Available trips
| Sat 5th Mar 11
- Sat 12th Mar 11 |
8 Days |
| Guide TBC | £ 1045 |
| Book Now | |
Skill: ****
Our off-piste adventure advanced level courses are for strong all-round skiers with plenty of off-piste experience (5 weeks plus). To join courses at this level you must be able to cope with most conditions confidently, competently and with minimum faff! You are willing to try it all: steeps, breakable crud, speed, ice, spring snow, deep powder. There is likely to some ski touring involved to access the best runs, previous experience is useful but not essential, you may also use crampons and be asked to carry an ice axe at times on these courses.
Stamina: ****
For the off-piste adventure courses you need to have good physical fitness in order to enjoy full days on the hill, you need to be able to ski all day for 6 consecutive days. On these courses you will mostly use the lift systems to gain altitude but you can expect some ski touring/walking/climbing in order to access some runs. Skiing will be done at a strong pace where you would be expected to ski pitches of 20 - 25 turns without stopping.
The Val d'Annivièrs is renowned for its variety of snow and the scope of its freeride domain. Each day our pursuit of untouched powder snow starts from a different ski region in the valley allowing for something new everyday!
Itinerary
The Val d'Anniviers consists of five idyllic and picturesque villages: St. Luc, Chandolin, Zinal, Grimentz and Vercorin
which are all ski areas in their own right.
During the week we'll explore the whole length and breadth of the valley.
Sample itinerary:
DAY 1
Travel to Zinal and meet up in the evening in the Auberge Edelweiss. This is a new chalet-style auberge that has been
fully refurbished in 2008 by our good friends Eric and Penny Kendall.
DAY 2
We kick off with a warm up on the pistes of Zinal and an avalanche search and rescue session on the resorts own permanent
transceiver practice ground before checking out its famous off-piste. The aspects are largely east and north facing with lots
of real gems to whet your apetite.
DAY 3
Grimentz’s own north and east facing slopes will blow you away today
DAY 4
A change of aspect as we go in search of sunnier climes on the Chandolin-St Luc side. Exciting couloirs and amazing views
make for breathtaking day
DAY 5
The trees of Vercorin are calling today, beautiful gentle off piste through the forests and farmland of this tiny resort
hanging above the Rhone valley.
DAY 6
We return to Grimentz to resume some more of the amazing off-piste terrain we didn’t ski earlier in the week.
DAY 7
A non-guided day
DAY 8
Disperse after breakfast
The itinerary will depend on weather and snow conditions as well as the preferences of the group and the recommendations of your guide.
Additional Information
Dates and Duration
5 days off-piste guiding. There is also 1 non-guided day.
In addition to our scheduled weeks we can also run private group trips on request throughout the season.
Prices
The price includes: all guide fees and expenses, 7 nights half-board chalet accommodation (twin rooms)
The price does not include: lift pass, lunches, beverages, personal insurance, equipment hire, travel to/from Zinal
Single room occupancy may incur additional charges. Ask us for details.
Group Size
The minimum number is 4. The maximum is 12 with 2 guides.
Accommodation
Our base is the Auberge Edelweiss in the hamlet of Mottec, 2kms from Zinal. The Auberge has been fully restored in 2008
and offers very comfortable accommodation.
What our clients say about our Zinal Off-piste weeks
"The venue is superb, a valley with varied slopes and good transport, as well as the van. Staying with Penny and Eric was
a delight, a comfortable building with attentive hosts and good food and wine. Matt, our guide, is expert on snow and
slopes, he found amazing powder even late in the week."
"Penny and Eric's hospitality was excellent and the Auberge very nicely fitted out and its location is convenient for
skiing the valley. The guides did a very good job, finding good snow quality late in the season, and the length of each outing
was about right for the group's ability. I was satisfied that they gave full attention to safety, which, after all, is the top
priority."
Getting to Zinal
For instructions on getting to the Auberge Edelweiss
click here
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. 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 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.