Off Piste Introduction - Chamonix

Overview

Book now »

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.

You will ski with a Ski Instructor for 5 days, who will teach you these skills. For 1 day the group will be led by an IFMGA-qualified Mountain Guide, which means you will be able to ski the famous Vallée Blanche (subject to weather and conditions, and your skiing ability).

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!

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

Course base La Chaumière Mountain Lodge, Chamonix

Share this on Facebook

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. On one day during the second half of the week the aim is to ski the Vallée Blanche (subject to weather and conditions, as well as your skiing ability). 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. On one day you will ski the famous Vallée Blanche (subject to weather and conditions, and your skiing ability). 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: 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. You should wear a ski helmet.

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 16 Jan – Fri 22 Jan 2027	Chamonix		Available Book now »
Course Guide/Instructor Rachel Kerr 2 places left with £75 early booking offer	£1,495 £1,420
Sat 6 Feb – Fri 12 Feb 2027	Chamonix		Available Book now »
Course Guide/Instructor Rachel Kerr 2 places left with £75 early booking offer	£1,495 £1,420
Sat 6 Mar – Fri 12 Mar 2027	Chamonix		Available Book now »
Course Guide/Instructor Rachel Kerr 2 places left with £75 early booking offer	£1,495 £1,420

This course is available to book in GBP, USD and EUR.
Click to Change currency for prices on this site.

Group size: 3 – 6 people.

Single room supplement: £350

For comparison, this course starts from £249 (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 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

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• Jagged Globe - Off Piste Courses
• Jagged Globe Off Piste Skiing Courses
• Jagged Globe - Intro to Off Piste

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

• ‘

  Fay Mackman was superb. I learnt a lot and was delighted to be part of her group. MdG

  ’ Off Piste Introduction - Chamonix: Jan '20

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, half-board basis. A single room supplement is payable should you want to have a room to yourself.