OFF PISTE SKIING - CHAMONIX CLASSICS
A 5 day course,
1-5 March 2010
8-12 March 2010

Chamonix is often given the tittle of the best off piste skiing & backcountry venue in the world!
There certainly is some amazing skiing to be done there. In this 5 day course, the aim is to do as much skiing as possible, and in all my favourite places.

Apart and including the off piste descents straight off the valley cable cars: Grands Montets, Domaine de Balme (Le Tour – Vallorcine), Brévent – Flégère. There are incredible ski descents like: the Pas de Chèvre and l’Envers du Plan. The later being one of the off-piste variants of the Vallée Blanche, on glaciers departing from the summit of l’Aiguille du Midi. There is also the possibility during the week to ski at Courmayeur and Verbier.

Basic avalanche awareness will be covered and if wished and all conditions are favourable, an introductory ski touring day is an option.

See also Off piste & backcountry skiing at La Grave - Steep & Deep

Participants skiing level and fitness level:
One should be already a keen and experienced off piste skier, with a good parallel technique on black pistes, able to link up at least ten turns in powder snow,ski with a day pack and have a very good physical condition!

Maximum guide/client ratio: 1/6
Course fee per participant: 425 Euros. This course will run with a minimum of 3 participants.

Included in the course fee:
Guiding and instruction from an IFMGA certified mountain guide.
Loan of safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, harness.

Not included in the course fee: Clients personal ski equipment, accommodation, any form of transport, meals and drinks. At the clients charge also is the guides living costs when not based in the Chamonix valley.

INSURANCE:
It is essential to be adequately insured by a specialist company, which must cover all mountaineering activities. Also consider travel insurance.
You can consult: The Austrian Alpine Club or The British Mountaineering Council.