Off Piste Improvers - Chamonix

Overview

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Introduction

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 your 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 your off piste skiing technique by covering as much ground as possible.

You will ski with a Ski Instructor for 4 days, who will teach you these skills. For the other 2 days the group will be led by an IFMGA-qualified Mountain Guide. This means you will be able to ski the famous Vallée Blanche (subject to weather and conditions, and your skiing ability), as well as other classic itineraries in the Mont Blanc Massif.

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.

Rachel Kerr (BASI) and Ski Instructor, Ella Alpiger, instruct on our Off Piste courses.

Course base: Chamonix

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Course Structure

Courses are instructed at a maximum ratio of 1:6 and include 6 full days' of instruction/guiding. Instructional days comprise technical sessions, along with plenty of practice time to put these skills into action. As the course progresses, you take longer off piste 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 - 4:	Intensive off piste instruction and ski workshops. Be prepared to have a lot of fun and to work hard
Day 5 - 7:	Of the last three days, two will be spent with an IFMGA Mountain Guide. We plan to Ski the Vallée Blanche (subject to weather and conditions, as well as your skiing ability), as well as completing another classic itinerary. Travel home after skiing on Friday. If you would like us to book you an additional hotel night, please let us know.

Pre-Course Skiing Ability

Grade: 9A [ Ski Grading ]
The Off Piste Improvers course is designed for those who have some off piste experience (at least 1 week) or those who have completed our Off Piste Introduction 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.

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 17 Jan – Fri 23 Jan 2026	Chamonix		Available Book now »
2 places left with £75 early booking offer	£1,695 £1,620
Sat 24 Jan – Fri 30 Jan 2026	Chamonix		Available Book now »
2 places left with £75 early booking offer	£1,695 £1,620
Sat 7 Mar – Fri 13 Mar 2026	Chamonix		Available Book now »
2 places left with £75 early booking offer	£1,695 £1,620

This course is available to book in GBP, USD and EUR.
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Group size: 3 – 6 people.

Single room supplement: £350

For comparison, this course starts from £283 (GBP) per day (price Without Flights).

What the price includes

• 6 nights' hotel accommodation in Chamonix at La Chaumière Mountain Lodge on a twin-sharing, half-board basis
• 6 days' ski instruction/guiding (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 Geneva Airport
• Shared road transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix and return (can be booked through Jagged Globe)
• 6-day 'Mont Blanc Unlimited' Ski Pass (value: €355)
• Lunch
• Skis, boots and equipment hire
• Any costs associated with travelling outside of the Chamonix Valley during the week
• Travel Insurance
• Tips
• Tourist taxes collected locally by the hotel / accommodation provider

Photos & Videos

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• Feedback from Off Piste Improvers - February 2018

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

• ‘Instruction was excellent. Really brought on everyone's technique and did so in a very positive way. James Thacker was very good as a guide and proved his worth assisting with a crevasse rescue.’ MF, Off Piste Improvers - Chamonix, Feb '17
• ‘Simon's great instruction and ability to find the best untracked snow meant that he improved my ability in leaps and bounds. One of the best week's skiing I have ever had.’ Off Piste Improvers - Chamonix - Feb '16
• ‘Simon was particularly helpful and encouraging - made every effort to make sure we got the most out of the course.’ GH, Off Piste Improvers - Chamonix, Feb '14

Travel & Venue

Fly to Geneva. A 1-hour return airport transfer to Chamonix can be booked via Jagged Globe (price £40 each way).

Valley accommodation is in La Chaumière Mountain Lodge. The accommodation is provided on a twin-share (or occasionally, triple/quad), half-board basis. A single room supplement is payable should you want to have a room to yourself.