Chamonix Off-piste Course – 5 days
Intermediate Level | Group Course

✦ International Certified UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guides
✦ Amazing off-piste descents
✦ Introduction to safe off-piste skiing
✦ Learn the use of avalanche transceivers
✦ Glacier skiing & ski touring intro

  • location | Chamonix
  • Season | January
  • dURATION | 5 days
  • Guide Ratio | 1-6
  • Technical Level | S1
  • Fitness Level | B
  • Minimum Age | 18*

Check our Grading Page

The Vallée Blanche

We strive to make the big and challenging off-piste descent from Aiguille du Midi down the big Geant glacier. The glaciers often hold the best snow and will provide a full-day experience in the high alpine. Make sure to bring your camera.

Snow Safety

During the week, we will discuss snow and avalanches and practice using the avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe. We will teach off-piste ski behavior in avalanche terrain during our off-piste ski descents. The focus is always to be safe and learn while skiing great snow.

Hike & ski-tour

As the area gets tracked out, we’ll occasionally hike or ski tour to access better snow. To prepare, rent skis with touring bindings. If your skis lack these bindings, you can rent them for the days we plan to use them.

Experience the Thrill of Off-Piste Skiing in Chamonix!
Join us for a thrilling 5-day off-piste skiing adventure in Chamonix. We’ve been organizing these exhilarating courses for over two decades, attracting enthusiastic skiers who return year after year. This is your opportunity to participate in an active program in the breathtaking Chamonix region, led by internationally certified UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guides with in-depth knowledge of the Chamonix off-piste area. They are dedicated to ensuring you experience the best snow, explore captivating descents, and gain valuable insights into the backcountry, all while prioritizing your safety.

❄️❄️❄️  Don’t wait any longer—reserve your spot today! ❄️❄️❄️

Course Objectives:
Our primary objective is to ski the Chamonix’s diverse off-piste terrain, finding the best snow while emphasizing fun and safety. Throughout the course, the guide will help you become a better off-piste skier, handing out tips and tricks and how to manage skiing in different snow conditions. The different terrain we encounter will talk to anyone wishing to learn how to get the most out of a run and make your skiing more playful and interesting.
You will be taught about backcountry safety, with insights into decision-making and rational route choices in avalanche terrain.  Additionally, participants will receive information about the mechanisms of avalanches, how to read and understand an avalanche bulletin, behaviour and safe skiing in avalanche-prone terrain,  and how to respond effectively in avalanche scenarios. They will also become proficient in using avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels.

Exploring the Area:
We will explore the huge off-piste terrain for intermediate to advanced off-piste skiers. This includes exhilarating descents onto the high glaciers, where we often encounter excellent snow conditions while we enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Chamonix mountains.
The Chamonix Unlimited ski pass grants us access to the finest runs on multiple mountains. Depending on prevailing conditions, we may also ski in nearby resorts such as Courmayeur, St. Gervais and even Verbier.

Piste, off-piste & touring:
Our main focus is skiing off-piste runs. We will use the pistes as our warm-up zones and as convenient transfers between off-piste runs. Suppose conditions make off-piste skiing challenging (high avalanche risk, very difficult snow, etc.); we will adjust by spending more time on the groomed slopes, trying ski touring and doing more avalanche training.

Requirements to join
We keep the required level to join at an intermediate level, which is high enough to create a relatively strong group with whom the guide can go to many places. This should in no circumstances be understood as regular ski instruction. Make sure to read about the requirements of this course, where we set the grading requirement to S1/B. This course can still be good if you have a better ski level. If you aren’t sure about your skiing level, waiting another year or taking private ski lessons to gain more confidence beforehand would be better.

Touring gear
It’s great if everyone has ski bindings with touring functionality and a pair of skins in the backpack. This gives us more options and possibilities to find the best snow, which we would not have if we stayed on runs only accessed from the lifts. We will mostly only do short ski tours with a maximum of 30 minutes of touring and only if it makes sense in terms of finding better snow. If you don’t have touring bindings on your skis, we can discuss during the meeting on the first day which days we would like to try this, and you can rent specifically for those days.

Valley Transport

The meeting point will be at the ski area the guide has chosen for the day.
You can reach this point by local bus or train.

