5 days off-piste guiding. There is also 1 non-guided day.

The principal aims of this week are:
• To provide first class guiding and instruction 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 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.
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.
Numerous options including:
The Vallee Blanche - the longest off-piste ski descent in the world (24kms).
Pas de Chevre – ascend to the top of Grand Montets and ski down to the Mer de Glace and on into Chamonix.
Glacier du Toule – you can ski the Glacier du Toule down towards Courmayeur and then catch the cable car back up to the top of the mountain and ski the Italian side of the Vallee Blanche.
Le Tour - from the back of the Le Tour lift system there is fantastic off-piste skiing towards Vallorcine and Switzerland.

Some of the very best areas can only be reached with an hour's walk from the pistes. The effort expended is more than rewarded with the awesome skiing across untracked terrain.

In addition there are some great new heli-skiing opportunities available just through the Mont Blanc tunnel, only 20 minutes away from the town. These drops are not included in the price. Ask us for more details.

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.

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

Accommodation and meals
For our 2009-10 courses we are once again teaming up with David at Chalet Les Pelerins, a comfortable catered alpine chalet with accommodation for up to 12 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

Arriving in resort
You should aim to arrive in Chamonix sometime in the afternoon. There will be an initial briefing with your Mountain Tracks guide on the first evening. This is an opportunity to meet the guide and the rest of the party, to discuss the plans and objectives for the week and to ask any questions you may have relating to the week’s itinerary.

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.