Day 0
5 PM: Briefing with your IFMGA guide, either in person, via call, or phone—your choice. We want to get to know you to ensure we meet your expectations. We’ll check your gear and plan the next day’s adventure, considering your fitness level, weather conditions, and snow quality.

Day 1
A full day of adventure on skis: free heels and climbing skins. Under the watchful eye of Monte Rosa, the routes will surprise you at every turn, offering options practically at every corner. Your guide’s expertise will ensure you experience the best spots, skillfully balancing your abilities, snow conditions, and weather for a seamless adventure.

– Safety kit: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe
– Telescopic ski poles
– Ski touring skis and boots
– Harness
– 1 locking carabiner
– Ski crampons
– Ice axe
– Sunscreen with good protection
– Knife
– Ski gloves
– Thermos
– Sunglasses + ski goggles
– 30 L backpack
– Sun hat + windproof hat
– Wool socks
– Layered ski clothing (breathable base layer, fleece, windproof shell, ski jacket, and pants with integrated gaiters)

Ski mountaineering requires a blend of technical skills and physical endurance.

• Ability to ski on black slopes: While it’s not strictly necessary to ski on a black slope, it’s highly recommended to have strong downhill skills. Off-piste conditions can be more challenging, with powder, crusty, or icy snow.
• Physical endurance: Ski mountaineering demands significant stamina, often with long and strenuous ascents. Good overall fitness and cardiovascular endurance are crucial.
• Leg strength: Strong legs are essential, not only for climbing with skins but also for managing descents on tough terrain. Exercises like squats, lunges, and calf raises are beneficial.
• Respiratory capacity: Excellent respiratory fitness is vital, especially at high altitudes where oxygen is scarce. Activities like running, cycling, or swimming can improve aerobic capacity and endurance.

In summary, while skiing on a black slope shows good technical preparation, ski mountaineering requires overall physical fitness and adaptability to the mountain’s ever-changing conditions.