Often, the guide will be able to drive. If you use the guide’s car to get around, compensate the guide for fuel/parking and tunnel fees going through the Mont Blanc tunnel.

Security Gear

You can borrow an avalanche transceiver/shovel/probe from the guide and a harness when we ski on the glaciers.
If you have your gear, you should use this.
The guide will not provide avalanche backpacks. You can rent these if you desire in shops in Chamonix town.

Check-list

To get the most out of the day and maximize our possibilities of skiing the best snow at the right time, this is a list that is logical but can be a help for you:

1. Be fresh and well-rested in the morning
2. Rent equipment or retrieve your skis from service the day before.
3. If possible, sort your lift passes out the day before.
4. Get your backpack ready the evening before
5. Be on time for the rendezvous. Check the itinerary and the time it will take you to get to the meeting point.
6. Remember your passport if we are off to Courmayeur (Italy).
7. Bring money and a credit card for expenses.

This course can run with the specified prices when a minimum of 4 participants are joining.

Tour IDWeekStart dateFinish datePrice per personSpacesEnquire
CO11Monday 30 December 2024Friday 3 January 2025825€Available
CO22Monday 6 January 2025Friday 10 January 2025825€Available
CO33Monday 13 January 2025Friday 17 January 2025825€Available
CO44Monday 20 January 2025Friday 24 January 2025825€Available
CO55Monday 27 January 2025Friday 31 January 2025825€Available
Tour IdWeek No. – YearStart DateFinish DatePrice Per PersonSpacesBook Tour
CO1 – 25Week 1 – 2025Monday 30th December Friday 3rd January 895€/personYes
CO2 – 25Week 2 – 2025Monday 6th JanuaryFriday 10th January895€/personYes
CO3 – 25Week 3 – 2025Monday 13th JanuaryFriday 17th January895€/personYes
CO4 – 25Week 4 – 2025Monday 20th JanuaryFriday 24th January895€/personYes
CO5 – 25Week 5 – 2025Monday 27th JanuaryFriday 31st January895€/personYes

It is advisable to book well in advance. Not only will you have the chance to choose the dates that fit you the best, but we can also earlier secure the trip and find the best guide for the week.

If you book for three or more people as a group, your group will get a 10% discount.

We run the course when at least 4 participants have signed up; we can take 6 participants per group.

While we suggest a minimum age of 18, we acknowledge that some young skiers may excel at an earlier age and possess the strength required for off-piste skiing.  Therefore, we can admit children aged 16 and older when accompanied by a parent who must possess a high level of proficiency in off-piste skiing.

Suppose we do not reach the minimum number of course participants. In that case, we can proceed with the course at an increased fee if participants agree, or we will cancel the course and provide a full refund of their payments.

 

 

Included

Planning and logistics
We make arrangements so the trip runs smoothly (hire guides, book huts, take bookings, etc.).
If you need help finding accommodation or airport transfers or have other questions leading up to the trip, we will help you.

UIAGM/IFMGA guides – 5 days of mountain guiding.
One guide is assigned to a group of a maximum of 6 skiers.
The guides working with us hold the highest recognized mountaineering certificate. They are equally a friendly and sociable group of guides used to handling groups and climbs in the Alps.

Avalanche Gear
We can provide avalanche transceivers for the group, shovels, and probes.
If you have your own kit, we recommend you use this.

Group equipment (ropes & safety gear)
The guides provide the group security gear (rope, glacier travel equipment).
You only need to make sure you have your personal equipment.

Excluded

Any cost not mentioned in the  “Included” section. The most important ones are:

Transport to Chamonix
Read more under practical info.

Transport in Chamonix Valley
Meeting points can be reached with the valley bus/train system or private cars.

Accommodation in the valley
Read more under practical info.

Personal skiing equipment
Check the gear section.

Lunches & drinks
Most huts take credit cards, but having cash for smaller amounts is best.

Insurance
You should make sure you are adequately insured. Check our page on insurance.

Lift pass
We use the Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass. The pass gives access to all Chamonix, Courmayeur, St. Gervais & Megeve lifts. For holders of a 6-day pass, a 50% discount is given on a Verbier day pass.

Winter 2025

This course can run with the specified prices when a minimum of 4 participants are joining.

