Off Piste Perfection - Verbier

Duration 8 Days » Grade Advanced

Off Piste Perfection Photo: © Jim Blyth

A pure off-piste week with a blend of instruction and exciting descents designed to help you perfect your technique. Hotel based in Orsières for maximum flexibility, this course gives skiing at fantastic little spots such as Bruson, Super St. Bernard, Champex, Ovronnaz, Les Vichères and of course Verbier itself. Local expert, Philippe Terrettaz, a fluent English speaking off-piste ski guide and instructor will accompany Simon Christy. Get ready for the 2008 season with our Off Piste Skiing tips article.

Grade: Advanced (See below for pre-course skiing ability)
Course base: Verbier

Course Structure

On our Off-piste Perfection course, you can expect to be working on skills whilst making big and varied off-piste descents throughout the week. 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 Perfection course is designed for intermediate to advanced off-piste skiers who are able to ski efficiently and in control on all snow types. We use skins on several days and will offer all the tips for easy uphill travel if this is new to you. As this week may involve sections of uphill skinning/walking a good level of fitness will allow you to enjoy the descents and improve your skiing further.

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]