Splitboarding Skills 3 day Chamonix

Learn Splitboarding in Chamonix – A 3-Day Splitboarding Skills Course

Step beyond the resort and into the backcountry with our 3-day splitboarding course in Chamonix, designed for confident snowboarders who want to learn the essential skills of touring. Set in the heart of the Alps, this fully guided course is the ideal introduction to splitboarding and backcountry travel — from using skins and managing avalanche safety to developing efficient uphill techniques and navigating alpine terrain.

For years, snowboarders were limited by resort boundaries or the challenge of boot-packing through deep snow. Splitboarding has changed that. With lightweight, user-friendly equipment, you can now travel efficiently in the mountains and experience the freedom of riding untouched descents far from the crowds.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is for intermediate to advanced snowboarders who are confident off-piste and looking to take their skills beyond the resort. You don’t need prior splitboarding experience, but you should be fit, adventurous, and ready for long days on the mountain. Whether you're travelling solo or with friends, this course brings together like-minded riders who want to learn and ride together in a supportive and social environment.

What You’ll Learn

Over three full days on snow, you’ll build the foundational skills needed to safely explore the backcountry. The course includes practical instruction on:

• Route planning and navigation

• Skinning technique and kick turns

• Avalanche awareness and transceiver use

• Recognising and avoiding avalanche terrain

• Glacier travel and emergency procedures

• Use of crampons and an ice axe in alpine terrain

Your instructor will tailor sessions to the group’s ability and current snow conditions, ensuring a progressive and rewarding learning experience.
Please note: Course content and objectives may vary depending on weather, snow conditions, and the overall experience level of the group.

Why Learn in Chamonix?

There’s no better classroom than Chamonix, the home of alpinism. Its varied terrain, reliable snow, and world-class guiding infrastructure make it the ideal location to develop your backcountry skills. With support from the Mountain Tracks team you’ll also get expert advice on equipment, preparation, and where this journey can take you next.

Your Next Step: Hut-to-Hut Splitboard Tours

After completing this course, you’ll be ready to join one of our multi-day hut-to-hut splitboarding adventures, such as:

• Silvretta Alps Traverse

• Dolomites Circuit

• Tour de Soleil

• Mt Etna Tour

2026

The price includes:

• all guiding fees and expenses
• 3 nights B&B hotel accommodation (twin rooms)
• in-resort transfers

 
The price does not include:

• lift pass
• lunches
• beverages
• equipment hire
• personal insurance
• travel to/from Chamonix

 
 *Single rooms are subject to availability and a supplement.
 

Clients who book our 3-day Skills Course receive a £75 discount towards one applicable additional trip booked within the same season. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

Your Financial Protection
ATOL
£2.50 per person of the cost of any air package is paid to the Civil Aviation Authority to provide ATOL Protection to you. This means the money paid for these arrangements is fully protected. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2911. For more information see our booking terms and conditions.
ABTOT
ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in Holiday Information.
Ski Club Winter Arrangements limited (trading as Mountain Tracks)
Registered in England No. 2099115. VAT No. GB 461 5692 34

We accept the following payment methods

This is an extensive list of the recommended clothing and equipment you will need if you are coming to one of our Ski Touring Skills courses. 

On these courses, you'll be staying in a comfortable catered chalet or hotel and so when skiing you only need to carry a small day pack, which contains your safety equipment and any personal items you may need.

If you are uncertain or need further information, don't hesitate to contact us.

• Splitboarding - Equipment

  For all splitboarding trips, it is essential that you riding a fully functional splitboard. Snowshoeing is not suitable for multiday hut to hut touring. 

  Splitboarding is still gaining traction in the rental market. This means that currently many resorts around the alps have little or no splitboard rental options. We are always on the lookout for rental options and are happy to help you find a solution if you are having trouble finding rental equipment. 

