Leave the lift lines behind and step into the silence of the Balkans. Nestled within the rugged peaks of the Šar and Accursed Mountains, Kosovo offers one of Europe’s last great wildernesses—the perfect classroom for those ready to trade groomed runs for untouched powder. This 6-day introductory course is designed to transform confident resort skiers and snowboarders into self-sufficient backcountry explorers. Guided by UIAGM Mountain Guide Roberto and the experts at Snowbusters, you won't just follow a track; you’ll learn to create your own. Our "Ride it UP, LEARN and DOWN" philosophy ensures you build a solid foundation through hands-on experience. From mastering the art of the kick-turn and efficient transitions to understanding snowpack stability and companion rescue, every day is a blend of technical coaching and breathtaking touring. The terrain here is exceptionally beginner-friendly, featuring mellow glades and open bowls that allow you to focus on your technique without the pressure of extreme slopes. You’ll skin between 600m and 1,000m of vertical gain daily, earning every turn in a landscape that feels worlds away from the crowded Alps. Between sessions, you'll immerse yourself in authentic Balkan hospitality, sharing hearty local meals and stories by the fire. Whether you’re a skier looking to explore beyond the ropes or a snowboarder making the switch to a splitboard, this journey provides the skills, safety knowledge, and confidence to unlock a lifetime of mountain adventure. Come for the learning, stay for the powder, and leave with the freedom to roam.

What will I learn from this course?
By the end of this course, you'll have the skills and confidence to safely plan and execute backcountry ski touring and splitboard descents. Through small-group coaching with a UIAGM Mountain Guide, you'll build a solid foundation in uphill skinning technique, kick turns, and efficient group movement, while progressing from gentle skin tracks to your first backcountry powder turns. Daily technique sessions before each touring day will refine your off-piste skiing, and hands-on avalanche training, beacon/probe/shovel practice, and a dedicated avalanche lecture will give you the practical judgment to read terrain and snowpack conditions. You'll also cover first aid basics and tour planning theory, so you leave equipped not just to ski better, but to move through the mountains more independently and safely, all set against an authentic Balkan mountain experience with local food and lodging.