Available trips
| Sat 29th Jan 11
- Sat 5th Feb 11 |
8 Days |
| Guide TBC | £ 1045 |
| Book Now | |
Skill: ***
These courses are aimed at skiers with some off-piste experience (e.g. completed a Performance Foundation course or similar) and who are looking for further intensive off-piste instruction. These weeks will be run by Ski Instructors and the focus will be on selecting terrain that will really challenge you and take your skiing to the next level.
Stamina: **
For the off-piste performance courses you need to have good allround fitness and stamina so that you can ski all day for 6 consecutive days. We recommend that you prepare for any trip by running, cycling or any other keep-fit activity. Generally the fitter you are, the more fun you will have.
Zinal is a small resort in the Swiss Valais. It has a reputation for excellent snowcover and the off-piste terrain is extensive. On this off-piste progression course you'll ski many of the classic off-piste runs in Zinal and the other resorts in the Val d'Anniviers. It's the ideal week for taking your off-piste skills to the next level.
Itinerary
The Val d’Anniviers offers vast scope and potential for adventurous skiers and we rate this area as one of the very best
places to ski in the Alps.
The area has a large network of lifts servicing about 200kms of pistes up to an altitude of almost 3000m. The whole area is
characterised by stunning, high alpine terrain, deep valleys and charming villages. There are 4 main ski domains: Zinal,
Grimentz, St Luc-Chandolin and Vercorin, all of which are well-connected by local buses. The area also has the advantages of
being relatively unknown (and therefore not so busy) and easily accessible from Geneva, Zurich or Sion airports.
The programme includes 5 full days of off-piste skiing instruction. During each week there is 1 'freeskiing' day when no
instruction is provided.
The principal aims of this week are:
- To provide first class instruction to improve off piste skiing style, technique and confidence.
- To provide the opportunity to ski the best off piste in the valley.
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.
Additional Information
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 chalet board 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 for details.
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.
For more information about the Auberge click on
www.skizinal.com
What our clients say about our Zinal Off-piste weeks
"Just a quick note to say I had another great week with Mountain Tracks!! The snow was great and Brian and Olly really
looked after us . Eric and Penny were the most amazing hosts, Penny is a gourmet chef who went out of her way to keep us all
happy even the fussy vegetarians! So I'm looking forward to my next trip which unfortunately might not be till next year, but
then again you never know...!"
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, favorite 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.
Getting to Zinal
The best way to get to Zinal is to fly to Geneva or Zurich and use public transport:
From the airport take the train to Sierre (Geneva 2 hrs, Zurich 2.5hrs). At the station catch a yellow Post Bus going to
Zinal - you may need to change in Vissoie (the bus will be marked to one of these places). Ask the driver for Mottec (it's a
request stop).
The bus journey takes just under 1 hour. The bus stops right outside the Auberge - the large balconied house with grey
walled ground floor and timber above, fronting the road. The entrance is around the back of the building.
For train and bus times look at
http://www.sbb.ch/en
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.