Ski Touring: Discovering the Winter Mountains
- Activity: Alpine Sports Base - Airolo
- Start date: 07 January 2027 / 18:00
- End date: 10 January 2027 / 18:00
- Location: Fuori sede
- Address: Casa della Sostenibilità, Via della Stazione 46, Airolo
- Course language:
- Italiano
- English
A camp dedicated to ski touring, combining nature, snow and discovery of the local area.
An experience for those who love the mountains in winter and would like to discover ski touring or improve their technique while exploring the snow-covered landscapes of the Airolo region and Val Bedretto.
During the camp, participants will take part in ski touring excursions using climbing skins, combining uphill and downhill technique with the discovery of the surrounding area. Routes will be selected and adapted according to the participants’ level, snow and weather conditions, and safety considerations.
Level
The camp is intended for participants who already have a good command of alpine skiing.
Participants must be able to ski with parallel turns and be comfortable skiing on natural snow and ungroomed terrain.
A good level of physical fitness is also required, as the excursions may involve several hours of activity, uphill sections with elevation gain and extended periods on the snow.
Previous experience with climbing skins is not required. During the camp, participants will receive guidance on uphill techniques, the use of ski touring equipment and the different stages of a ski touring excursion.
Programme
During the three days, ski touring excursions will be organised in the Airolo and Val Bedretto region.
Possible destinations include Capanna Föisc, Lago delle Pigne and the Nufenen Pass area. The final routes will be selected according to snow and weather conditions, safety considerations and the characteristics of the group.
The programme may include:
- introduction to the use of ski touring equipment;
- uphill techniques using climbing skins;
- kick turns and uphill techniques on different gradients;
- excursions of progressive difficulty;
- downhill techniques on natural snow;
- guidance on how to move safely and responsibly in a winter mountain environment.
The destinations and routes indicated are for guidance only and may be changed, even at short notice, depending on mountain conditions and on-site assessments.
Personal equipment
Participants must bring suitable sports clothing 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/beanie
Other items
- Sunglasses or ski goggles
- Sunscreen
- Backpack
- Thermos and/or water bottle
- Towels
- Casual clothing for leisure time
- Board games
Any additional equipment required will be communicated before the camp.
Equipment provided by the Sports Service
Sports equipment can be rented directly on site for a daily flat rate of CHF 20.–.
The following equipment is available:
- skis;
- poles;
- ski boots;
- helmet;
- ski goggles.
Participation
The camp will be confirmed with a minimum of 5 participants, with a maximum of 12 participants.
The camp is intended for skiers who meet the level requirements described above. Previous ski touring experience is not required.
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 not included and are the responsibility of participants.
Any food intolerances or allergies must be indicated when registering.
Bed linen
To help us reduce our environmental impact, we recommend bringing your own bed linen:
- 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 complete bed linen set can be rented at the Alpine Sports Base for CHF 15.–.
Transport
The Sports Service provides students and staff with return train travel to Airolo, an environmentally friendly option that reduces the impact of travel and ensures a convenient journey for everyone.
For all other participant categories, a special USI Sport train ticket is available for CHF 12.– each way.
If, during the camp, it is necessary to travel from Airolo to another location for the sports activities, the Sports Service may organise train travel at scheduled group times.
There are no free parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of the Casa della Sostenibilità.
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 rate and subsequently the standard rate will apply.
The fee includes:
- accommodation;
- half board (breakfast and dinner);
- return train travel to Airolo.
Participants are responsible for:
- lunches;
- optional rental of Sports Service equipment (CHF 20.– per day);
- optional bed linen rental (CHF 15.–).
| Category | Early booking | Intermediate rate | Standard rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| USI/SUPSI students | CHF 141 | CHF 153 | CHF 165 |
| USI/SUPSI staff and academic staff; Students from other Swiss universities; City of Lugano employees; USI Alumni | CHF 186 | CHF 198 | CHF 210 |
| Accompanying persons and family members; SUPSI Alumni | CHF 210 | CHF 222 | CHF 234 |
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.
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.
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.