  Splitboard

  Splitboards come in many different shapes, sizes, configurations and weights. For hut to hut touring you should always look for a lighter weight setups or easy to use hardware. If you are joining a day touring trip or off-piste adventure advanced course where you will be doing short tours with a focus on powder hounding - surf or fish style boards are sensational, as will be any all mountain or freeride designed split. 

  There are lots of different brands on the market. Currently, the quality of build, uphill and downhill performance can vary and the price isn't always a direct indicator or performance. With such growth in the industry, we recommend you get in contact with us if you have any questions about purchasing a splitboard. Our team has a huge amount of splitboarding experience and we love to talk kit!

  The length of your ride is a pretty personal choice. For backcountry riding, we recommend a board that stands about equal height with your nose with the tail of the board flat against your big toe. Directional flex or a setback stance is beneficial for crushing avalanche debris and generally cruddy snow that you will almost always encounter on long descents. 

  Width should be a major consideration. although a wider board will float better, they can be an utter nightmare in touring mode. The extra width can make it very difficult to hold the inside edge when traversing uphill on firm snow. This problem is amplified by the flexible nature of soft snowboard boots. a board that is too wide will sap your energy and ruin your day. 

  Boots

  There is currently a confusing array of boots on the market. It is important to note that you do not need splitboard specific boots, but they do have some benefits. Any stiff all mountain or freeride snowboarding boot will do the job, If your boots are soft or flexed out from a few seasons use you may want to consider a new pair. 

  Splitboard specific boots are typically very stiff, they have sole which is suited to scrambling uphill on snow and rock. The sole is often wider and with a square edge to help you gain a mechanical advantage over the waist of your ride while in uphill mode. Finally, they may have a lip on the heel of the boot which is suitable for semi-automatic crampons. If you boot cannot take a semi-automatic crampon you can simply use something like a Grivel G-10 as an alternative.

   Hard-booting is becoming more popular each year and is worthy of consideration for any keen hut to hut tourer or aspiring splitboard mountaineer. With rapidly evolving tech and fresh ideas each season its best to email us if you have any questions about hard-booting. 

  Bindings

  Splitboard bindings have advanced in leaps and bounds in recent years. In this instance, you typically do get what you pay for. Cheap binding conversion kits are okay but not great and we really don't recommend these. Bindings form a critical part of your setup and it is worth investing time into researching the different configurations and considering how they will work for you when you are deep in the backcountry. Every gram of weight matters, the lighter the weight the higher the price is the general trend, the prices can be eye-watering but it if your serious about where your ride will take you, it is worth it. 

  Ski Poles

  Poles that collapse into three sections are perfect. Cheap poles can and do fail, freeze, seize and rust. Trust us, if your pole breaks or fails it is a serious problem. When heading uphill the pole needs to hold your body weight and you need to trust it won't collapse or telescope back into a kiddies pole suddenly as this could lead to a series injury, long fall or an uncontrolled slide back down the mountain. 

  Rucksack

  For most trips especially multi-day hut-to-hut tours you will need a 35 - 40-litre rucksack. You might get away with a big 30-litre pack if you are an experienced tourer and know what to pack. Most people will find a 35-40 liter pack is a good size for touring. You should only consider rucksacks which are designed for backcountry and multi day use. 
  
  Key features of a good splitboarding pack: 

  • a method of attaching your board in either an A-frame (one paddle split either side) or both together on a vertical carriage
  • easy access into the main compartment without having to empty the sack to get something at the bottom
  • separate pocket for avalanche shovel, handle and probe
  • small top pocket for items like wallet, sunglasses/goggles etc; an ice axe loop
  • a built-in rain cover and a secure method of attaching/stowing a ski helmet 
  • good hip/waist belt and adjustable shoulder straps

  Avalanche airbag rucksacks can be used for touring but they are heavy, adding somewhere between 5-8kg just for an empty pack plus canister. So unless you are sure you can carry it and fit all you need in, we do not recommend you use one. 

