Ski Mountaineering

We ski from the top and the top is the summit…

Ski mountaineering is the merging of backcountry ski touring and the sport of mountaineering. It combines all the joy and hardship of earning your turns along with the rewards of basic mountaineering peak ascents. A typical ski mountaineering objective primarily involves a long ski ascent and descent on high alpine and glaciated terrain. Where it becomes mountaineering is that to reach the summit proper, one has to climb on foot over basic rock and/or ice on an exposed summit ridge or mountain face. Ski mountaineering is most rewarding to the skier who likes the added challenge of reaching a significant summit while ski touring.

Both Western Canada and the European Alps offer outstanding ski mountaineering venues for the intermediate to advance ski tourer. Spring is the optimal season for such trips. The deeper snowpack, more reliable weather conditions along with longer and warmer days all contribute to a more successful trip during spring season.

Browse our ski-mountaineering trips

Whether you are an advanced mountaineer with specific goals or interested in exploring a new discipline, Summit Mountain Guides has a ski mountaineering program from you. Choose from one of our programs below and contact us if you are interested in a custom trip.