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Jon holds the top qualifications from France, Switzerland and Britain, and we can say firsthand that he is an inspirational coach. His ski school Altitude is known worldwide for employing a team of fantastic ski and snowboard instructors who are very passionate about helping people improve. Each month, Jon or one of his team will provide us with a few tips and words of wisdom to help improve your understanding of how to ski. This month - off-piste. This month, with help from some of the team from Verbier’s off-piste school Freeride Verbier, Jon will present some tips for off-piste skiing and ski touring. For some, not using the lift is very much a last resort! However, for many, travelling through snow-covered terrain using skis to go both uphill and downhill is extremely pleasurable. The attraction of ski touring is that it can help you access new slopes and fresh, untouched powder. For the enthusiast, it can take them on a memorable journey, reaching new ski areas, natural beauty and sometimes different cultures and ways of life and thinking ... Safety It’s worth reminding yourself that once you venture away from the pistes, just a few metres or much further afield, you are exposing yourself to additional risks. No longer will you be on slopes which are patrolled and avalanche-safe. For this reason, it is extremely important to make sure you have the correct off-piste kit – a transceiver, shovel and probe – and that you know how to use it. It is highly recommended that you get some training in using your kit from qualified professionals and also make sure your insurance covers you for skiing off-piste – many don’t, with dire consequences! TIP – Make sure you practise using the equipment at the start of every holiday! This refresher could help you save valuable minutes, which could be the difference between life and death. Touring Once you have all the required kit, such as skins, touring bindings, and touring boots and lightweight skis, you are set to hike up the mountain. The basic technique is quite simple to master on gentle gradients, but steeper slopes will expose any weaknesses in technique and require more practice. You may think it would be much like hiking with a load of equipment on your feet! But unlike hiking, where you lift your feet with every step, with touring you slide each step. This is both more efficient and can help you to save energy. As with hiking, develop a good constant rhythm and an even stride (or slide). TIP – As the slopes get steeper, shorten your stride and look ahead to plan your most efficient route. Practice Skinning is an art, and over time, your technique will become refined and you will become expert at manoeuvring yourself around the mountains. To start with, it’s best to follow, not lead, and try to keep your skis within the track left by the person in front of you. This will be the path of least resistance and will be the least physically demanding route. Be aware that as you approach steeper slopes or icy slopes, your technique might come under pressure. If you find yourself in this situation and losing traction, think about standing up straight and feeling your heels in the back of your bindings. Tip – Risers on the binding allow you to adjust the angle of your boot for skinning. Adjust the angle depending on the slope angle, and it will help prevent tight hamstrings. The descent There is no doubt that the descent is a very important part of the experience! If it’s your first time using ski touring kit, then you can expect this to feel somewhat unfamiliar. The kit is much lighter than normal gear, so it is recommended that, before going skinning, you practise using your new skis and boots on the slopes and sides of slopes. Taking time to adjust to your new equipment is likely to make the off-piste descent after touring a lot more satisfying and enjoyable. TIP – If you are just planning a short tour (1 hour) and the descent is your priority, then try using your regular boots with fat skis and a sturdy touring binding. A short ski tour followed by a descent in fresh powder is extremely enjoyable. We always recommend using a qualified guide to help prepare you and keep you safe. Freeride Verbier Ski School operates in Verbier, Switzerland. This spring they are organising a week of ski touring in Iceland. For more information, please contact them on: 0041 27 771 6006; altitude-verbier.com – altitude-futures.com – freeride-verbier.com To follow the Altitude Verbier team: https://www.facebook.com/altitudeverbier/ https://www.instagram.com/altitudeverbier/ https://twitter.com/AltitudeVerbier

Columns

Altitude Verbier – Lesson #03 Off-Piste

Blow The Bonus: Rent-a-Palace

Freeriding – Be Smart, Be Safe

FREERIDING – GET YOUR KIT ON

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BLOW THE BONUS – A PRIVATE JET

Ski Tips from Westy at Altitude Verbier – Ski Kit

Ski Tips from Westy at Altitude Verbier – Skiing Psychology

Your Child’s First Day On Snow & What To Expect

Ski Tips from Westy at Altitude Verbier

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Indoor Rail Riding