Off Piste Introduction - The 3 Valleys

Duration 8 Days » Grade Introductory

Off Piste Introduction Photo: © Tom Briggs

“The course was perfect - Simon Christy is an amazing instructor/coach. My skiing really came on. I'll be back to do the Off Piste Improvers next year.”
PD, Off Piste Introduction 2011

A pure off piste week designed for piste skiers who want to make the transition to skiing off piste. The focus of the week is on the techniques required to ski powder and on improving your performance and turns in all snow types.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your skiing technique and to acquire the skills required to safely get to those hidden powder stashes, remote gullies and explore the wild areas "off the back".

These include 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, giving you a framework of action for if things go wrong.

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.

Course base: The 3 Valleys

Course Structure

Courses are instructed at a maximum ratio of 1:6 and include 6 full days of instruction. 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. 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

Grade: 7A [ Ski Grading ]
The Off Piste Introduction 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!... [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]

Latest Reports & Photos (Feb '11)

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Dates

Click to book a place online
Sat 25 Feb - Sat 3 Mar '12 Sat 12 Jan - Sat 19 Jan '13 Sat 19 Jan - Sat 26 Jan '13 Sat 26 Jan - Sat 2 Feb '13

Prices (choose currency)

Joining in	Brides les Bains £775
Insurance	Course Only £59

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	10
Alpine Introduction	7
Haute Route Mont Blanc Extension	6
Mont Blanc Summit	8

Off-piste Skiing Courses