  Over a long multiday tour, every gram of weight is important as you have to carry and move it yourself. Carrying a heavy pack will hinder and tire all but the most experienced and fit ski tourer.

   

   

   

• Splitboarding - Technical kit
  • Skins – these are skins which, now made of artificial fabric, stick to the bottom of your board when it is in touring mode, skis and allow you to walk uphill. They must be cut to fit your paddles exactly, so if you are bringing your own skis you must provide your own skins.
  • Board Crampons (aka couteaux) - most bindings have ski crampons specifically designed for the binding. We always carry these just in case. Again if you are bringing your own ride and bindings you must provide your own ski crampons. 
  • Ice Axe - general lightweight mountaineering / alpine pick. Ideally, this needs to be short enough to fit in your pack.
  • Boot Crampons - ideally lightweight aluminium ones although steel crampons are required for more demanding tours
  • Climbing Harness - a simple lightweight harness. The key feature is that it should have fully adjustable leg loops for putting on over ski boots, crampons, etc.

  
  On some tours in non-glaciated terrain, an ice-axe, boot crampons and climbing harness may not always be required. However, as conditions and itineraries can change we do generally recommend that you bring these items with you. If you do not own these items they can be rented to you by our guides or via one of the local sports shops
• Splitboarding - Clothing

  When choosing clothing for a day of touring in the mountains you want to think light, warm and versatile. During the trip weather conditions will change and you’re likely to go from warm afternoons where you’ll be carrying most of your gear in your rucksack, to icy-cold mornings when you’re wearing everything to keep warm! Getting hold of the best and lightest kit available is always worth it and most of the major brands will be able to supply a suitable kit.

  This season, we’ve partnered with Ortovox to provide us with the very best safety kit and clothing. Our guides will all be decked out in the latest Ortovox jackets and trousers and will keep warm, dry and comfortable thanks to their technical wool base- and mid-layers. Our guides couldn’t recommend their kit more highly.

   

  • Roll neck rather than a scarf. We use and recommend the 'Buff' a light, stretchable tube. Excellent despite the name! They do both a fleece/cotton version for warmth or just a cotton one (to keep the sun off).
  • Headwear to include warm hat and sun-cap or wide-brim hat for extra protection from the sun. Mountain Tracks fully supports the wearing of helmets for skiing, Mountain Tracks guides are allowed to enforce helmets if they think it is required if you are unsure please contact us to clarify. 
  • An outer shell jacket made of waterproof and breathable material like Gore-Tex or similar with a built-in hood. The lighter the better and so a shell is recommended rather than an insulated jacket.
  • 1-2 thin fleeces - rather than a thick layer between your skin and the outer shell - an approach which gives better heat retention and good flexibility. These tops are known as ‘mid layers’. The principle of ‘layering’ e.g. allowing you to easily add/remove layers depending on the temperature and the activity is recommended to ensure comfort on the mountain.
  • Insulation layer like a down or Primaloft jacket is a good item to have ready to wear in the event of cold weather, it can live in your rucksack as a spare layer and can come in very handy for sudden changes in the weather.
  • For the lower half, it’s essential that you have a pair of thermal base layer pants (long johns).
  • These can then be combined with either: (a) a good pair of ‘technical shell’ pants in a waterproof and breathable fabric like Gore-Tex (b) a pair of mountain or alpine pants in a softshell material together with a pair of lightweight, breathable over trousers with long side zips.
  • Top and bottom underwear made of a synthetic, wicking material. Very popular at the moment are the wool based layers from companies such as Ortovox. They are comfy, breathable and warm when needed and can be worn for days without your friends catching a whiff!
  • Good quality Gore-Tex gloves or mitts and a thin pair of softshell or fleece gloves for when it is hot and for touring in. Silk inner gloves can be useful if the weather is cold and you suffer from cold hands.
  • Technical Socks - Investing in good quality ski or snowboard socks will improve fit, warmth and feel when skiing for long periods. Bring along a few pairs.
• Splitboarding - rental/hiring

  Splitboarding is rapidly growing however, it is still not yet at a level that rental shops can readily own a supply of quality equipment. Many resorts around The Alps currently have zero stock for rental. Chamonix is an exception to this rule, and one of the main reasons many of our entry-level courses are based here.

