Off Piste Improvers - Tignes

Duration 8 Days » Grade Intermediate

Simon Christy instructing on the Off Piste Improvers course 2010 (www2), 45 kb

Simon Christy instructing on the Off Piste Improvers course 2010 Photo: © Alan Segar

Looking to further improve your off piste skiing technique? The Off Piste Improvers course is all about mileage and making the most of the conditions, whether it is fluffy powder or more challenging snow.

You can expect the instruction to be flexible, dealing with what comes up either in the snow, or with each course participants' skiing. We'll pull over onto to easier snow where needed to work on skills and to dial in those techniques. Overall, the aim of the week is to improve and refine our off piste skiing technique by covering as much ground as possible.

We offer courses in Tignes and Chamonix. Due to its high altitude, Tignes has more reliable snow conditions than many other resorts. It boasts an efficient lift system and over 300Km of pistes, which gives us quick access to the renowned off piste skiing of the Espace Killy from our chalet in Tigne Les Brevieres. If conditions allow, we may be able to attempt the Tarentaise Tour, an off piste circuit linking the resorts of Tignes, La Plagne and Les Arcs in one long and memorable day.

Chamonix is the crucible of extreme skiing, but you don't have to be an expert to enjoy the many off piste runs throughout the valley. There is amazing variety; with the backdrop of the high mountains ensuring it remains a world-class choice for off piste skiers. Get ready for the season with our Off Piste Skiing tips article.

Grade: Intermediate (See below for pre-course skiing ability)
Course base: Tignes

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:	Off-piste skills instruction 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 Improvers course is designed for those who have some off-piste experience (at least 1 week) or have completed a Off Piste Beginners course. The skiing will be mainly lift-accessed, though we may do some walking. A good level of fitness will allow you to enjoy full days of skiing and enable the best progress of your skiing... [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

Click to book a place online
Sat 29 Jan - Sat 5 Feb '11 Sat 12 Mar - Sat 19 Mar '11

Prices (choose currency)

Joining in	Tignes £895
Insurance	Course Only £48

Other Courses at this Grade

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

Course name	Days
Slovenian Ice	8
Ski Ortles Cevedale	8
Classic Rock Weekend	3
The Bocchette Way	8

Off-piste Skiing Courses