off-piste-action travel wintersports Virgin Media
Skiing down a mountain isn't enough for some people. They want more. Enter off-piste skiing (known as back-country skiing in the US), snowboarding, ski touring and hut-to-hut expeditions. So, what are they, where do you go and what do you need to do them?
Other useful rucksack items (depending on length of expedition and conditions) include:
If you plan on skiing down narrow slopes or through trees, a helmet and/or body protection is advisable. And it goes without saying - never ski or tour off-piste alone. Safety is paramount.
Over-confidence is a skier's worst enemy, so always ski within your ability and ensure you're insured for off-piste activities - tripping up during a particularly merry après-ski session at the bar doesn't count!
What is it?
Off-piste skiing is, effectively, skiing beyond the resort boundaries, and the possibilities are endless. It's not for skiing novices, but nor is it exclusive to the hardcore snow brigade. Off-piste conditions vary so you should be able to ski red runs with linked turns, traverse or sideslip and perform a downhill kick-turn.
What do you need?
Alpine (downhill) ski equipment is fine if you're using resort lifts to climb. If venturing further afield, invest in all-mountain skis like Rossignol B2s and Salomon Ten-Eightys, comfortable touring boots and bindings for easier uphill walking and skins (textured fabric attached to the bottom of skis to prevent slipping yet offering friction uphill).
You'll also need a transceiver, shovel and probe.
Where can I do it?
You'll find off-piste skiing in almost every resort. Favourites include Lake Louise and Whistler in Canada, Heavenly and Snowbird in the US, Verbier and Zermatt in Switzerland, Flaine and Alpe d'Huez in France and St Anton in Austria.
Next: Ski touring, off-piste snowboarding & hut-to-hut expeditions
