OFF PISTE SKIING - LA GRAVE - STEEP & DEEP
A 5 day course,
15-19 February 2010
15-19 March 2010

La Grave and the massif of La Meije offer the biggest lift-accessed off piste (back country) in the world! La Grave is known as the free riders paradise. Apart from a very small area on the glacier, the whole mountain is totally unpisted which gives this ski area a unique and special feeling. A single telecabine gives access to altitude 3200m. Where the two main ski descents set off from: Vallon de Chancel and les Vallons de la Meije. These vallons have great ungroomed skiing where you can easily get into exciting steep terrain.

From the lift station P2 downwards on a powder day, there is some amazing tree skiing to be done! The pitch of the slope and the spacing of the larch trees is so perfect, one can pick up some speed and just keep going.

Depending on the snow conditions during the course, we often also ski days on the off piste at Alp d'huez and Montgenèvre.
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 - Chamonix Classics

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.