Join our backcountry touring course for a hands-on introduction to getting started with your human powered skiing adventures in the wild winter mountains of Northern Norway. Build confidence in your decision-making and learn how to plan and undertake ski tours safely. You’ll also gain essential skills to avoid avalanches and recognize hazardous terrain, ensuring peace of mind for both you and your loved ones waiting at home.

Dates

February – April  (on request)

Sign up here for the course 3. – 4. February 2026

Locations

Tromsø and Kvaløya

Course Duration

2 days on the mountain

Language

English

Price

See updated prices for two day courses here.

Course Goals

The course aims to equip you with the foundational knowledge needed to safely complete ski tours in basic avalanche terrain.

Key learning objectives include:

• Familiarizing yourself with ski touring equipment.
• Techniques for ascending and descending the mountain.
• Identifying and avoiding avalanche-prone terrain.
• Awareness of other potential hazards (terrain, weather, snowpack, and human factors).
• Basic trip planning.
• Finding and interpreting information about weather and avalanche risks, along with fundamental mountain navigation skills.

Focus on Safety and Avalanche Awareness

The course follows the guidelines of the Norwegian Mountaineering Association’s (NF) intro avalanche course. Our goal is to enhance your understanding of avalanche risks and teach you how to avoid exposing yourself to avalanches through trip planning and terrain choice.

You will learn:

• How to identify avalanche terrain.
• How to recognize obvious avalanche hazards.
• Basic travel routines for navigating avalanche-prone areas.

We will also practice essential companion rescue techniques, including the use of avalanche transceivers, probing, and proper shoveling methods.

Who is this Course for?

This course is ideal for beginners who want to start ski touring in the winter mountains and have little to no prior experience.

Requirements for Participants

No prior backcountry touring experience is required. However, you should be able to ski/board and descend in a controlled manner on a groomed alpine slope. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance.

Equipment Checklist

Mandatory Gear:

• Avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel (available for rent at Tromsø Outdoor).
• Sleeping pad or windsack (at least one per group).
• Winter clothing (including an insulating jacket, such as down or Primaloft, to stay warm during breaks).
• Skis or a splitboard (with climbing skins) suitable for descents. Snowshoes and nordic skis are not accepted. If borrowing equipment, make sure to test it in advance.
• Food and drinks for both course days.

Recommended Gear:

• Basic first aid kit.
• Inclinometer (can be digital, part of a compass, or mobile-based).
• The Varsom RegObs app for avalanche maps, risk assessments, and hazard descriptions.

Also check out our printable backcountry touring pack list here.

Preparation Tips

We recommend completing the interactive Basic Avalanche Course available at varsom.no (Norwegian) or the Ortovox Safety Academy Lab: Snow (English) before attending.