with fresh batteries.
  • Helmet
    Required
    Ski / mountaineering helmet.
    Personal helmet required (ski or ski mountaineering).
  • Probe
    Required Rentable
    Avalanche probe (240–300 cm).
  • Shovel
    Required Rentable
    Metal avalanche shovel.

technical

  • Climbing skins
    Required Rentable
    Skins cut to size and in good condition, with reliable glue.
  • Poles
    Required Rentable
    Adjustable ski poles for touring.
  • Ski crampons
    Required Rentable
    Ski crampons compatible with your bindings, for hard or icy snow.
  • Ski touring boots
    Required Rentable
    Ski touring boots compatible with bindings and crampons if needed.
  • Ski touring skis
    Required Rentable
    Touring skis suitable for ski mountaineering, with touring bindings.
  • Ice screws
    Provided
    Ice screws for anchors and short roping on technical sections. Provided by the guide when required.
  • Boot crampons
    Optional Rentable
    Crampons compatible with your boots (if conditions require).
  • Ice axe
    Optional Rentable
    Lightweight ice axe for ski mountaineering (if conditions require).
Required • Provided • Optional • Rentable

Prices

  • 1 Pax
    €400 per person per day
  • 2 Pax
    €200 per person per day

What’s included

Included

  • UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide or aspirant guide for the full three days.
  • Trip planning and day-to-day route choice around Passo del Tonale and the Adamello area, based on snow, weather and group level.
  • Use of shared technical and safety gear where needed (rope, basic glacier or short roped sections, if included in the program).
  • On-field tips and coaching on ski touring technique, safety and decision-making.
  • Support with equipment checks, daily briefings and general logistics around Passo del Tonale.

Not included

  • Personal ski touring equipment (skis, boots, skins, poles) and personal clothing.
  • Avalanche safety kit (transceiver, shovel, probe) and its rental, unless explicitly arranged.
  • Lift tickets and cable cars used during the trip (for example Presena lifts, if used).
  • Accommodation and meals for clients and guide (hotel, B&B, huts, lunches and dinners).
  • Transport to and from Passo del Tonale and any local transfers not specified in the program.
  • Personal travel, health and mountain rescue insurance.
  • Any drinks, snacks or extra expenses not explicitly mentioned as included.