Steep skiing course Chamonix

Pre-Course Warm-Up

We recommend arriving in Chamonix 1–2 days before the course for warm-up skiing and to check your equipment—especially if it’s rented or unused recently. Ensure your boots fit well, bindings are properly set, and skis are serviced. Need rentals or tuning? Contact us for trusted local ski shop recommendations.

Meeting in Chamonix

The week starts with a welcome meeting at the Chamonix Experience office, where you’ll meet your group and mountain guide. You’ll review your equipment, ask any final questions, and receive a briefing on the course itinerary, weather, and snow conditions. The example itinerary below may vary depending on conditions—your guide will adapt the week to ensure the best possible steep skiing experience in Chamonix.

Day 1 – Assessment Day & Avalanche Safety Training

The first day of this course is dedicated to preparing you for skiing on progressively steeper terrain. Your guide will analyse your technique and propose corrections to your ski position so that you feel increasingly more confident on your skis. The afternoon will include an avalanche search and rescue training session.

Day 2 – Jump Turns & Side Slipping

Your mountain guide will take you skiing on short steep sections where you can practice jump turns and controlling a side slip. The psychological aspect of steep skiing means that it is important to get used to the exposure of steep slopes and be able to navigate them calmly and confidently. You will learn basic rope work and how to rappel safely with skis.

Days 3 to 5 – Steep Slopes & Couloirs

The last 3 days of the ski course are dedicated to practice the steep techniques on steeper runs and couloirs. Chamonix has a lot to offer in this aspect and your guide will choose runs with the best snow for you enjoy – such as, Col du Belvedere, Couloir du Chapeau or Couloirs de Trient. You will use your ski touring equipment to access some of the runs.

Safety in the mountains is our top priority. That’s why this steep skiing course in Chamonix not only focuses on advanced skiing techniques but also on developing essential mountain safety skills required for high-stakes backcountry terrain.

By the end of the course, you’ll have gained a solid foundation in both steep ski techniques and critical safety procedures for skiing remote, unpatrolled areas of the Alps.

Steep Skiing Techniques

• Master jump turns, edge control, and pressure management for skiing slopes up to 45°

• Learn controlled side-slipping, edge sets, and fall-line strategies

• Develop stability and control in variable snow conditions, including ice and crust

Mountain Safety & Ropework

• Learn how to build reliable anchors in snow and rock

• Practice rappelling techniques for descending couloirs and cliffs safely

• Understand when and how to use the rope for skiing exposed lines

Basic Avalanche Safety & Rescue Skills

• Improve your avalanche awareness, including route selection and hazard evaluation

• Practice transceiver search, probing, and efficient companion rescue techniques

• Understand snowpack stability and its role in decision-making for steep skiing

Use of Mountaineering Equipment

• Get hands-on instruction on using crampons and ice axe on steep snow

• Learn safe boot-packing techniques for ridge ascents and couloir entries

All instruction is delivered by UIAGM-certified mountain guides, who bring extensive experience in Chamonix ski mountaineering and steep terrain. With their guidance, you’ll build confidence and competence to safely tackle challenging ski descents in the Alps and beyond.

Technical level

This steep skiing course in Chamonix is designed for advanced off-piste skiers who are ready to take their skills into more technical and exposed terrain. To get the most out of this course, you should:

• Ski both side country and backcountry often Few weeks per season), and at a high level
• Be confident skiing off-piste in a variety of snow conditions (powder, wind-packed, crust, and icy snow).
• Be able to link continuous, controlled turns, with confidence, on slopes up to 40°.
• Be experienced in using ski touring equipment
• Prepared to climb up steep couloirs and abseil with your skis attached to your rucksack

Physical fitness

You are in excellent physical and cardio vascular shape. You can ski a full day, off-piste, in all types of snow. You can link multiple long descents without taking long breaks, over consecutive days, with the proper equipment. (backpack, shovel, probe, snack, water, etc.)

How to Prepare for the Chamonix Steep Skiing Course

Our steep skiing course in Chamonix is physically demanding, so proper preparation is essential to get the most out of your week.

To build strength, stamina, and ski-specific fitness, we recommend:

• Regular off-piste skiing and ski touring to stay comfortable on varied terrain
• Endurance training such as hiking, running, cycling, or swimming
• Targeted leg and core workouts, including squats, jump squats, lunges, and plyometric exercises

For a professional, ski-specific training plan, we suggest working with our partner Uphill Athlete, who can provide a personalised program tailored to your goals.

