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Off-piste skiing essentials for beginners

20/12/2022

If you are a skiing beginner and want to challenge yourself in a difficult ski route like off-piste skiing, then immediately refer to the article below to provide the most basic knowledge for yourself.

What is off-piste skiing?

You've probably seen people on their off-piste skiing holidays looking very nervous after a day of skiing. Or your friends would love to talk about off-road skiing. Whatever your situation, it's essential that you understand precisely what off-piste skiing means before you do it.

off-piste-skiing

off-piste skiing

First, you need to understand what the piste means in skiing. A ski track is a marked downhill run where the snow has been treated to make it smoother and flatter. This slope will be an ideal spot for beginner and intermediate skiing. Each skiing road will be graded by color to indicate the right level of experience for it – blue or green for beginners, red for intermediate, and black for experts. So when you're on the slopes, you'll know exactly where you're going and how tough the terrain is, and you won't slip into heavy snow.

Off-piste skiing will mean the opposite of on-piste. This slide will be untreated, without markers, graded, and the snow will be pristine, soft, and fresh. When you ski here, you'll get away from the crowds, taking your time to enjoy the beauty and serenity of your surroundings.

The word off-piste has come from French origin. Skiers and snowboarders commonly use it to describe terrain that is off a groomed trail. While exploring off-piste, you may encounter various snow conditions and terrain features, including thick, rough, bumpy snow, steep slopes, and narrow slides.

Is off-piste skiing dangerous?

Sometimes, you'll hear skiers and snowboarders use backcountry interchangeably with off-piste to describe terrain far away from the boundaries of a resort.

off-piste-skiing-dangerous

off-piste skiing dangerous

For skiing, both on-piste and off-piste skiing are dangerous if you do not have the proper preparation. According to statistics, most skiing accidents are caused by collisions on the slopes. So sometimes, skiing off-piste can be safer when skiing on busy roads. For a safe and enjoyable experience, you must be well prepared regarding off-piste skiing equipment and knowledge.

First and foremost, never ski alone. Because if you ski on the slide with a companion, someone will always be nearby to help you when you are injured. On empty ski slopes, there are more hazards than on a flat, crowded pitch. In an accident, minor injuries can become serious. More importantly, you are alone and cannot return to the resort.

Another essential thing is danger awareness. Awareness of where you're going, potential changes in snow, and weather conditions when you're out. If there has been heavy snowfall recently, the temperature rises, so skiing is more likely. If this is the case, you should ride on slopes with a slope less than 30° and be aware that steeper slopes behind you can slide down.

Why is off-piste skiing so attractive?

Don't get out off-piste without a plan. Choose a local map from your resort and identify an area where you want to ski. Tell someone where you're going so that if you don't come back after a specific time, they'll know you're missing, and everyone will know where to find you. And be sure to check weather conditions in detail and determine the safest slopes for skiing.

off-piste-skiing-so-attractive

off-piste skiing so attractive

Off-piste skiing is becoming a lot more popular. Whether it's to escape the crowds of skiers on the slopes or to explore the beautiful mountains outside the resort, there are many benefits to putting a little extra effort into the remote region.

  1. The scenes are so beautiful! - The real off-piste takes place in the backcountry, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature in a pristine, non-commercialized way.
  2. Fewer people and quieter - Spending time alone in the mountains can provide a more immersive experience. Away from the crowds of plunger slopes, you are free to choose speed, direction, and speed.
  3. More challenge - skiing off-piste is an actual test of skill, talent, and ability. Navigating the open slopes is physically demanding, and when you choose where and how fast you go, it can be a very tough day on the slopes!
  4. Perfect for adventurous - There's no doubt that getting out into the wilds of the outback, away from the crowds, is like an adventure. Creating new races among the big mountains is an experience you can't find on regular slides.

December is the best time to experience skiing. Courchevel is ready to welcome you with the best off-piste skiing in Europe. Especially when you register at Chalet and Apartment Rentals, you can experience many other attractive services, such as renting luxury apartments at reasonable prices, skiing lessons, buying ski equipment, etc.