Freeriding
Ski touring and round tours away from the marked slopes – guided by Skischule Arosa's mountain and touring guides, in groups of up to 8 people.
The experience is greatest off the slope
Anyone who knows the edges of Arosa's slopes knows: away from the marked runs, the area has just as much to offer as on them. Our experienced snowsports instructors with touring training show you this side of Arosa – with the knowledge of which slope holds after fresh snowfall, and when it's better left alone.
Before you set off, we cover the basics: avalanche prevention, assessing conditions and handling the transceiver. After that, nothing stands between you and deep snow in a group of up to 8 people.
- For advanced skiers and snowboarders
- Maximum 8 people per group
- Avalanche safety equipment with transceiver, shovel and probe included
- Tours on every mountain around Arosa
Ski touring or round tour
You choose how you get to the powder – under your own steam or with help from the mountain lifts.
Ski touring
With climbing skins on your skis or splitboard, you climb up yourself. The ascent is part of the experience, the descent through untouched snow the reward. Fitness for a two to four hour climb is an advantage.
Round trip
You use the mountain lifts to combine several variants and powder slopes into one loop. Less climbing, more vertical descent – ideal for a first day off-piste.
Choosing a tour by conditions
We offer tours on all the mountains around Arosa. Snow cover, avalanche conditions and weather determine which one is possible – the tour guide sets the destination on the day itself.
How a freeride day unfolds
The day is set up as a daily rate, and we agree the times with you at booking.
Briefing and equipment
At the start, transceivers, shovels and probes are issued and checked, along with an introduction to avalanche prevention and searching with the transceiver. Only then do you head into the terrain.
Ascent or ride up
Depending on the chosen type of tour, uphill with skins or with the mountain lifts to the starting point. Pace and breaks are set according to the group.
Runs in deep powder
The tour guide chooses the slopes, sets the order of descent and gives feedback on deep-snow technique. For more detailed information in advance, we're available by phone.
Freeride tour
The tour is booked as a day rate, regardless of the tour format chosen. Booking is on request, so we can coordinate the guiding and the conditions.
Skis and touring equipment can be rented at most sports shops in Arosa. Adequate insurance cover is the participants’ responsibility; the ski school and tour guide accept no liability. You will receive binding prices once your enquiry is confirmed.
Anyone riding powder should have the knowledge too
For a systematic introduction to avalanche awareness and freeriding, there are two established offers in Arosa.
Mountain Surf Club
The Mountain Surf Club runs avalanche and freeride camps in the Swiss Alps, including in Arosa. The focus is on correct behaviour in the terrain and handling transceiver equipment – with as much practice and freeriding as possible.
Avalanche courses Arosa
Avalanche courses are regularly organised in Arosa, easy on the wallet and genuinely good fun. A good way to deepen the knowledge from your touring day.
Whole winter season
Freeride tours can be booked throughout the whole winter season, as soon as conditions allow. After fresh snowfall, mountain guides are booked out quickly – early enquiries pay off.
Frequently asked questions about freeriding
What is the difference between a skinning tour and a round trip?
On a ski tour, you climb under your own power on skis or a splitboard and then ride down through the deep snow. On the circular tour, you use the mountain lifts and link several descents off the slope, without a longer climb.
What do I need for a freeride tour?
Freeride tours are aimed at advanced skiers and snowboarders who are confident on every red slope. Before the first descent, we cover the basics of avalanche prevention and how to use the transceiver.
What does a freeride tour in Arosa cost?
The full-day rate starts at CHF 486 for one person; each additional person costs CHF 10 extra. Avalanche equipment including transceiver, shovel and probe is included; lift tickets must be purchased separately.
Is avalanche safety equipment included in the price?
Yes, Skischule Arosa provides the avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe. Skis, splitboards or touring boots can be rented at most sports shops in Arosa.
How many people can take part in a tour?
A group has a maximum of 8 people. This keeps guiding manageable and allows the tour to be adapted flexibly to conditions.
Do the tours run every day of the season?
No. The choice of tour depends on the current snow and weather conditions, so not every tour is possible every day. The safety of the group comes first, and the tour guide decides on site.