Off-piste skiing
lessons in Grimentz-Zinal
Your first tracks in fresh snow, close to the marked runs. A focused Tech Taster on powder technique, tactics for variable snow and the basics of reading the mountain.
Powderand variable snow
3 hper session
1 to 5people per instructor
2012teaching in Grimentz-Zinal since
Intro to Off-Piste
From the piste to your first powder
Skiing fresh snow is one of the best feelings in the mountains, but powder, crud and wind-packed snow ask for a different technique from the groomed piste. Many good piste skiers struggle the first time they leave it, simply because nobody has shown them how.
In Intro to Off-Piste your instructor spends the whole session on skiing ungroomed snow. We start at the edge of the piste, then move into easy off-piste terrain reached from the lifts when you are ready. You learn a balanced stance for deep snow, how to turn in heavy or crusty snow, and how to choose safe terrain.
Grimentz-Zinal is known for its off-piste, with open slopes above the tree line and sheltered runs through the forest on snowy days. Read about freeride in Grimentz-Zinal, or see all our Tech Tasters in Grimentz-Zinal.
What you will work on
- Powder stance. A centred, balanced position with even weight on both skis, so they float instead of diving.
- Turn rhythm. Round, bouncy turns that use the snow to help you turn.
- Variable snow. Tactics for crud, heavy snow and wind-packed slopes, where most skiers lose confidence.
- Mountain basics. Choosing terrain, skiing one at a time, and why safety equipment matters.
Who is it for
Confident piste skiers
This workshop is for skiers who are confident on red and black runs and want to take their first steps off the piste. You do not need any powder experience.
It suits adults and teenagers who want to ski more of the mountain, and families preparing for a freeride day together. Wider skis make powder easier, and your instructor can advise you on what to rent.
When you are ready for bigger lines, our freeride guiding in the Val d’Anniviers takes you further, with a guide and full safety equipment.
Common mistakes we fix
What makes powder hard
Most skiers find powder hard for the same few reasons. Your instructor will spot yours in the first runs and show you how to change them.
- Leaning back. Sitting back to keep the tips up tires the legs fast. We teach a centred stance that floats.
- Weight on one ski. Piste habits put all the weight on the outside ski, which sinks. We balance you on both skis.
- Turning too fast. Quick, twisting turns dig the skis in. We work on round, patient turns.
- Stopping in the wrong place. We show you where to stop and wait, and how to read the slope around you.
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Off-piste lessons FAQ
What level do I need?
You should ski red and black runs confidently and in control. You do not need to have skied powder before: that is what the session is for.
Is off-piste skiing safe?
Off-piste terrain is not controlled or patrolled, so there is always some risk. We stay close to the marked runs, choose terrain according to the conditions and the avalanche bulletin, and cancel or adapt the session if conditions are not safe.
Do I need avalanche equipment?
For terrain close to the piste your instructor will tell you what to bring. For freeride days further from the piste, a transceiver, shovel and probe are required. Read our article on staying safe in the backcountry.
What if there is no fresh snow?
Off-piste skills are useful in all conditions. On days without powder we work on variable snow, the edges of the pistes and tactics for crust and spring snow.
Private or small group?
Both. Book privately for the most feedback per run, or as a group of up to five people with a similar level. It is a great way for friends and families to try something new together.
How long is a session and when does it start?
Every Tech Taster is a 3-hour session. Morning sessions start by 10:30 and afternoon sessions between 13:00 and 13:30. Early starts give you the best snow and the quietest slopes.
Where do we meet?
We confirm the meeting point when you book. Usually we meet at the top of the Bendolla cable car in Grimentz, but we can also meet you in Zinal or elsewhere on the mountain. Your instructor contacts you the day before to confirm the time and place.
How do I book and see prices?
Click Book now to see live availability and prices, choose your date, time and group size, and pay securely online. For special requests, send us a message through the contact page.
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Book your session
Ready for fresh tracks?
Teaching in Grimentz-Zinal since 2012. Choose your date and time, and we will take care of the rest. Not sure which workshop suits you? Send us a message and we will help you choose.