Are you tempted to head off-piste on your next ski holiday? Do you need a good nudge and a bit more confidence to do it? Then why not try a specialised Backcountry ski or snowboard holiday aimed entirely at getting you safely to the secret stashes that skiers and snowboarders dream of!
The White Room Chalet, based in Ste Foy, have been running snowboarding backcountry weeks for a few years already. This coming winter they have their inaugural backcountry week for skiers which will take place from 16th - 23rd March 2019 and will be run by local guide Patrick Bidwell.
Intro to Backcountry course for snowboarders
If you're new to the backcountry there is an intro week for snowboarders starting 2nd March. This course is aimed at riders who are confident on reds and blacks and have a fairly good technical ability and want to dip in to off-piste riding. It involves a good bit of avalanche training which is taught practically.
The week starts with getting comfortable with off piste and then as the week progresses you will do more and more technical descents.
The Intro weeks also give you some technical training to improve your riding abilities.
Classic Backcountry Weeks
The classic backcountry courses are aimed at people who already have some experience of off-piste snowboarding or skiing - they are not intended as "intro to off-piste" weeks.
The idea is to do as much good riding as possible, not to spend a lot of time learning the technique. The more confident snowboarder and skier will be taken to far flung parts of the mountain so whilst you don't need to be an off-piste expert, you shouldn't be a total beginner either. You should be happy on the steepest pistes and should have spent at least a few days exploring between the pistes or beyond the resort boundaries.
While the week is based in Sainte Foy, the proximity to the other resorts in the valley means there is always the chance to ride the best terrain and snow to suit the conditions. This could include the Grand Col at Les Arcs, the Fingers or the Col des Vés in Tignes, the Couloir des Pisteurs or the Col Pers in Val d'isere or the Bella Valletta in La Thuile.
There is also a Girls-only backcountry course this year running alongside the BC Intro week.
What's included
These weeks include chalet accommodation, food, drinks and your guide for the week. They are guided from Monday to Friday, and if you don't have your own avalanche equipment you will be able to rent it there.
It's classic chalet board, with afternoon tea and cakes, dinner with wine or beer on 6 nights, and breakfast everyday.
Last year was an epic year for snow in the Alps - check out the gallery from last year's backcountry weeks.
So why not take the plunge and make this winter the time to try it out? Going with a guide means you'll be sure to find the good spots, and you'll be able to learn a lot about snow conditions, what to look out for and what to avoid. See their Backcountry Weeks section and find out all about dates and prices! Places are limited so book soon!
