Mountain Tracks > Off-Piste Adventure > Off-Piste Intermediate, Zermatt

Off-Piste Adventure > Off-Piste Intermediate, Zermatt

For alpine off-piste skiing, Zermatt is as good as it gets!
Join us for a week of fantastic skiing with authentic Swiss charm!

Skill: **

Our intermediate level off-piste adventure courses are for people with between 2 and 5 weeks off-piste skiing. Capable of skiing 10-12 continuous turns off-piste. Can ski down most slopes but lack confidence on steeper pitches and in tricky conditions.

These weeks will be led by Mountain Guides and so the focus will be on off-piste guiding and mountain awareness with some general coaching and instruction.

Stamina: ***

For the off-piste adventure courses you need to have good physical fitness in order to enjoy full days on the hill. On these courses you will mostly use the lift systems to gain altitude but you can expect some walking/climbing in order to access some runs.

Itinerary

5 full days off-piste guiding plus 1 'freeskiing' day when no guiding is provided.

Ski Programme

The principal aims of this week are:

- To provide first class guiding from professional, friendly Mountain Guides to improve off piste skiing technique.
- To give practical mountain awareness training on the hazards and risks associated with skiing off-piste particularly for avalanches.
- To provide the opportunity to ski the best off piste in the Zermatt ski region.

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.

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

Zermatt Ski Area
The skiing in Zermatt is some of the most exciting in the Alps – almost unrivalled in quality and quantity. Thanks to its high elevation and north-facing slopes, there is often great powder to be found even many days after it snows.

The off-piste is extensive and wonderfully varied with large powder fields, plenty of tree sking and cliffs, couloirs and chutes! The highest point is the Klein Matterhorn which takes you to over 3800m and from here it’s over 2200m of vertical back down to Zermatt.

There’s plenty of great skiing accessible directly from the lifts. However many of Zermatt's best off-piste runs are away from the marked runs and not always easily found without local knowedge.

The skiing in Zermatt is split into three areas: the Klein Matterhorn, the Gornergrat and the Stockhorn. All 3 areas take you above 3100m and this accounts for the excellent snow conditions which can be found throughout the winter.

Zermatt is also the biggest heliskiing centre in the Alps.

More information
For an in depth review of the Zermatt Ski Area, click on Matt Dickinson's Off-Piste Guide to Zermatt

Additional Information

Dates & Duration
Trip duration is 7 days. This includes 6 full-days skiing, of which 5 are guided.
Other dates available for private groups on request from mid-December until end April.

Prices
The price includes: 5 full days off-piste guide fees and expenses, 7 nights half-board hotel accommodation (twin rooms)
The price does not include: Lift pass, lunches, beverages, personal insurance, equipment hire, travel to/from Zermatt.
Single-person supplement applies. More details on request.

Group Size
The maximum group size is 12 with 2 guides.

Accommodation and Meals
Our preferred hotel is the Hotel Derby. A comfortable and friendly 3-star hotel located in the centre of the village. It serves great food and is really good value for money.

Getting There
Click on our Zermatt page for more information on travel to/from Zermatt

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.
Alpine touring equipment is recommended on all our Off-Piste Adventure courses as in most resorts some of the best off-piste runs can only be accessed after some climbing/walking.
All skiers will need to carry a small day sack (recommended size-20-30 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 our recommended on-line retailer 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.