Ability Level

SME caters to strong downhill skiers on alpine touring skis, telemark skis or snowboarders who are in physically good shape.

It is important to stress that all SME's programs take place in the high, rugged mountains of the northern Selkirk Mountains. The rugged terrain here is neither flat, nor gentle, nor rolling. Instead, it is very remote and wild. SME offers mountain skiing on telemark or alpine touring (randonée skis) and on snowboards. It is difficult to describe to potential guests exactly the level of fitness and the ability that is required to participate in and enjoy a SME Powder Ski-Touring and Ski Mountaineering program.

Ski-touring in the mountains does not call for a picture perfect skiing style. However, it is important that can safely link 30 turns and ski a controlled fall-line in deep snow conditions. Most of the runs have steep sections to be skied equal to those found in the "black diamond runs" at international ski resorts.

Powder ski-touring and ski mountaineering is a physically demanding sport. It requires that you are very fit and healthy, and that you are able to climb on skis a minimum of over 5,500 vertical feet each day of your mountain holiday. The photos throughout this web site show the terrain that you will ski during an average week at the Durrand Glacier - Mt. Moloch area.

At Durrand Glacier - Mt. Moloch area SME skis in two groups (one faster group and one less fast group) as our primary objective is that you get the most out of your SME holiday. If you are a strong skier who wants to climb most of the peaks and ski your personal limit, SME can accommodate you in the faster group. On the other hand, if you prefer a less fast pace, while climbing some of the scenic peaks and skiing unforgettable powder on long glaciers, then that experience can also be provided.

It should be noted that skiing in the "less fast" group also requires the level of skiing described above, and skiers must also be capable of climbing at least 5,500 vertical feet per day.

Steep Skiing Camps: You will be skiing very exposed alpine routes of up to 45 degrees. There might be routes that have to be climbed from below, up the face or the couloir. Note: The steepness and exposure of routes will depend on general conditions and the weather.

You have to be an absolutely excellent skier, feel comfortable while skiing extremely exposed runs with an incline of up to 45 degrees. Further you have to be physically in excellent shape.

It is possible to take a day off from skiing and just enjoy the ambiance of the Chalet with its comfortable living space and unparalleled view of the surrounding peaks.