Off Piste Introduction - The 3 Valleys

Duration 8 Days » Grade Introductory

Off Piste Introduction Photo: © Tom Briggs

"I was surprised at the high quality and flexibility of instruction, causing everyone to progress very quickly. Our group was well streamed, with everyone of similar ability allowing us to progress to much more challenging and satisfying skiing than I had previously hoped the course would provide." AC, Off Piste Introduction, Jan '10

A pure Off Piste week designed for piste skiers looking to make the transition to skiing off piste. This is an exciting opportunity to acquire the skills required to safely get to those hidden powder stashes, remote gullies and explore the wild areas "off the back". We use the excellent lift system covering the whole of the 3 valleys, with local resident, ski guide and BASI Trainer, Simon Christy, showing you some of the best lines, away from the crowds.

Skills covered start with the basics of avalanche safety: assessment and reading terrain, with a high priority being placed on judging your surroundings on an ongoing basis, and skiing safely as a group. Use of transceivers, probes and shovels, and effective rescue gives you a framework of action for if things go wrong. Each day is split into a morning and afternoon session, where you will work technique on the piste, then translate these skills into skiing the variable snow types found off piste. Expect some back country adventures, descents of north facing couloirs and untracked slopes. Most of all, the week is designed to be a lot of fun, so bring along a sense of humour and desire to learn!

Get ready with our Off Piste Skiing tips article.

Grade: Introductory (See below for pre-course skiing ability)
Course base: The 3 Valleys

Course Structure

Courses are instructed at a maximum ratio of 1:6 and include 6 full days of instruction. Most days comprise technical sessions on or off the pistes, along with plenty of practice time to put these skills into action. As the course progresses, we take longer descents taking more of the day. Course schedules are subject to change depending on weather and snow conditions.

Outline Programme

Day 1:	Course participants meet at the course base at 7pm. Briefing on the week's activities in the evening.
Day 2:	An introduction to the basics of off-piste technique and the essential safety aspects.
Day 3-7:	Intensive off-piste instruction and ski workshops. Be prepared to have a lot of fun and to work hard.

Pre-Course Skiing Ability

The Off Piste Introduction - The 3 Valleys course is designed for piste-skiers, who can ski red runs confidently. The course will mainly make use of lifts to access the skiing, though we may do small amounts of walking to get to the best snow. You should be prepared to ski full days (with a lunch break) at a reasonable pace. Falling over is de rigeur! For a detailed overview of our ski grading, and the level you should be skiing at to join this course... [read more]

Avalanche Awareness and Risk

As soon as we head off-piste we need to be aware of avalanche risks, although some areas close to the resort may be controlled. Yours coaches/guides are all well versed in avalanche avoidance and will educate you in safety matters and rescue procedures. However, by its very nature, off-piste skiing is a risky business, not just because of avalanche danger, but also from the danger posed by hidden rocks, streams, small cliffs or tree branches, not to mention other skiers.

Further Information

Find out more about our coaches, the skiing venues, transport and accommodation, equipment, insurance and course inclusions and exclusions... [read more]

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Dates

2011 dates to be announced
Please register your interest

Prices (choose currency)

Joining in
Insurance	Course Only £52

Other Courses at this Grade

These courses have a similar grade and might also suit you. They are all considered to be 'introductory courses'.

Course name	Days
Haute Route Mont Blanc Extension	5
Oberland Traverse	8
Rock Introduction Bank Holiday	4
Introductory Winter Mountaineering	6

Off-piste Skiing Courses