Zinal off-piste skiing clinics focus on doing a lot of skiing (because it's fun!) but pinning this around plenty of coaching and instruction from a top BASI ski instructor and a Mountain Guide. Flexibility is the key - at times a more structured instructional session is appropriate and at others on the hoof coaching is better. Keeping it relaxed and fun, we think, is the way forward...

The main aim of this week is to improve your off-piste skiing technique and you spend at least 3 days with a top BASI ski instructor, and up to 2 days with an IFMGA Ski Guide.

What to expect

Having a guide and an instructor gives the optimum balance of skills, from seeking out the best skiing which may be on a glacier, to expert technique tuition. Our unusually low ratios ensure quality coaching for everyone. You will come away from the week a better skier and more versed in avalanche/off piste safety.

We split our clinics into 2 levels so that everyone on the course is of a similar ability and looking for similar things out of the clinic. If you have specific goals, let us know!

You can expect to be skiing all day from first lift (legs allowing!) with some warm up runs to start with.

Who is it for?

If you fit our Intro or Intermediate off-piste skier definition then these clinics are for you! Check our ability levels for guidance, but essentially if you have skied off piste before, perhaps had some tuition, but are struggling to master it, these clinics are ideal. They are also a great ski holiday in themselves!

About Zinal

Zinal, in Switzerland's Valais Alps has truely world class off piste skiing. The Val d'Anniviers is one of the Alps' hidden off piste destinations. Extensive, varied terrain, big vertical drop, north and east facing slopes and a good snow record combine with the essential and hard-to-find ingredient - no crowds. Throughout the season, even days after the last snowfall, you can find untracked snow.

Each of the resorts have easy to find, lift accessed freeriding, as well as big routes which take you right out of the ski domain, though many of these conveniently end back in one of the resorts or at a bus stop.

Zinal is an original mountain village that has grown to provide a good range of bars and restaurants, while still maintaining its charm and character. It is about 2 hours or so from Geneva airport.

Chalet Accommodation

We stay in Chalet Edelweiss in the hamlet of Mottec, just a minute or two outside the village of Zinal itself. This comfortable chalet provides us with half board accommodation with afternoon tea & cakes and includes beer/wine with the three course evening meal. We really are well looked after here! They also have a selection of skis to demo, being a Scott Ski test centre.

Typical Itinerary

Saturday: Arrive at the chalet and welcome by your hosts. A chance to hire gear, sort out a lift pass etc

Sunday: Warm up day to find your ski legs. No coaching today - your instructor will meet you in the evening to chat through the plan for the week, conditions and your aspirations.

Monday: On and off piste coaching with our BASI instructor.

Tuesday: Further coaching from our instructor, exploring different off piste terrain.

Wednesday - Friday: More advanced off piste coaching and exploring the off piste potential of the region with our BASI instructer and IFMGA Guide.

By Friday your skiing will have come a long way and you will have sampled much of the best off-piste terrain the area has to offer. You will be more versed in off-piste safety and will have done more skiing in this week than probably any week before!

Saturday: Departure

Transport

Regular local free buses take us the few minutes drive between the chalet and the lifts, and also from where we finish skiing each day back to the chalet. We may use a local taxi when visiting nearby St Luc. These costs are minimal.

Further Information

Download the Info Pack PDF or get in touch for more information.