Ski off-piste through exhilarating and challenging backcountry...

Off-Piste Adventure

Ski off-piste through exhilarating and challenging backcountry...

Off-Piste Adventure

Ski off-piste through exhilarating and challenging backcountry.

Off-piste skiing at its best: we'll take you backcountry into a world of skiing adventure! Off-Piste Adventure holidays provide skiers and snowboarders the advantages only an IFMGA Mountain Guide-led trip can offer; local knowledge of the best off-piste backcountry and the expertise to give you a holiday full to the brim with excitement and thrills while maintaining your safety in the mountain environment.

Our Off-Piste Adventures explore the backcountry of renowned off-piste regions such as Chamonix and Zinal, as well as lesser known esoteric gems. The trips are week-long and are offered at 3 levels: Intermediate, Advanced and Expert. Small groups (there will never be more than 6 in your group) allow us to tailor the trip to your skiing ability and the prevailing snow conditions; giving you a better experience and increasing the sense of adventure. Our commitment is to give you a holiday you'll never forget: memorable achievements, unforgettable descents, camaraderie and the unmatched thrill of being in the mountains!


	Off-Piste Intermediate Zermatt (Intermediate)	For Alpine off-piste skiing, Zermatt is as good as it gets! Large and seldom skied fields of untouched snow await those 'in the know'. Due to Zermatt's extremely high altitudes and abundance of north facing slopes, powder snow can still be found many days after it falls! view
	Off-Piste Intermediate Gressoney (Intermediate)	Off-piste skiing in Gressoney within the Monterosa ski region in northern Italy. Gressoney is an emerging resort with a reputation for some superb off-piste skiing. Huge, deserted off-piste snowfields and scenic, wooded descents set in impressive scenery, including Mont Blanc, the Monte Rosa glacier, the Matterhorn and the Gran Paradiso. There... view
	Japan - Powder Pilgrimage! (Intermediate)	NEW Itinerary for 2014! Join us on a trip of some of the best off-piste and backcountry skiing that Japan has to offer. We spend 5 days in Niseko before heading across for 2 days backcountry skiing on the volcanoes at Asahidake and finish off the trip with 2 nights in vibrant Tokyo. Throughout the trip you will... view
	Heli-Skiing in Italy (Intermediate)	Heli-skiing Monte Rosa is the ultimate snow experience for the dedicated powder skier! The Monte Rosa massif offers some of the longest and wildest vertical descents in the Alps. Many of the drop zones are above 4,000m and just a few minutes' helicopter ride away. If you've never been heli-skiing before this is definitely a great way to start... view
	Off-Piste Intermediate Chamonix (Intermediate)	This intermediate level off-piste adventure course is a guide-led week which is ideal for skiers with previous off-piste experience who want to discover and explore the legendary Chamonix off-piste terrain. Our guides all have excellent local knowledge and will ensure you enjoy a thrilling week of safe, off-piste adventure. Chamonix is... view
	Off Piste Intermediate Ste. Foy (Intermediate)	This intermediate level off-piste adventure course is a guide-led week which is ideal for skiers with previous off-piste experience who want to discover and explore the fantastic off-piste terrain in Ste. Foy and the Tarentaise area. Our guides all have excellent local knowledge and will ensure you enjoy a thrilling week of safe, off-piste... view
	Off-Piste Intermediate Zinal (Intermediate)	Off-piste skiing in the the Val d'Annivièrs region still remains one of Switzerland's best kept secrets, despite only being 2 hours from Geneva. Being a high altitude ski destination snow is reliable and the lift pass allows access to 5 ski resorts: Vercorin, Grimentz, Zinal, St-Luc and Chandolin; offering huge scope for the week's adventure.... view
	Powder Skiing in Gulmarg, Indian Kashmir (Advanced)	It's not just the off-piste skiing on offer in Gulmarg; incredible powder and the unique culture of India make a wonderful combination of experiences to treasure. It is possible to spend the whole week in Gulmarg, skiing amazing lines in great snow, and still feel you've got the place to yourself. Your IFMGA mountain guide will guide you safely... view
	Off-Piste Advanced Chamonix (Advanced)	Off-piste skiing is what Chamonix does best! Chamonix has earned its status as an adventure mecca through its concentration of high peaks and the quality and quantity of its varied off piste skiing terrain. To get the most out of an off-piste trip to Chamonix skiing with an IFMGA guide should be a high priority - as many of the best... view
	Off-Piste Advanced Zinal (Advanced)	Off-piste skiing in the the Val d'Annivièrs region still remains one of Switzerland's best kept secrets, despite only being 2 hours from Geneva. Being a high altitude ski destination snow is reliable and the lift pass allows access to 5 ski resorts: Vercorin, Grimentz, Zinal, St-Luc and Chandolin; offering huge scope for the week's adventure.... view
	Cat Skiing in Macedonia (Advanced)	'Snowcats' are the big track-driven vehicles that are used around the world for piste grooming and bashing. Snowcats can be converted so that the cabin can take 10-12 passengers and used to take groups to the top of non-lift served slopes. Unlike helicopters they are able to run in all weather conditions. This trip takes you on a very special... view
	Off-Piste Zinal and Belalp, Switzerland (Advanced)	This fantastic off-piste skiing adventure explores two of Switzerland's less well-known resorts, Zinal and Belalp. Zinal, in the Val d'Anniviers region, is only 2 hours from Geneva and yet remains one of Switzerland's best kept secrets. Being a high altitude ski destination snow is reliable and the lift pass allows access to 5 ski resorts:... view
	Off-Piste Advanced Argentière, France (Advanced)	Argentière is renowned as one of the best off-piste ski resorts in the world. It is home to the Grands Montets ski area which has a vertical drop of over 2,000m and access to some of the most challenging off-piste terrain in the Alps. It is also just 10 minutes from Chamonix, thus access to the other ski areas in the valley is very... view
	Off-Piste Advanced Sainte Foy (Advanced)	NEW FOR 2013! Sainte Foy is located close to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Val d'Isère, nestled in the centre of the Tarentaise mountain range in French Alps. The week's skiing involves using a mix of lifts and ski touring equipment to access some of the hidden jewels of the area. view
	Pre-Xmas Advanced Off-Piste Sainte Foy (Advanced)	NEW FOR WINTER 2012-2013! Sainte Foy is located close to Val d'Isère, nestled in the centre of the Tarentaise mountain range in the French Alps. The lifts open on December 15th, when we'll likely head to Val d’Isère and Tignes, which are both renowned for their early season skiing. view
	Chamonix Steep Skiing Clinics (Expert)	UPDATE NOVEMBER 29, 2012: As many of you will know our steep skiing clinics were previously run in association with our great friend Remy Lecluse. Tragically Remy died in September 2012 in an avalanche on Manaslu in Nepal. We are able now though to confirm that we will continue to run these courses - American Mountain Guides Miles... view
	Off-Piste Expert La Grave (Expert)	Off-piste skiing in La Grave: need we say more? La Grave is one of the Alps’ most renowned off-piste ski areas. For years it has attracted the best of the world’s off-piste skiers who come for the great skiing and the majestic beauty of the place. The vertical drop is over 2100m and much of the skiing is not for the fainthearted! view
	Off-Piste Expert Zinal (Expert)	NEW FOR 2014! New to our programme for Winter 2014 our expert level off piste week in Zinal will explore all the great terrain the Val d'Anniviers has to offer. There is so much skiing available in this wonderful valley and our guides will seek out all the best for you on this trip. From steep lines to long powder descents, great ski... view