  At Mountain Tracks we are tracking rental options as we discover them, please make contact with us if you require some help finding the equipment you need.

• Ski Touring Skills - Safety Equipment

  The “Safety Trilogy” - required on all our ski tours and off-piste courses.

  • Avalanche Transceiver/Beacon
  • Snow shovel
  • Avalanche probe

  We recommend simple and intuitive ORTOVOX AVALANCHE RESCUE KIT 3+

  Remember it is not enough just to carry this equipment; you have to know how to use it.
  How about joining one of our specialist avalanche courses – check out www.mountaintracks.co.uk/activity/avalanche-training
• Ski Touring Skills - Accessories
  • Good pair of ski goggles with a lens for low light is essential in the event of snow and poor visibility
  • Good quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection
  • 30-35 liter rucksack
  • 1 – 1.5 Liter water bottle – we don’t recommend hydration systems (e.g. camelbak) in winter as they can freeze.
  • Food – bring some of your favorite hill nibbles (chocolate, energy bars)*
  • Suncream and lip salve
  • Camera with a large capacity memory card!

• Insurance

  It is a condition of booking that you are insured for your chosen activity and the cover must include medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, third party risks and rescue (including helicopter rescue). You are strongly advised also to take out cover against cancellation and curtailment.

  For UK residents Ski Club Travel Insurance may be a suitable option.

  For more details and to purchase a policy online visit http://www.skiclubinsurance.co.uk/
  If you need assistance arranging your personal insurance please let us know.
   

• Travel to Chamonix

  You should arrange to arrive in Chamonix by late afternoon on the first day. 

  The most convenient airport is Geneva and from here the transfer time up to Chamonix by road is just 1 hr 15mins.  To travel between the airport and Chamonix we recommend you reserve a seat on one of the many commercial shuttle buses. 

  Want to take the train to the resort?  No problem – it’s possible to get to Chamonix by train from the UK using the Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris, then the TGV to Bellegarde and a regional train to Chamonix.  The journey can be done in 1 day. However, please note to arrive in Chamonix by 5pm you should be departing Paris between 9am and 10am, there is a small selection of options ranging from 5hr to 7hrs of travel. If you need to arrive late in the evening for any of our trips please discuss with us as soon as possible. 

  The London to Paris Eurostar timetable here 

• ETIAS & EES

  ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) 

  1. What is ETIAS?

     • Starting in the first half of 2025, travellers from over 60 visa-exempt countries will be required to have an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter most European countries within the Schengen Area.
     • ETIAS enhances security by checking the details of travellers before they arrive.
     • It is similar to systems like the ESTA (USA) and eTA (Canada).

  2. Who Needs ETIAS?

     • Travellers with British passports or passports from other visa-exempt countries must complete the ETIAS process.
     • Holders of EU or Schengen Area passports or valid EU/Schengen Area visas are exempt.

  3. Application Details:

     • ETIAS costs a 7EUR processing fee, waived for those under 18 or over 70.
     • Validity: Three years from application, tied to your passport’s validity.
     • New passport = new ETIAS.

  4. Application Form Questions:

     • Basic personal details (e.g., passport info, name, address, citizenship, gender).
     • Additional questions during the process (e.g., criminal history, past travel, health).

  5. Application Fee:

     • 7EUR euros.
     • Electronic payment via debit/credit card.

  6. Approval:

     • Most applicants receive approval within minutes.
     • Valid ETIAS visa waiver for three consecutive years.

