When off piste skiing it is extremely important that you remain safe. Always pack the correct equipment needed, and never go off piste skiing alone. It is always recommended to hire a guide if you are new to the area, not only is this much safer but you will be able to explore areas that you perhaps would not have found on your own.
Jackson Hole – USA
Jackson Hole had such variable terrain which already makes for a challenging ski, let alone taking on some of it’s even tougher off piste runs. If you wish to go off piste skiing, then it is always recommended that you hire a back country guide to accompany you, due to the dangerous terrain and potential avalanches. The most famous double black diamond run is of course, the Corbets Couloir. It starts off with a 20foot vertical drop, which means you have to actually jump into the run. Most people merely peer over the edge and have a change of heart, so if you think you’re brave enough then take this on.
Chamonix – France
Chamonix is arguably one of the best for off piste skiing, and one of the best areas to go is the ridge at Brevent. It does require a bit of hiking but because it is a little more out the way you will find it is quieter. There are plenty of steep chutes here, which does mean that it is is quite prone to avalanches so you need to be extra cautious about yourself and others. Don’t do this run late in the afternoon as it’s facing the sun, the terrain can be very unstable on a warm day.
Whistler – Canada
Whistler is well known for it’s guaranteed snow, and on top of that it is also home to some of the best off piste skiing out there. With such varied ski terrain, and limitless off piste options, there is definitely something for everyone. One of the popular off piste routes is the Spearhead, where you cross over a dozen glaciers as you travel from Backcomb to Whistler.
St Anton – Austria
In St Anton there is a huge selection of off piste terrain filled with narrow chutes and steep turns and gut wrenching cliffs.
One of the best world famous routes to take is the Valluga summit that descends into Paziel-Tal to Turs, as it is easily accessible from the ski lifts. The small gondola takes you straight to the top, where you can sight see or if you’re brave enough, and also accompanied by a guide then you can hit the slopes. This route is filled with incredible views and tight turns, just be sure to avoid the 40 metre cliff at the bottom!
Verbier – Switzerland
Verbier is the largest ski area in Switzerland and has a great variety of terrains. It is one of the most popular destinations for off piste skiing due to most of the off piste terrain is easily accessible just off the ski lifts.
Mont Fort is the highest point in Verbia, and is easily reached by the gondola. From the top you’ll have some fantastic views, aswell as couloirs, and steep faces for you to ski down.
Andermatt – Switzerland
Andermatt is a charming little ski area which is known for great off piste areas and reliable snowfall – what more could you want? If you catch the cable car to the top of Gemsstock, as well an exhilarating steep black piste, you will find several off piste opportunities. Natschen on the other side of the valley is also well known for some shorter black runs and more off piste.
Whilst this resort is quite small, it is fantastic in particular for off piste skiing, and doesn’t tend to be as over crowded as other resorts can get. So for serious skiers looking to miss the crowds this is the resort to go to.
Val d’Isère – France
The Espace Killy combines Val d’isere and The Tignes which has some of the best off piste skiing in Europe. Although this is a super popular resort, there are plenty of lifts and pistes in the area, so the slopes are never too crowded.
One of the best off piste routes to check out is The Pisteurs Couloir. It does require a bit of a trek to get there, but it’s definitely worth it. It’s steep, and scary, and not for the faint hearted but definitely worth it.
