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Telemark and Alpine: Off-piste skiing courses 2

Off-piste Adventure weeks:
Lenzerheide (Switzerland): an amazing 'freeride' area – lots of off-piste and mini-tours with lots of uplift opportunities!
Andermatt (Switzerland): Swiss off-piste heaven!
Zinal (Switzerland): with 5 ski areas, huge areas of off-piste and freeride terrain to explore.
Kühtai (Austria): a week focusing on day tours on most days; ideal for a first touring experience – or those who already tour but prefer a light rucksack!
Tignes (France): an end of season 'last chance' making the most of this high altitude, snow-sure area.
Gressoney (Italy): your opportunity to explore the Monte Rosa ski area and it's off-piste delights.

Off-piste Adventure weeks include an exciting and challenging mix of coaching on- and off-piste, skiing long off-piste itineraries and day or part-day tours. The exact mix varies from week to week as each venue has its own character with different goals; all weeks will use uplift as much as convenient/appropriate to our plans and all participants will need full safety gear and climbing skins. Full details in the Trip Dossiers – some venues have an option for a 6th day of coaching and/or leadership.

We also include Alpine or downhill skiers on these courses – we ensure that both Telemark and Alpine skiers receive appropriate and complete attention and time. Follow this link for more information about how this works.

SWITZERLAND – Lenzerheide    

Off-piste at Lenzerheide

Switzerland’s 'best kept secret' for limitless Telemark and Alpine Freeride off-piste skiing and touring.

LEVELS: 4 – 5
Lenzerheide, just south of Chur in eastern Switzerland, has a great snow record, easy access from airports and is located in an open bowl of scattered villages, forests, snowfields and peaks.
On the west side of the area there are many uplift-served off-piste runs, some great areas to ‘warm-up’ and then more challenging stuff as well!
To the east uplift allows easy access to peaks between 2650 and almost 3000 m; off-piste runs lead back to Lenzerheide or beyond to the resorts of Arosa and Tschiertschen – using uplift and skins superb day tours link the three resorts and all the empty valleys, peaks and powder slopes inbetween …
This week is best for those already confident away from the piste and are looking for greater challenges and to hone their off-piste skills and technique.
Expect to find untouched snow, dramatic scenery and all sorts of terrain and to enjoy one of the best off-piste areas anywhere!
The 'Off-piste Adventure' option will include coaching for three mornings with the 'Performance' skiers followed by big off-piste itineraries in the afternoon and 2 full day excursions involving some skinning; 1 free day.

telemark video

 

VIDEO: Lenzerheide, January, 2010

telemark video
PHOTO GALLERY: Lenzerheide
 

Lenzerheide ski touring

Lenzerheide ski tour

Top left: Up the cable-car for the first run of the day ...

Top right: ... then some skinning to a high col Bottom right: ...and the last run home.

Photos: John Eames

 

   
DATES & COSTS
(5 full days coaching and leadership only, in 6 days skiing)
22/01/11 – 29/01/11 £415
19/03/11 – 26/03/11 £415
EXTRAS: Train/bus transfers from/to Zurich airport: approx £61; half-board twin shared accommodation and 6 day ski pass: from £690 (3* hotel); £650 (2* hotel); £550 (YHA).
FULL DETAILS & BOOKING: dossier request
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
Simply arrange your own flight to Zurich and arrange train and bus to Lenzerheide (easily done in Switzerland!); we at the Telemark Ski Company will book your accommodation.
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SWITZERLAND – Andermatt  

One of the Alps' best centres for limitless Telemark and Alpine Freeride off-piste skiing.

LEVELS: 4 – 5

Andermatt is right at the hub of the Swiss Alps with a great snow record, easy access from airports and a delightful ‘small town’ feel.
From the top of the ski area, at the Gemstock, there is access to five valleys of off-piste or freeride ski runs, all with 1600 m of vertical to return to the village.
This week is best for those already confident away from the piste and are looking for more and greater challenges and to hone their off-piste skills and technique.
Expect untouched powder snow, dramatic scenery, all sorts of terrain and enjoy one of the best off-piste areas anywhere!
5 days of coaching and leadership; ski coaching sessions will develop during the week to include longer off-piste runs and eventually full day excursions involving some skinning; 1 free day or 6th day led for an extra £45.
We will also ski at Oberalp and the other neighbouring areas accessible by train – all included in the ski pass!

