Off-piste skiing is a great opportunity to take the slope less travelled. Often when one thinks of skiing, images of a ski resort and crowded slopes come to mind. Off-piste skiing is quite the opposite; there are no markers or grading and the snow is fresh, untouched, and wonderfully powdered. These slopes are more isolated, and you will find yourself surrounded by nature rather than crowds of people.
In this article, we will take a look at how off-piste skiing offers you a unique experience, and how Pure Powder can help you organise this one-of-a-kind adventure for yourself.
The Appeal Of Off-Piste Skiing
Off-piste skiing is a refreshing challenge that offers something that resort slopes cannot match – courtesy of the untouched snow and the serenity of authentic exposure to nature. This is a freedom unlike any other, and you can enjoy the quiet away from the crowds and the thrill of ungroomed powder. The backcountry terrain is a great option if you are looking for both a challenge and an unforgettable adventure.
However, it is important to remember that you need to master the proper techniques and appropriate ski fitness level before taking off on your first off-piste skiing trip. Taking the slope less travelled means there are precautions you need to adhere to in order to stay safe. Luckily for newcomers, not all off-piste skiing terrain requires the same amount of experience and level of expertise. That’s why Pure Powder is a great choice if you are looking to match your skill level to your desired off-piste venture.
Preparing For Off-Piste Skiing
Before taking part in an off-piste skiing adventure it is important to get clued up on what to expect. It also won’t hurt to prepare accordingly and get familiar with off-piste skiing precautions. When you ski on-piste, you have the security of knowing there are people around you and you are closer to help if needed. Off-piste skiing, on the other hand, comes with a slightly higher risk; you are skiing in an un-controlled environment, and if anything does happen, you are on your own.
Pure Powder is great in this regard because we are able to organise group packages that set you up with not only fantastic lodges, but also off-piste skiing programmes for you and your friends or partners to partake in together. You will also have the added security of a professional guide, who will accompany you throughout the duration of your off-piste trip. These guides are highly-trained and experts at navigating the backcountry, giving you an additional layer of security when out on the slopes.
Having the right gear is also crucial to a successful off-piste adventure. Sturdy, reliable, and appropriate equipment means you can navigate the natural terrain with ease and comfort. Some of the most essential gear you would need in the snowy backcountry includes a snow shovel, an avalanche beacon, a probe, and an airbag backpack. Essentially, knowing the dangers and being prepared in advance makes all the difference. When you book your trip through Pure Powder, we will kit you out with everything you need for an incredible experience off-piste – with equipment from leading outdoor retailers like Ellis Brigham, Icebreaker, Arc’teryx and Surefoot.
Another crucial consideration is avalanche safety. You need to know how to navigate the terrain to avoid triggering an avalanche, as well as what to do should an avalanche occur. Knowing these important terrain precautions will lower any possible risk to yourself and others, and knowing where is safe to off-piste ski makes all the difference. Pure Powder offers the best guides in this regard, all of whom are clued-up on the relevant practices and safety protocols of off-piste skiing. We have partnered up with the best of the best for this very reason, putting our clients’ safety at the top of our priority list.
Off-Piste Skiing Techniques
Nobody becomes an expert overnight, and that is why we provide trained guides so they can help you out when tumbles occur. Enjoying the process, meeting the challenge head-on, and furthering your skill set should be your main goal.
Building up your confidence to ski off-piste takes time, and the perfect way to grow, gain more skills, and improve your technique is to practise at the right resort with the right kind of experts. Warm-up resort skiing is the easiest way to earn your off-piste ski legs, so don’t hesitate to get out there and get skiing.
If you are looking to get ski fit for an upcoming trip, Pure Powder has got you covered there too. With guidance and input from Craig McLean of the Putney Chiropractic Centre, we have developed a ski fitness programme to give you a proper workout that will prepare your body for off-piste skiing.
Skiing With The Experts
Pure Powder was founded in 1978 and we now have four decades worth of experience under our belt. We are the leading heli ski specialist in the UK but we offer heli skiing and off-piste trips all over the world. Our goal is to source and organise top-tier heli skiing and off-piste trips on your behalf, offering support and guidance every step of the way – and we do all of this without compromising quality or cutting corners.
We are proud to offer the affordability and expertise that you need to take the slope less travelled. With nothing to worry about and everything to look forward to, don’t hesitate to get in contact and let us organise your next off-piste adventure.
Start Your Journey
If you are eager to get started on your off-piste journey, allow us to give you a taste of what you can expect from our various ski locations around the world. Keep in mind, these are just a few of the many options available to you.
Skiing In Canada
Western British Columbia in Canada offers an exclusive terrain for passionate skiers. Expansive and full of light champagne powder, this is a popular option for a number of reasons. No matter your skill level, our partners at CMH offer an unforgettable experience for beginners and novices alike.
Moreover, if you are looking for off-piste skiing resorts, Canada offers more than one option to choose from. For example, our Fernie trip is considered a playground for off-piste skiers because it has five Alpine bowls, chutes, and long tree runs – all of which equates to 2,500 acres of skiable terrain. Another noteworthy resort, The Monashees Lodge, offers a more exclusive option for experienced skiers.
Skiing In Chile
Chile offers sensational skiing opportunities in the Southern Hemisphere. You will ski in the rugged Andes Mountains, filled with glaciated Andean peaks and seemingly endless valleys. Skiing in Chile is also one of the more explorative skiing trip options. Off-piste skiing is about skiing in less-travelled terrain, and the Andes Mountains call for plenty of exploration. Another benefit of choosing a Chile skiing trip is the ability to engage with the culture and stay in local hotels and exclusive yachts, in addition to lodges.
Skiing In Japan
If you are looking for a deep powder skiing experience, Japan should be at the top of your list. Japan offers off-piste skiing at its – snow falls consistently, boasting some of the driest, deepest, and lightest powder you will find around the world. Pure Powder organises skiing tours in Japan as well as Nomadic Programmes in January that are perfect for groups and individuals alike. With icy temperatures and consistent stormy weather, this skier’s paradise is one to beat.
Skiing In Sweden
Sweden’s large wilderness offers some of the most beautiful views and long alpine run skiing opportunities. The skiing terrain in Sweden is equivalent to the size of Austria, with expansive open bowls and steep descents. Skiing in Sweden presents off-piste skiers with the adventure of vertical descents and more exclusive trips in the beautiful Lapporten Valley. The Abisko Mountain Lodge is the ideal cosy base after a long day of skiing, with local delicacies cooked by experienced chefs available at the lodge.
Get In Touch
If you need any more information or want personalised recommendations, get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help you curate the best possible skiing experience according to your needs. Take the road less travelled, ski the slope less traversed and you can experience something beyond unique. Book your trip with experts who have your best interests at heart, and your safety prioritised – contact us to kickstart your off-piste skiing adventure today!
