Off Piste Introduction - The 3 Valleys

Overview

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Introduction

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 and to acquire the skills required to safely get to those hidden powder stashes, remote gullies and explore the wild areas "off the back".

The skills you will learn 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, give 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!

Local resident and BASI Coach, Neil Milne, instructs on our 3 Valleys courses.

Course base: Brides-les-Bains in the 3 Valleys

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Course Structure

The 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, you will ski longer descents taking more of the day. Course schedules are subject to change depending on weather and snow conditions.

Outline Programme

Day 1:	Transfer to course base. 7pm briefing on the week's activities. The Course Director will organise any hire equipment or boot fittings for the following morning.
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.
Day 8:	Dispersal. Breakfast will be provided on the last morning before leaving the course.

Pre-Course Skiing Ability

Grade: 7A [ Ski Grading ]
The course is suitable for those who can ski all red runs, consistently linking multiple turns and can tackle black runs without hesitation. Most course participants have probed the off piste lines between runs within the resort, but have had no formal instruction. The course will mainly use lifts to access the skiing, though you may do some up-hill 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 rigueur!

Avalanche Awareness and Risk

As soon as you head off piste, you need to be aware of avalanche risks, although some areas close to the resort may be controlled. Your 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.

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the ski or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

Dates & Prices

Date	Meeting in		Availability
Sat 7 Feb – Sat 14 Feb 2026	Brides-les-Bains		Available Book now »
2 places left with £75 early booking offer Head of Course Neil Milne	£1,375 £1,300

This course is available to book in GBP, USD and EUR.
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Group size: 3 people minimum.

Single room supplement: £200

For comparison, this course starts from £196 (GBP) per day (price Without Flights).

What the price includes

• 7 nights' hotel accommodation in Brides-les-Bains on a twin-sharing, half-board basis
• 6 days' ski instruction (including all the Instructor/Guide's fees and expenses). Ratio 1:6 maximum.
• Loan of Avalanche Safety Gear (digital transceiver, metal shovel, 240cm + avalanche probe)

What the price does not include

• Travel to/from Brides-les-Bains
• 6-day 3 Valleys Ski pass (cost: €375)
• Lunch
• Skis, boots and equipment hire
• Travel Insurance
• Tips
• Tourist taxes collected locally by the hotel / accommodation provider

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• Courchevel 2 December 2010

Reviews

Have you been on this trip? If you'd like to contribute a trip report then we'll post it up on the site.

Team Member Reviews

• ‘Simon was an excellent Instructor. His knowledge of the ski area was outstanding and he always provided manageable and relevant technical points to work on.’ AL, Off Piste Introduction 2012
• ‘I wanted to improve my skiing with a view to taking part in some ski touring such as the Ski Andermatt Day Tours.’ KH, Off Piste Introduction 2011

Travel & Venue

Brides-les-Bains can be reached from Chambéry Airport, Lyon Airport, Grenoble Airport or Geneva Airport, via the travel hub of Moûtiers. Airport transfers to Moûtiers can be arranged through Altibus or Ben's Bus. The village is a 15-minute bus ride up the hill. The 3 Valleys ski area is accessed via a bubble from Brides-les-Bains.

Hotel accommodation is in the 2-star Hotel des Alpes in Brides-les-Bains, located 30 metres from the Olympe lift connecting the village with Meribel. The accommodation is arranged on a twin-sharing, half-board basis. A supplement is payable should you want a room to yourself.