What others have said about the Andermatt
experience:
I would just like to say a big thank you for the Andermatt … week. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole week – the ski area, the company, and the hotel. I had a great time. I was very pleased to have the day's tuition in the middle of the week which I think has helped my skiing technique enormously. I look forward to coming on another Telemark Ski Co. week in the not too distant future.
J.M., March, 2009

telemark video

 

VIDEO: Andermatt, March, 2009


telemark video
PHOTO GALLERY: Andermatt

skiing in Andermatt

A wealth of 1500 m vertical off-piste/powder runs in each of 5 valleys off the top of the cable-car … come and join the fun!
Photos: John Eames


TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
You arrange flight (e.g. easyJet) to Zurich, we advise re direct train transfer (approx. £56 return) and reserve accommodation for you. Hotel half-board 7 nights cost from £415; 6 day ski pass CHF254 (approx £155).

DATES & COSTS
(full days coaching/leadership only)
26/03/11 – 02/04/10 £415
FULL DETAILS & BOOKING: dossier request

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SWITZERLAND – Zinal

Off-piste Adventure (OPA)
 

Zinal off piste skiing

New delights for the adventurous off-piste Telemark skier!

LEVELS: 3+ to 5
Zinal is a small and unspoilt resort at the head of the Val d’Anniviers, off the Rhone valley in the Valais.
By ski or shuttle bus four other ski areas are easily reached all with their own character and charm e.g the tree-skiing of Vercorin and the 'over-the-back' opportunities of Grimentz.
All in all a great mix of tree skiing, plenty of gullies and steeps, and more mellow wide open bowls and slopes, all overlooked by the 4000 m peaks of the Pennine Alps.
This 'Adventure' week builds from the performance coaching part of each day (typically the mornings) and allows further challenges and exploration of these little-known areas with longer off-piste runs and mini-tours. Simply loads of skiing!

Tignes steep off-piste

Off-piste adventures ‘over the back’ at Zinal..
Photos: Eric & Penny Kendall www.skizinal.com
 
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
Arrange your own flight to Geneva, Zurich or Sion and onward travel by train and bus – easy in Switzerland! We book your accommodation (from £560, 7 nights half-board, twin share basis; other options available).

Ski pass: CHF245 (approx £150)

DATES & COSTS
(5 full days coaching and leadership only, in 6 days skiing)
15/01/11 – 22/01/11: £415
FULL DETAILS & BOOKING: dossier request
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AUSTRIA – Kühtai

Off-piste Adventure (OPA)
 

High altitude and snow sure with great day tours for Telemark skiers.

LEVELS: 4 – 5

As a high resort Kühtai, at over 2000 m, has a well-deserved reputation for excellent and long-lasting snow.
With the linked (free shuttle bus) to Hochoetz ski area, the skiing is even more extensive, offering a good variety of runs, efficient uplift and not too many people.
• This 'Adventure' will focus on day touring; Kühtai is perfectly placed for this with many options in all directions, many with the benefit of uplift for access.
A superb opportunity if you have not tried ski-touring before; if you are already a tourer, the variety and scope of itineraries here will definitely not disappoint!
An optional 6th day of led touring is possible on this week.
The comfort, food and facilities at our hotel base are stunning and offer great value for money. The hotel is also ski-in/ski-out!

photo gallery
PHOTO GALLERY: Kühtai


TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION

Simply arrange your own flight to Munich and we will do the rest! Alternative flights via Innsbruck (arrange own transfer – contact us for details).
EXTRAS: Transfers from/to Munich airport: from £95; half-board, twin shared 3* hotel: from £695; ‘Alpine hut’ accommodation with half-board: from £365


Ski pass: €162 for 6 days (£138 approx)

DATES & COSTS
(5 full days coaching and leadership only, in 6 days of skiing)
12/03/11 – 19/03/11: £415
Optional 6th day of led touring: £45 extra
FULL DETAILS & BOOKING: dossier request

Top & Centre: In amongst the off-piste above Kuhtai.
Bottom: Skinning up through the tree-line on a day tour.

