Ski touring is a wonderful way to explore the mountains once you have the skills to tour as an equal, independent member of a group. But the upfront costs of learning can often be a major barrier to getting started.
To help lower these barriers and welcome new skiers into the club, we are expanding our beginner programme this season.
In partnership with the UCPA, the Eagle Ski Club is offering two dedicated introductory courses in March 2027 with costs as low as £772.
To support and encourage more women into ski mountaineering, one of the courses will prioritise female applicants and the other will be mixed.
Course Options & Locations
What’s Included
The UCPA model provides world-class instruction and unbeatable value in the Alps. Everything you need for the week is covered in a single all-inclusive package:
- Professional Instruction & Guiding: Fully qualified mountain guides/instructors dedicated to the Eagle Ski Club cohort.
- Technical Equipment Hire: Complete ski touring setup including touring skis, skins, touring boots, and adjustable poles.
- Avalanche Safety Equipment: Standard mountain safety kit provided (transceiver, shovel, and probe).
- Lift Passes: Full-area lift pass included for the entire duration of the course.
- Full-Board Accommodation: shared room accommodation including breakfast, packed lunch, and evening dinner.
*Note: Travel to and from the UCPA centres in France and insurance are not included.
Who It’s For & Prerequisites
These courses are designed specifically for new tourers and map directly to the Eagle Ski Club beginner grade: E1 / S1 / M1.
(Note: If you already possess foundational ski touring and skinning skills then this course is probably not the best progression route for you.)
Development Awards & Subsidies
To ensure that financial considerations do not prevent passionate skiers and mountaineers from joining the club and taking up the sport, the Eagle Ski Club offers discretionary Development Awards of £100 to £300.
- With an award, the cost for the full week can be reduced to as low as £772 (Les Contamines) or £844 (Argentière).
- Awards are targeted at applicants who face financial barriers to entry, including younger skiers, students, and underrepresented groups.
- You can apply for a Development Award directly within the main course application form.
How to Apply & Key Deadlines
There are 8 places available on each course (16 places total). Places are awarded through a competitive application and selection process rather than on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are a woman, you can let us know that you are applying for either course and we will match you appropriately.
Next Steps & Contact
To apply, please complete the online Eagle Ski Club Intro Course Application Form once applications open on 20 September.
If you have any questions regarding your ski ability, course suitability, equipment, or club membership, please reach out to the course organizers.