OFF-PISTE INTRO / IMPROVE
Learn to, or improve your off-piste skiing
READY TO SKI ?
Learn to ski off-piste, or improve your off-piste technique during this week with a qualified ski instructor. We have four ski areas to explore over your stay, as well as the slopes of the Pic du Midi at 2877m. This high mountain off-piste domain has multiple descent options to test your new-found skills. Whether you’d simply like to improve your technique for your own off-piste outings, or for ski touring expeditions, this is an excellent week to solidify your skills and improve your technique with some specialised instruction.
•Head off the piste and away from the crowds
• Improve off-piste ski technique in a variety of conditions
• Learn to use avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
• Ski in four ski areas around the Luz Valley
GRADE : Solid skier on red slopes, can do black, even if not pretty.
BUDGET
1595€pp*
*confirmed from 2p only
This price includes :
• 6 days guided skiing with a qualified ski instructor each morning
• 7 nights B&B or apartment accommodation in Hotel Les Templiers
• Collection from Lourdes train station
Extras:
• Lift passes each day
• Equipment (ARVA, shovel, probe + ski gear)
• Lunches and dinners each day
BOOK NOW AT sian@pyrenees-mountains.com or +33(0)5 62 92 81 52
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrival at Lourdes train station where we collect you for the short transfer to our base in Luz St Sauveur. Collect hire gear. A drink and chat about the week followed by dinner out in the village (plenty to choose from).
DAY 2
Breakfast in the hotel and then catch the bus up to Luz Ardiden to meet with your instructor for the morning. Warm up and explore the ski area and the off-piste possibilities. Focus on technique and use of the avalanche transceiver. Lunch and the afternoon to yourself to explore further and practice what you have learnt in the morning. Catch the shuttle down at the end of the day.
DAY 3
Changing ski areas today as you will head up to the Grand Tourmalet ski area and use the lifts to ski over to La Mongie and the Quatre Thermes… we make the most of a variety of off-piste slopes as we go. Then after a climb through a narrow opening and a short natural tunnel we access the Aygues Cluses valley for the long ski back down to Bareges. Lunch and again a free afternoon to practice your skills.
DAY 4
Today we head off on a big day out that ends with a ski descent from the highest ski lift in the Pyrenees – the Pic du Midi 2877m. First we re-trace our tracks to the Quatre Thermes lift system and climb on foot to the Contade. From there we traverse around a steep slope to access a secluded valley and a long ski down into the village of La Mongie. From here we catch the two stage cable car to the Pic du Midi – this high mountain off-piste domain has a number of possible descents. Lunch and free afternoon.
DAY 5
Transfer to the Gavarnie ski station – this is a lovely small ski area with some good off-piste areas. You will have an instructor in the morning to show you around, then lunch and a free afternoon to retrace the morning’s tracks.
DAY 6
Today we explore the possibilities at Luz Ardiden. Between the Bederets and Aulian areas there are plenty of hidden spots to practice our skills. If the instructor decides the Bernazaou descent is possible then we’ll head for that, otherwise there is plenty to keep us occupied for the morning. Lunch and a free afternoon.
DAY 7
A final day to head back to Grand Tourmalet. Another morning with our instructor to receive some last tips. Option of heading up to Pic du Midi if the conditions are good. Enjoy a last lunch and free afternoon skiing to re-visit your favourite areas. Return knackered, no doubt, after a very full week of skiing !
DAY 8
Return transfer to Lourdes station to connect with your train home.