It is advisable to book well in advance. Not only will you have the chance to choose the dates that fit you the best, but we can also earlier secure the trip and find the best guide for the week.

If you book for three or more people as a group, your group will get a 10% discount.

We run the course when at least 4 participants have signed up; we can take 6 participants per group.

While we suggest a minimum age of 18, we acknowledge that some young skiers may excel at an earlier age and possess the strength required for off-piste skiing.  Therefore, we can admit children aged 16 and older when accompanied by a parent who must possess a high level of proficiency in off-piste skiing.

Suppose we do not reach the minimum number of course participants. In that case, we can proceed with the course at an increased fee if participants agree, or we will cancel the course and provide a full refund of their payments.

 

 

Included

Planning and logistics
We make arrangements so the trip runs smoothly (hire guides, book huts, take bookings, etc.).
If you need help finding accommodation or airport transfers or have other questions leading up to the trip, we will help you.

UIAGM/IFMGA guides – 5 days of mountain guiding.
One guide is assigned to a group of a maximum of 6 skiers.
The guides working with us hold the highest recognized mountaineering certificate. They are equally a friendly and sociable group of guides used to handling groups and climbs in the Alps.

Avalanche Gear
We can provide avalanche transceivers for the group, shovels, and probes.
If you have your own kit, we recommend you use this.

Group equipment (ropes & safety gear)
The guides provide the group security gear (rope, glacier travel equipment).
You only need to make sure you have your personal equipment.

Excluded

Any cost not mentioned in the  “Included” section. The most important ones are:

Transport to Chamonix
Read more under practical info.

Transport in Chamonix Valley
Meeting points can be reached with the valley bus/train system or private cars.

Accommodation in the valley
Read more under practical info.

Personal skiing equipment
Check the gear section.

Lunches & drinks
Most huts take credit cards, but having cash for smaller amounts is best.

Insurance
You should make sure you are adequately insured. Check our page on insurance.

Lift pass
We use the Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass. The pass gives access to all Chamonix, Courmayeur, St. Gervais & Megeve lifts. For holders of a 6-day pass, a 50% discount is given on a Verbier day pass.

This course can run with the specified prices when a minimum of 4 participants are joining.

Tour IDWeekStart dateFinish datePrice per personSpacesEnquire
CO11Monday 30 December 2024Friday 3 January 2025825€Available
CO22Monday 6 January 2025Friday 10 January 2025825€Available
CO33Monday 13 January 2025Friday 17 January 2025825€Available
CO44Monday 20 January 2025Friday 24 January 2025825€Available
CO55Monday 27 January 2025Friday 31 January 2025825€Available

It is advisable to book well in advance. Not only will you have the chance to choose the dates that fit you the best, but we can also earlier secure the trip and find the best guide for the week.

If you book for three or more people as a group, your group will get a 10% discount.

We run the course when at least 4 participants have signed up; we can take 6 participants per group.

While we suggest a minimum age of 18, we acknowledge that some young skiers may excel at an earlier age and possess the strength required for off-piste skiing.  Therefore, we can admit children aged 16 and older when accompanied by a parent who must possess a high level of proficiency in off-piste skiing.

Suppose we do not reach the minimum number of course participants. In that case, we can proceed with the course at an increased fee if participants agree, or we will cancel the course and provide a full refund of their payments.

 

 

Included

Planning and logistics
We make arrangements so the trip runs smoothly (hire guides, book huts, take bookings, etc.).
If you need help finding accommodation or airport transfers or have other questions leading up to the trip, we will help you.

UIAGM/IFMGA guides – 5 days of mountain guiding.
One guide is assigned to a group of a maximum of 6 skiers.
The guides working with us hold the highest recognized mountaineering certificate. They are equally a friendly and sociable group of guides used to handling groups and climbs in the Alps.

Avalanche Gear
We can provide avalanche transceivers for the group, shovels, and probes.
If you have your own kit, we recommend you use this.

Group equipment (ropes & safety gear)
The guides provide the group security gear (rope, glacier travel equipment).
You only need to make sure you have your personal equipment.

Excluded

Any cost not mentioned in the  “Included” section. The most important ones are:

Transport to Chamonix
Read more under practical info.

Transport in Chamonix Valley
Meeting points can be reached with the valley bus/train system or private cars.

