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Off-piste skiing and snow boarding in the Pyrenees

For Winter 2007/2008 we are offering a new off-piste ski or snowboard safari holiday using qualified local guides with a lifetime of experience skiing and exploring the Pyrenees.

The Pyrenees have a little-known, yet extensive network of ski resorts set in beautiful, unspoilt country. While the piste-skiing here is excellent, there are huge areas of undeveloped skiable terrain, so it is easy to get off the beaten tracks and into the real mountains. Taking advantage of the ski lift system, our off-piste ski safari will take you onto barely-tracked snow and stunning untouched valleys. The wild interior of the mountains can be opened up to strong skiers or boarders who are comfortable on red-runs in all conditions. Our guide will concentrate on off-piste technique and offer personal tuition.

We use fully qualified local ski instructors and mountain guides for our off-piste ski safari and ski touring, who will tailor their instruction and routes to the particular skills and requirements of your group.

Pyrenees off piste - descent to Betpouey March '07	Off-piste skiing in the Pyrenees - lunch in the sunshine	Ski safari Pyrenees - slow turns in powder

What's it all about?

Off-piste and free ride is about having fun, skiing for the sake of skiing, and getting to places that the crowds will never see. Off-piste is exciting and exhilarating - an adventure but nothing terrifying! If you are looking for a bit of a challenge, and something different, get off-piste. Skiing or snowboarding as part of a group, with an experienced, qualified guide, you can feel confident that you are in safe hands. You do not need any previous off-piste experience for this trip, but if you're the one who's always standing at the bottom of the piste twiddling your thumbs, it's probably for you!

Six-day off-piste skiing safari

A full week of off-piste skiing, beginning with an introductory near-piste session and working up towards the Pic du Midi descent - one of the best off-piste routes in Europe. During the week, the guide will look at off-piste techniques for turning in different snow conditions, on steep terrain and tree-skiing. Groups are small, so you will have all the personal attention that you need.

Itinerary

Prices

£695 per person, based on a minimum group size of four people (max 6). This includes your 3* en-suite accommodation at our own chalet, breakfasts, picnic lunches, afternoon tea and three course evening meals. Also included are six days of professional guiding with a local expert AND all safety equipment. Ski/snowboard and boot hire (new season's range) is available locally for around 100-120 euros (£70-85) for a week. Lift passes are not included.

Please contact us to check prices and availability.

Pyrenees off piste - where now?	Off piste skiing Pyrenees - just below the amazing Pic du Midi		Ski safari - descending an easy couloir in Spring	Snow boarding - off piste heading back down to Tournaboup

Two-day off-piste skiing or snowboarding safari

Aimed at Alpine skiers and snowboarders looking for a bit of excitement and a chance to improve their off-piste technique. If you are always the stronger member of the group, waiting at the bottom of the slope, try pushing yourself a bit further with a two-day off-piste safari.

Itinerary

Prices

£120 per person (4-6 in a group). This includes two days of professional guiding with a local expert, all safety equipment AND Pic du Midi lift pass, plus lunches (packed lunch or restaurant depending on routes). You can use your own week's lift pass for use of the resort lift network.

Please contact us to check prices and availability.

Off piste skiing above Bareges - jumping a buried barn	Off piste Pyrenees - beautiful powder late in the season '07	North-East couloir - descent from the Pic du Midi	Spring powder in the Pyrenees - descent to Betpouey

Independent off-piste skiing and snowboarding

We offer accommodation for independent skiers and boarders at our lovely village house in the centre of Bareges village. We can arrange a private UIAGM Mountain Guide for your group (up to 8 people), priced at around 300 euros a day including safety equipment - transceiver, avalanche probe and shovel.

	Option	Price	Price (School holidays)
	Half-board accommodation	£350/week	£425/week
	Qualified mountain guide/instructor	260-300 euros/day	260-300 euros/day
Ski touring Pyrenees - Hautacam	Airport transfers	40€ per person	40€ per person	Ski touring Pyrenees - Pic de Montaigu

Accommodation

Accommodation is based in the village of Bareges. Our house is situated just off the main street, close to all the local shops, bakery, bars and restaurants and the thermal baths. We have five en-suite bedrooms, a heated equipment room, sauna, dining room and spacious lounge with a wood-burning stove, bar, library, reading/games corner, music centre and computer with DVD player.

Fitness and training

To get the most out of your holiday you should be a confident skier or snowboarder, able to ski red runs in any conditions. A reasonable level of fitness will be beneficial.

RECOMMENDED OFF-PISTE SKIING KIT LIST

• Technical equipment
  Off-piste/freeride skis (recommended but not obligatory) or snowboard - available for hire locally
  Ski strap (for attaching skis together to carry on a rucksack)
  Day rucksack with straps/webbing suitable for holding skis or snowboard
  Safety equipment - avalanche transceiver, probe and snow shovel - provided
  
• Clothing
  Fleece
  Waterproof jacket with snow gaiter
  Waterproof trousers/salopettes
  Warm hat
  Waterproof gloves
  Ski socks
  Sunglasses
  Goggles

Booking and availability: Please contact us for more details