Ski, Snowboard and Cross-country skiing Courses: From Beginners to Intermediate

• Activity: Alpine Sports Base - Airolo
• Start date: 10 February 2027 / 18:00
• End date: 13 February 2027 / 18:00
• Location: Fuori sede
• Address: Casa della Sostenibilità, Via della Stazione 46, Airolo
• Course language:
  • Italiano
  • English

Enjoy a snow experience combining technique, fun and the mountains! 
The camp includes courses in alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing, led by qualified instructors. 
At the time of registration, each participant chooses one discipline to follow for the entire camp.

The courses include 2 hours of lessons per day and are designed both for those trying the discipline for the first time and for those who wish to improve their technique, control and independence.
Alpine skiing and snowboarding activities take place mainly in Airolo-Pesciüm. Cross-country skiing will be organised on trails suited to the snow conditions and the level of the group.

The rest of the day is dedicated to independent practice or relaxation. Participants who wish to further improve their skills may add extra lesson hours directly on site.

Course levels

Beginners

• Alpine skiing
  For those who have never skied before or have only had their first experiences and are not yet able to perform a snowplough turn independently.
• Snowboarding
  For those who have never snowboarded before or have only had their first experiences and still require assistance to control the board and tackle simple descents.
• Cross-country skiing
  For those who have never practised cross-country skiing or have only had limited experience. The course introduces participants to the equipment, balance, gliding, braking and basic techniques.

Basic level

• Alpine skiing
  ability to brake using the snowplough technique;
  basic ability to perform snowplough turns on blue slopes.
• Snowboarding
  ability to descend blue slopes using sideslipping along the fall line;
  ability to use a magic carpet lift independently.
• Cross-country skiing
  ability to move independently on flat or gently undulating terrain;
  knowledge of basic movements, gliding and braking;
  ability to complete simple routes.

Intermediate

• Alpine skiing
  ability to perform turns using the snowplough technique on red slopes.
• Snowboarding
  ability to perform frontside and backside turns on red slopes;
  ability to use drag lifts or button lifts.
• Cross-country skiing
  good independence on easy trails;
  ability to manage climbs, descents and changes of direction;
  aim to improve smoothness, coordination and technique.

Activity programme

The programme may be adapted according to weather and snow conditions, lift operations and the characteristics of the group.

If conditions at the planned location are unsuitable, the Sport Service may organise a transfer to another location to allow the activity to take place.

Personal equipment

Participants must wear sports clothing suitable for the activity. We recommend dressing in layers.

Clothing

• Base layer: technical underwear (synthetic fibre or merino wool)
• Mid layer: fleece or insulated jacket
• Outer layer: waterproof/windproof jacket and trousers (e.g. Gore-Tex)
• Snow gloves
• Neck warmer
• Headband/hat

Other accessories

• Sunglasses or ski goggles
• Sunscreen
• Backpack
• Thermos flask and/or water bottle
• Towels
• Leisure clothing
• Board games

Any additional equipment required will be communicated before the camp.

Equipment provided by the Sport Service 

Sports equipment can be rented directly on site for a daily flat rate of CHF 20.–.

Depending on the chosen discipline, the following equipment is available:

• alpine skis or snowboard;
• cross-country skiing equipment;
• poles;
• boots;
• helmet;
• goggles.

Participation

The camp will be confirmed once a minimum of 5 participants has been reached, with a maximum of 12 participants.

Individual courses will be confirmed with a minimum of 2 participants per discipline and level. If the selected course does not reach the minimum number of participants, the Sport Service will contact the participant directly to propose an alternative activity, where possible.

Accommodation and meals

Accommodation is provided at the Casa della Sostenibilità in Airolo, in shared rooms for 6 people, with shared bathrooms and private showers.

Breakfast and dinner are included and provided at the accommodation. Lunches are at the participants' own expense.

Any food intolerances or allergies must be indicated at the time of registration.

Bed linen

To help us reduce our environmental impact, we recommend bringing your own bed linen set:

• pillowcase 50 × 70 cm;
• fitted sheet 80 × 200 cm;
• duvet cover 140 × 200 cm.

Sleeping bag liners and sleeping bags are not permitted.

Alternatively, a bed linen set can be rented at the Alpine Sports Base for CHF 15.–.

Transport

The Sports Service offers students and staff train transport to Airolo and back, an environmentally friendly option that reduces the environmental impact and ensures a comfortable journey for everyone. 
For other participant categories, a train ticket at the special USI Sport rate is available for CHF 12.– per journey.

If it becomes necessary during the camp to travel from Airolo to another location for the sports activities, the Sports Service may organise the train journey according to scheduled group travel times.

There are no free parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of the Casa. 
The only free parking area is available here.

Price

The price varies according to the participant category and the time of registration. By booking further in advance, participants can benefit from the most advantageous rate; as the camp date approaches, the intermediate and standard rates will progressively apply.

The fee includes:

• ski pass or access to the trails required for the chosen discipline;
• accommodation;
• half board (breakfast and dinner);
• 2 hours of lessons per day;
• train transport to and from Airolo.

The following costs are borne by participants:

• lunches;
• optional rental of Sport Service equipment (CHF 20.– per day);
• optional rental of the bed linen set (CHF 15.–).
• optional additional lessons (CHF 10.– per hour).

Rate deadlines

• Early booking: more than 5 months before the start of the camp;
• Intermediate rate: from 5 to 3 months before the start of the camp;
• Standard rate: less than 3 months before the start of the camp.
   

At the time of purchase, participants must select the category corresponding to their profile. The Sport Service reserves the right to request documentation proving eligibility for the selected rate.

Registration and payment

Registration is confirmed once the fee corresponding to the participant's category and applicable rate has been paid.

As the price increases progressively as the date of the activity approaches, we recommend registering in advance to benefit from the most convenient rate.

REGISTER BY COMPLETING THE FORM

At the time of registration, participants must select the discipline they wish to follow throughout the entire camp.

Registrations will be accepted until 5 days before the start of the camp. Late registrations cannot be considered.

By proceeding with the purchase, the user accepts the Sport Service's instructions and rules of conduct, available in the "Attachments" section.

Do you have any questions? Contact us on WhatsApp

Refund policy

• 90% refund upon presentation of a medical certificate;
• 80% refund for cancellations communicated at least 2 weeks before the start of the camp;
• 50% refund for cancellations communicated between 2 weeks and 1 week before the start of the camp;
• No refund for cancellations communicated less than 1 week before the start of the camp or in the event of non-participation.

To submit a refund request, please contact the Sport Service by email, specifying the event and the reason for cancellation. The applicable refund conditions will be determined according to the date on which the request is submitted.
 

If the camp is cancelled by the Sports Service due to weather or organisational reasons, participants will receive a full refund of the fee paid.