The programme includes 5 full days of off-piste skiing instruction. During the week there is 1 'freeskiing' day when no instruction is provided.

The course starts with a welcome meeting on Sunday evening. This is an opportunity to meet the instructors and the rest of the group and to discuss the plans for the week. The skiing will start on the following morning.

The principal aims of this week are:
• To provide first class ski instruction from professional, friendly Ski Instructors to radically improve your off piste skiing technique and style.
• To give practical mountain awareness training on the hazards and risks associated with skiing off-piste
• To provide the opportunity to ski the best off piste in the Chamonix Valley

The week is intended to be fun with lots of thrilling skiing but always directed with maximum attention to your safety and the safety of others.

For groups of 8 or more the ski instructor will be joined by a mountain guide and the group will alternate between skiing with the instructor and the guide.

Itineraries vary depending on the composition of the group and the weather and snow conditions.

Ski area
The skiing area of Chamonix is generally considered to have some of the best off-piste skiing in the world. Much of this is accessible from the lift systems and includes descents of over 2000m. The Chamonix valley runs for 20kms and there are several separate lift systems and mountains which provide enormous variety and all are included on the Mont Blanc pass.

The main ski areas include:

Le Tour - rolling meadows and tree lined off piste runs are a excellent first day and introduction to skiing off piste.

Brevent and Flegere - on the sunnyside of the valley these areas give the aspiring off piste skier plenty of challenging terrain to choose from.

Grands Montets - world renowned and with extensive off piste this huge area gives endless terrain to master those techniques for varied snow and steeper slopes.

The Vallée Blanche - the 'VB' is the most famous ski descent in the world. It is 22km long and has a vertical descent of over 2700m. The descent is entirely off-piste and travels through some of the most spectacular glacial scenery in Europe. Surrounding the glaciers are several 4000m metre peaks: Mont Blanc, Mont Blanc de Cheilon, Mont Maudit, Grandes Jorasses and Aiguille Vert.

Dates & Duration
5 full days of off-piste instruction
Private group weeks are available from Xmas until end April.

Price
The price includes 7 nights chalet board accommodation, 5 full days guiding, in resort transfers.
The price does not include lift pass, lunches, personal insurance, equipment hire, travel to/from Chamonix
Single-room occupancy is limited and will incur an additional charge. Contact us for details.
New Year Course 27th - 31st December 2010
5 days tuition on a course only basis. We can assist with accommodation in a hotel or chalet for a minimum of 6 or 7 nights. Please contact us for details.

Group Size
The minimum number is 4. The maximum group size is 12 (with 2 guides).

Accommodation and meals
For our 2010 - 11 courses we are once again teaming up with the David at Chalet Les Pelerins, a comfortable catered alpine chalet with accommodation for up to 10 guests. The chalet is well located close to the centre of Chamonix and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. For further details click on www.chalet-in-chamonix.co.uk

 What our clients say about our Chamonix Off-piste weeks
"I really enjoyed the course, thank you! Lots of good advice and tips from Mark and Olly and I liked their attitude, easy going, fun and professional."

"I think the mountain guide alternating with ski instruction works really well. The skiing was always challenging but just the right amount of challenge. I thought Mark Gear picked some particularly devious things to video us doing and skiing with Olly was brilliant."

Equipment
For a comprehensive kit list  CLICK HERE.
A copy of this kit list will also be sent to you at the time of booking.
Standard alpine downhill equipment is recommended on all our Off-Piste Performance courses. In most resorts, some of the best off-piste runs can only be accessed after some climbing/walking for which touring equipment is recommended and can be hired locally in resort. Confused about what skis, boots and binding combination to bring with you, then read our Ski Equipment page to find out more.
All skiers will need to carry a small day sack (recommended size 20 - 25 litres) containing their safety gear and any personal items e.g. camera, water bottle, favourite hill-snack!
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. We use and recommend the DTS Tracker and these are available to purchase through FACEWEST. Click here for details.
Alternatively the guides do usually have a number of sets available for hire.

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.