Off Piste Skiing

Bored of the piste's? Do you want to go somewhere special in search of untracked powder, then this is the activity for you. Based in Switzerland close to the Mont Blanc Massif, we use the extensive local lift systems to give us the height to access some of the quieter valleys and runs in search of powder. The most famous off piste run being the 'Valley Blanche' and the Pas de Chevre. Other great day tours include the classic Col de Passon and the Crochue Barard traverse and it's many variations.

We also have access to the major Swiss ski resorts of Diablerets Verbier Gstaad and Villars which give excellent off piste skiing which are extremely quiet and give a remote feel which can sometimes be lacking in the busy Chamonix valley.

Off piste skiing is a big step up from skiing on the piste. Ski technique is something that I take seriously and I can give valuable lessons on getting the most out of off piste skiing.

January and February is the perfect time to ski off-piste with a good base of snow established in January, but still being cold enough to give stunning light powder. If you can ski down red runs in control and with confidence, then there is probably a whole world of skiing that you are missing.

Ski Touring
Ski touring is by far the most efficient way to see the alpine mountains (it is even faster than running, but with the effort of only walking). Taking you far away from the crowds on the piste into remote alpine valleys and over peaks and cols.

Day ski tours and/or hut to hut haute routes can be arranged in a variety of regions. Probably the most famous ski tour is the “Haute Route” from Chamonix to Zermatt, but this is just a taster to the wonderful places that ski touring opens up. The number of tours available are too numerous to mention here but really good areas to visit are Switzerland (Valais, Central, Oberland, Chablais), Italy (Grand Paradiso, Gressoney, Cervinia, St Jacques, Alagna), and France (Chamonix, La Grave, Saint Jacques). Please see my Italian Haute Route article for an example of the type of tours available.

Skiing safely is also something that I take very seriously. The off piste environment can be a very dangerous place. Avalanche awareness, responsible group ski technique and avalanche rescues protocol are essential disciplines for skiing off-piste and are covered in each course/ski guiding holiday that I run.

I supply avalanche transceivers shovels and probes (essential off piste safety equipment) for every skier in the group. Instruction is given in how to use these tools.

Ski courses and itineraries are arranged by demand. Please contact me for details on current courses that I have open.

A varied selection on ski touring courses and off piste skiing courses can be found at the International School of Mountaineering

Time Period: January to May for Off Piste Skiing, and March, April and May for ski touring in the Alps.

Download Ski Touring Equipment list