Available trips
| Sat 23rd Apr 11
- Sat 30th Apr 11 |
8 Days |
| Guide TBC | £ 995 |
| Book Now | |
Skill: ***/*
For the Backcountry explorer weeks you need to be a competent off-piste skier, experienced in all kinds of snow conditions,
you are able to do parallel turns in powder snow, and linked stem turns in more difficult snow. The skiing is generally not too
technical but there my be the occasional steep section and so you need to have the right attitude to challenge yourself and go
outside your comfort zone.
On these weeks much of the uplift is lift-assisted but you will be using ski touring equipment and must be prepared for up
to 2 -3 hours skinning (slow pace) in order to access some of the better runs. Previous ski touring experience is recommended
but not absolutely essential and you'll learn the basic skills during the week.
These are ideal weeks for good off-piste skiers who want to join the backcountry revolution!!
Stamina: ***/*
Stamina-wise, you need to be able to ski all day for 6 consecutive days at a steady pace. On these courses the maximum
skinning will be 2 - 3 hours per day.
If you have never ski toured before, you will find that climbing uphill on skins is hard work! Most newcomers are
surprised by just how physically demanding ski touring can be.
To get maximum enjoyment from these trips you need to be working on your fitness well in advance of the tour which means
plenty of aerobic exercise like running/cycling/swimming.
Zermatt is Switzerland's best known ski resort and it's without doubt one of the best off-piste resorts in the Alps. Dominated by Switzerland's most famous landmark - the Matterhorn - it's the ideal venue for a week of backcountry adventure.
Itinerary
Zermatt has extensive off-piste terrain. Large and seldom skied fields of untouched snow await those 'in the know'. And
thanks to Zermatt's extremely high altitudes and abundance of north facing slopes, powder snow can still be found many days
after it falls... In spring especially, huge areas of both powder and spring (corn) snow can be enjoyed. There are 3 main ski
areas - which all go up to 3100m - and from the Klein Matterhorn lift it's 13kms and 2200m of vertical descent back down to
Zermatt.
Our plan on this week is to get out and explore as much as possible.
ROTHORN and STOCKHORN
These areas are predominantly north facing and situated on the left side of the valley. The west (or front) face of the
Rothorn gives 1000m of off-piste at around 35 degrees. It feels great to leave the tourists at the Rothorn top station (3100m)
and 30 seconds later to be on a huge remote mountain face with seemingly endless untracked snow. The snow on this face varies
considerably because it catches the afternoon sun. Expect powder, hard pack or crust. Possibly all three. If conditions are
good, there is enough scope to ski this face all day!
A gentle introduction to off-piste can be found from the Rothorn by heading east down the piste, then cutting left down
the long Tufterchumme Valley, around 20/25 degrees.
The Stockhorn and Gant areas are exceptional under good snow. Both are north-facing with vast potential.
The area under the Gant cable car is well known, but often ‘tracked out. It’s better to take the new drag lifts to the
Stockhorn itself and then walk (or skin) east along the ridge for 20 mins. Then head left down wonderful big rolling terrain
for 1000m of descent (around 30/35 degrees). Fantastic powder is found here. Not to be missed.
For the ski tourer, from the Stockhorn skin for 2 hours to the summit of Cima di Jazzi (3800). Then take the long and
spectacular Findelgletcher all the way back to Gant. 1600m descent, 20/25 degrees. A long and beautiful trip, although not
recommended in deep powder or thin snow.
TROCKNER STEG, KLEIN MATTERHORN and SCHWARZSEE
These areas all offer a great deal to the backcountry enthusiast.
Heading down to Cervinia, (accessed from the top plateaux, which is the Swiss/Italian border) offer numerous good
descents of around 600m with varying steepness.
The Trockner Steg area offers good intro-off-piste terrain, the gentle area under the main chair (skiers left) is
excellent for practicing powder turns.
Various routes down Trockner Steg to Furgg are worthwhile. Traverse hard left for a good distance from Trockner Steg,
then over the rocky lip. The slope here is around 400m 30-40 degrees and north facing.
The Schwarzsee offers good terrain from beginner to expert. The area under the second gondola stage offers good intro
terrain. But the best backcountry is to be found north of the top station. Head down the piste for around 1km, then cut off the
piste and take the steep wooded hill side. This area in known as ‘Schwarzsee trees’ and will attract local powder hounds when
the conditions are good. Some routes are steep, 35-45 degrees.
Finally, if you want to get up close and personal with the Matterhorn - take the Hornli lift and walk or skin up onto the
ridge below the Hornli hut and take the wonderful north slope all the way down to Stafel 25-35 degrees...pure white gold!
FURTHER AFIELD: MONTE ROSA, SCHWARZTOR AND TETE DU VALPELLINE
The Monte Rosa area is one of the most heavily glaciated areas of Europe, and offers unlimited potential for the
adventurous skier.
Additional Information
Prices
The price includes 5 days guiding and 7 nights B&B hotel accommodation (twin rooms)
The price does not include: Lift pass, lunches, evening meals, beverages, personal insurance, equipment hire, travel
to/from Zermatt.
Single-person supplement applies. More details on request.
Group Size
The minimum number is 4. The maximum group size is 12 with 2 guides.
Accommodation
Zermatt has a range of excellent, friendly 2 & 3 star hotels in the centre of the village. We stay in the hotels on a
B&B basis so that you can enjoy eating out in some of the many restaurants in the village.
Getting There
Click on our
Zermatt page for more information on travel to/from
Zermatt
Equipment
For all our Backcountry Explorer trips you will need alpine touring gear (skis, boots & bindings), skins and
ski-crampons. Confused about what skis, boots and binding combination to bring with you, then read our
Ski Equipment page to find out more.
Harnesses, boot crampons and ice-axes are not required for this tour.
All skiers will need to carry a rucksack (25-30 litres) with safety gear and personal items. Our recommended kit list
will be sent to you at the time of booking.
Everyone is expected to ski at all times with the three essential items of avalanche safety equipment: transceiver,
shovel and probe. If you ski off-piste regularly we recommend you purchase your own set and we have a special offer on BCA’s
excellent DTS Tracker. Please ask us for details.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you are insured for off-piste skiing covering personal accident, rescue and third party
risks. You are strongly advised also to take out cover against cancellation and curtailment.
If you are looking to purchase insurance for your trip we recommend
SNOWCARD. They specialise in travel insurance for adventure sports particularly skiing
and snowboarding. Their rates for both single trip and annual policies are very competitive.
For details on their policies and to get a quote
CLICK HERE or contact our office
for further details.