WHEN OPEN – SECURED AREAS WHICH ARE GREAT FOR DEVELOPING YOUR OFF-PISTE TECNIQUE
WHEN CLOSED – IDENTIFIED TO HAVE A HIGH RISKS OF AVALANCHE (OR OTHER HAZARD)
Marked “itinerary” runs are a phenomenon found in the Swiss Alps. These routes provide an excellent introduction to the world of off-piste skiing and allow skiers a great opportunity to develop skills in a relatively safe environment. Famous itinerary routes such as Tortin, Gentianes and the Vallon D’Arby have helped form Verbier’s reputation as a world class resort for off-piste enthusiasts.
Itineraries are officially designated off-piste routes, marked on the piste map as yellow lines, a single line of yellow poles in the snow marks the direction of an itinerary route. Itineraries are bounded 20m on each side of the yellow poles.
Itinerary routes are marked on the official piste maps, however they are not maintained, not controlled and intended for experienced users only. Although marked itinerary routes are avalanched controlled they should not be confused with marked pistes.
Source: Freeride Verbier book – Available from the Altitude office, Adrenaline Guides office, Verbier Tourism Office
Freeride Verbier (Altitude Ski School’s off-piste team) specialises in off-piste lessons for beginner and intermediate skiers looking to improve and explore Verbier. We often choose to ski itinerary runs as they are a great place to develop skiers technique in a safe environment. You can often find great snow conditions & challenging terrain which can help skiers to improve their technique and build confidence.
SAFETY ADVICE FOR ITINERARIES
Always check the official status of an itinerary run before departing – in the event of poor weather or dangerous snow conditions they are frequently closed. Do not ski closed itinerary runs in Verbier thinking they are risk free– people have made this mistake and not survived!
SAFETY TIPS FOR OFF-PISTE
- Know the weather forecast and choose a day with good visibility
- Understand how to use your safety equipment
- Don’t travel alone or follow other tracks thinking it guarantees safety
- Have a well-researched plan before you hit the slopes
- Choose your off-piste ski buddies wisely, they are the ones you might need to rely on!
- Even at the side of the pistes there can be hidden rocks, so be very careful and ski with people that know the area very well.
BEGINNER OFF-PISTE SKI TIPS
- Choose terrain that you feel comfortable skiing on
- Make life easy for yourself, select the ski equipment designed for your off-piste ability
- Ideally practice on a groomed piste after a fresh snow fall
- Ski with other ski buddies who are prepared to be patient and help you to improve!
- Pick avalanche controlled slopes to practice your technique on
- Find an instructor who will help you progress and build your confidence