Off piste skiing in the Pyrenees
A six day introduction to off-piste skiing in beautiful Pyrenees mountains of Southern France. Taking advantage of the extensive ski-lift system of the Pyrenees' largest ski area (Domaine du Tourmalet) around Bareges and La Mongie, we venture away from the groomed slopes to put in our own tracks! With a week's tuition and guiding with a qualified local ski instructor you will have the chance to develop your off-piste ski technique, learn to ski in different off-piste conditions and have the chance to try snow-shoeing or ski touring to gain quick access to virgin snow. The trip highlight is the legendary Pic du Midi descent day - ride the highest cable car in the Pyrenees, to over 2800m, then make two descents of 1500m totally off-piste. This route has only just opened to the public, and is considered to be one of the best off-piste descents in Europe!
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(SI-9401-P) |
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3* en-suite chalet accommodation with sauna |
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Generous continental breakfasts |
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Picnic lunches |
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Afternoon tea & cakes |
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Delicious three course evening meals |
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6 days tuition with a qualified ski instructor |
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Snow security equipment |
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Local transport |
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Price Excludes |
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Flights
Airport transfers
Ski equipment hire
Lift passes |
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Suitability / Level |
Advanced |
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Minimum Age |
18 |
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Max Group Size |
6 |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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Saturday : Flights to Pau Pyrenees airport, transfer to Bareges, arrive mid afternoon. Arrange equipment and lift passes.
Evening drinks with the group and guide.
Sunday: Warm-up morning of downhill skiing in the Tourmalet resort. We meet our ski safari guide after lunch for an afternoon's introduction to off-piste skiing in and around the ski resort.
Monday: Improving your off-piste skiing on steeper ground and in different snow conditions. A great chance to focus on technique, whilst still within reach of those handy lifts!
Tuesday: An exciting, totally off-piste descent of the secluded 'Aygues Cluses' valley. We ride the Quatre Termes chairlift to the top of the Tourmalet ski area, then a short scramble up through a narrow pass takes us into wonderland - the Neouvielle Nature reserve.
Wednesday: Bareges is a rare jewel in Europe, as one of the only places with skiing through open mixed woodland. An off-piste skiing day in this beautiful environment will develop the perfect, instinctive turn!
Thursday: Option 1) Starting from the Quatre Termes lift, a short hike takes us to the Breche du Contade. We traverse around a steep hillside to reach an isolated valley, with a spectacular descent into the heart of La Mongie.
Option 2) Introduction to ski touring - use of skins and alpine skiing techniques
Friday: Pic du Midi - TWICE!
We take the highest lift in the Pyrenees to the summit of the awesome Pic du Midi at 2872m, and one of the best off-piste descents in Europe (www.pistehors.com). Develop the technique of off-piste carving and "freeride" skiing through 1000 metres of open snowfields. Unbeatable!
Saturday: Morning departure for Pau airport. |
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Accommodation
& Centre Details |
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Stay in our newly-renovated chalet in the heart of the lively mountain village of Bareges. After an adrenaline-packed day, relax at the thermal spa, or in our own sauna at the house before sampling our delicious French cuisine and wines. All bedrooms are en-suite and guests have access to a heated equipment room, spacious dining room and large lounge with wood-burning stove, games table, CD player, big-screen home cinema and internet access. There is also a patio garden with mountain views. |
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Holidays
Extras |
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