All photos: John Eames

Kuhtal ski area

Off-piste skiing in Kuhtal

Kuhtal ski touring

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FRANCE – Tignes

Off-piste Adventure (OPA)
 

Prime time for Telemark off-piste skiing and tours – in a prime location.

LEVELS: 4 – 5
Tignes and Val d’Isere offer varied, high altitude, snow-sure terrain that's the perfect environment for off-piste ski coaching, developing the challenge and maximising the fun!
The snowpack is usually at its maximum depth in April above 2000 m – and Tignes is at 2100 m!
'Spring snow' is in its prime and powder is not unusual. Great snow is complemented by easy access off-piste itineraries, with touring options to 2500 m and 3000 m + peaks beyond the ski area.
This week will include performance coaching on some of the mornings and allow longer and less easily accessed runs in the afternoons and part or full day skinning/touring itineraries later in the week.
A memorable way to finish your season! A spring snow descent of an Alpine peak, cruise across open, empty snowfields and slalom through quiet pine woods ...

 

Right: Off-piste for all at Tignes … steep and not so steep.
Photos: John Eames

TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
Tour operator packages will have finished for the season.
Independent travel and accommodation: arrange your own flight to Geneva and transfer to Tignes. From £595 for 7 nights half-board, twin share accommodation and including 6 day ski pass. Other accommodation options available e.g. self-catering from £260 (ski pass extra).

Ski pass, 6 days (if extra): €222.50 (approx £190)

DATES & COSTS
(5 full days coaching and leadership only, in 6 days skiing)
16/04/11 – 23/04/11 £415
FULL DETAILS & BOOKING: dossier request

Tignes pistes

 Tignes off-piste skiing

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ITALY – Gressoney

Off-piste Adventure (OPA)
 

For Telemark off-piste skiers: a little-known venue with big verticals spread over 3 valleys

LEVELS: 4 – 5
Gressoney is at the hub of the Monte Rosa ski area and its three valleys, including the well-known off-piste and freeride of Alagna; great links, easy access and loads to go at!
Typically early April is the best time for snow-cover at altitude; with skiing from our hotel at 1800 m to the top of the system at 3300 m!
Enjoy a quiet ski area and untracked snow beneath the hanging glaciers, rock faces snow peaks of Monte Rosa and it’s satellites.
This week will include performance coaching in the mornings followed by the chance to challenge new skills and explore the steeps and deeps of this vast off-piste arena in the afternoons.
A friendly, quiet and relaxed base to return each day – ideal for a beer in the late afternoon sun!
Gressoney is at the hub of the Monte Rosa ski area and its three valleys, including the well-known off-piste and freeride of Alagna; great links, easy access and loads to go at!
Typically early April is the best time for snow-cover at altitude; with skiing from our hotel at 1800 m to the top of the system at 3300 m!
Enjoy a quiet ski area and untracked snow beneath the hanging glaciers, rock faces snow peaks of Monte Rosa and it’s satellites.
This week will include performance coaching in the mornings followed by the chance to challenge new skills and explore the steeps and deeps of this vast off-piste arena in the afternoons.
A friendly, quiet and relaxed base to return each day – ideal for a beer in the late afternoon sun!

Gressoney off-piste

Gressoney ski tour

Top: 'Freshies' within the Gressoney ski area.
Bottom: Exploring the bowls, faces and peaks of the Monterosa ski area.

Photos: Monterosa Ski Area

TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
We have arranged half-board accommodation at a hotel convenient for skiing, with all comforts and great food. Cost from £525 per person for 7 nights on a twin share basis and including 6 days ski pass. Arrange own flight to Turin or Milan; ATS transfers from £105 return or public transport for approx £50 return.

DATES & COSTS
(5 full days coaching and leadership only, in 6 days skiing)
02/04/11 – 09/04/11 £415
FULL DETAILS & BOOKING: dossier request