Accommodation in the valley
Read more under practical info.

Personal skiing equipment
Check the gear section.

Lunches & drinks
Most huts take credit cards, but having cash for smaller amounts is best.

Insurance
You should make sure you are adequately insured. Check our page on insurance.

Lift pass
We use the Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass. The pass gives access to all Chamonix, Courmayeur, St. Gervais & Megeve lifts. For holders of a 6-day pass, a 50% discount is given on a Verbier day pass.

This course can run with the specified prices when a minimum of 4 participants are joining.

It is advisable to book well in advance. Not only will you have the chance to choose the dates that fit you the best, but we can also earlier secure the trip and find the best guide for the week.

If you book for three or more people as a group, your group will get a 10% discount.

We run the course when at least 4 participants have signed up; we can take 6 participants per group.

While we suggest a minimum age of 18, we acknowledge that some young skiers may excel at an earlier age and possess the strength required for off-piste skiing.  Therefore, we can admit children aged 16 and older when accompanied by a parent who must possess a high level of proficiency in off-piste skiing.

Suppose we do not reach the minimum number of course participants. In that case, we can proceed with the course at an increased fee if participants agree, or we will cancel the course and provide a full refund of their payments.

 

 

Included

Planning and logistics
We make arrangements so the trip runs smoothly (hire guides, book huts, take bookings, etc.).
If you need help finding accommodation or airport transfers or have other questions leading up to the trip, we will help you.

UIAGM/IFMGA guides – 5 days of mountain guiding.
One guide is assigned to a group of a maximum of 6 skiers.
The guides working with us hold the highest recognized mountaineering certificate. They are equally a friendly and sociable group of guides used to handling groups and climbs in the Alps.

Avalanche Gear
We can provide avalanche transceivers for the group, shovels, and probes.
If you have your own kit, we recommend you use this.

Group equipment (ropes & safety gear)
The guides provide the group security gear (rope, glacier travel equipment).
You only need to make sure you have your personal equipment.

Excluded

Any cost not mentioned in the  “Included” section. The most important ones are:

Transport to Chamonix
Read more under practical info.

Transport in Chamonix Valley
Meeting points can be reached with the valley bus/train system or private cars.

Accommodation in the valley
Read more under practical info.

Personal skiing equipment
Check the gear section.

Lunches & drinks
Most huts take credit cards, but having cash for smaller amounts is best.

Insurance
You should make sure you are adequately insured. Check our page on insurance.

Lift pass
We use the Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass. The pass gives access to all Chamonix, Courmayeur, St. Gervais & Megeve lifts. For holders of a 6-day pass, a 50% discount is given on a Verbier day pass.

The Mythical Chamonix Off-piste
Five days is a good number of days to get around the Chamonix off-piste terrain. We will do our best to ski all areas but ultimately emphasise skiing where the snow is best, skiing some of the best runs several times.

We use the Chamonix Unlimited ski pass that grants us full access to all Chamonix area lifts and the nearby Courmayeur & St. Gervais/Megeve resorts. We can even drive to Switzerland and ski in Verbier for a day if the snow is better and we have enough transport between the guide and the group members.

We like to have a day of ski touring. It allows us to get further away from the most easily accessible runs, provides a great introduction to this side of the sport and is a fantastic mountain experience.

The following is a sample program, which will be changed to fit the best skiing.

Day 0 – Sunday – Arrival day. Team meeting.

We set a meeting in the afternoon when everyone has arrived.
Everybody will have a chance to introduce themselves.
The guide will review the week’s conditions and weather and plan for the coming day.

Day 1 – Monday – Domaine de Balme

The terrain is perfect for all levels of skiers. We start with easy angled slopes where we can perfect our technique and try skiing steeper sections to add some spice and learn more.
During the day, we will do a transceiver search exercise.
In this area, we can also find steeper and longer runs, but we will check the level of the group before we go into these runs. If it hasn’t snowed for a while, we will put the skins on the skis and go for a small tour to find the best snow.
Often, we do a second day in this area later in the week.

