This course is not running for 2019/2020, please see the Off Piste Freeride Zinal Course or the Off Piste Freeride Grand Massif Course.
Join us on our most popular off piste snowboard course in the backcountry mecca of Chamonix!
It’s time to ride in the infamous Mont Blanc Massif and enjoy all the incredible off piste descents it offers. On the Off Piste Freeride course you will explore the endless possibilities offered by the mountain’s natural terrain. The course is run off piste for the full week, ensuring you enjoy daily adventures into new and untouched terrain.
Chamonix is one of the best resorts in the world for off-piste snowboarding, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in Europe and truly mind blowing mountain views. There are four main ski areas in the vast expanse of the Mont Blanc Massif, each with enough off-piste riding to keep you riding something new every day for a year!
On our Off-Piste Freeride Course we will work with you over 5 days to advance your technical riding ability by teaching you the skills and techniques required to snowboard off-piste; on natural terrain and in varying snow conditions. We will also teach you the skills needed to approach the backcountry safely & responsibly, and how to analyse both terrain and snowpack to ensure safe ascents and descents. Avalanche search & rescue training is also included.
At the end of the week enjoy a descent down the infamous Vallée Blanche, arguably the most famous off-piste ski itinerary in the world. The Vallée Blanche is a breath-taking experience, with a vertical descent of almost 3000 meters down to Chamonix, passing through stunning high alpine landscapes with cascading glaciers and the towering peaks of the Mont Blanc massif.
This course is led by David Gladwin, one of only a handful of professional snowboard instructors to hold the BASI Level 4 ISTD, French Carte Pro and UIAGM Mountain Guide qualification. Dave has the qualifications, knowledge and experience to take you further, deeper and steeper than pretty much anyone else in the world.
5 full days of off piste guiding with UIAGM Mountain Guide, David Gladwin
Group size: Max 6 (Min 4)
This course is perfect option for snowboarders wishing to ride the infamous high mountain backcountry terrain of Chamonix and the Mont Blanc Massif. Enjoy daily adventures exploring the different areas and searching out the best snow conditions. You will also further develop your backcountry snowboarding techniques as well as increase your knowledge of mountain safety and awareness.
This course is designed for strong intermediate / advanced level snowboarders who are confident riding most snow conditions and terrain. You already have a couple of weeks off piste experience or might have had previous instruction on an off piste course. You are keen to improve your technique in trickier snow conditions and on steeper slopes or couloirs. You have a good level of fitness and are happy to hike away from the lifts to access better snow and terrain options.
This is a great follow on course from our Off Piste Freeride Intro course or the Technical Performance Camp.
For strong advanced riders our faster paced Advanced Backcountry Course is a follow on from our Off-Piste Freeride snowboard courses. This course takes the adventure further, to more challenging terrain and a focus on epic descents that take a bit more effort to reach.
Day 1: Warm up day with an introduction to off piste snowboard technical riding, mountain safety skills & avalanche training
Day 2: Off-Piste freeride day with a focus on progressing your riding technique across various off piste terrain types and snow conditions
Day 3: Off-Piste freeride day with further development of mountain safety skills and avalanche training
Day 4: Off-Piste freeride day
Day 5: Ride the infamous Vallée Blanche in Chamonix
The exact itinerary of the week remains flexible to allow for variations with the weather and snow conditions.
Accommodation in Chamonix is not included in this week, however as part of the booking process we will help you find & book accommodation if required. There are plenty of great accommodation options for solo-travellers in Chamonix.
With UIAGM High Mountain Guide & BASI Snowboard Instructor, David Gladwin
A Chamonix must. Weather dependent
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