Grading and ski skill

Grading and Tour Management

Intermediate

You should be comfortable with your equipment and have skied on and off piste in a variety of snow conditions. You do not need expert downhill turning skills to enjoy this terrain, but there are some basic skills that will help you truly enjoy this country. Many people skiing powder for the first time, some with many years of skiing, have to adapt to the new conditions so an open mind and a sense of adventure are essential, as is a good degree of fitness.

Basic skiing skills would include:
1. Confident straight running.
2. Stable body position and able to absorb terrain changes when straight running.
3. Strong step turn on and off piste.
4. Strong stem turn on piste.
5. Basic telemark or parallel on piste.
6. Strong kick turn.
7. Basic to strong traversing skills.
8. Basic telemark or stem christie/parallel turn off piste.
9. Understanding of skiing body dynamics, such as counter rotation or rotation and edging.
10. Ski touring and climbing for up to 5 hours per day.

Advanced

Advanced skiers should be confident in their ability to descend in control on most slopes encountered on our tours. They should have good turning skills in both telemark and/or parrallel (note: it is NOT essential to be able to telemark if you are a strong alpine skier) and have a good understanding of the subtle differences in technique required for both on piste and off piste and in a variety of snow conditions. Many people skiing powder for the first time, some with many years of skiing who would classify themselves as advanced, have to adapt to the new conditions so an open mind and a sense of adventure are essential, as is a good degree of fitness.

Basic skiing skills would include:
1. Confident straight running.
2. Stable body position and able to absorb terrain changes when straight running.
3. Strong step turn on and off piste.
4. Strong stem turn on piste.
5. Strong telemark on piste.
6. Strong kick turn.
7. Strong traversing skills.
8. Strong telemark or parallel turn off piste.
9. Understanding of skiing body dynamics, such as counter rotation or rotation and edging.
10. Ski touring and climbing for up to 5 hours per day.

Tour Management

Our tour guide's role ensures you have no hassles on your holiday, as well as getting you to the best snow on any given day. Our group members do not always ski together and each day your escort will advise you of the options for that day. You can choose to ski with the tour escort or go at your own pace.

The tour escort will give you a thorough breifing on arrival at each location. This will include such things as a description of the lifts and lifted terrain, ski resort amenities and facilities, ski hire options etc. For off piste and back country areas this will include entry and exit points, out of bounds terrain and any safety issues. We reserve the right to define out of bounds areas for the purposes of our tour participants and will advise of these areas.

When skiing on piste or at ski resorts, you are free to ski with the tour escort, at your own pace, or with other like minded members of the group. When skiing off piste or in the back country you can join your escort each day or ski tour on your own but in designated areas. You will be required to advise your leader of your intended route and to carry any safety equipment deemed necessary for that area. Each participant is given a comprehensive booklet to help them prepare for their trip which will have all your preparation details, including clothing, ski and other equipment lists.

Ski Instruction

We can help you with your skiing technique. In a relaxed manner, the tour guides, who have many years experience in both skiing powder snow and instructing, can ensure you get some quality tips to improve your skiing skills. This is not done in a group lesson but each skier has the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with the tour guide to improve their skiing skills. If you find yourself in a tour and are interested in learning some tips and tricks, please ask one of our friendly guides. We will NEVER correct your form without your request.