All inclusive eight day introduction to off-piste course, Chamonix

Aimed at the competent piste skier who wants to make the transition from on-piste to off-piste.

Stepping away from the controlled environment of the groomed runs to the uncontrolled and unpatrolled off-piste is not easy and not without risk; solid off-piste techniques are essential as well as an understanding of the environment in which you are skiing With this in mind, Chamonix Experience has developed our Beginner Off-Piste Course.

Focusing on off piste technique instruction, this eight day introduction Off-Piste course is aimed at the novice off-piste skier who wants to make the transition from piste skiing to off-piste. Over this week your guide will take you to the more wild and remote areas of the region and teach you mountain awareness as well as off piste skiing technique. The course will also touch on the two subjects of avalanche awareness and glacier travel to give you and understanding of the environment that you are in and the additional risks involved.

The price includes the Mont Blanc Unlimited lift pass, this gives you not only access to all lifts in the Chamonix valley (excluding Les Houches) but also free skiing in Courmayeur and La Palud on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc range. Both areas have amazing off-piste skiing and are often a good alternative should the weather and conditions be less favourable on the Chamonix side. With all these choices and the local knowledge of our off-piste guides and instructors, you are certain to have improved your skiing by the end of the week.

To maximise your time and your skiing we leave it up to your instructor / guide to tailor the programme to suit weather, conditions and the overall level of the group. Every day s/he will choose the area offering the best off-piste ski conditions.

EXTRA – Video analysis with Sebastien

A great way to improve your off-piste technique is to watch yourself skiing. During the courses guided by Sébastien, he will film you and take some time to analyse your technique whilst you enjoy a hot drink in the relaxing atmosphere of the Chamonix Experience coffee shop.

If you are thinking of starting ski touring and have little or no off-piste experience we highly recommend doing this course first.

High comfort with fully catered chalet accommodation!

We will use Yeti Lodge for our all-inclusive winter courses. Yeti Lodge is a high standard, fully catered chalet located in the charming village of Argentière, close to our office and sport shop for your convenience. The chalet has a sauna, hot tub and superb views of Mont Blanc. The luxurious and spacious bedrooms are twin, triple or quad bedded, so you should be prepared to share your room with other course participants. The comfortable lounge area has a real fireplace, satellite TV & DVD and free WIFI. There is a secure indoor car park, ski lockers and overnight ski boot warmers in the basement. All meals (breakfast, afternoon tea and three-course dinner) are included and prepared by our hosts, so you can relax and fully enjoy the course.

Please note: Friday night is Yeti staff night off so you have a chance to go out and explore the restaurants in Argentière or Chamonix.

Course Details:

Duration: 8 days (Sunday to Sunday)

2010 Dates:

January 17 – 24

January 31 - February 07 (guided by Sebastian Montaz-Rosse)

February 21 – 28

February 28 – March 07 (guided by Sebastian Montaz-Rosse)

March 14 – 21 (guided by Sebastian Montaz-Rosse)

Group Size: 4-6 (Ratio: 1:6)

Included: 6 days instruction and guiding, 7 nights accommodation (twin triple or quad share), all meals (breakfast, afternoon tea/coffee, 3 course dinner) excluding lunches and 1 dinner, 6 day Mont Blanc Unlimited lift pass (value 240€), avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, in-resort transport.

Not included: Personal ski equipment, harness, mountain rescue insurance, lunches.

Price: 1,650€ per person

(Price less accommodation and meals 1,050€ per person)

For whom: This week is more focused on teaching you off-piste ski technique than exploring and learning mountain awareness.

If you already have the level to manage easy angled off piste runs you should join the Advanced course.

Founded in 2001 by Russell Brice, the Chamonix Experience team has expanded to include Martina, Elizabeth and Anne in the office and 20-25 fully qualified IFMGA mountain guides working for us on a regular basis. All mountain lovers, we have skied, climbed and hiked many of the routes around the area and spend our lunch hours and days off exploring more in the Mont Blanc range and the rest of the world!

You find our office at the Alpcenter in Argentiere. During the winter and summer seasons we are open seven days a week to assist you with any last minute bookings or changes. In between seasons we are more or less open Monday to Friday during normal office hours.