3 Best Resorts for Off Piste Skiing in The Alps

There’s nothing as thrilling as off-piste skiing. After you’ve gone through the ski school, then conquered runs of increasing difficulty, being able to go off-piste straight from your cate...

There’s nothing as thrilling as off-piste skiing. After you’ve gone through the ski school, then conquered runs of increasing difficulty, being able to go off-piste straight from your catered ski chalets seems to be the holy grail at the end of your training.

But where can you do off-piste skiing? If you’re looking to take it up, some resorts are better equipped than others. What you’re looking for is more than just access to those amazing trails with thick powder. You’ll need to choose your accommodation in catered ski chalets in resorts where you’ll get the training, assistance, and, of course, the pampering you need after a particularly tough run!

Here are a few of the best resorts for off-piste skiing. They're equipped with all you need for the most thrilling runs - the terrain, the snow, the people, and of course, the best catered ski chalets.

Val D’Isere

Located on a steep valley, Val D’Isere tops many lists for best places to go Alpine off-piste skiing. It has extensive high snow-sure slopes, making up some of the finest quality skiing – including 10,000 hectares just for off-piste. Add the 1,000 hectares of runs of various colours, great ski schools, restaurants, bars and luxurious catered ski chalets, and you’ve got the perfect resort!

The formidable slopes are definitely demanding on skiers that are less than advanced, but there is plenty of instruction to be had, as well as seasoned and experienced guides who can point out the best practices and places for off-piste skiing in safety. Cost is a little on the high side, compared to others, but the trails and snow are priceless!

Tignes

Along with its neighbour, Val D’ Isere, Tignes is what makes Espace Killy the place to go when it comes to off-piste skiing. Known as one of the most snow-sure resorts in the world, with a ski season that lasts from November till May, Tignes offers runs of various colours and levels of difficulty, just like with the regular pistes. Take your pick from green, red and black runs, all accessible via the extensive lift system. One little drawback about Tignes is the dearth of tree runs, but with the number of other options and choices available, this is hardly a problem. If you’re not too confident with your skiing, there's no need to worry: there are off piste ski clinics for private groups that can help increase your expertise and take your skills to the next level.

Courchevel

Courchevel’s difficult pistes for advanced skiers make up only 8%, but what they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality! Steep descents abound here, and for the really adventurous, there is plenty of off piste options to choose from. Steep couloirs are joined by many powder bowls, but even the strongest skiers are wary of the area between between Vizelle and Suisses, as well as some around nearby Vallee Des Avals, as they can be avalanche prone.

Whichever of these resorts you choose, you can’t go wrong. Always make sure, however, to take as many safety measures as you can: be properly equipped with an avalanche beacon and probes, and hire a trained and seasoned mountain guide.

Article Tags: Best Resorts, Off-piste Skiing