ALTITUDE MEDICINE IN PRACTICE
ALPINE SKI TOURING EXPEDITION
NEXT AVAILABLE COURSE
MORZINE, FRENCH ALPS
MAR 9TH - 15TH 2025
£1895 (IF BOOKED BEFORE NOV 30TH 2024)
EXPLORE THE MOUNTAINS AND LEARN HIGH ALTITUDE MEDICINE
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity” John Muir, 1901
Have you ever reached the top of a ski lift and looked in awe at the numerous untouched snowy peaks and valleys, adorned with fresh powder, and dreamed of how it would feel to ski there whilst also learning about altitude expedition medicine?
Have you ever felt that niggling guilt about the environmental impact of ski holidays and pondered how you could make this incredible sport more sustainable?
If yes, read on…
Overview | Entry Level | Intermediate | Expedition Itinerary | CPD | Logistics
overview
Building on the massive success and demand for last year’s course, we can now offer two altitude medicine courses: a beginners and intermediate/advanced course. The different levels reflect ski ability, not medical content.
If you are considering being an expedition medic in cold and high environments, then these altitude medicine courses are designed for you. These 5 day high alpine expeditions will combine world renown ski touring, staying in a remote mountain refuge, incredible off piste skiing and contemporary scenario based wilderness medicine with a remote and high altitude focus by experienced medical faculty.
Completing this altitude medicine course will not only equip you with the knowledge and skills to operate as a medic at high altitude, but also how to move safely and efficiently in snowy environments.
ALTITUDE MEDICINE COURSE – ENTRY LEVEL
(COMPETENT SKIERS, BUT NO SKI TOURING EXPERIENCE)
Ski touring epitomises skiing in its purest form. Equipped with skis featuring touring bindings and 'skins' underneath for efficient uphill travel, you will journey up the mountain, immersing yourself in the stunning alpine wilderness - a unique backdrop for your altitude medicine expedition. Upon reaching the summit, it's time to shed the skins, secure your bindings, and revel in guilt-free, well-deserved powder turns alongside newfound friends.
The European Alps offer an unrivalled terrain for ski touring adventures, boasting an extensive network of high mountain huts and refuges. Here, you can spend entire days ascending peaks and traversing valleys solely under human power, far from the sight of lifts. While the ascent is rewarding, epic powder descents are equally exhilarating, especially knowing that a warm, cosy hut and a hearty meal await you.
For your inaugural tour, proficiency in skiing is essential. You should feel confident and in control on French red pistes and be able to navigate a black piste, albeit with a degree of awkwardness. Familiarity with off-piste snow conditions, coupled with a can-do attitude and a passion for learning this exhilarating mountain sport, are prerequisites for an unforgettable ski touring experience.
ALTITUDE MEDICINE COURSE – INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
(COMPETENT SKIERS WITH SOME SKI TOURING EXPERIENCE)
Embark on a 4 day expedition ski tour with a slightly more advanced flavour as you stay in a remote mountain refuge for three nights. Longer days of touring with increased ascents await, promising exhilarating powder descents as your just reward. Guided by our seasoned French high mountain expert, you'll receive technical assistance to enhance your skills and confidence, unlocking access to more thrilling and diverse terrain.
To fully immerse yourself in this adventure, prior experience with touring bindings, skinning, and kick turns is beneficial. While there's time for familiarisation, a foundational understanding of these techniques is encouraged. Confident skiing abilities on red runs, adept navigation of black runs, and some experience on easy off-piste terrain will ensure you make the most of this unforgettable journey.
EXPEDITION itinerary
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Arrive in Saint-Jean-d’Aulps (Morzine)
Watch online lectures if not done so prior to course
Meet the Endeavour Medical team
Collect ski touring equipment by 7pm
Dinner in Saint-Jean-d'Aulps
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MORNING
Meet alpine guide
Finalise equipment
Ski touring training day on and off piste
Practice with ski touring equipment, boot and ski crampons
AFTERNOON
Review weather, snow conditions, and avalanche risk
Discuss expedition, risks, equipment, navigation and logistics
Overnight in Saint-Jean d’Aulps
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Expedition starts
Early departure with personal and group kit for 4 days
Tour to first hut
Training will take place both on the mountain and at the refuges. Timings will depend on weather/snow conditions and will vary day to day
You will have access to online lectures prior to the course. The teaching content during the course will be powerpoint free and involve only scenarios, case discussion, practical scenarios, and group peer learning
Altitude medicine topics covered during the expedition include:
Avalanche rescue including leadership and non technical skills
Altitude illness: AMS, HACE, HAPE
Trauma: fractures, splinting, major trauma and pain relief on the mountain
Hypothermia and cold injury
Expedition preparation, evacuation planning, communications, and medical kits.
Overnight in mountain refuge
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Full day on the mountain
Ad hoc training throughout the day and at refuge
Overnight in mountain refuge
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Early start
Aim to summit high altitude alpine peak (conditions allowing)
Medical scenarios on the mountain and at the refuge
Course dinner in refuge
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Final day of expedition
You will plan and lead this day with the guide
Ski tour back to start point
Expedition debrief
Return to Morzine
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Return ski equipment
Depart Morzine (own transfers)
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Endeavour courses deliver high-quality teaching in expedition and remote medicine. Teaching is led by experienced professionals in the field. It is immersive, holistic, and flexible to help all attendees meet their personal development goals.
All courses are directly aligned to the professional capabilities set out within UK Foundation Training and postgraduate specialty training curricula. Specifically, all courses cover clinical assessment and prioritisation, address complexity and uncertainty, communication skills, holistic planning, fitness for practice (well-being), ethical and legal principles, health promotion, illness prevention, and leadership.
Endeavour faculty are all familiar with principles of good supervision and training and can complete any work-based assessments undertaken during the course (including CEX and CBD). Reflective practice is encouraged.
This course offers 20 hours of CPD.
LOGISTICS
Course cost & LENGTH
£1895 (if booked by Nov 30th 2024) £1995 thereafter
March 3rd - 9th 2025 Morzine, French Alps
INCLUDED
✓ Course tuition | ✓ Ski Guide & Tuition | ✓ Ski Pass | ✓ Accommodation |
✓ Mountain refuges & meals in refuge | ✓ All safety equipment
NOT INCLUDED
Flight & Transfers to Morzine | Travel insurance | Ski touring equipment | Food or Travel in Morzine | Snacks & Alcohol
Feedback from our
ALTITUDE MEDICINE IN PRACTICE: ALPINE SKI TOURING EXPEDITION
“Best online lectures I have ever heard.”
“The structure allowed for time to ski or explore in the mornings, and the afternoons were full of engaging workshops with material that carried both great depth and breadth. I would strongly recommend this course!”
“I'm now sure that I want to pursue a career in wilderness and expedition medicine and can see a more clear path into it.
Thank you for all your inspiration.”
NEXT AVAILABLE COURSE
MORZINE, FRENCH ALPS
MAR 9th - 15th 2025
£1995
If you require further information about this course, please email us at: