Back Country

Off-Piste Zermatt and Monte Rosa Level 3

Course Description

In the shadow of the Matterhorn lies some of the most spectacular ski terrain in the Alps; the Zermatt/Cervinia lift system provides access to countless high-altitude off-piste descents where the quality of snow remains well into May. The terrain is ideally suited to truly confident skiers who are looking for a new challenge and push their off piste skiing limits.

During the week, you will be under the expert guidance of Robbie Fenlon UIAGM - who is a specialist in backcountry skiing. While the focus will be on covering as much terrain as possible, significant time will be spent learning and honing backcountry essentials such as avalanche awareness, ski-mountaineering techniques, glacier travel and off-piste safety.

You can be sure of pushing your skiing to a whole new level achieving descents on radical terrain that you thought was the preserve of exteme skiers - several descents start right from the summits of Alpine 4000m peaks.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Zermatt. Trip briefing with guide and checks of personal equipment.

Day 2 - Warm-up day on and off piste in Zermatt/Cervinia. Introduction to avalanche awareness.

Day 3 - Introduction to ski-touring skills, including an ascent of the Breithorn (4,160m) and a descent of the Theodhul glacier.

Day 4 - Tackling steep terrain (up as well as down!) including the use of ice-axe and crampons.

Day 5 - Mountain navigation and off-piste tactics, plus a further look at avalanche safety.

Day 6 - A two-day ski tour including a possible ascent of Castor (4,200m) and a descent of the incredible Schwartzor glacier. Overnight in the Monte Rosa Hut.

Day 7 - Ski touring to the summit of Cima di Jazzi followed by a long descent back to Zermatt.

Day 8 - Depart Zermatt.

An added bonus of this week in Zermatt is the superb hotel which we are delighted to be working with. Rosmarie and Willy are great hosts and the hotel is just fantastic with spacious rooms (most with views of the Matterhorn & Breithorn), good food and a most welcome spa with sauna and steam room!

• Full Trip Information (.pdf)