Skiing holidays are the perfect winter adventure, but why not embrace the challenges presented by the mountains, don your snow boots and sample some fast-paced off-piste action?
Skiing trips are extremely popular with groups as they offer the best of everything, from adrenalin-filled adventures, to winding down on a wintry evening in front of a crackling log fire. For seasoned skiers, going off-piste can provide thrills and spills aplenty and represents a whole new challenge to following the well-trodden runs. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your ski break and want to get off the beaten tracks, here are some of the best off-piste runs to whet your appetite:
1. Dou des Lanches, Courchevel
Courchevel is the high flier of the ski resort world; it performs consistently well in lists of top destinations and often comes out on top. Courchevel boasts a plethora of incredible runs, from gentle nursery slopes to spine-tingling black runs, but if you fancy veering off-piste, some lesser-known gems await. Among the best routes are the runs from Dou des Lanches to the wild, woody terrain of La Tania.
2. Le Brevent, Chamonix
This is a great run for those who don’t want to stray too far from civilisation, as the runs are located close to the lifts. Le Brevent offers short, sheer runs, which are guaranteed to set your pulse racing; you can also take advantage of spectacular views of Mont Blanc.
3. Stairway to Heaven, Verbier
Verbier is regarded by many as the birthplace of free skiing and it’s not surprising, as there are hundreds of incredible runs available for those looking to swerve the well-loved red and black runs. The Stairway to Heaven provides an adrenalin-filled adventure, as well as mesmerising views of the Matterhorn.
4. Valluga summit, Arlberg
This run is not for the faint-hearted; if you’re feeling brave, wrap yourself in some North Face clothing and hit the Valluga summit to sample the truly unforgettable thrill of skiing off a sheer precipice at speed.
5. Spanky’s Ladder, Whistler
Whistler is Canada’s most famous ski resort and it is home to a myriad of off-piste runs, including several action-packed routes which can be accessed after a very short walk up Spanky’s Ladder. Ensure you invest in some high quality footwear with extra grip such as Hi-Tec boots.
6. La Pyramide, Alpes d’Huez
La Pyramide is the best of an amazing bunch of off-piste runs in the French resort of Alpes d’Huez. Negotiate the bumps, navigate your way around the amazing scenery and enjoy the ride.
7. Grande Motte, Espace Killy
The Grande Motte run is exciting and compelling without being out of reach of braver intermediate skiers. Located at the base of a stunning glacier, the run allows you to sample truly spectacular scenery, steep sections and wonderful winding routes.
8. Jackson Hole, USA
Jackson Hole is a playground-like paradise for those looking for wild skiing with a sense of abandonment. With sheer vertical drops, numerous changes of terrain and some unexpected surprises along the way, you couldn’t wish for more.
9. La Grave
La Grave is not your typical ski resort, in fact it is a mountain with no pistes and it is therefore heaven on earth for free skiers. The main attraction is the 2,100 metre vertical drop but there are plenty of runs to explore, including some hair-raising couloirs.
10. Lake Louise, Canada
In Lake Louise, anything goes, so make the most of amazing powder bowls, stunning glades and some of the most exhilarating runs on earth.
Skiing is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and thrilling pursuits and it provides unrivalled opportunities to view some of the most spectacular, breathtaking scenery in the world. Going off-piste adds more fuel to the fire and will allow you to uncover hidden runs, with everything from sheer drops and powder bowls to narrow paths and rugged woodland.