The best way to prepare for our Steep Skiing Course in Chamonix is by first completing our Off-Piste Performance Ski Course. It provides a solid technical foundation and builds the strength, confidence, and skills needed to get the most out of your steep skiing experience.

If you’re unsure which course suits your current level, or if you have any questions, feel free to contact us on info@chamex.com —we’re happy to help you choose the right path.

Lift Passes

Chamonix Lift Passes – Free Booking & Collection
Avoid the morning queues by pre-ordering your lift pass through us. We’ll collect your pass and have it ready for you—free of charge.

For this course, you’ll need a 5-day Mont Blanc Unlimited pass. Please contact us for assistance or to arrange your pass.

Airport Transfers

We can help arrange your transfer to and from Chamonix. We partner with trusted companies offering reliable, comfortable transport—even in the case of delays or traffic.

To book, please provide:

• Full name
• Mobile phone number
• Email address
• Destination address
• Flight details (date, time, flight number)

Shared Transfers

The most affordable and eco-friendly option. You’ll be greeted at the airport and driven door-to-door to your accommodation.
From €45 one way / €90 return 

Private Transfers

Fast and flexible. Your driver meets you at the airport, with no waiting. Private vehicles for 1–8 passengers with door-to-door service.

Mountain Rescue Insurance

Mountain rescue is not included in our course fees, and can be expensive (especially if helicopters are involved).

Please ensure your travel insurance covers mountain rescue for off-piste and high mountain skiing. If not, we can arrange suitable coverage for you. Contact us for details—terms differ for EU and non-EU residents.

Chamonix Accommodation

Need help finding a place to stay? We can recommend a variety of chalets, hotels, B&Bs, and gîtes to suit all preferences and budgets. Let us know what you’re looking for.

Equipment Hire

Book your ski or mountaineering gear at least 2 weeks in advance, especially during high season. You can collect equipment the evening before your course starts and return it after the final day. We work with Concept Pro Shop, located right next to our office in Chamonix Sud.
Opening hours: 08:00–19:00, 7 days/week.

Q1 Who is the Steep Skiing Course in Chamonix suitable for?

This course is ideal for advanced off-piste skiers who can confidently link continuous turns through varied snow (from powder to heavier or icy snow) on slopes up to 40°. Skiing in challenging conditions like breakable crusts or fresh tracks in low visibility may still be difficult. We will focus on ski techniques tailored for steep terrain, including jump turns, safety rope skills for high mountain skiing, and basic climbing skills using crampons and an ice axe on steeper snow slopes. If these are your goals, this course is for you!

Q2 What if I’m unsure whether my ski level is suitable for the course?

Here are your options: You can join our Off-Piste Performance course to refine and advance your off-piste skiing skills. Your instructor will assess your readiness for the Steep Skiing Course. Alternatively, hire a ski guide or instructor for a personalized skill evaluation and targeted training. If you don’t have time for a prior course, send us a video of you skiing off-piste on a 40-degree slope. Our experienced instructors and guides will review it and recommend the best course for you.

Q3 What is the group size for the course?

We keep groups small, 3 participants maximum, to ensure tailored coaching and safety.

Q4 What equipment do I need?

Ski touring equipment suitable for all mountain skiing, avalanche safety gear (transceiver, shovel, probe), and mountaineering equipment harness, belay device, lanyard, and three screw-gate carabiners). Rental gear can be arranged upon request.

Q5 Why to i need ski touring equipment?

This course focuses primarily on downhill skiing, but the learning outcomes sometimes require specific snow conditions that may be hard to find without a short hike. If there hasn’t been recent snowfall, we might include some ski touring to reach untouched terrain ideal for training.

Q6 What type of ski pass do I need for this course?

The Mont Blanc Unlimited pass is the best option for this course, providing access to all lifts in Chamonix, plus the Skyway lift and Courmayeur ski resorts. We can assist you in organizing it and have it ready for your pre-course guide meeting—just let us know!

Q7 Will I ski famous Chamonix steep runs like the Cosmiques Couloir or Glacier Ronde on this course?

The Steep Skiing Course focuses on developing your steep skiing skills on safe, low-exposure terrain. Skiing Chamonix’s famous steep runs is not included in the course. However, after an evaluation day, we offer private guided descents of these iconic routes. Please note, extreme itineraries are only available for 1:1 and 1:2 guiding, not group sessions.