A week (5 days, Mon-Fri) of guided backcountry riding and coaching in Sainte Foy. Our BC Intro weeks are aimed at riders who are experienced snowboarders, but have little or no experience outside the marked runs. The week will include extra coaching on both snowboard technique and backcountry safety in order to help you comfortably make the transition from on-piste to off-piste rider.
The focus will still be very strongly on doing as much riding as possible, with coaching mixed-in as required depending on the weather, conditions and the level of the group.
Sainte Foy is a legendary freeride paradise - a great snow record and superb lift-accessed terrain are combined with quiet slopes where the fresh snow lies untouched much longer than in the mega-resorts. Tignes, Val d'Isere and Les Arcs are also right on the doorstep, giving a huge choice of terrain around the valley.
Program:
Arrive in resort and check in to chalet on Sunday 12th Jan. The course includes 5 days of guided riding. This will usually be Monday-Friday but if it makes sense with the weather or snow conditions, we may ride on the final Saturday and take a rest day mid-week. Check out of the chalet on Sunday 19th Jan.
Accommodation:
Chalet-apartment 4 Saisons. A great apartment right by the lifts, with en-suite rooms and a comfy living room with open fire. Accommodation and prices based on twin-sharing. No single supplements as long as you're happy to share with another solo rider.
Meals:
Breakfast included every day. Evening meals 5 nights per week prepared by your chalet chef and host!
TRAVEL:
Sainte Foy is located in the Tarentaise Valley, close to the mega-resorts of Tignes, Val d'Isere and Les Arcs. You can fly to Geneva, Lyon, Chambery or Grenoble. Coach transfers are available with Ben's Bus and Altibus. Private and shared transfers are available from many sources including CoolBus, SnowDrone, Mountain Rescue and White Rides.
Riding level:
This course is for intermediate and up level riders. You should have at least 6 weeks riding experience be very confident riding red and most black grade pistes. Ideally, you will have at least tried some turns in deeper snow.
fitness level:
You should have a reasonable level of fitness as we will very likely do some hiking during the week in order to find fresh lines. Usually about 1hr or 300m maximum.
Equipment required:
Standard snowboard gear. Avalanche safety equipment loan is included in the course price if you don't have your own. If we need snowshoe or splitboard gear, this can be rented locally.
additional costs (not included):
Travel, Lift pass, 2 evening meals, Lunch & Apres