Winterway 2012 is a new series of skimountaineering courses. This year they come in two flavours. For those who are just starting with skimountaineering there is the traditional Winterway Classic. This includes crossing of the main ridge of the Low Tatra Mts. from Ďurková to Chabenec, Chopok, and Ďumbier. For experienced riders there is Winterway Freeride, which is more about freeride skiing. This will be held in Žiarska Valley in Western Tatra Mts. Both courses are prepared in association with Slovak Skimountaineering Association . They are prepared by experienced professionals - UIAGM mountain guides and experienced freeriders - Miso Sekelsky, Peter Matura, Jaro Vondercik, and Iva Filova.

Both courses - Classic and Freeride - share some of the program. We will practice walking on skins, improve the freeskiing techinique, learn how to use GPS. We will evaluate the avalanche risk, learn how to search in avalanche and practice rescue techniques. In a discussion with the mountain guide we talk about avalanche prevention as welll as about experiences from Himalayan expeditions. Building an igloo and winter bivouac also remains an unforgettable experiences. Winterway Classic also includes a 2-day crossing of the main Low Tatra Mts. ridge, starting from Ďurková through Mt. Chabenec, Mt. Kotliská, Mt. Dereše, and Mt. Chopok to Mt. Ďumbier (the highest point), followed by a great ride of 1000 altitude meters to Trangoška. Of course, Winterway Freeride has much more free skiing in pristine terrain, but before that we will have to climb Smutné Saddle, Mt. Baníkov and Mt. Baranec. Both courses are also open for snowboard riders.

You need: be in good shape, have experience in downhill skiing, have skimountaineering equipment (skis with skimountaineering/freeriade binding, skins, skimountaineering/freeride boots), warm clothing, good sleeping bag&pad, food, drink, be a mountain fan and be willing to cooperate in a team.

You receive: instructors and mountain guides, accommodation, avalanche equipment (shovel, beeper, probe), training program, experience you don't forget.

Dates: 8.-11.3.2012 (Classic)
               5.-8.4.2012 (Freeride)

Location: Nízke Tatry - Chopok (Classic)
             Západné Tatry - Žiarska dolina (Freeride)

Price: 115 EUR. Clenovia SSA and Alpenverein members can use membership discount, which they received at registration.