  Remember to apply for ETIAS approval to explore your favourite European destinations! More details will be confirmed by ETIAS authorities. You can find additional information at the following links:

  • ETIAS Official Website 

   

   

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  EES (Entry/Exit System)

  The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system developed by the European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems. Its primary purpose is to register travellers from third countries each time they cross an EU external border. Here are the key points:

  1. What is EES?

     • The EES is an automated IT system designed for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay.
     • It records and stores the date, time, and place of entry and exit when these travellers cross the external borders of European countries using the EES.
     • The system calculates the duration of the authorized stay and generates alerts to EU Member States when the authorized stay expires.

  2. Who Is Affected?

     • The EES applies to non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay (up to 90 days within any 180 days) to European countries using the EES.
     • Exemptions apply; for example, holders of EU or Schengen Area passports or valid visas are exempt from EES registration.

  3. Advantages of EES:

     • Saves time by replacing manual passport stamping.
     • Automates border control procedures for more efficient travel.
     • It helps identify travellers who overstay or use fake identities or passports.
     • Contributes to preventing, detecting, and investigating serious criminal offences.

  • EES Official Website

   Remember, additional information about the EES system will be confirmed by authorities, including application acceptance details. For further resources, check out the ETIAS and the official EES website. 
  
    

• Ski Touring - Guides

  All our ski tours are led by our team of IFMGA Mountain Guides. The team is led by Olly Allen, Matt Dickinson and Nick Parks. 

• Accommodation

  You will stay in one of our preferred hotels in Chamonix or Argentiere. These are typically the Hotel Couronne 3* in the village of Argentiere or the Hotel Les Lanchers 3* in Chamonix Les Praz. Both offer comfortable rooms and serve a good breakfast and there are other facilities close by.

• Trip level & Stamina requirements

  To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, all participants must meet the specified skill and stamina levels required for each trip, as outlined on the trip’s page at the time of booking.

  Please keep the following in mind:

  1. Trip Requirements: Before booking your trip, please review and confirm that you meet the necessary skill and stamina levels. These requirements are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

  2. Guides' Discretion: Our guides and instructors are dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards. They have the authority to exclude any participant who does not meet the required skill or stamina levels or whose participation could compromise the group's safety. This decision will be made with the utmost consideration.

  3. Responsibility for Costs: Should you be unable to continue with the trip due to inadequate skill or stamina, any additional expenses incurred will be your responsibility.

  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Our goal is to provide a memorable and safe adventure for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns about the requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.

  For further information please refer to the Terms & Conditions. 

• Mountain Tracks Benefits Community

  When you book with Mountain Tracks, you’re not just securing your adventure—you’re joining our exclusive benefits community. As part of this community, you'll receive discounts from trusted suppliers, including retailers, transfer companies, rental shops, and more. Ski more, spend less!

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  Knowledge

  • WeMountain: 90% of avalanches are triggered by the victim or someone in their party. WeMountain offers e-learning courses that aim to educate and inform, helping to reduce accidents and save lives in the mountains. Enjoy a 20% discount with our code.
    Use code: SAFEWITHMOUNTAINTRACKS

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  Equipment

  • Lockwoods: Enjoy 15% off store-wide and 20% off avalanche safety equipment at this specialist ski and outdoor store.
  • Profeet: Get 10% off at Profeet, a London-based store known for their BASI certified platinum* boot fitting services.

  Note: For discount codes, please contact us directly. Existing clients will find these in our newsletter.

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  Rentals

  • Intersport: Save 10% on all rentals.
    Use code: mountaintracks
  • Skiset: Enjoy 5% off rentals.
    Use code: mountaintracks

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  Transfers

  • Mountain Drop-Offs: Get 10% off transfers.
    Use code: MTRKCHX
  • Alps2Alps: Save 10% on transfers.
    Use code: mountaintracks
  • LiftsTo

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  With these exclusive discounts, we make it easier for you to enjoy your mountain adventures. If you have any questions or need more details, don’t hesitate to contact us!