Skill Level Overview

Introductory

I can ski red and black runs on piste without a problem. I am new to off piste skiing or maybe I have skied a little on the sides of the piste, or even attended a previous off piste specific course. I would like to ski powder snow with confidence and learn to link turns off piste. Learning to vary turn radius and control speed is an important goal. Gaining confidence in a variety of terrain would move my skiing to the next level.

Intermediate

I have at least a couple of weeks off piste skiing experience and/or received some previous instruction on an off piste specific course. I can link at least 8 – 10 turns together in reasonable control, speed and style, following the fall line in most snow conditions. I would like to improve my skiing in deep powder, heavy crusty snow uneven terrain and trees. I am happy to hike or ski tour for short distances to get to the best snow and terrain. I aspire to ski fluidly off piste and to ski steeper slopes. At this level all ski tourers must have some previous experience of using a touring set up, skinning and kick-turns.

Advanced

I am confident skiing challenging terrain and steeper slopes. I can sideslip forward and backwards, side-step up and downhill and traverse steep slopes with no problems. I am happy to ski tour and hike for 1 – 2 hrs to reach the best snow and terrain. I aspire to ski the best snow available, push myself to ski steeper slopes and extend my ski touring experience. At this level all ski tourers must have some previous experience of using a touring set up, skinning and kick-turns.

Expert

I can ski fluidly and autonomously on all terrain. I often ski couloirs and gullies and seek out steep slopes to ski. I can jump turn in narrow couloirs and have experience of abseiling and side-slipping on steep terrain. I dream of skiing powder snow, I can ski fast, fluid “freeride” style turns, I can jump off small rocks, ski trees and challenging terrain with no fear or problems. I will often hike and ski tour to reach the best snow and terrain. I am familiar with using ice axe and crampons and some basic rope techniques. My aim is to push my skills and challenge myself further.

Stamina Level Overview

Level 1

I am fit enough to ski all day from the first lift, only taking short breaks every so often. When preparing for this trip aim for activities that increase your heart rate and build your aerobic levels e.g. running, cycling and swimming.

Level 2

I can ski all day with only short breaks and can hike up to 2 hours a day (600m of uphill).
When preparing for this trip aim for activities that increase your heart rate and
build your aerobic levels e.g. running, cycling and swimming.

Level 3

I can ski all day with only short breaks and can hike/skin for 3-4 hours most days (600-
1000m vertical). Endurance fitness is valuable so aim for longer training periods of walking, running,
cycling and swimming.

Level 4

I can ski all day and hike/skin for 4-5 hours every day (1100-1500m vertical). A prolonged period of cross training will help build endurance with 3 training sessions per week of at least 2 hours including sessions of walking, running, swimming and cycling.

Hayley, James and Rick enjoying the powder	Eric powderskiing in the Val d'anniviers	Powderskiing in Zinal	Another beautiful day in Courmayeur
Zermatt Off-Piste	Enjoying the off-piste in Zermatt	The view from the Guglielmina Refuge	On the ridgeline in Gulmarg
Enjoying Off-Piste skiing in Zinal	Chamonix Freeriding	Gulmarg Powder	Group descent Gulmarg