Day 2 – Tuesday – Les Grands Montets

The area is world-famous for its northern slopes and big altitude difference. This skier’s mountain is where long runs are the go-to on a big powder day. The summit of the Grand Montets has been somewhat “amputated” by the top station being out of service since a big fire in the middle station destroyed the lift. While waiting for the rebuild, touring to the backside has become a great attraction, where the big, consistent powder slopes await.  When the snow is good to the valley floor, we can ski through the forest to the little village of Lavancher or attempt the steep couloirs below the mid-station. This day can be combined with a visit to the Brevent/Flegere area.

Day 3 – Wednesday – Courmayeur

Up for skiing Italian powder, drinking great coffee, and eating an excellent pizza? This is Courmayeur. A 30-minute drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel, and we are here. The off-piste skiing in Courmayeur is excellent. When the snow in the forest is abundant, many great variations can be found. The long run down from the Youla and Arp stations is world-class when the weather and snow conditions are stable. As Courmayeur is placed on the opposite side of the Mont Blanc range, we often have different amounts of precipitation on each side. We use this knowledge in our favour.

Day 4 – Thursday – Vallée Blanche

When the weather is good and the snow incredible, the Vallée Blanche route down from the Aiguille du Midi top station 3842m is what a keen off-piste skier would expect to find in “the Skiers Valhalla”. Vallée Blanche is entering the high mountains, skiing down enormous, impressive glaciers. Skiing like nowhere else! We have several good variants to choose from and will select a variant that is the best for the moment regarding snow quality and glacier safety.

Day 5 – Friday – We keep it open. 

Let’s keep this final day open. We have many options and will choose the right one for the group. We still haven’t skied much in Flegere/Brevent. Perhaps we want to do a full day of ski touring, make an extra day on the Domaine de Balme, or even run from the Aiguille du Midi. We will see. The program finishes in the afternoon.

Off-piste skiing is a winter sport, and you need to be equipped with the right clothes and equipment to stay warm and comfortable.

Clothing wise we dress using the layering principle, which has the advantage of making it easy and quick to adjust for temperature, precipitation, and wind. How warm we layer up should be determined by the temperature and the weather of the day.  Old classic insulated ski-jacket is only good when it’s very cold.

For off-piste skiing, we use specific all-mountain / Off-piste skis. We cannot ski off-piste with normal piste skis. You can rent off-piste skis in Chamonix from various shops. See below under  “Practical information

Clothes

Shell jacket – You need a lightweight, yet relatively sturdy shell jacket that is stowed away and doesn’t take to much space. If you can fit your ski helmet under the hood it’s great. Most jackets today have vents under the arms for ventilation.

Shell pants – They will be the best protection against the element. For pure off-piste skiing, you will be best off with a pair of bibs/salopettes that rise over the waistline to avoid snow coming in.

Base layers – Top and bottom thermal underwear. You can adjust these to be either a light or warm version. It all depends on the temperatures of the day.

Mid-layer – A mid-grade fleece sweater or jacket is great.

Extra warm layer – Light fiber and down jacket.

Warm hat – That covers the ears.

Neck gaiter – Something that can warm your neck and protect against wind and bad weather. A “buff” or other balaclavas are great.

2 Pairs of gloves – It’s always wise to have a spare pair of gloves in your backpack. They can get very wet and then cold if you take some tumbles. E.g. bring a pair of warm and less warm gloves.

Socks – Make sure to choose a pair of socks that will keep you warm, but not so that you are too tight in the boots.

Technical equipment

25-40-litre backpack – Go with a simple backpack. You should have room for extra clothing, water, a shovel, and a probe. You need to be able to attach the skis to the backpack.
You can wear a specific avalanche backpack if you wish, but it’s only obligatory for heli-skiing in the Alps. I can be an added safety!

Ski boots – You can use your normal ski boots, but beware that these might not work with some of the touring bindings you can rent. We recommend upgrading your ski boots or renting a pair of free-ride/touring-orientated models. These will have “walk-mode”, “Vibram-sole”, “Inserts”, and a softer overall flex.  These boots are today quite versatile and even good to ski pistes with. You can get help in most shops from an educated person, who can guide you in your choice.

Skis – For off-piste skiing, we use specific all-mountain / Off-piste skis. We recommend you fit your skis with touring bindings and bring a pair of skins. This allows us to reach further away and ski more untracked snow. You can also rent skis with a touring setup specifically for those days we think we can use this option.

