3. I'm a mountaineer - how well do I need to ski to take up ski mountaineering?

Knowing what climbers are like - unless you are a keen, regular off piste skier then you probably need to be skiing better than you currently may be! Take a look at our ski ability levels and ski course suitability advice first. It's likely you might be better doing an off piste ski coaching course first before going ski mountaineering - as you will only really enjoy the latter if you can ski well - as it's off piste from dawn till dusk.

4. I'm a skier - how well do I need to ski to take up alpine ski touring!

In order to really enjoy ski touring, you need to be a regular off piste skier rather than someone who skis the pistes and finds black runs difficult. Take a look at our ski ability levels and ski course suitability advice for more information. If you are not sure about your current ski standard, it's a better idea to come on an off piste ski coaching course first (we often use skins and go on a short day tour during the week, so you can get a taste for what touring is about whilst improving your ski technique at the same time). If you are already a strong off piste skier (ski level 3-5) then either come on a ski mountaineering training course, or join an intro level tour.

5. What do you do if mountain conditions prevent a particular ski tour taking place?

In general, we move somewhere else! There is a lot of information readily available about snow conditions and weather forecasts throughout the Alps, so it doesn't usually take us long to find a nearby alternative venue where conditions are more favourable. If we are concerned about conditions in the run up to a tour, we will contact you and rearrange plans accordingly, taking into consideration your current travel arrangements so as to minimise disruption.

4. What qualifications and experience do your guides have?

Our team are all fully internationally qualified IFMGA guides, with a huge experience of ski mountaineering in the Alps and further afield. Many are also members of the British Ski Mountaineering Team and race regularly throughout the winter.

5. Do I have to use your recommended hotel?

No - you can stay wherever your budget or inclination decide! We specifically don't include food and accommodation in our itineraries to give you this flexibility. Our recommended hotels offer a convenient, comfortable and good value option based on our experience in the region. On multiday tours, the guide will book each hut in advance and you simply pay for them as we go along.

6. What Equipment do I need?

To see a ski mountaineering kit list - click here. You are responsible for bringing all items on the kit list. For the more specialist items - including avalanche safety equipment, ski kit and boots - local hire is available. For more advice on buying ski mountaineering kit - click here.

7. Do I need insurance?

Specialist rescue insurance covering off piste skiing, helicopter evacuation, medical treatment and repatriation is required for all of our ski courses. Many standard ski insurance packages specifically exclude off piste skiing (whilst others allow it in the company of a guide), so if you have an existing policy you need to check very carefully that you are covered. For more information on reccommended insurance providers, visit our insurance page.

8. Can I book a personalised version of tour '.......' with a private guide?

This kind of tailored guiding represents over half of our work - so no problem at all. Just send us some info about your skiing background and experience, what you would like to do and your prefered dates - then we can discuss options and ideas.