The Mountaineering and Ski Touring course is held both in the Pyrenees (French / Spanish border near Andorre). It lasts 5 days.
It is a little taster of everything.
We "climb" rather than hike some impressive mountains in the Pyrenees and also undertake some easier ski tours. It is a good idea if you have skied before. For those who are looking for more advanced ski tours, contact us and we can put you together on a special course.
The area is a perfect location over the winter for all activities and it is relatively safe having no permanent glaciers or crevasses.
Led by high altitude mountaineer, Sean James this course is 5 days long with the possibility of a night spent out in the mountains.
A week long course with 5 days practical teaching whilst climbing the high mountains of the Pyrenees such as Pedraforca, Canigou, Carlit, Aneto, Pedrocomosa and many more.
Sean imparts his experiences of guiding over 15 – 8000m expeditions, including 4 times on Everest.
The course runs from December to April depending on the length of the season and conditions.
Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to climb your first 8000m or even 5000m trekking peak and want tips on training and high altitude techniques this course will provide you with ideal preparation for your own future expeditions and adventures.
Personal equipment such as touring skis, boots, harness, boots, crampons, helmet can be rented.
In the evenings Sean will also be sharing his experiences from trips including Aconcagua, Elbrus, Kilimanjaro, Everest, Damavand, Ama Dablam, Broad Peak, Manaslu, Gasherbrum, Patagonia, New Zealand, the Yukon, Cho Oyu, Baruntse, Ojos del Salado….
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See FAQ & Download section for further information
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Transfer from and to Barcelona at 350 AED per person in advance

• What is included in the price

  Included
  -
  Invitation letter for visa if required. We send this to you as soon as we get your payment and passport copy.
  All instruction and guiding during the week.
  
  Optional extras
  -
  Rental equipment.
  Transfer from Barcelona airport.

• What is not included

  Excluded
  -
  International flight
  Personal climbing gear but that can be rented
  Accommodation and meals during the course. Suggested places to stay can be provided.
  Ski lift passes if we decide to use

• Who will be my leader

  Sean has lived in Dubai for 12 years and splits his time between here and the Pyrenees.
  He has led 4 expeditions to the summit of Everest and 15 expeditions to mountains over 8000m as well as many around the globe.
  If we employ further guides they will be qualified and experienced mountain guides or mountaineering instructors.

• What equipment do I need

  When you sign up we go through everything that you will need.
  Our connections with retailers will give you a discount and ensure you look good and are safe.
  • Touring skis and skins
  • Touring ski boots
  • Walking poles
  • 3 or 4 season sleeping bag if you like to be warm and we plan an outdoor bivi
  • Day rucksack
  • Duvet jacket
  • Warm walking boots that are capable of taking a crampon
  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Gloves Buff, hat
  • Prussik loop, selection of karabiners
  • Ice axe
  • Water proof outer clothes
  • High altitude Cat 4 Glasses
  We can provide assistance with obtaining equipment not normally stocked by retail outlets. Some items of equipment are available for hire from us but, for this expedition, we strongly recommend that you purchase your own personal equipment and test it before departure.
  -
  We will also check any equipment you have before you depart each morning.

• What level of experience do I need

  Participants vary and we try to steer similar abilities to the same course.
  -
  It is a good idea to have some experience of skiing. Ski touring is an easy transition and the area is perfectly suited to such.
  -
  However once you sign up we expect you to take regular exercise and treks in the build up.
  -
  This not only helps you but gives the team deeper strength.

• What are your contact details

  Sean lives in Dubai and the Pyrenees and as he is guiding the trips he is frequently travelling.
  -
  All messages will be responded to as quickly as possible.
  -
  Try these different options
  -
  Whatsapp +447507886417
  UAE +971585528611
  FR +33645518199
  SP +34605128807
  -
  [email protected]
  
  Zoom is also available

• Can I see more pictures and examples of the things that you do?

  Of course, email us at [email protected] for a link to more galleries

• Accommodation ?

  Everybody has different tastes and budgets so we leave the booking of accommodation to you.
  We have suggestions and can help you to find something suitable.
  Remember most of our courses are in mountain and ski resorts so accommodation fills up fast during the peak season.

• Travelling to my base for the week

  Most of our courses in the Pyrenees are centred around Font Romeu. This beautiful village is on the border of France and Spain and considers itself in Catalunya.
  The nearest airport is Barcelona. A train ride away (the nearest train station to Font Romeu is Puigcerda, 15 minutes away).
  You can also hire a car to get here or arrange a pickup.
  All of our courses start on a Monday so make sure you arrive on at least the Sunday before.
  If you have booked a bespoke course or an extension that covers the weekend we will send separate instructions.
  
  Other airports that are possible are Toulouse, Girona, Lleida.

• Are the weeks suitable for children?

  We can offer tailored weeks for children. Please let us know in advance as we would need to match suitable guests.

• What does the equipment rental package include ?

  • Walking poles
  • Day rucksack
  • Boots that are capable of taking a crampon
  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Ice axe
  
  The rental of touring skis, skins and boots is separate to the above and can be done directly in Font Romeu

• What other courses do you offer in 2023?

  This is the complete list for winter / spring 2023 in the Catalunya area
  They are all available on PremierOnline. We also offer expeditions and summer courses.
  
  January
  9 Mountain Expedition Training - Font Romeu, Pyrenees 5 days
  16 Advanced Mountain Expedition Training - Font Romeu, Pyrenees 5 days
  23 Ski touring & mountaineering in the Eastern Pyrenees, France, Spain and Andorra 5 days
  30 Mountain Fitness Training - Font Romeu, Pyrenees 5 days
  
  February
  6 Ice Climbing - Font Romeu, Pyrenees 5 days
  13 Advanced Mountain Expedition Training - Font Romeu 5 days
  20 Mountain Expedition Training - Andorre 5 days
  27 Bouldering in Albarracin, Montserrat, Spain 5 days
  
  March
  6 Mountain Fitness Training - Font Romeu 5 days
  13 Hiking and Via Ferrata in Catalunya - 5 days
  20 Beginners / Intermediate rock climbing in Margalef, Spain 5 days
  27 Multipitch rock climbing in Catalunya, 5 days