Ski poles – Normal poles are okay. You will need a “wider” basket at the pole, so the poles can be useful for pushing around in soft snow.

Ski helmet – We strongly recommend you wear a helmet. We understand it’s a personal choice, but we can impose this as “obligatory” if conditions are delicate.

Ski strap – Used for various things, but mostly to keep your skis together in the morning and attach the tips when strapped to the sides of the backpack.

Avalanche
beacon*

Avalanche shovel* 

Probe*

* if you don’t have your own, the guide will borrow the items for the 5 days.

Various items

Water bottle – 1l water bottle. Water systems will freeze.

Snacks – A few snacks, nuts, and a small sandwich. We can also eat in a restaurant/cafeteria.

Suncream & sun-stick

Snow goggles

Sunglasses

Personal items – Money, passport, social security card, insurance card, etc.

Phone – Type in the emergency number and keep it warm/dry during the day.

Tour Grade: S1/B

Please read through the requirements for participating in this tour and follow the link to the “grading page.”

Technical Level

You have already done some off-piste skiing and have good control when the snow isn’t too variable or difficult. You might not yet master tricky sections or steep slopes, but can “side-slip” through steeper passages in good control.

We will be in classic off-piste terrain in the forest, open slopes, and couloirs, avoiding more difficult and exposed runs.

To have the above level, you will most likely have been skiing for years and had ski school instruction. You will already have ventured off-piste next to the piste and maybe even been on a few guided off-piste descents.

Over the years, we have had all kinds of groups, and sometimes the level can vary a bit. If someone is tired one day, finishing the day a bit earlier or simply taking an extra break is often possible.

Fitness

Skiing off-piste for 5 days in a row is hard on your body and everyone is tired in the evening. The level is set relatively high so that we can create a group, which will be able to do 5 days of off-piste skiing in a row with short touring sections.

Make sure to train well before we meet w. running, biking, etc.

If you are relatively new to off-piste skiing, you will use more energy than someone with good technique. During the week we will teach you techniques to spend less energy and you will without a doubt be a better off-piste skier at the end of the week.

General Information

Getting to Chamonix or the course venue
For most of our clients, the easiest way to get to Chamonix or the Alps, in general, is by plane. The nearest airport is Geneva.
Read more about getting to Chamonix here – Click here.

Valley accommodation
Not everyone wants the same accommodation type, so we rarely include Valley accommodation. Check our suggested hotels, B&B, and campsites on this page – Click here.

If you want us to include hotel nights in the price, please let us know what standard you are looking for.

Insurance
You must take out search & rescue, repatriation, and cancellation insurance. Read more about insurance here – Click here.

Safety
We believe our finest task is to give every client a unique mountain experience without taking unnecessary risks. The experience of the mountain guide, access to the most recent weather forecasts, and information sharing between guides are some of the important elements for making good and sound judgment calls. Suppose conditions or other situations render an attempt at a peak dangerous, avalanche conditions of a ski tour no longer possible, etc.. In that case, the guide will do his/her best to devise a good alternate plan. This might be a 100% change of the program. Emphasis is put on staying safe and having a great time!

Mountain huts
In some of our courses, we stay in mountain huts. On hut-to-hut trips, they are part of the itinerary; at other times, we use them as the starting point for a climb or ski tour.
The mountain huts offer basic accommodation in bunk-style rooms. Blankets and duvets are in the huts, so you don’t need to bring a sleeping bag. It is obligatory to bring a sleeping bag liner.
We are served a simple breakfast and a 3-course dinner (soup, main meal, dessert).
We will let the guardian of the hut know if you are on a special diet (vegetarians, allergies, etc.). Vegans will need to bring supplementary food.
There are hut slippers available for use inside the hut.
It’s helpful to bring cash for personal expenses (water, soft drinks, beer, lunches, etc.)
There is mostly no tap water in the huts, and you must buy bottled water.
You will be able to charge your phone.
Some mountain huts have showers. You must mostly pay for this; only a few huts can provide towels.

Make a booking
Please read through all the course information. Please make sure that you have the required level to join the course.
Contact us if you have any questions.

Read more about the booking process here – Click here.

We will need all to join a course to complete our “Participation Form.”