Winter Mountaineering Course
The Winter Mountaineering Course is designed for anyone who does not use ski touring equipment in winter but wants to better understand movement and decision-making in snow-covered mountains. The programme is suitable for trail runners, hikers, mountaineers, alpine beginners, and winter ascent enthusiasts who want to engage with winter terrain more consciously and responsibly.
The course is also an excellent choice for ski tourers who want to refine their use of crampons and ice axe on steeper final ascents, when skis are carried on the backpack and the summit is reached on foot—a situation that is often a critical part of ski touring in winter conditions.
Under the guidance of experienced IFMGA mountain guides, participants learn the practical use of crampons and ice axe, movement on steep snow-covered or icy terrain, basic winter navigation, snowpack awareness, and hazards specific to winter environments. The course also introduces avalanche awareness and the use of avalanche equipment, placing emphasis on understanding rather than guarantees.
The programme is practice-based. Most of the time is spent in the field, in real conditions of the Bohinj mountains, where participants work on walking techniques, protection, tactical movement, and basic rescue skills—always in response to the terrain and conditions at hand.
Guided ski touring tours and workshops are led by OutVentureX guides licensed by IFMGA, with a clear focus on responsible guiding, sound decision-making, and clear communication in real mountain environments. For information about workshops and guided tours: book@outventure-x.com
Organization & schedule
The course is a full-day programme taking place during TSF Bohinj, from Thursday, 5 March 2026, to Sunday, 8 March 2026.
Each course lasts a minimum of 6 hours.
Approximate schedule:
- start around 9:00
- finish around 15:00
*The exact start time will be confirmed based on conditions and selected terrain.
Group size: 1 IFMGA guide per a maximum of 8 participants.
Dates: 2 course slots are planned.
*Final confirmation depends on the number of registrations.
*Routes will be selected based on weather and snow conditions.
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Who is it intended for?
The course is suitable for those who want to better understand winter mountain travel, including:
- trail runners and mountain runners
- hikers transitioning into more demanding winter conditions
- beginner alpinists
- winter ascent enthusiasts
- ski tourers who want to improve their use of crampons and ice axe on steep final ascents
After the course, participants will be able to:
- use crampons and ice axe correctly
- choose lines more consciously in snowy and icy terrain
- recognise dangerous snow and terrain features
- read conditions and make more informed decisions
- understand the basic principles of avalanche awareness and equipment use
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What will I gain (benefits)?
- experience grounded in IFMGA guiding principles, not guarantees
- small groups allowing for individual attention
- hands-on learning in typical winter terrain of the Bohinj mountains
- direct knowledge transfer from experienced professional guides
- exposure to real scenarios encountered during winter ascents
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Workshop content
Module: basics of winter mountaineering
- winter mountaineering equipment and its specific use
- crampons and ice axe techniques (walking, self-arrest)
- movement techniques in snowy and icy terrain
- route selection and slope analysis
- efficient group movement, pace, and tour tactics
- basic winter navigation
- weather monitoring and tour preparation
- fundamentals of snow stability and recognition of hazardous terrain features
- introduction to avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel
- searching and probing in practice
- organisation of basic rescue
- approaches to risk management on winter hiking routes
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Required equipment
- hiking boots compatible with crampons
- crampons and ice axe (rental possible)
- avalanche safety set (transceiver, probe, shovel) – recommended
- backpack 25–35 L
- warm technical clothing, wind jacket, down jacket
- gloves (double gloves recommended), hat, buff
- sun and snow protection
- Recommended: avalanche backpack (airbag).
