SKI CLUB CERN

Ski fanatics @ CERN

off-piste ski

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Introduction

The CERN Ski Club offers comprehensive off-piste skiing courses tailored for skiers with a range of experience levels. Each course is structured to build your skills, confidence, and safety awareness on ungroomed, challenging terrain. In all cases, the terrain is selected by certified instructors according to the group’s ability, snow conditions, and weather, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

We adhere to the guidelines set by the FFS for off-piste activities. All runs will be accessed by using mechanical lifts, ensuring both the start and finish are within the ski resort.

Safety is paramount; each course includes training on the use of essential off-piste equipment. A suitable backpack (18+ liters) is required. Also skis with a minimum waist width of 85 mm are highly recommended for all levels.Touring skis are not recommended, as they generally offer less stability and control, making them more challenging to ski on, and potentially compromising safety in difficult terrain as the release mechanism is less safe than most alpine bindings.

Students will be provided with an avalanche transceiver, snow shovel, and probe. Students having their own transceiver, shovel and probe are encouraged to bring their own to familiarize themselves with their gear.

Objectives

The overall goals of the off piste courses are:

  • Safety: learn and/or perfect the use of safety gear, and start to learn safety skills to detect the most evident dangers and the means to reduce their risks.
  • Technique: practice various basic techniques for off-piste skiing, which differ depending on the type of snow, terrain, conditions and confidence level.

 

Ski levels

 

  1. INITIATION: Discovering Off-Piste
    For skiers with a solid foundation on piste, eager to explore off-piste terrain.
  • Prerequisites: Comfortable on all on-piste slopes (minimum level: on-piste 3.0 successfully completed), able to ski confidently on all black runs, but little or no experience with off-piste skiing.
  • Focus: Introduction to ungroomed terrain. You’ll learn to navigate variable conditions such as soft snow, crud, and natural moguls. This course focuses on adapting your technique to off-piste skiing, with an emphasis on improving control and safety in variable snow conditions.
  • Safety: Basic introduction to avalanche safety, including the use of transceivers, shovels, and probes.
  • What to expect: Enjoyable off-piste areas easily accessible by ski lifts or pistes, with a focus on building your confidence and control in variable snow.

 

  1. INTERMEDIATE: Building Confidence in Mixed Terrain
    For skiers with some off-piste experience, aiming to develop greater competence in challenging conditions.
  • Prerequisites: Comfortable on all groomed slopes (minimum level: off-piste initiation successfully completed or equivalent), able to ski proficiently on all black runs. Confident skiing moderate off-piste terrain and familiar with the use of avalanche safety equipment.
  • Focus: Mastering technical skills required for more demanding terrain, including steeper slopes, deeper snow, and mixed conditions. Skiers will improve their balance, and maneuverability in ungroomed snow, while gaining knowledge of mountain hazards.
  • Safety: Expanded avalanche awareness, focusing on terrain analysis, weather impact, and decision-making in unfamiliar terrain.
  • What to expect: Varied off-piste terrain with more exposure to steeps and obstacles like rocks and trees, refining your technique and safety awareness.

 

  1. ADVANCED: Mastering Advanced Terrain
    For seasoned off-piste skiers aiming to refine their technical ability and increase autonomy in the mountains (and likely already with their own safety gear)
  • Prerequisites: Comfortable on all on-piste slopes (minimum level: intermediate  off-piste completed or equivalent), able to ski proficiently on all black runs and significant off-piste experience (comfortable on steep slopes, trees, and bumps) with strong skills in using safety gear. Skiers in this level are encouraged to have dedicated off-piste skis (many all-mountain/polyvalent models could be a bit limiting).
  • Focus: Skiers will tackle more complex and technical off-piste routes, including steep couloirs, narrow passages, and challenging snow conditions. The course focuses on advanced techniques for precise control, endurance, and adapting to challenging terrain. There is an emphasis on self-sufficiency and route-finding.
  • Safety: In-depth avalanche risk management, with a strong focus on identifying snowpack stability, route planning, and rescue scenarios.
  • What to expect: Challenging off-piste terrain designed to push your limits, helping you build confidence in navigating and handling mountain environments independently.

 

Note:
For the safety of the group and optimal individual progress, instructors reserve the right to reassign students to a lower or higher level course, or redirect them to on-piste skiing courses if they deem the prerequisites are not met. This ensures that all participants are skiing in conditions suited to their ability and safety standards are maintained.